January 14, 2024

A roundup of domestic and international news

Newsroom, 14.01.2024, 13:19

WAR IN GAZA – Israel is determined to continue its military
campaign in Gaza until victory against Hamas is achieved and all hostages are
brought home, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on the 100th day since the
start of the war in Gaza. The Israeli official also referred to the legal
action taken by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of
Justice in the Hague, the former accusing Israel of genocide. According to our
correspondent in Israel, PM Netanyahu said supporters of neo-Nazis from all
over the world dare accuse Israel of genocide, thus favoring terrorists who did
not refrain from burning children alive, killing, raping and abducting women,
men, elderly and sick people. In Tel Aviv, a 24-hour rally was organized by
representatives of families of people still kept captive, attended by hundreds
of thousands of people and marking 100 days since their abduction in Gaza. The
war started after the brutal October 7 Hamas attack, when 1,200 people were
killed and 240 were abducted by terrorists. Over 100 hostages have in the
meantime been released and several have died, mostly in bombings or
accidentally killed by Israeli security forces. Over 23,000 Palestinians have
been killed in Gaza, and the majority population has been displaced. Military
operations, massive destruction and the blockade on Gaza have triggered a
severe humanitarian crisis, repeatedly criticized by UN representatives,
international organizations and numerous countries.

SUCCESSION – A new chapter in the history of Denmark
started on Sunday with the abdication of Queen Margrethe II and the ascension
to the throne of her heir, Frederik (55). Aged 83, Margrethe ruled for 52
years, hers being the first abdication in the 900-year history of the Danish
monarchy. The queen had previously stated she would remain in office for life,
but surprised everyone with a New Year’s message expressing her intention to
step down. She explained a back surgery she underwent last year made her
rethink her future. The Danish monarchy enjoys tremendous popular support,
Reuters writes. The latest surveys show 86% of Danes are happy with Margrethe’s
reign, and 82% of them expect Frederik to be an even better king.

ELECTION
IN TAIWAN
– The candidate of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Lai Ching-te,
was elected president as early as Saturday’s first round of the presidential
election, grabbing 40.1% of the vote. The president elect promised to protect
Taiwan from China’s threats, hailing the resilience of his people in the face
of external influence in the election. The candidate of the pro-China
opposition party conceded defeat. The Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council
of the People’s Republic of China said Taiwan is a part of China, and the
election cannot stop the drive for reunification. In Washington, president Joe
Biden said the US does not support Taiwan’s independence, saying China is the
legitimate power in the island, although they will continue to deliver military
assistance to Taipei. The European Union hailed the result of the election in
Taiwan, expressing concern about growing tension in the Taiwan strait and opposing
any unilateral attempt to change the status quo. In turn, Moscow preserved its
view that Taiwan is a part of China.

PROTEST – Representatives of
transporters and farmers continued their protest on Sunday. They are expected
to meet with Finance Ministry officials to discuss their demands, according to
the government’s timetable. Following Saturday’s talks with Transport Ministry
officials, a set of measures will be taken over the course of the next 30 days,
including the creation of special transit lanes at the border and in the port
of Constanța reserved for EU hauliers only, or exempting hauliers
waiting at the border from paying road vignettes expiring during this period.
The authorities also agreed to sanction the supplier and receiver of loads
exceeding the maximum weight.

HANDBALL – The Romanian men’s
handball team is today playing Spain in its second Group B fixture at the
European Handball Championship in Germany. On Friday, Romania lost to Austria
31-24. Romania’s final match will be on January 16 against Croatia. Spain has
won two European titles in 2018 and 2020 and played the finals in 2022, whereas
Croatia played the final in 2020. The top two teams in each group will advance
to the main group phase. (VP)