Syrian military, Kurdish-led forces announce new truce

RAQQA, Syria (AP) — Guards from the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces have abandoned a camp in northeast Syria, allowing detainees linked to the Islamic State group to escape. The Syrian military reported the incident on Tuesday. Hours later, the Syrian government and the SDF announced a new four-day truce after a previous ceasefire broke down. The al-Hol camp mainly houses women and children related to IS members. The SDF blamed international indifference for the situation. Meanwhile, the Syrian defense ministry accused the SDF of using the detainees as bargaining chips. The U.S. military is closely monitoring the situation.

Israeli crews target UN facilities for Palestinian refugees in east Jerusalem

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli forces have targeted two United Nations facilities as part of their crackdown on the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees. On Tuesday, crews bulldozed the United Nations Relief and Works Agency’s offices in Sheikh Jarrah and fired tear gas at a vocational school in Qalandia. The agency’s West Bank director, Roland Friedrich, said this marks the culmination of two years of measures against UNRWA in east Jerusalem. Israel’s Foreign Ministry said the demolition enforced a new law banning UNRWA, claiming the agency has ties with militant groups. The U.N. has denied these claims. Israel has long claimed the agency has an anti-Israel bias, often with little evidence.

Trump’s Greenland threats spark outrage and defiance from EU

DAVOS, Switzerland (AP) — President Donald Trump’s tariff threats over Greenland have strained relations with America’s key NATO allies. European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, criticized Trump’s approach on Tuesday, warning of potential retaliation. The European Union’s top official calls the tariffs a “mistake,” questioning Trump’s reliability. Trump argues the U.S. needs Greenland to counter threats from China and Russia. Greenland’s leader insists on respect for international law. European leaders consider countermeasures, including tariffs and economic sanctions. As tensions rise, Trump plans to address the issue at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Australia’s Parliament passes anti-hate speech and gun laws after Sydney attack

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Australia’s Parliament has passed new anti-hate speech and gun laws following a deadly attack at a Jewish festival in Sydney last month. Authorities say the attack was inspired by the Islamic State group. The gun laws introduce new restrictions and a government-funded buyback program. The anti-hate speech laws allow for groups not classified as terrorist organizations, like Hizb ut-Tahrir, to be banned. Both bills passed the House and Senate on Tuesday. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke says the alleged gunmen wouldn’t have been allowed to possess guns under the new laws. The opposition argues the anti-hate speech legislation could limit free speech.