World
Glaciers in the European Alps to Reach Peak Extinction Rate in Eight Years
Glaciers in the European Alps are expected to reach their peak rate of extinction in just eight years, with over 100 glaciers melting away permanently by 2033. This rapid melting is driven by human-caused global heating, which is one of the clearest signs of the climate crisis. Currently, about 200,000 glaciers remain worldwide, with around 750 disappearing each year. However, this pace is forecast to accelerate rapidly as emissions from burning fossil fuels continue to be released into the atmosphere. According to a recent study, if current climate action plans continue, global temperatures will rise to about 2.7C above preindustrial levels, resulting in the loss of 3,000 glaciers per year by 2040. This will have significant impacts on communities that rely on glaciers for water sources, tourism, and spiritual significance. The study analyzed over 200,000 glaciers using satellite images and global glacier models, finding that regions with small and fast-melting glaciers are the most vulnerable. The researchers estimate that 80% of today's glaciers will have disappeared by the end of the century, with larger glaciers taking longer to melt. They emphasize the need for urgent action to help communities adapt to changing conditions, with 2 billion people relying on mountain water for regular supplies and food security. Rapid cuts to carbon emissions could limit annual glacier losses to around 2,000 per year by 2040, highlighting the importance of addressing the climate crisis to preserve these vital natural features.
Far-Right Candidate José Antonio Kast Wins Chile's Presidential Election
José Antonio Kast has won Chile's presidential election with 58.16% of the vote, marking a significant shift to the right in the country's politics. Kast, a staunch Catholic and son of a Nazi party member, campaigned on a platform of opposing abortion and same-sex marriage, as well as expelling undocumented migrants and building detention centers and walls along the border. His victory has been praised by right-wing leaders globally, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Hungary's Viktor Orbán, and Italy's Giorgia Meloni. Kast's election is seen as part of a broader trend of right-wing leaders rising to power in Latin America, with recent victories in Ecuador, Bolivia, Argentina, and Honduras. Analysts warn that Kast's presidency could have negative implications for Chile's democratic system, with some expressing concern about his admiration for Augusto Pinochet, the country's former dictator. Kast has also been compared to El Salvador's president Nayib Bukele, who has implemented a controversial crackdown on gangs. The regional shift towards hardline security measures has been attributed to a widespread public belief that Bukele's measures have been successful in reducing crime. However, critics argue that this approach has come at the cost of increased state-perpetrated violence and human rights violations. The US military buildup in the region and its strikes on alleged drug boats have also been seen as an attempt to pressure governments to align with its foreign policy goals, potentially leading to further human rights abuses in the coming years.
Ukraine Claims to Have Struck Russian Submarine in Black Sea Port with Underwater Drones
Ukraine's domestic security service, the SBU, announced that it had struck a Russian submarine in the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk, causing critical damage to the vessel. The operation, which used underwater "Sub Sea Baby" drones, is said to be the first attack of its kind. A video released by the SBU showed a large explosion at the port, and the agency claimed that the submarine, a Kilo-class vessel, was effectively put out of action. The submarine is used to launch Kalibr cruise missiles and is known for its ability to absorb sound and remain undetectable by sonar. Russia acknowledged the Ukrainian attack but denied that any ships or submarines were damaged. The attack came amid a sustained bout of diplomacy to end Russia's war in Ukraine, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stating that Kyiv must be "absolutely sure" about its allies' security guarantees before making any decisions about a potential peace settlement. European leaders have agreed to provide a European-led multinational force, supported by the United States, as part of "robust security guarantees" under an agreement on ending Russia's war in Ukraine. The force would assist in regenerating Ukraine's forces, securing its skies, and supporting safer seas. A US-led ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism would also be created to provide early warning of any future attack by Russian forces. The leaders committed to providing "sustained and significant" support to Ukraine to build its military and called for a "legally binding commitment" to restore peace in the event of a future attack. The cost of the damaged submarine is estimated to be around $400 million, and due to international sanctions, building a similar submarine could now cost up to $500 million. The SBU stated that the vessel had been forced to remain in the port of Novorossiysk due to past successes of Ukraine's sea drone operations. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed optimism at the prospect of peace, saying that "for the first time since the war began, a ceasefire now seems possible."
US President Trump to Discuss Ukraine Peace Efforts with European Leaders
US President Donald Trump plans to hold a phone call with European heads of state and government to discuss ongoing efforts to end the war in Ukraine. The call's timing remains uncertain. A Ukrainian and US delegation, including special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, have been meeting in Berlin since Sunday to discuss a 20-point peace plan for Ukraine. Russia is not participating in the talks. The meetings come after a dinner held in Berlin between heads of state and government on Monday. Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron and the US delegation to the Chancellery for consultations on a possible peace plan in Ukraine. The US official announced the planned phone call, highlighting the ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict that began when Russia attacked Ukraine in 2022. Meanwhile, Trump has faced criticism for his responses to recent events, including the death of director Rob Reiner and his wife, as well as his reaction to a shooting at Brown University. Trump's comments have been widely condemned, with some accusing him of politicizing tragedies and showing a lack of empathy. The president's priorities have also come under scrutiny, with Trump recently expressing his desire to build a triumphal arch in Washington, D.C., despite concerns over rising costs and a looming healthcare crisis. Trump described the arch as his White House Domestic Policy Council's "primary thing," comparing it to a similar structure in Paris. The president's focus on the arch has raised questions about his administration's priorities and its ability to address pressing national issues.
EU Imposes Sanctions on Russia's Shadow Fleet and Associated Businessmen
The European Union has imposed sanctions on five businessmen linked to Russian state-owned oil companies Lukoil and Rosneft, as well as on companies accused of circumventing sanctions on Russian oil. The sanctions target those involved in running ships for Moscow's shadow fleet of aging oil tankers, which is estimated to number over 400 ships. The EU aims to crack down on the sanction-busting fleet, which is a key part of Russia's economy and allows President Vladimir Putin to fund the war effort against Ukraine. The sanctions, agreed upon at a meeting of the 27-nation bloc's foreign ministers in Brussels, involve asset freezes and travel bans. The targeted businessmen are accused of controlling vessels that transport crude oil or petroleum products from Russia while concealing the actual origin of the oil and practicing irregular and high-risk shipping practices. Four shipping companies based in the United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, and Russia have also been targeted for owning or managing shadow fleet tankers under sanctions. The EU's move adds to growing pressure on the shadow fleet, following Ukraine's use of naval drones to strike Russian oil tankers in the Black Sea last month. The bloc has also imposed sanctions on members of Russia's military intelligence agency and a hacking group accused of cyber attacks targeting Ukraine, the EU, and NATO allies. Additionally, foreign policy analysts and influencers accused of promoting pro-Russian propaganda or conspiracy theories have been added to the sanctions list.
MI6 Chief Warns of Russia's Efforts to Export Chaos Globally
The new head of MI6, Blaise Metreweli, is set to warn that Russian President Vladimir Putin's efforts to export chaos around the world are rewriting the rules of conflict and creating new security challenges. In her first public speech as chief of the United Kingdom's foreign intelligence service, Metreweli will emphasize that Britain faces increasingly unpredictable and interconnected threats, with a focus on "aggressive, expansionist" Russia. She will say that the export of chaos is a deliberate feature of Russia's approach to international engagement and that the UK should be prepared for this to continue until Putin is forced to change his strategy. Metreweli, the first woman to hold the post since MI6 was founded in 1909, will also highlight the importance of technological savvy and human intelligence in combating hybrid threats. She plans to say that MI6 officers must be comfortable with lines of code and human sources, as well as fluent in multiple languages. The speech is part of a series of warnings by Western defense and security authorities about the growing hybrid threat from states such as Russia, Iran, and China. The warning comes amid a flurry of diplomatic meetings aimed at ending the almost four-year war sparked by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has met with US envoys and will meet with the leaders of Germany, France, and Britain to bolster support for Ukraine. The head of the British military, Air Chief Marshal Richard Knighton, will also say that Putin's aim is to challenge and destroy NATO, and that Britain needs a stronger military and more resilient infrastructure to meet the evolving threat.
EU Trade Commissioner Expects Mercosur Deal Vote This Week
The European Commission has made significant efforts to address concerns from member countries regarding the EU's trade deal with the Latin American Mercosur bloc. Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič expressed hope that the deal will pass this week, as it is crucial for the European Union's strategic role in trade, especially amidst increasing assertiveness from China and the US. The deal, which has been under negotiation for over 25 years, aims to strengthen the EU's position as the world's largest trader. A vote among member countries is required to allow Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to attend a signing ceremony in Brazil on December 20. The vote needs the support of a qualified majority of 15 member countries, representing 65% of the bloc's population. France, which strongly opposes the deal, has called for the vote to be postponed, potentially risking a blocking minority. Šefčovič declined to speculate on a Plan B if the vote does not take place on time, instead focusing on a separate vote in the European Parliament on additional farm market safeguards proposed by the Commission. The safeguards aim to address French concerns and are considered unprecedented in their scope. The outcome of the vote remains uncertain, with pro-deal countries warning that further delays could jeopardize the trade deal's chances of success.
Ukraine and US Continue Ceasefire Talks in Berlin Amid Hopes for Progress
Talks between Ukraine and the US aimed at reaching a peace deal with Russia are continuing in Berlin for a second day. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his chief negotiator Rustem Umerov met with US envoy Steve Witkoff and Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner for five hours on Sunday, joined by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. According to a US readout, "a lot of progress was made" during the meeting. Zelensky has signalled that he is willing to give up ambitions to join Nato in exchange for security guarantees, recognising that some US and European partners do not support Ukraine's bid for Nato membership. He is seeking strong security guarantees modelled on Nato's Article 5 clause of mutual protection. The 20-point peace plan proposal presented by Ukraine to the US last week is at the core of the discussions in Berlin. The issue of sovereignty over the eastern region of the Donbas, which Russia mostly occupies, is also being discussed. Zelensky has stated that he is open to freezing the conflict along the current front line but is not prepared to have his troops withdraw from the area unless Russian forces do the same. Any proposal hashed out by the Ukrainian, American, and European side will still have to be presented to Moscow. The talks come at a crucial time for Ukraine, which is enduring its fourth winter of war amid sustained power cuts caused by Russia's attacks on its energy facilities. Over the weekend, more than a million households in Ukraine were left without electricity following a barrage of strikes. The EU is also discussing a plan to send €90bn worth of frozen Russian assets to prop up Ukraine's economy.
Hong Kong Court Convicts Pro-Democracy Activist Jimmy Lai on National Security Charges
A Hong Kong national security court has found pro-democracy activist and mogul Jimmy Lai guilty on all three charges he faced. The 855-page verdict, delivered to a packed courtroom, found Lai guilty of two counts of colluding with foreign forces and a sedition charge under a colonial-era law. Lai, 78, has been in poor health and has spent over 1,800 days in solitary confinement. He potentially faces life in prison, with his sentence to be announced later. The verdict has been criticized by pro-democracy activist groups, global human rights and press freedom organizations, and many governments. The UK and Taiwan have called on Hong Kong authorities to release Lai. Beijing's Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office welcomed the verdict, calling Lai a "lackey" for external forces who endangered China's national security. Lai's trial has attracted intense international attention due to his prominent role in the 2019 anti-Beijing demonstrations. He is the only defendant in the case who has pleaded not guilty. Lai's defense has not yet announced whether they intend to appeal the verdict. His next court date is January 12. Lai's health has declined substantially during his time in prison, with family members reporting that he is suffering from advanced diabetes and heart palpitations. Despite his poor health, Lai has been sustained by his Catholic faith and the study of scripture. The verdict is seen as a blow to press freedom and a further erosion of dissenting voices in Hong Kong.
Australia to Reform National Firearms Agreement After Bondi Beach Terror Attack
The Australian federal and state governments have agreed to reform the National Firearms Agreement following the recent Bondi Beach terror attack that killed 15 people. NSW Premier Chris Minns has pledged to review the state's firearm laws, citing the need to make access to guns more difficult for those not involved in primary industries. Data shows that the top 100 licence-holders in NSW own over 13,000 weapons, with many located in metropolitan areas. The local government areas of Penrith, Hawkesbury, Canterbury-Bankstown, and Blacktown have the highest number of firearms in Sydney. Changes being considered include limiting the number of firearms one person can own, ensuring that firearm licenses can only be held by Australian citizens, and limiting open-ended firearms licensing. The Greens are pushing for a three-gun limit for licence holders, prohibitions on high-powered hunting rifles, and time-limited gun licences. The Australian Federal Police Association has also called for the establishment of a national firearms register to track ammunition sales and better assess the risk posed by individuals with access to licensed weapons. The reform efforts come after it was revealed that one of the alleged perpetrators of the Bondi Beach attack had a licence and owned six weapons. The incident has raised concerns about the effectiveness of Australia's gun control measures, which were introduced after the 1996 Port Arthur mass shooting. The government aims to introduce stronger, more focused action on gun law reform to prevent similar attacks in the future.
EU Imposes Sanctions on Russian Businessmen and Companies Over Shadow Fleet
The European Union has imposed sanctions on five businessmen linked to Russian state-owned oil companies Lukoil and Rosneft, as well as four shipping companies accused of circumventing sanctions on Russian oil. The sanctions, which include asset freezes and travel bans, target individuals and companies involved in running a shadow fleet of aging oil tankers. This fleet, estimated to number over 400 ships, is used to transport Russian oil while concealing its origin. The EU move aims to crack down on the sanction-busting activities and reduce Russia's oil revenue, which is a key part of the country's economy and helps fund its war effort against Ukraine. The sanctions were agreed upon at a meeting of the 27-nation bloc's foreign ministers in Brussels. The targeted shipping companies are based in the United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, and Russia, and are accused of practicing irregular and high-risk shipping practices. The EU has also imposed sanctions on members of Russia's military intelligence agency, GRU, and a hacking group known as Cadet Blizzard, accusing them of cyber attacks targeting Ukraine, the EU, and NATO allies. The move adds to growing pressure on the shadow fleet, following Ukraine's use of naval drones to strike Russian oil tankers in the Black Sea. The EU has also added foreign policy analysts and influencers accused of promoting pro-Russian propaganda or conspiracy theories to its sanctions list. The sanctions are part of the EU's efforts to pressure Russia into peace talks with Ukraine and to reduce its ability to fund its war effort.
Australian PM Proposes Tougher Gun Laws After Bondi Beach Mass Shooting
At least 15 people were killed and more than 40 injured in a mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. The attack occurred on Sunday during an event marking the first night of the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. Two gunmen, believed to be a father and son, opened fire, with the father, 54, being shot and killed by police and the son, 24, critically hurt and hospitalized. The victims range in age from 10 to 87. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the massacre as a "dark day in Australia's history" and encouraged the public to show solidarity by placing candles in their windows. In response to the tragedy, Albanese plans to propose tougher gun laws, including limits on the number of guns individuals can own and regular reviews of gun licenses. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns also expressed support for changing the state's firearms legislation. The father had a gun license since 2015 and owned six licensed firearms. The son was investigated in 2019 for links to the Islamic State but was not considered an ongoing threat. The attack has been condemned as "an act of pure evil, an act of antisemitism" and "an act of terrorism" by Albanese. Pope Leo also spoke out against the violence, calling for an end to hatred. Four guns and three improvised explosive devices were found at the crime scene, with two more guns discovered in subsequent searches. The community has come together to mourn the victims, with a Hanukkah menorah projected onto the Sydney Opera House and floral tributes laid at the Bondi Pavilion.
European Leaders Meet with Zelenskyy in Berlin to Discuss Ukraine Conflict
European leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, gathered in Berlin on Monday to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The meeting, hosted by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, aims to show support for Ukraine as the US pushes for a swift end to the conflict. The US President's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and son-in-law Jared Kushner, also attended the meeting, where they discussed a potential peace plan. Zelenskyy expressed readiness to drop Ukraine's bid to join NATO if the US and other Western nations provide legally binding security guarantees. He also hopes to freeze the frontline rather than ceding the entire Donbas region to Russia. The meeting comes as the US appears increasingly impatient to bring an end to the four-year conflict. European leaders stressed that the outcome of the talks would affect their countries' security for decades to come. Merz warned that Russia's goal is to fundamentally change Europe's borders and restore the old Soviet Union. Macron vowed that France would remain at Ukraine's side to build a lasting peace, while the head of Britain's foreign spy service, MI6, warned that Russia poses an "aggressive, expansionist" threat. The European Union is also working to agree on a plan to finance Ukraine using frozen Russian assets.
Louvre Museum Workers Strike Over Working Conditions and Security Concerns
Workers at the Louvre Museum in Paris voted to strike on Monday, citing poor working conditions and security concerns. The strike, which was supported by 400 workers, resulted in the museum's closure for the day, with visitors being turned away. The CFDT union stated that the strike was unanimous, and it is unclear whether the work stoppage will last longer than one day. The museum's employees are demanding improved working conditions, increased staffing for security and visitor services, and stable long-term budgets. The strike follows a recent jewelry heist in October, in which thieves made off with $102 million worth of jewels. An investigation into the heist found that broken cameras, outdated equipment, and poor coordination contributed to the thieves' ability to escape. Labor leaders argue that the heist highlighted long-standing concerns about crowding and thin staffing at the museum. The Culture Ministry has announced that Philippe Jost, who oversaw the reconstruction of Notre Dame Cathedral, will lead a mission to propose a deep reorganization of the Louvre. Jost will work with Louvre director Laurence des Cars to offer recommendations by the end of February. The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays, and employees may meet again on Wednesday to decide whether to continue the strike. The strike has left many visitors disappointed, including Lindsey Hall from Sacramento, California, who had been planning to visit the museum with a friend. Hall expressed understanding for the workers' concerns, stating that visiting the museum has become an obstacle course. The labor unions involved, including the CFDT and CGT, have emphasized that the museum is in crisis due to insufficient resources and deteriorating working conditions.
Australia to Strengthen Gun Laws After Deadly Bondi Beach Shooting
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced plans to introduce tougher national gun laws following a mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach in Sydney, which left at least 15 people dead. The shooting, described as an act of antisemitic terrorism, occurred when two gunmen opened fire on a crowd gathered for the "Chanukah by the Sea" event. The victims included a 10-year-old girl, a rabbi, and a Holocaust survivor. The government has proposed restricting gun ownership to Australian citizens and reviewing existing licenses over time. The older suspected gunman, who died at the scene, had held a gun license for a decade and amassed six guns legally. His 24-year-old son, who remains in a coma, did not have a gun license. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for increased action against antisemitism in Australia. Jewish leaders have criticized the government's response to rising antisemitism, with some expressing fear and fury over the attack. Hundreds have gathered near the scene to lay flowers and pay tribute to the victims. A 42-year-old man, Ahmed al Ahmed, has been hailed as a hero after he tackled and disarmed one of the gunmen, potentially saving countless lives. The Australian government has vowed to take immediate action to overhaul the country's gun laws, including renegotiating the national firearms agreement that was introduced after a mass shooting in Tasmania in 1996.
Toxic Smog Engulfs New Delhi, Disrupting Travel and Daily Life
Dense toxic smog has blanketed New Delhi, pushing air pollution levels to hazardous levels and disrupting travel. The city's air quality has remained at a "severe" level for the last two days, with official index readings exceeding 450 at several monitoring stations. This is significantly higher than the safe limit of 50. As a result, more than 40 flights were cancelled, and several dozen were delayed. Over 50 trains arriving and departing from New Delhi were also delayed by several hours. Healthcare experts have warned residents to avoid outdoor activities due to the high levels of pollution, which can cause respiratory effects in healthy individuals and seriously affect those with heart or lung disease. Hospitals have reported an influx of patients with breathing difficulties and eye irritation. The government has imposed strict containment measures, including banning construction activities, restricting the use of diesel generators and cars, and deploying water sprinklers to control the haze. Environmentalists say that long-term changes are needed to address the country's air pollution crisis. New Delhi and its surrounding region, home to over 30 million people, routinely rank among the world's most polluted cities. The city's air quality worsens every winter due to farmers burning crop residue in nearby states and cooler temperatures trapping the smoke. Pollution levels often reach 20 times higher than the World Health Organization's safe limit. Residents have staged protests to express frustration and anger about the government's failure to address pollution, which is linked to 1.5 million additional deaths every year in India.
16 Killed in Terrorist Attack on Jewish Community in Bondi Beach, Australia
A devastating terrorist attack occurred on December 14, 2025, in Bondi Beach, Australia, resulting in the deaths of 16 people, including 15 innocent individuals and one perpetrator. The attack, which targeted the Jewish community on the first day of Chanukah, has left 42 people in hospitals across New South Wales. The victims' ages range from 10 to 87 years old. The New South Wales Police Commissioner, Mal Lanyon, has confirmed that the attack is being treated as a terrorist incident and that two offenders, a 50-year-old father and his 24-year-old son, were involved. The 50-year-old perpetrator is deceased, while the 24-year-old is in critical but stable condition in hospital. The police have launched Operation Shelter to provide comfort and support to the Jewish community, with 328 officers deployed to highly visible locations, including places of worship and areas with large Jewish populations. The investigation is ongoing, with the police working closely with Commonwealth partners to understand the motives behind the attack. The Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, has condemned the attack as an act of pure evil and antisemitism, stating that Australia will never submit to division, violence, or hatred. The Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns, has urged the community to come together and support the affected families, emphasizing that there is no tolerance for racism or antisemitism in the state. He has also announced that the government will be looking into law reform to prevent similar incidents in the future. The police have found two improvised explosive devices at the scene, which were rendered safe by the bomb disposal unit. The investigation is ongoing, with the police working to understand the circumstances surrounding the attack and to identify any potential motives or accessories.
Ukraine Willing to Drop NATO Ambitions as Peace Talks Continue in Berlin
Key Ukraine-US talks are set to continue in Berlin after five hours of negotiations on Sunday. Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that Ukraine is prepared to drop its NATO aspirations, but still requires "Article 5-like" security guarantees from the US and European partners. Article 5 is NATO's collective defense clause, which considers an attack on one member as an attack on all. The Kremlin has said that Ukraine not joining NATO is a fundamental issue in talks on a possible peace settlement. Russian President Vladimir Putin has demanded Ukraine officially renounce its NATO ambitions and withdraw troops from the contested east. Moscow has also stated that Ukraine must be a neutral country and no NATO troops can be stationed in Ukraine. A mini-summit will bring together seven European leaders, including Britain's Keir Starmer and Finland's Alexander Stubb, as well as top EU and NATO officials. The talks come just days before the European Council summit in Brussels, which will decide on the proposal of using frozen Russian funds to fund Ukraine through a reparations loan. The EU's ability to influence the end of the Ukraine war hangs in the balance, with US President Donald Trump watching the developments closely. Finland's Alexander Stubb, who has emerged as a key European leader with access to Trump and his team, has said that "we're probably closer to a peace agreement than we have been at any time during these four years." US envoy Steve Witkoff also stated that "a lot of progress was made" during the Sunday talks. However, some key questions remain, including Ukrainian territorial concessions and security guarantees to avoid further Russian aggression.
France Calls for Postponement of EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement Vote
The French government has requested a postponement of the crucial vote on the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, citing the need for additional protections for European agriculture. The agreement, which has been in negotiations for over 25 years, aims to create a common market of over 700 million people between the EU and Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay. France's Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu's office stated that the country cannot back the deal without further safeguards to protect European farmers from a potential surge in Latin American beef or poultry imports. Despite proposed additional safeguards, France remains unconvinced, and the issue has created a rift within the EU. Pro-deal countries, including Germany, Sweden, and Spain, argue that France's concerns have already been accommodated. However, France is wary of enraging its powerful farming community and has announced plans to strengthen border controls on food, animal, and plant imports. The vote was initially scheduled to take place before European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's trip to Brazil on December 20 to sign the deal. Denmark, which holds the EU presidency, has vowed to hold the vote on time, but final talks among EU member countries may not be completed before the summit of European leaders on Thursday and Friday. A large farmers' protest is also planned in Brussels on Thursday, adding to the pressure on EU leaders to address France's concerns.
Bystander Who Wrestled Gun from Bondi Beach Attacker Identified as Ahmed al Ahmed
Ahmed al Ahmed, a 43-year-old father of two, has been identified as the bystander who wrestled a gun from one of the alleged attackers during a mass shooting at Bondi Beach. Ahmed, whose refugee parents arrived from Syria, risked his life by tackling the shooter and seizing the gun. He was later shot by one of the two gunmen, a father and son duo who killed at least 15 people and wounded dozens of others. Dramatic footage of the confrontation showed Ahmed crouching behind a car, then launching himself at the gunman and wrenching the gun from his hands. Ahmed's bravery has been praised by Australian officials, including Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke and New South Wales Premier Chris Minns. Minns posted a photo of Ahmed recovering from his injuries in hospital, calling him a "real-life hero" who "no doubt saved countless lives" by disarming the attacker. Ahmed's parents said he was shot several times in the shoulder and is currently undergoing treatment. His cousin described him as a hero who would have done anything to protect others, regardless of their background. The attack, which targeted a Jewish gathering and beach-goers, has sparked widespread condemnation and an outpouring of support for the victims and their families. Ahmed's actions have been hailed as a testament to the bravery and selflessness of ordinary citizens in the face of violence and terror. He is currently recovering in hospital, where he is being treated for his injuries.