Berlin (AFP) – In his New Year’s address, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz says that his country’s “freedom” and “way of life are worth defending”. He adds that Europe, faced with a “changing” relationship with the US, must defend its interests “much more strongly” on its own.
Al-Zawayda (AFP) – The sun sets over the waters of the Mediterranean Sea on New Year’s Eve as Gazans walk by a displaced people camp on Al-Rashid Street, one of two main roads through the Strip. A fragile ceasefire has been in place in Gaza since October, following a deadly war waged by Israel in response to Hamas’s unprecedented attack on Israeli territory on October 7, 2023.
Tripolis (AFP) – In Libya’s recently reopened national museum in central Tripoli, visitors wander past ancient statues and artefacts, rediscovering a heritage that transcends political divides. In the historic waterfront building known as the red citadel — once the seat of power — visitors journey through a history that includes ancient art, Greek and Roman antiquities and Ottoman-era weapons and jewellery for the first time since 2011.
Lima (AFP) – Peruvian shamans perform rituals to welcome the new year on a cliff in Lima, using coca leaves, ayahuasca and pictures of world leaders to visualize their predictions for 2026. The shamans pour a corn-based drink over and hit with flowers images of world leaders including US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Gaza City (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) – “We hope this marks the end of the war for us,” says a Gazan woman as Palestinians bid farewell to 2025. A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has been in place since 10 October 2025, following two years of devastating fighting. But despite the truce, Gazans still face a severe humanitarian crisis, and most of those displaced by the war have been left with little or nothing.
London (AFP) – “20 percent of people are here for the darts, 80 percent for the atmosphere,” says Stephen Lyons, a darts fan attending the World Darts Championship. The multi-week contest is held at London’s Alexandra Palace, affectionately nicknamed ‘Ally Pally’, and draws thousands of fans each day from darts-loving nations including Germany and the Netherlands. Fancy dress has become a theme for attendees, with costumes featuring everyone from Super Mario to the Pope.
Catania (Italy) (AFP) – A skier takes to the slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily as it erupts.
Beijing (AFP) – China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian says live-fire drills around Taiwan are “a punitive response to Taiwan independence separatist forces” and “necessary” to defend national sovereignty. The statement comes as China’s military drills around Taiwan enter their second day, with dozens of fighter aircrafts and navy vessels deployed to simulate a blockade of the self-ruled island’s key ports and assaults on maritime targets.
Geneva (AFP) – Washington pledges an initial $2 billion for United Nations humanitarian aid in 2026, far less than it has provided in recent years. UN humanitarian aid chief Tom Fletcher says that the “$2 billion goes a huge way to saving millions of lives,” but adds that more donations will be needed to reach the UN’s goal of $23 billion for their 2026 humanitarian plan.
Hong Kong (AFP) – Hong Kong fire survivor Yip Ka-kui still sends daily voice notes to his beloved wife, Pak Shui-lin, who died in the huge blaze that destroyed their home in November. The 68-year-old is among thousands grieving the 161 killed at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex. AND SOUNDBITES ++ ALSO SEE WRAP OF FIRE VIDI_86BE8T9 ++
