International
George Clooney campaigns for Biden after criticizing his position on the ICC
Actor George Clooney is one of the last actors to join the campaign for the re-election of U.S. President Joe Biden, and will be present this week at a fundraising event together with actress Julia Roberts, according to several campaign sources.
This announcement comes after it was known last week that Clooney spoke to Biden’s team and criticized his Administration’s position on the International Criminal Court (ICC), which his wife, Amal Clooney, an expert in humanitarian law, advises on the case of the crisis in the Gaza Strip.
According to The New York Times, Clooney passed on his complaint to Steve Ricchetti, Biden’s advisor and who is responsible for campaign fundraising in the past.
Amal Clooney has been a key advisor to the ICC prosecutors in the case against Israel for the humanitarian impact of her offensive against Hamas in Gaza, which has caused more than 35,000 civilian casualties.
The White House has reiterated that it does not recognize the jurisdiction of the ICC and considers “intolerable” the request for arrest warrants against the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his Minister of Defense, Yoav Gallant, and does not consider it comparable to the actions of the Palestinian Hamas militia, whose leaders are also wanted by the Prosecutor’s Office.
This Saturday Clooney and actress Julia Roberts will participate in a campaign fundraising event in Los Angeles along with Biden and former President Barack Obama.
The event is organized by presenter Jimmy Kimmel, who will moderate a conversation with the president, will host the Hollywood elite in support of the Democrat’s re-election.
Despite the differences created by Biden’s position against the invasion of Gaza, which is costing him support in the most progressive wing, the president has a lot of support among Hollywood celebrities, who have already shown their support on several occasions with fundraising parties and campaign messages.
International
Silent Christmas in Bethlehem as Gaza conflict overshadows celebrations
Hundreds of faithful gathered on Tuesday around the Church of the Nativity in the Palestinian town of Bethlehem, which is preparing for another quiet Christmas, with no major celebrations due to the ongoing war in Gaza.
Local authorities decided to suspend large public celebrations for the second consecutive year, and in Manger Square, there are neither decorations nor the traditional giant Christmas tree, reflecting the somber mood of its residents since the war between Israel and Hamas broke out in Gaza. At the Vatican, Pope Francis will inaugurate the Holy Year 2025 on Tuesday, a major international pilgrimage expected to draw over 30 million faithful from around the world to Rome.
On this Christmas Eve, at 7:00 PM (6:00 PM GMT), in the presence of around 30,000 people and with worldwide broadcast, the Argentine Jesuit will open the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, symbolizing the start of this “ordinary” Jubilee.
Afterwards, he will preside over the Christmas Eve Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, an occasion in which the pontiff often highlights global conflicts.
Over the weekend, Francis’ remarks calling Israeli airstrikes in Gaza “cruel” sparked criticism from the Israeli government.
International
Pope Francis to open jubilee year in Vatican, calls for global peace amid conflict
Pope Francis will open the Catholic Church’s “Holy Year” 2025 on Tuesday, a major international pilgrimage expected to bring over 30 million faithful from around the world to Rome, under the sign of the Jubilee.
On this Christmas Eve, at 7:00 PM (6:00 PM GMT), in the presence of around 30,000 people and with worldwide broadcast, the Argentine Jesuit will open the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, symbolizing the start of this “ordinary” Jubilee. Throughout the year, pilgrims will be able to pass through this heavy and imposing bronze door, closed during ordinary times, to receive the “plenary indulgence,” the forgiveness of sins according to tradition.
The 88-year-old pope, who faces frequent health issues, will preside over the Christmas Eve Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, before delivering his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing (to the city and the world) on Wednesday at noon. It is expected that he will address global conflicts and renew his calls for a ceasefire in the Middle East, three days after condemning the “cruelty” of the attacks in Gaza, comments which provoked protests from Israeli diplomats.
Security around the Vatican has been reinforced following the deadly attack on a Christmas market in Germany. About 700 additional officers have been deployed to Rome, as announced by the Ministry of the Interior.
International
The former president of the United States Bill Clinton was hospitalized in Washington after “develoting a fever”
Former US President Bill Clinton (1993-2001) was hospitalized from Washington to undergo medical tests after “developing fever,” his office reported in a message on social networks.
Clinton, 78, was admitted to the Georgetown University Medical Center in the US capital, Angel Ureña, who served as Clinton’s deputy chief of staff, explained on his X account.
“The former president is still in good spirits and is deeply grateful for the excellent attention he is receiving,” the message deepened.
In 2004, the former president underwent quadruple bahaspas heart surgery and in 2010 he underwent another surgery related to his cardiovascular problems.
The former Democratic leader was hospitalized in 2021 in California for an infection that spread to his bloodstream.
Clinton is one of the four former presidents of the United States who are still alive, along with Donald Trump (2017-2021), Barack Obama (2009-2017), George W. Bush (2001-2009) and Jimmy Carter (1977-1981).
The latter is, at 100 years old, the longest-serving president in the history of the United States.
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