Israel approves proposal for 19 new Jewish settlements in West Bank
The Israeli cabinet has approved the construction of 19 new Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, bringing the number of new settlements approved in recent years to 69.
This decision increases the total number of settlements to 210 and is widely seen as a serious blow to the prospect of creating a Palestinian state, as settlements are considered illegal under international law.
Kremlin says peace prospects not improved by Europe and Ukraine's changes to US proposals
The Kremlin said that changes proposed by Europe and Ukraine to the US plan to end the war in Ukraine do not improve the prospects for peace.
Vladimir Putin's chief foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov, said these proposals weaken the document and do not increase the possibility of a long-term peace, while talks between Russian and American envoys in the US have already ended.
Russia accuses European leaders of trying to undermine the negotiations by imposing conditions unacceptable to Moscow, while the war continues to be the bloodiest conflict in Europe since World War II.
Japan prepares to restart world's largest nuclear power plant, 15 years after Fukushima
Japan has taken the final step to allow the restart of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant, the world's largest, nearly 15 years after the Fukushima disaster, after the Niigata prefectural assembly approved support for the plan.
The government sees a return to nuclear power as essential for energy security, reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels, and meeting decarbonization goals.
However, many residents remain skeptical and protest, expressing fear of potential risks and a lack of trust in the TEPCO company that will operate the plant.
Winter solstice at Ireland's Newgrange draws 2,000 visitors
About 2,000 people gathered at Newgrange, in Ireland, to celebrate the winter solstice and watch the rays of the sun at dawn penetrate the inner chamber of the prehistoric tomb.
Although low clouds prevented the full sunrise, enough light entered through the upper opening to make the phenomenon visible.
Only 14 people were inside at dawn, while later visitors lined up to enter the room.
