International

Nicaragua breaks diplomatic relations with Israel in solidarity with Palestine

The Government of Nicaragua broke off diplomatic relations with Israel, in solidarity with Palestine and “one year after the brutal genocide that the fascist and criminal war government of Israel continues to commit against the Palestinian people.”

“In permanent solidarity with the people and Government of Palestine, with the peoples who suffer martyrdom, destruction and barbarism and in strict adherence to international law and the conventions that govern civilized relations between States and Governments of the world, the Government of the Republic of Nicaragua breaks all diplomatic relations with the fascist Government of Israel,” the Nicaraguan Executive said in a statement.

In the note, the government chaired by Daniel Ortega and his wife Rosario Murillo indicated that they made that decision considering, in addition, the resolution of the National Assembly of Nicaragua (Parliament), approved this Friday unanimously, “in which the continuous genocide, cruelty, extreme hatred and extermination carried out by the Government of Israel are condemned.”

The Nicaraguan Parliament asked Ortega on Friday to break off relations with the Government of Israel, which they declared “enemy of humanity.”

The request was made by the Legislature, controlled by the Sandinistas, through a declaration approved during a special session held in Managua in solidarity with the people of Palestine, “who suffer,” they said, “one of the greatest genocides perpetrated by the Zionist army of Israel,” and attended by the Nicaraguan Chancellor, Valdrack Jaentschke.

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Sandinista condemnation

In the statement, the Sandinista Executive condemned “once again this genocide, occupation and permanent aggression against the life and dignity of the people of Palestine, which now extends against the people of Lebanon, and seriously threatens Syria, Yemen and Iran, endangering the peace and security of the region and the world.”

Likewise, the Nicaraguan Government said: “We ratify once again our warm and consistent consideration to the dear families of the Israeli people, who deserve our affection, support and solidarity, who live in difficult times as a result of the excessive brutality and hatred of the Government of Israel.”

A year ago, the Government of Daniel Ortega declared itself “always in solidarity with the Palestinian cause” and condemned the “aggravation” of the “terrible” Israel-Palestine conflict.

International

U.S. Senate Rejects Budget, Bringing Government Closer to Shutdown Amid DHS Dispute

The U.S. Senate voted on Thursday against a budget proposal in a move aimed at pressuring changes at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), following the killing of two civilians during a deployment of immigration agents in Minneapolis.

All Senate Democrats and seven Republican lawmakers voted against the bill, which requires 60 votes to advance, pushing the country closer to a partial government shutdown that would cut funding for several agencies, including the Pentagon and the Department of Health.

The rejection came as Senate leaders and the White House continue negotiations on a separate funding package for DHS that would allow reforms to the agency. Proposed measures include banning Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from wearing face coverings and requiring them to use body-worn cameras during operations.

The vote took place just hours after President Donald Trump said he was “close” to reaching an agreement with Democrats and did not believe the federal government would face another shutdown, following last year’s record stoppage.

“I don’t think the Democrats want a shutdown either, so we’ll work in a bipartisan way to avoid it. Hopefully, there will be no government shutdown. We’re working on that right now,” Trump said during a Cabinet meeting at the White House.

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International

Trump Says Putin Agreed to One-Week Halt in Attacks on Ukraine Amid Extreme Cold

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he secured a commitment from Russian President Vladimir Putinto halt attacks against Ukraine for one week, citing extreme weather conditions affecting the region.

“Because of the extreme cold (…) I personally asked Putin not to attack Kyiv or other cities and towns for a week. And he agreed. He was very pleasant,” Trump said during a Cabinet meeting broadcast by the White House.

Trump acknowledged that several advisers had questioned the decision to make the call.
“A lot of people told me not to waste the call because they wouldn’t agree. And he accepted. And we’re very happy they did, because they don’t need missiles hitting their towns and cities,” the president said.

According to Trump, Ukrainian authorities reacted with surprise to the announcement but welcomed the possibility of a temporary ceasefire.
“It’s extraordinarily cold, record cold (…) They say they’ve never experienced cold like this,” he added.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky later commented on the announcement, expressing hope that the agreement would be honored.

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International

Storm Kristin Kills Five in Portugal, Leaves Nearly 500,000 Without Power

Storm Kristin, which battered Portugal with heavy rain and strong winds early Wednesday, has left at least five people dead, while nearly half a million residents remained without electricity as of Thursday, according to updated figures from authorities.

The revised death toll was confirmed to AFP by a spokesperson for the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANPEC). On Wednesday, the agency had reported four fatalities.

Meanwhile, E-Redes, the country’s electricity distribution network operator, said that around 450,000 customers were still without power, particularly in central Portugal.

Emergency services responded to approximately 1,500 incidents between midnight and 8:00 a.m. local time on Wednesday, as the storm caused widespread disruptions.

The Portuguese government described Kristin as an “extreme weather event” that inflicted significant damage across several regions of the country. At the height of the storm, as many as 850,000 households and institutions lost electricity during the early hours of Wednesday.

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Several municipalities ordered the closure of schools, many of which remained shut on Thursday due to ongoing adverse conditions.

Ricardo Costa, regional deputy commander of the Leiria Fire Brigade, said residents continue to seek assistance as rainfall persists.
“Even though the rain is not extremely intense, it is causing extensive damage to homes,” he noted.

In Figueira da Foz, a coastal city in central Portugal, strong winds toppled a giant Ferris wheel, underscoring the severity of the storm.