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.
PROTEST – Finance Minister
Marcel Boloș on Sunday discussed with representatives of farmers and transporters,
who continued their protest on Sunday. Among other things, protesters want to
cap civil liability insurances for vehicles at 1,000 EUR, a 1% tax on
turnovers, cutting waiting times at the border or receiving meal allowances. This
is the second round of talks after Saturday’s negotiations did not produce the
desired results. 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. Sunday was the fifth consecutive day when hauliers
and farmers blocked national roads, particularly belt roads around large
cities.
TENNIS – Romanian tennis
player Ana Bogdan (66 WTA) lost 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 to Brenda Fruhvirtova on Sunday
in the opening round at Australian Open. Bogdan will also play in the women’s
doubles alongside Rebeka Masarova of Spain against the pair made up of
Catherine Harrison (USA) / Ukrikke Eikeri (Norway). On Monday, Jaqueline
Cristian is playing Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic in the women’s
singles. (VP)