January 18, 2025

* Israel approves Gaza truce deal in key vote Israel’s government has greenlit a ceasefire and prisoner swap with Hamas in a 24-8 vote after cabinet talks. The deal, seen as a pivotal pause in the Israeli brutal war on Gaza, required PM Netanyahu to rally support from his ministers. TRT World’s Mohammad Al-Kassim reported that most ministers backed the agreement. Netanyahu’s office confirmed the decision after six hours of debate. * Syrians protest PKK/YPG in Damascus Syrians gathered at the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus after Friday prayers to denounce the PKK/YPG. Protesters chanted slogans against the group’s actions, calling for an end to eight years of violations, including road closures and resource hoarding. Residents reported fears of leaving homes at night due to PKK/YPG control. * Over 40 Pakistanis dead in migrant boat disaster More than 40 Pakistanis drowned after a migrant boat capsized off West Africa’s coast, a key route for those attempting to reach Europe. The tragedy drew grief from President Asif Ali Zardari, who called for tougher measures to stop human trafficking. Spain-based Walking Borders reported 50 deaths, 44 of whom were Pakistanis, as the group embarked on a perilous journey to the Canary Islands. * Colombia halts peace talks amid guerrilla violence Colombia has suspended peace talks with the ELN after guerrilla violence near the Venezuela border left 39 dead. President Gustavo Petro accused the group of “war crimes” after it targeted rivals and paramilitaries in fresh clashes. The unrest derailed fragile negotiations and dashed hopes for the ELN to disarm. * US Supreme Court backs TikTok ban over security fears The US Supreme Court has upheld a law allowing a TikTok ban unless ByteDance, its Chinese parent, sells the app by Sunday. In a unanimous 9-0 decision, the court ruled the measure does not violate free speech, citing national security concerns. Congress had passed the law with bipartisan support, and TikTok’s legal challenge failed to sway the justices.