Hong Kong security chief condemns BBC interview with city’s youngest fugitive
香港保安局局长邓炳强谴责英国广播公司(BBC)发表了一篇“毫无根据且歪曲事实”的文章，该文章采访了香港最年轻的国安法通缉犯张希晴，讲述了她如何成为一名民主活动人士。邓炳强指责BBC在采访中没有包含香港政府的回应，剥夺了读者了解真相的权利。
邓炳强在致BBC编辑的信中表示，对BBC发表如此有偏见的文章感到失望。张希晴被指控煽动分裂国家，并勾结外国或外部势力危害国家安全，目前已被香港警方通缉，悬赏100万港元。她被指控以香港自由委员会基金会核心成员的身份，鼓吹香港从中国分裂，并要求外国对中国实施制裁或封锁。
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香港保安局局长邓炳强谴责英国广播公司(BBC)发表了一篇“毫无根据且歪曲事实”的文章，该文章采访了香港最年轻的国安法通缉犯张希晴，讲述了她如何成为一名民主活动人士。邓炳强指责BBC在采访中没有包含香港政府的回应，剥夺了读者了解真相的权利。
邓炳强在致BBC编辑的信中表示，对BBC发表如此有偏见的文章感到失望。张希晴被指控煽动分裂国家，并勾结外国或外部势力危害国家安全，目前已被香港警方通缉，悬赏100万港元。她被指控以香港自由委员会基金会核心成员的身份，鼓吹香港从中国分裂，并要求外国对中国实施制裁或封锁。
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China ‘narrowing gap with US in new cold war over technology’, security conference hears
中美在科技领域正进行一场“新冷战”，且中国正在缩小差距。在慕尼黑安全会议上，与会者表示，美国可能会通过增加对军事技术的投资和收紧对先进芯片的出口管制来保持其优势。
前共和党议员、现任 Palantir Technologies 国防主管 Mike Gallagher 在一次小组讨论中表示，这不是为了竞争而竞争，而是一场全球性的、关系到存亡的“新冷战”，至少有一方试图摧毁自由世界。他还补充说，美国在关键技术方面仍保持领先，但优势正在缩小，美国需要抓住机会，对关键技术进行变革性投资，并大规模利用人工智能。
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中美在科技领域正进行一场“新冷战”，且中国正在缩小差距。在慕尼黑安全会议上，与会者表示，美国可能会通过增加对军事技术的投资和收紧对先进芯片的出口管制来保持其优势。
前共和党议员、现任 Palantir Technologies 国防主管 Mike Gallagher 在一次小组讨论中表示，这不是为了竞争而竞争，而是一场全球性的、关系到存亡的“新冷战”，至少有一方试图摧毁自由世界。他还补充说，美国在关键技术方面仍保持领先，但优势正在缩小，美国需要抓住机会，对关键技术进行变革性投资，并大规模利用人工智能。
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South Korea bank robber with toy dinosaur gun quickly subdued by special forces veteran
一名韩国劫匪试图用恐龙水枪抢劫银行，结果被一位前特种部队士兵迅速制服，引发中国社交媒体的嘲笑。这起事件发生在韩国釜山，劫匪携带旅行包进入银行，用装在塑料袋里的水枪威胁银行职员和顾客，要求他们用5万韩元面额的钞票装满他的旅行包。
当时银行内有大约七名工作人员和几名顾客，劫匪的行为引起了恐慌。然而，一位前特种部队士兵挺身而出，成功制服了这名笨拙的劫匪。该事件因劫匪使用的奇特武器和戏剧性的制服过程，在中国社交媒体上引发了广泛关注和讨论。
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一名韩国劫匪试图用恐龙水枪抢劫银行，结果被一位前特种部队士兵迅速制服，引发中国社交媒体的嘲笑。这起事件发生在韩国釜山，劫匪携带旅行包进入银行，用装在塑料袋里的水枪威胁银行职员和顾客，要求他们用5万韩元面额的钞票装满他的旅行包。
当时银行内有大约七名工作人员和几名顾客，劫匪的行为引起了恐慌。然而，一位前特种部队士兵挺身而出，成功制服了这名笨拙的劫匪。该事件因劫匪使用的奇特武器和戏剧性的制服过程，在中国社交媒体上引发了广泛关注和讨论。
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Hong Kong pushes on with efforts to woo top European firms despite challenges
香港正在加大力度吸引英国和法国的欧洲公司在香港设立机构，尽管全球地缘政治挑战日益严峻。政府下属的“引进重点企业办公室”（OASES）正积极接洽海外顶尖制药公司，其中至少有一家公司已取得初步成果，对香港与粤港澳大湾区的合作潜力表现出浓厚兴趣。
OASES总干事甄 King-shun 在接受采访时透露，阿斯利康等跨国制药公司已在香港设立总部。作为吸引外国公司来港投资的一部分，他计划在未来几个月内访问英国和法国，旨在鼓励更多企业抓住香港的经济发展机遇。
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香港正在加大力度吸引英国和法国的欧洲公司在香港设立机构，尽管全球地缘政治挑战日益严峻。政府下属的“引进重点企业办公室”（OASES）正积极接洽海外顶尖制药公司，其中至少有一家公司已取得初步成果，对香港与粤港澳大湾区的合作潜力表现出浓厚兴趣。
OASES总干事甄 King-shun 在接受采访时透露，阿斯利康等跨国制药公司已在香港设立总部。作为吸引外国公司来港投资的一部分，他计划在未来几个月内访问英国和法国，旨在鼓励更多企业抓住香港的经济发展机遇。
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‘Difficult year’ ahead for Hong Kong developers as dwindling rate-cut hopes cloud outlook
香港开发商预计将在2025年继续以折扣价出售大量积压的新房，以吸引买家。原因是降息的希望逐渐渺茫，同时市场对建筑商流动性紧缩的担忧日益加剧。香港大学房地产权利研究中心主任周光荣教授表示，指望降息来支撑房地产市场在今年不太可能实现。
由于美国通胀上升以及美国总统特朗普预计将推出一系列关税和保护主义政策，香港的基准利率（自1983年以来一直与美国货币政策同步）可能会在更长时间内保持较高水平。尽管香港的抵押贷款利率在2022年3月至2023年7月期间经历了11次上调，并在2023年9月开始下降，但仍徘徊在23年来的高位。开发商将不得不推出“市场可接受的价格”的项目，以在高利率环境下出售新的住宅单位。租金预计将继续上涨，但租金收益率尚未吸引投资者进入市场。
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香港开发商预计将在2025年继续以折扣价出售大量积压的新房，以吸引买家。原因是降息的希望逐渐渺茫，同时市场对建筑商流动性紧缩的担忧日益加剧。香港大学房地产权利研究中心主任周光荣教授表示，指望降息来支撑房地产市场在今年不太可能实现。
由于美国通胀上升以及美国总统特朗普预计将推出一系列关税和保护主义政策，香港的基准利率（自1983年以来一直与美国货币政策同步）可能会在更长时间内保持较高水平。尽管香港的抵押贷款利率在2022年3月至2023年7月期间经历了11次上调，并在2023年9月开始下降，但仍徘徊在23年来的高位。开发商将不得不推出“市场可接受的价格”的项目，以在高利率环境下出售新的住宅单位。租金预计将继续上涨，但租金收益率尚未吸引投资者进入市场。
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HSBC, Standard Chartered may post bumper 2024 profits this week, helped by wealth demand
HSBC和渣打银行预计将公布亮眼的利润增长，原因是财富管理需求抵消了利率下降带来的影响。汇丰银行预计将在周三公布全年业绩，分析师普遍预计其2024年利润将增长7%至240.9亿美元。渣打银行预计将在周五公布业绩，其2024年利润预计将大幅增长22%至42.3亿美元。
Everbright Securities International的策略师Kenny Ng Lai-yin表示，渣打银行去年的运营表现与汇丰银行大致相似，但其净利息收入表现优于汇丰银行，在去年前三个季度实现了收入同比增长，这使得渣打银行的增长势头强于汇丰银行。分析师预计，两家银行都将回购股票，维持与去年相似的预算，汇丰银行去年回购了20亿美元，渣打银行回购了10亿美元。
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HSBC和渣打银行预计将公布亮眼的利润增长，原因是财富管理需求抵消了利率下降带来的影响。汇丰银行预计将在周三公布全年业绩，分析师普遍预计其2024年利润将增长7%至240.9亿美元。渣打银行预计将在周五公布业绩，其2024年利润预计将大幅增长22%至42.3亿美元。
Everbright Securities International的策略师Kenny Ng Lai-yin表示，渣打银行去年的运营表现与汇丰银行大致相似，但其净利息收入表现优于汇丰银行，在去年前三个季度实现了收入同比增长，这使得渣打银行的增长势头强于汇丰银行。分析师预计，两家银行都将回购股票，维持与去年相似的预算，汇丰银行去年回购了20亿美元，渣打银行回购了10亿美元。
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How mass tourism is killing Malaysia’s coral paradise
Redang Island, a Malaysian marine biodiversity hotspot, is facing severe environmental damage due to unregulated tourism. During peak season, over 100 illegal boats transport around 1,000 tourists daily, leading to coral damage, excessive waste, and strain on the island's resources.
The issue stems from day trippers whose boat operators and guides lack local knowledge and environmental awareness, resulting in improper anchoring and harmful activities like feeding turtles. The accumulation of waste from pre-packed lunches left on beaches further exacerbates the problem, threatening the fragile ecosystem of this popular tourist destination.
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Redang Island, a Malaysian marine biodiversity hotspot, is facing severe environmental damage due to unregulated tourism. During peak season, over 100 illegal boats transport around 1,000 tourists daily, leading to coral damage, excessive waste, and strain on the island's resources.
The issue stems from day trippers whose boat operators and guides lack local knowledge and environmental awareness, resulting in improper anchoring and harmful activities like feeding turtles. The accumulation of waste from pre-packed lunches left on beaches further exacerbates the problem, threatening the fragile ecosystem of this popular tourist destination.
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16 youngsters caught with ‘space oil’ on grounds of Hong Kong schools last year
香港禁毒专员表示，去年有16名青少年在校园内因携带新型毒品“太空油”被抓获。为此，香港将加强对学生的教育，以打击该毒品。禁毒专员李表示，将与教育部门合作，组织“反太空油毒品周”，向学生传递相关信息。
官方数据显示，在政府登记的“太空油”使用者中，12至17岁的青少年占一半以上。李专员指出，在校园内发现的16起案件表明，青少年可能会将“太空油”藏在电子烟用具中，因此当局需要保持警惕。他补充说，青少年吸食“太空油”的一个常见原因是同伴压力，因此需要在学校营造一种互相提醒远离毒品的氛围。
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香港禁毒专员表示，去年有16名青少年在校园内因携带新型毒品“太空油”被抓获。为此，香港将加强对学生的教育，以打击该毒品。禁毒专员李表示，将与教育部门合作，组织“反太空油毒品周”，向学生传递相关信息。
官方数据显示，在政府登记的“太空油”使用者中，12至17岁的青少年占一半以上。李专员指出，在校园内发现的16起案件表明，青少年可能会将“太空油”藏在电子烟用具中，因此当局需要保持警惕。他补充说，青少年吸食“太空油”的一个常见原因是同伴压力，因此需要在学校营造一种互相提醒远离毒品的氛围。
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Consensus building: crypto conference arrives in Hong Kong in test for city and CoinDesk
Consensus Hong Kong, a major Web3 industry event, is set to test Hong Kong's ambition to become a virtual asset hub. The three-day event, starting Tuesday, emphasizes Hong Kong's strength in traditional finance, aiming to bridge the gap between traditional finance and cryptocurrency technology. Organizers are also looking to expand their footprint in Asia through this event.
The event marks the first major expansion of the Consensus conference since CoinDesk's acquisition by Bullish. Hong Kong is eager to demonstrate its commitment to the virtual asset sector and its ability to host significant industry gatherings. A key focus will be on stablecoins, with Hong Kong preparing regulations overseen by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, highlighting the city's proactive approach to integrating virtual assets into the financial landscape.
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Consensus Hong Kong, a major Web3 industry event, is set to test Hong Kong's ambition to become a virtual asset hub. The three-day event, starting Tuesday, emphasizes Hong Kong's strength in traditional finance, aiming to bridge the gap between traditional finance and cryptocurrency technology. Organizers are also looking to expand their footprint in Asia through this event.
The event marks the first major expansion of the Consensus conference since CoinDesk's acquisition by Bullish. Hong Kong is eager to demonstrate its commitment to the virtual asset sector and its ability to host significant industry gatherings. A key focus will be on stablecoins, with Hong Kong preparing regulations overseen by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, highlighting the city's proactive approach to integrating virtual assets into the financial landscape.
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‘Intense testing period’: US sentiment on China does not equal consensus, Rick Waters says
Early interactions between Beijing and Washington leading up to Donald Trump's inauguration are positive signals, but unlikely to dictate the long-term trajectory of the US-China relationship. Despite structural competition in various areas, President Trump reaching out to China, the phone call between Trump and Xi Jinping, and China sending Vice-President Han Zheng to the inauguration for meetings are encouraging signs.
The US-China relationship faces considerable friction due to structural competition. It will require sustained diplomacy to navigate distrust and policy differences. Regarding techno-security competition, debates persist about the US's end goal in its China strategy, with some advocating for decisive victory. However, the prevailing view, particularly among the "America first" economic team, is that the US should focus on improving itself without being overly concerned about China's actions.
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Early interactions between Beijing and Washington leading up to Donald Trump's inauguration are positive signals, but unlikely to dictate the long-term trajectory of the US-China relationship. Despite structural competition in various areas, President Trump reaching out to China, the phone call between Trump and Xi Jinping, and China sending Vice-President Han Zheng to the inauguration for meetings are encouraging signs.
The US-China relationship faces considerable friction due to structural competition. It will require sustained diplomacy to navigate distrust and policy differences. Regarding techno-security competition, debates persist about the US's end goal in its China strategy, with some advocating for decisive victory. However, the prevailing view, particularly among the "America first" economic team, is that the US should focus on improving itself without being overly concerned about China's actions.
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How China can counter Trump’s assault on the belt and road
Panama's recent withdrawal from China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) highlights the challenges China faces in maintaining the momentum of its global infrastructure project. This decision, influenced by sustained pressure from the Trump administration, raises concerns about potential ripple effects, particularly in Latin America, despite the initiative's significant contributions to China's global trade network.
Since its inception in 2013, the BRI has become a cornerstone of China's global trade strategy, with trade in goods between China and BRI nations rising to 22.1 trillion yuan (US$3 trillion) in 2024. The initiative encompasses a wide array of infrastructure and financial investments, including railways, highways, ports, and green energy projects, demonstrating its transformative influence across various regions through projects like the Peljesac Bridge in Croatia, a highway in Montenegro, and a railway linking Mombasa to Nairobi in Kenya. Given shifting global dynamics, China needs to adapt its approach, potentially focusing on project-specific agreements rather than broad memorandums of understanding.
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Panama's recent withdrawal from China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) highlights the challenges China faces in maintaining the momentum of its global infrastructure project. This decision, influenced by sustained pressure from the Trump administration, raises concerns about potential ripple effects, particularly in Latin America, despite the initiative's significant contributions to China's global trade network.
Since its inception in 2013, the BRI has become a cornerstone of China's global trade strategy, with trade in goods between China and BRI nations rising to 22.1 trillion yuan (US$3 trillion) in 2024. The initiative encompasses a wide array of infrastructure and financial investments, including railways, highways, ports, and green energy projects, demonstrating its transformative influence across various regions through projects like the Peljesac Bridge in Croatia, a highway in Montenegro, and a railway linking Mombasa to Nairobi in Kenya. Given shifting global dynamics, China needs to adapt its approach, potentially focusing on project-specific agreements rather than broad memorandums of understanding.
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Conclave wins best picture at Baftas as The Brutalist takes directing and acting prizes
The papal thriller Conclave emerged as the big winner at the British Academy Film Awards (Baftas), securing four awards including the coveted best picture prize. Despite facing some controversy, the genre-bending musical Emilia Perez also proved its staying power, earning awards for best film not in the English language and best supporting actress for Zoe Saldana.
Conclave, starring Ralph Fiennes, tells the story of cardinals electing a new pope. The film also won for outstanding British film, editing, and adapted screenplay. Meanwhile, The Brutalist also garnered four trophies, with Brady Corbet winning best director and Adrien Brody taking home best actor. Mikey Madison was awarded best actress for her role in the Brooklyn tragicomedy Anora. Karla Sofia Gascon, star of Emilia Perez, was absent from the ceremony due to controversy surrounding her social media posts.
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The papal thriller Conclave emerged as the big winner at the British Academy Film Awards (Baftas), securing four awards including the coveted best picture prize. Despite facing some controversy, the genre-bending musical Emilia Perez also proved its staying power, earning awards for best film not in the English language and best supporting actress for Zoe Saldana.
Conclave, starring Ralph Fiennes, tells the story of cardinals electing a new pope. The film also won for outstanding British film, editing, and adapted screenplay. Meanwhile, The Brutalist also garnered four trophies, with Brady Corbet winning best director and Adrien Brody taking home best actor. Mikey Madison was awarded best actress for her role in the Brooklyn tragicomedy Anora. Karla Sofia Gascon, star of Emilia Perez, was absent from the ceremony due to controversy surrounding her social media posts.
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South Korean actress Kim Sae-ron found dead at her home in Seoul
韩国女演员金赛纶周日被发现死于首尔家中。警方表示，现场没有他杀迹象，具体细节尚未公布。金赛纶年仅24岁，她的突然离世令人惋惜。
据韩联社报道，金赛纶是周日晚上被朋友发现并报警的。她因在2010年电影《孤胆特工》中饰演被绑架的儿童而广为人知，并凭借该角色获得了韩国电影大奖最佳新人女演员奖。
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韩国女演员金赛纶周日被发现死于首尔家中。警方表示，现场没有他杀迹象，具体细节尚未公布。金赛纶年仅24岁，她的突然离世令人惋惜。
据韩联社报道，金赛纶是周日晚上被朋友发现并报警的。她因在2010年电影《孤胆特工》中饰演被绑架的儿童而广为人知，并凭借该角色获得了韩国电影大奖最佳新人女演员奖。
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Marco Rubio says ‘next few days’ will determine how serious Putin is about peace
The coming days will be crucial in determining the sincerity of Vladimir Putin's interest in peace in Ukraine, according to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This assessment comes as US officials are scheduled to meet with Russian counterparts in Saudi Arabia to discuss ending the conflict. Rubio downplayed concerns that European allies were excluded from the initial talks, emphasizing that serious negotiations have not yet begun.
The US has reportedly sought input from European nations regarding potential troop contributions for enforcing a peace agreement, despite not inviting them to the Saudi Arabia talks. Rubio and US Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff dismissed worries about the lack of European involvement, highlighting President Trump's recent conversation with Putin, where the latter expressed a desire for a lasting resolution that respects Ukrainian sovereignty. The US delegation, including Witkoff and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, is expected to depart for Saudi Arabia soon, while the composition of the Russian delegation remains unconfirmed.
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The coming days will be crucial in determining the sincerity of Vladimir Putin's interest in peace in Ukraine, according to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This assessment comes as US officials are scheduled to meet with Russian counterparts in Saudi Arabia to discuss ending the conflict. Rubio downplayed concerns that European allies were excluded from the initial talks, emphasizing that serious negotiations have not yet begun.
The US has reportedly sought input from European nations regarding potential troop contributions for enforcing a peace agreement, despite not inviting them to the Saudi Arabia talks. Rubio and US Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff dismissed worries about the lack of European involvement, highlighting President Trump's recent conversation with Putin, where the latter expressed a desire for a lasting resolution that respects Ukrainian sovereignty. The US delegation, including Witkoff and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, is expected to depart for Saudi Arabia soon, while the composition of the Russian delegation remains unconfirmed.
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At least 9 dead, including 8 in Kentucky, amid latest blast of US winter weather
美国近日遭受恶劣天气袭击，已造成至少9人死亡。其中，肯塔基州因暴雨引发洪水，导致8人丧生，遇难者包括一位母亲和她7岁的孩子。洪水淹没了道路，许多车辆被困，救援工作正在紧张进行中。
肯塔基州州长表示，已有数百人因洪水被困并获救。恶劣天气还导致约3.9万户家庭断电，预计强风可能会加剧电力中断的情况。此外，美国北部平原正面临威胁生命的严寒，佐治亚州和佛罗里达州部分地区发布了龙卷风警报。
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美国近日遭受恶劣天气袭击，已造成至少9人死亡。其中，肯塔基州因暴雨引发洪水，导致8人丧生，遇难者包括一位母亲和她7岁的孩子。洪水淹没了道路，许多车辆被困，救援工作正在紧张进行中。
肯塔基州州长表示，已有数百人因洪水被困并获救。恶劣天气还导致约3.9万户家庭断电，预计强风可能会加剧电力中断的情况。此外，美国北部平原正面临威胁生命的严寒，佐治亚州和佛罗里达州部分地区发布了龙卷风警报。
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‘Open the gates of hell’: US and Israel present united front on Gaza and Iran
Top US diplomat Marco Rubio and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented a united front, threatening strong action against Hamas and Iran. During a joint address in Jerusalem, Rubio, on his first Middle East trip as secretary of state, asserted that Hamas "must be eliminated." Netanyahu echoed this sentiment, warning that "the gates of hell will be opened" if remaining hostages held by militants in Gaza are not freed.
These comments follow a hostage exchange where Hamas released three Israelis in return for 369 Palestinian prisoners, marking the sixth such swap under a fragile ceasefire deal brokered by the US, Qatar, and Egypt. Netanyahu's warning mirrors a previous statement by President Trump, who threatened severe consequences if the hostages were not released. Despite the exchange, tensions remain high, with both Israel and Hamas accusing each other of violating the ceasefire.
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Top US diplomat Marco Rubio and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented a united front, threatening strong action against Hamas and Iran. During a joint address in Jerusalem, Rubio, on his first Middle East trip as secretary of state, asserted that Hamas "must be eliminated." Netanyahu echoed this sentiment, warning that "the gates of hell will be opened" if remaining hostages held by militants in Gaza are not freed.
These comments follow a hostage exchange where Hamas released three Israelis in return for 369 Palestinian prisoners, marking the sixth such swap under a fragile ceasefire deal brokered by the US, Qatar, and Egypt. Netanyahu's warning mirrors a previous statement by President Trump, who threatened severe consequences if the hostages were not released. Despite the exchange, tensions remain high, with both Israel and Hamas accusing each other of violating the ceasefire.
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Former UK PM John Major warns of dangers if US does not stand by allies
Former British Prime Minister John Major warned that the world would become "rather more dangerous" if the United States withdrew its support for its allies. He expressed concern that democracy is under threat and that "tin-pot dictators" would be emboldened if a peace deal, orchestrated by US President Donald Trump, allowed Russian President Vladimir Putin to maintain control over Ukrainian territory.
Major argued that a US retreat towards isolationism would create opportunities for China and Russia to expand their influence globally. Speaking to the BBC, he highlighted a phone call between Trump and Putin, where negotiations to end the war were initiated without consulting Ukraine or other allies. He criticized the concessions reportedly made by the US administration, including assurances that US troops would not defend Ukraine, Russia might retain forcibly seized land, and Ukraine would be barred from joining NATO, characterizing them as unilateral remarks with potentially far-reaching consequences.
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Former British Prime Minister John Major warned that the world would become "rather more dangerous" if the United States withdrew its support for its allies. He expressed concern that democracy is under threat and that "tin-pot dictators" would be emboldened if a peace deal, orchestrated by US President Donald Trump, allowed Russian President Vladimir Putin to maintain control over Ukrainian territory.
Major argued that a US retreat towards isolationism would create opportunities for China and Russia to expand their influence globally. Speaking to the BBC, he highlighted a phone call between Trump and Putin, where negotiations to end the war were initiated without consulting Ukraine or other allies. He criticized the concessions reportedly made by the US administration, including assurances that US troops would not defend Ukraine, Russia might retain forcibly seized land, and Ukraine would be barred from joining NATO, characterizing them as unilateral remarks with potentially far-reaching consequences.
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Munich Security Conference ends with message of hope for EU expansion
By dpa
The Munich Security Conference drew to a close on Sunday with a promising message for European Union candidate countries Albania and Montenegro.
EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said Albania and Montenegro are the “front-runners” among the current candidates for EU accession and that their continuing negotiations could be concluded by the end of 2026 or 2027.
She added that North Macedonia could also be “very, very quickly on a good path”.
Kos has been an EU commissioner since last year and emphasised that she could bring two to three accession negotiations to a conclusion by the end of her term.
However, an end to negotiations would not yet mean that these countries could actually join the EU. A prerequisite for this is that all EU countries agree to and then ratify the accession treaties negotiated by the European Commission.
Grey-haired Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama was cautiously optimistic about the announcement, noting that at the beginning of the process his locks were black.
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By dpa
The Munich Security Conference drew to a close on Sunday with a promising message for European Union candidate countries Albania and Montenegro.
EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said Albania and Montenegro are the “front-runners” among the current candidates for EU accession and that their continuing negotiations could be concluded by the end of 2026 or 2027.
She added that North Macedonia could also be “very, very quickly on a good path”.
Kos has been an EU commissioner since last year and emphasised that she could bring two to three accession negotiations to a conclusion by the end of her term.
However, an end to negotiations would not yet mean that these countries could actually join the EU. A prerequisite for this is that all EU countries agree to and then ratify the accession treaties negotiated by the European Commission.
Grey-haired Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama was cautiously optimistic about the announcement, noting that at the beginning of the process his locks were black.
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Austria calls stabbing that killed teenager ‘Islamist attack’
奥地利南部城市Villach发生了一起导致一名青少年死亡、五人受伤的持刀袭击事件，内政部长称这是一起“伊斯兰袭击”，一名23岁的叙利亚寻求庇护者已被拘留。该嫌疑人被指控犯有谋杀和企图谋杀罪，警方在他的公寓里发现了“伊斯兰激进思想的明显证据”，例如墙上的IS旗帜。
内政部长Gerhard Karner表示，这名叙利亚寻求庇护者在网上“短时间内”变得激进化，并与IS有关联。此次袭击震动了这个阿尔卑斯山国家，此前由极右翼主导的组建政府的谈判破裂，而安全问题是主要问题之一。奥地利此前只发生过一次圣战袭击，即2020年一名被定罪的伊斯兰国同情者在维也纳市中心进行枪击，造成四人死亡。
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奥地利南部城市Villach发生了一起导致一名青少年死亡、五人受伤的持刀袭击事件，内政部长称这是一起“伊斯兰袭击”，一名23岁的叙利亚寻求庇护者已被拘留。该嫌疑人被指控犯有谋杀和企图谋杀罪，警方在他的公寓里发现了“伊斯兰激进思想的明显证据”，例如墙上的IS旗帜。
内政部长Gerhard Karner表示，这名叙利亚寻求庇护者在网上“短时间内”变得激进化，并与IS有关联。此次袭击震动了这个阿尔卑斯山国家，此前由极右翼主导的组建政府的谈判破裂，而安全问题是主要问题之一。奥地利此前只发生过一次圣战袭击，即2020年一名被定罪的伊斯兰国同情者在维也纳市中心进行枪击，造成四人死亡。
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Israeli strike kills 3 Palestinian police officers in Gaza
以色列空袭在加沙地带南部拉法附近炸死三名巴勒斯坦警察，哈马斯控制的内政部称此举违反了1月19日生效的脆弱停火协议。遇难警察当时正在该地区执行任务，以确保援助卡车进入加沙。
巴勒斯坦官员表示，以色列还阻止清理瓦砾的设备和流离失所者的住所进入加沙，并阻止病人前往埃及接受医院治疗，这些行为同样违反了停火条款。以色列军方则表示，空袭目标是靠近以军部署地点的几名武装人员，并呼吁加沙居民遵守以军指示，不要靠近该地区的以军。
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以色列空袭在加沙地带南部拉法附近炸死三名巴勒斯坦警察，哈马斯控制的内政部称此举违反了1月19日生效的脆弱停火协议。遇难警察当时正在该地区执行任务，以确保援助卡车进入加沙。
巴勒斯坦官员表示，以色列还阻止清理瓦砾的设备和流离失所者的住所进入加沙，并阻止病人前往埃及接受医院治疗，这些行为同样违反了停火条款。以色列军方则表示，空袭目标是靠近以军部署地点的几名武装人员，并呼吁加沙居民遵守以军指示，不要靠近该地区的以军。
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