Donald Trump has proposed permanently resettling Palestinians out of Gaza, calling it a ‘demolition site’ and suggesting US involvement in rebuilding the territory. His remarks, made during a visit to Washington by Benjamin Netanyahu, seem to signal a major shift in US policy on Israel and the Palestinians. Arab nations have strongly rejected the plan, warning that it could destabilise the region and expand the conflict. Under international law, forced population transfers are prohibited. Trump’s vision, which includes an international takeover of Gaza, aligns with far-right Israeli groups advocating for indefinite war against Hamas and the expansion of Jewish settlements. They might welcome Trump’s position, but for millions of displaced Palestinians, it represents the threat of permanent exile and collective punishment. Meanwhile, sick and wounded Palestinians have left the Gaza strip as the fragile ceasefire continues: see
South Africa: Trump threatens funding cuts
06 Feb 2025
Donald Trump has threatened to cut all US funding to South Africa over unproven claims that the government is seizing land from white landowners. Cyril Ramaphosa has moved swiftly to deny these claims categorically. The controversy stems from South Africa’s new Expropriation Act, which allows land redistribution in the public interest but does not permit arbitrary seizures. Legal experts argue the law is a constitutional mechanism to correct racial disparities from apartheid, not a tool for mass expropriation. Trump’s claims may have been fuelled by AfriForum, a right-wing South African lobby group which has long pushed the narrative of land grabs and a so-called ‘white genocide’, despite researchers debunking these assertions. Meanwhile, South African officials warn that retaliatory measures, including restricting mineral exports to the USA, could follow if Trump enforces funding cuts.
China / USA: exchange of tariffs on imports
06 Feb 2025
China has retaliated against new US tariffs by imposing 15% duties on certain energy imports and 10% tariffs on crude oil, vehicles, and machinery. It also announced export controls on key minerals like tungsten and added two firms to its ‘unreliable entities’ list. Additionally, China launched an antitrust investigation into Google. On 2 February Donald Trump had imposed 10% tariffs on Chinese goods, part of broader trade measures also targeting Mexico and Canada. He has briefly paused tariffs on those two nations following talks. China denounced the tariffs at the World Trade Organisation, warning of economic disruption. The dispute extends beyond tariffs, touching on security and fentanyl production. While Beijing aims to avoid an escalating trade war, China’s slowing economy adds pressure. Meanwhile, Trump has indicated that he might impose tariffs on other nations.
Colombia: confrontation between Petro and Trump
06 Feb 2025
When president Gustavo Petro blocked US deportation flights in protest of the treatment of migrants, Donald Trump at once threatened severe tariffs and revoked visas for Colombian officials. Petro initially resisted but ultimately relented, allowing deportation flights to resume. This misstep weakened his administration, leading to the Liberal Party’s exit from the coalition government and raising concerns over the country’s foreign policy. Petro’s presidency has faced internal and external challenges, including strained US relations over drug policy reforms and closer ties with Venezuela and Cuba. His confrontational stance, while appealing to his base, risks economic consequences. Experts argue that Colombia must develop a more strategic foreign policy beyond depending on the USA. The fallout from this crisis may shape Petro’s influence in the 2026 elections, as he seeks to position himself as a defender of national sovereignty amid political uncertainty.
Uganda: vaccine trial against Ebola
06 Feb 2025
Uganda, in partnership with the WHO and other health organisations, has launched its first-ever vaccine trial for the Sudan strain of Ebola. The trial began just days after a nurse succumbed to the virus, with additional cases confirmed among his relatives. Researchers at Makerere University and the Uganda Virus Research Institute expedited the process, ensuring compliance with ethical and regulatory standards. The candidate vaccine, donated by IAVI and funded by international partners, aims to improve pandemic preparedness. Over 2,000 doses are available, though the manufacturer remains undisclosed. Uganda has a history of Ebola outbreaks, including a deadly 2000 epidemic. Contact tracing remains essential in containing the disease. This outbreak comes amid US funding freezes following the Trump administration’s withdrawal from the WHO. The region has also faced recent outbreaks of Marburg virus in Tanzania and Rwanda. Officials hope the vaccine will be a breakthrough in combating future Ebola epidemics.
Lola Sheen, daughter of actors Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards, recently shared her powerful testimony of faith after being baptised. The 19-year-old publicly declared that Jesus saved her from deep depression and anxiety, giving her a peace beyond understanding. She recounted hitting rock bottom, believing she would never experience joy again - until she encountered Jesus, her Saviour and best friend. Through His love and grace, she found healing, renewal, and the strength to move forward. Other celebrities, including Russell Brand and Denzel Washington, have recently been baptised, publicly acknowledging their faith. Brand described his baptism as a 'moment of surrender’, while Washington shared a prophecy spoken over him decades ago, now fulfilled in his life. Their testimonies point to a larger spiritual awakening in a world searching for meaning and truth.
Rubee Lana’s life was marked by pain, depression, and self-destruction. Growing up without a father, she resented her mother and often stayed at her grandmother’s house after arguments. Verbal and mental abuse left her feeling unloved, and she struggled with suicidal thoughts. After a failed overdose attempt, she turned to partying, drugs, and social media fame, but the emptiness in her heart remained. Moving to Chicago, she immersed herself in the EDM festival scene, taking Ecstasy and embracing a reckless lifestyle. One night, while drinking in a car with strangers, she had a sudden realisation: if she died, she would go to hell. Crying out to God, she pleaded for forgiveness. That moment marked the beginning of a radical transformation. Rubee started attending church, surrendered her life to Christ, and was born again. Today, she shares her testimony online, spreading the hope and redemption found in Jesus.
Reeves backs Heathrow expansion plans
30 Jan 2025
Rachel Reeves has unveiled major infrastructure projects, including support for a third runway at Heathrow Airport. Her speech highlighted Labour’s commitment to economic growth, despite opposition. She emphasised that growth 'will not come without a fight’. Key projects include developing a 'growth corridor' between Oxford and Cambridge, upgrading transport links, building nine new reservoirs, and redeveloping the Old Trafford football ground. However, the lack of public funding for these initiatives raises concerns about feasibility. Heathrow’s expansion is controversial, with critics arguing it will harm the environment and increase costs for airlines. London mayor Sadiq Khan and green energy entrepreneur Dale Vince oppose the plan, and the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats argue that the government’s approach is ineffective. Despite these challenges, Labour insists that investing in infrastructure is crucial for long-term prosperity and ensuring the UK is not left behind in global development. See