QtrendsIsraeli forces killed a 7-month-old Palestinian baby in the West Bank, drawing international condemnation. Ukraine escalated drone strikes deep into Russian territory, targeting St. Petersburg for a second day. Pope Leo XIV visited Spain for the first time in 15 years, calling for an end to political polarization. Nicaragua is emerging as a new front in the US-China influence competition, while China deployed new missiles opposite Taiwan. Hezbollah rejected a recent ceasefire agreement as Israeli strikes continued in Lebanon.
Israeli soldiers opened fire on a car in the occupied West Bank, killing a 7-month-old Palestinian baby. Multiple international outlets reported the incident, with Palestinian officials condemning the shooting. The funeral was held as global calls for accountability grew. The New York Times confirmed the infant was killed when Israeli forces fired on the vehicle.
Ukraine targeted a Russian navy base near St. Petersburg on the final day of an economic forum described as 'Putin's Davos'. The attack came after Putin rejected Zelenskyy's offer for direct talks. Russia labeled the drone strikes 'unprecedented' and Putin announced plans to bolster air defenses in response.
Pope Leo XIV made his first papal visit to Spain in 15 years, urging the country to stop fueling political polarization. He praised Spain's opposition to war and its support for migrants. The visit also highlighted divisions over migration and cultural issues. Analysts see the trip as revealing the new pope's key priorities.
Nicaragua is increasingly seen as the next front in the US-China competition for influence, drawing comparisons to Panama. Beijing deployed new missiles designed to match Patriot systems opposite Taiwan. China Daily meanwhile struck a conciliatory tone, suggesting Sino-US cooperation could benefit from a broader scope.
Hezbollah rejected the latest ceasefire agreement as Israeli strikes killed four people in Lebanon. A CNN analysis noted that Israel's offensive has paradoxically emboldened the Iran-backed group, which was previously thought to be nearly defeated. An Israeli strike also killed three Lebanese soldiers days after a truce was signed.