Israel-Hamas: Ceasefire begins after three-hour delay
A long-awaited ceasefire in Gaza began after a three-hour delay, after Hamas announced the names of three female hostages it plans to release later in the day. Israel had vowed to continue its attacks until the names were taken, as the process to end the war got off to a rocky start.
Celebrations erupted across the devastated territory and some Palestinians began returning to their homes, despite the delay that showed the fragility of the agreement. The ceasefire, which began at 11:15 a.m. local time, is a first step toward ending the conflict and the return of nearly 100 hostages taken in the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.
Trump arrives in DC, inauguration planned indoors due to cold
President-elect Donald Trump arrived in Washington, D.C., to celebrate with family, supporters and political allies ahead of his second inauguration on Monday. The festivities kicked off Saturday with a fireworks display at Trump National Golf Club in Virginia, about 30 miles (48 km) from Washington.
Organizers are planning to move outdoor events indoors because of the freezing temperatures, making it the coldest inauguration day in 40 years. Even the traditional swearing-in on the steps of the Capitol will be held indoors. This is the first time since President Reagan's inauguration in 1985 that the ceremony will be held indoors. "It was the right decision. We'll be more comfortable now," Trump told NBC News.
Knife attack in Tel Aviv, one seriously injured
A man was seriously injured in a knife attack in central Tel Aviv on Saturday, Israeli police said. Bystanders shot the attacker, who is in critical condition, according to Magen David Adom, Israel's emergency service.
Police believe the attack was a terrorist attack. Over the past 15 months of the Israel-Hamas war, numerous gun, knife and car attacks have been reported in Israel and the West Bank. Israel has carried out frequent military raids at night, often resulting in clashes with militants.
Two judges linked to 1988 executions shot dead in Iran
Two prominent Iranian judges were shot dead in Tehran on Saturday. Both, Mohammad Mogheiseh and Ali Razini, were said to have participated in the mass executions of political prisoners in 1988.
No group claimed responsibility for the killings, but Razini's involvement in the 1988 executions had made him a target before, including an assassination attempt in 1999.
The attack comes as Iran grapples with an economic crisis, regional tensions and the return of Donald Trump to the White House. Both judges were members of Iran's Supreme Court. A security guard was injured in the attack at the Palace of Justice in Tehran, which usually has tight security.
