A fire at a popular ski resort hotel in Turkey has killed at least 76 people, Turkey‘s interior minister said.

At least two people died after trying to jump to safety, with images on social media showing linen hanging from windows which was used by those trying to escape the burning building.

Ali Yerlikaya said at least 51 other people were injured in the disaster. Nine people, including the owner, have been arrested.

“We are in deep pain. We have unfortunately lost 66 lives in the fire that broke out at this hotel,” Mr Yerlikaya told reporters after inspecting the site.

Health minister Kemal Memisoglu said at least one of the injured was in a serious condition.

The fire broke out at around 3.30am in the restaurant of the 12-storey Grand Kartal hotel in the resort of Kartalkaya in Bolu province, officials and reports said. The cause of the fire was under investigation.

Witnesses describe fire as an ‘apocalypse'

Witnesses who saw the blaze tear through the 12-storey Grand Kartal Hotel have described the mayhem and chaos that led to the deaths of at least 66 people.

“It was like the apocalypse. The flames engulfed the hotel immediately, like in half an hour,” said Mevlut Ozer, who witnessed the incident at the Kartalkaya ski resort in northwest Turkey.

In their attempts to flee, several people jumped from windows or attempted to use bed linens to lower themselves to the ground.

Holly Evans21 January 2025 21:00

Death toll rises to 76

The death toll from a fire that raged through a hotel at a ski resort in northwestern Turkey on Tuesday has risen to 76, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said. Yerlikaya said 45 of the dead have been identified while efforts to identify the other victims were continuing. The minister said authorities have detained nine people as part of an investigation into the disaster.

Alex Ross21 January 2025 20:45

Day of national mourning announced by Turkish president

A day of national mourning has been declared on Wednesday after at least 66 people died in a fire at a popular ski resort in Turkey.

In a post on social media site X, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said: “A one-day national mourning was declared in order to share the grief of the relatives of our brothers who lost their lives in a fire that broke out in a hotel in Bolu Kartalkaya.

“On Wednesday, January 22, 2025, our flags will be flown at half-staff until sunset in our country and in our foreign missions. In any case, those who caused such a disaster to occur, those who were negligent and at fault will be held accountable before the law.

“Today is not a day for politics; it is a day for solidarity, for being one and together. I would like to express that we expect all actors, including politics, media and local administrators, to respect the suffering of our citizens.

“Once again, I pray to God to have mercy on our deceased citizens and grant patience to their families; I convey my condolences and get well wishes to our nation. May God protect our country and our nation from such painful events.”

Holly Evans21 January 2025 20:00

Fire crews could only tackle blaze from the front and sides

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said there were 238 guests at the hotel situated at the base of several ski slopes and which smouldered until the afternoon.

“I would like to share this pain, which is impossible to describe,” he said at the resort in offering condolences and announcing that the fire was extinguished.

“Since the back of the hotel is on a slope, fire extinguishing efforts could only be carried out from the front and side facades,” he said, adding crews began battling the mountaintop blaze about 45 minutes after the first call.

Holly Evans21 January 2025 19:00

Survivor recalls frantic escape from deadly Turkey ski resort hotel

Holly Evans21 January 2025 18:30

Watch: Huge flames engulf popular Turkey ski resort hotel

Huge flames engulf popular ski resort hotel in Turkey as deadly fire kills 10

Huge flames engulfed a popular ski resort hotel in Turkey in a blaze that has killed at least 10 people and injured dozens more. The fire broke out at around 3:30am local time on Tuesday (21 January) in the restaurant of the 12-storey Grand Kartal hotel in the resort of Kartalkaya in Bolu province, officials said. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Reports say 234 guests staying at the hotel. Footage shows the roof and top floors of the hotel on fire. The 161-room hotel is on the side of a cliff, hampering efforts to combat the flames, local media reported. Officials confirmed 30 fire trucks and 28 ambulances have been sent to the site.

Holly Evans21 January 2025 18:00

Guests trapped in hotel ‘screaming for help'

Barış Salgür, an employee at a neighboring hotel, told Turkish media that he was resting in his room when he heard cries for help coming from the windows of the burning hotel.

“We were in a state of panic,” Salgür told state-run Anadolu Agency.

“We could see smoke billowing from the upper sections of the building. We hurriedly gathered ropes, pillows and quilts. People were screaming for help as we waited for the fire brigade. It took about two hours. By the time the fire trucks arrived, the upper floors were fully engulfed.

Holly Evans21 January 2025 17:30

Hotel is one of the most recognisable buildings at ski resort

The Grand Kartal Hotel, the location of the fire, is recognised as of the most iconic and historically significant establishments in the tourist hub of Kartalkaya which is popular for its skiing.

Originally conceived as a successor to the Kartal Hotel, which was founded in 1978, the Grand Kartal Hotel opened to the public in 1998.

Boasting 161 rooms and a capacity of 350 beds, the hotel underwent renovations in 2015. The cost of a three-night stay at the establishment reportedly ranges from 99,000 to 148,500 Turkish Liras.

The hotel was last inspected in 2024, and the tourism minister said there had been no concerns regarding the hotel’s fire safety prior to the disaster.

Holly Evans21 January 2025 17:00

Ursula von der Leyen pays tribute to victims

Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the EU Commission, has paid tribute to the victims of the fire and praised the “incredible courage” of firefighters.

In a post on X, she wrote: “Our hearts go out to the victims and their families as a devastating fire engulfs the Grand Kartal Hotel in Bolu.

“We honor the incredible courage of the first responders battling the flames.

“Europe stands united with Türkiye and its people in this tragedy, dear @RTErdogan.”

Holly Evans21 January 2025 16:25

Father heard yelling ‘I will throw my child or he will burn'

Several fire engines and ambulances later surrounded the charred, wood-fronted building, with white bed sheets tied together and dangling from at least three upper-floor windows where people tried to flee.

“People all started to jump with panic. One friend jumped from the 11th floor - may God have mercy on him,” said Omer Sakrak, another witness and employee of a neighbouring hotel.

“They tried to climb down using bedsheets. The bedsheets ripped as one friend tried ... and he unfortunately fell on his head,” he told Reuters. “One father was yelling about his one year-old child: ‘I will throw my child or he will burn’.”

Hotel guests told TV broadcasters they fled through smoke-filled corridors and heard no alarms.

Holly Evans21 January 2025 15:58

Read More

Republicans and leading MAGA movement figures reacted with outrage to the preemptive pardons announced by Joe Biden in the final hours of his presidency.

Some, including GOP firebrand Marjorie Taylor Greene and Donald Trump Jr, claimed the action was indicative of the pardonees’ guilt, and accused the Democrats of closing ranks to protect their own.

On Monday, shortly before Trump’s swearing-ceremony, Biden pardoned Dr Anthony Fauci, retired General Mark Milley and members of the House committee that investigated the January 6 attack on the Capitol.

The president, who sat just feet away from his political rival throughout the ceremony, said the decision was to guard against potential “revenge” by the new Trump administration. Some 15 minutes before the end of his term, Biden also added several family members to the pardon list.

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Supporters of the 47th president were quick to blast the news online.

“Biden pardons for Mark Milley, Anthony Fauci, the members of the Jan. 6 committee and the cops who testified before the committee because they are GUILTY OF CRIMES,” wrote the Georgia congresswoman.

“Never forget what the Democrats have done.The mask is completely OFF.”

Right-wing conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer, who is known to spar with Greene online for the president’s affections, (for once) agreed. “Now we all know for certain they are criminals,” she wrote.

“We always knew, they always denied it. But in the final hour, Biden admits what he did to us during COVID was criminals. He admits what he did to the J6ers and President Trump was criminal.”

She later added: “Biden has pardoned his family. So much for holding the Biden crime family accountable. They will be getting away with all of their crimes.  Biden knows his family is a family full of criminals.”

Valentina Gomez, a controversial MAGA zealot and congressional hopeful, added: “Fauci, Liz Cheney & Miley deserve prison, not pardons. These so called ‘Republicans’ didn’t hold them accountable. A bunch of lying clowns.”

In a post on social media, the president’s son, Donald Trump Jr, reacted to news that Fauci had thanked Biden for his preemptive pardon but reiterated that he was guilty of no crime.

“He doesn’t have to accept the pardon. If he did nothing wrong be a man and turn it down… But you know he won’t because everyone knows he’s guilty of so much,” he wrote on X, later adding: “If you ever say “I believe in the rule of law.. BUT” you don’t actually believe in the rule of law.”

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, once a rival to Trump for the GOP presidential nomination, also referenced Fauci’s pardon. “One of Biden’s greatest abuses of power was the forcing of mRNA (vaccine) shots by executive fiat (which Florida successfully blocked),” he said.

open image in gallery

“Now, on his way out the door, Biden pardons the chief henchman of that and so many other abuses. The swamp protects its own…” He later reacted to Biden’s family pardons. “15 minutes before his term expires, Biden pardons his family members…”

General Mike Flynn, former U.S. national security advisor under Trump, said the offers of pardons were admissions that “something sinister and treasonous” had occurred. Flynn himself was given a presidential pardon in 2020 after being convicted of lying about his communications with Russian diplomats.

“As someone who received a presidential pardon (mine is considered a pardon of innocence because my case was dismissed by a very weaponized DOJ for their own misconduct, then a federal judge weaponized his bench to come after me in an unprecedented way), therefore @realDonaldTrump decided to offer me a pardon. I took it to end the nightmare,” Flynn wrote.

“These offers of pardons are, no doubt, admissions that something sinister and treasonous occurred during 45’s first administration.”

Announcing the pardons on Monday, Biden said in a statement: “The issuance of these pardons should not be mistaken as an acknowledgment that any individual engaged in any wrongdoing, nor should acceptance be misconstrued as an admission of guilt for any offense.

“Our nation owes these public servants a debt of gratitude for their tireless commitment to our country.”

The prospect of such pardons had been the subject of heated debate for months at the highest levels of the White House. It’s customary for a president to grant clemency at the end of his term, but those acts of mercy are usually offered to Americans convicted of crimes.

Read More

President-elect Donald Trump will take a victory lap at a campaign-style rally in Washington, D.C., a day before he is sworn in for his second term, four years after losing re-election.

The “Make America Great Again Victory Rally” at the Capital One Arena is just one of the many events celebrating the incoming administration. It will also be Trump’s first major speech in Washington since he urged his supporters to march on January 6, 2021.

Freezing cold weather is gripping much of the northeastern U.S., so the inauguration ceremony on Monday has been moved inside to the Capitol’s rotunda. The last time this happened was at Ronald Reagan’s second inauguration in 1985.

The president-elect, Melania Trump, and their son, Barron Trump, arrived in the D.C. area on Saturday evening and traveled to Trump National Golf Club in Virginia, to watch a fireworks display.

Earlier in the day, thousands of protesters marched to the Lincoln Memorial echoing the demonstrations when Trump first assumed office.

The Independent has learned that Trump will begin his term with only one-quarter of the staff he needs — a notable failure of the Project 2025 plan to fill all roles from day one.

Watch: Justin Quiles says he loves Trump because he’s not a puppet

Oliver O'Connell19 January 2025 21:39

Who is performing tomorrow at Trump’s inauguration?

However, the inauguration ceremony will be more than just a swearing-in — Trump’s team has just released the schedule of events, revealing those who will perform at the event, The Spectator World reports.

Here’s what you need to know about the line-up for Trump and Vances’ inauguration:

Oliver O'Connell19 January 2025 21:30

Kid Rock kicks of this afternoon’s performances

Oliver O'Connell19 January 2025 21:04

Watch: Opening prayer at Trump victory rally

“Every tongue that rises up against you in judgment will be condemned...”

Oliver O'Connell19 January 2025 21:00

Elon Musk among scheduled speakers at today’s Trump victory rally — here’s who else is coming up...

Trump family members will also speak at the rally at Capital One Arena — which kicked off at 3:30 p.m. — here’s who else is speaking and performing:

Watch the rally here:

Oliver O'Connell19 January 2025 20:50

GOP leaders briefed on Trump’s first executive orders

The Wall Street Journal reports that Stephen Miller, Donald Trump’s incoming White House deputy chief of staff for policy, briefed Republican leaders earlier this afternoon about the executive orders the new president is expected to issue after being sworn in tomorrow.

That includes declaring a national emergency on the U.S.-Mexico border, rescinding Biden administration directives on diversity, equity and inclusion, and unwinding President Joe Biden’s limits on drilling offshore and on federal land.

Oliver O'Connell19 January 2025 20:46

TikTok back online and thanks ‘efforts of President Trump’

President-elect Donald Trump intervened on Sunday by announcing he would issue an executive order on Monday to give TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, a reprieve after the ban on the Chinese-owned app came into effect.

Rhian Lubin has been following developments today.

Oliver O'Connell19 January 2025 20:40

Nelly responds to backlash over performance at Trump inauguration ball

Rapper Nelly has responded after facing backlash for his decision to perform at one of Donald Trump’s inauguration balls on Monday (January 20).

Tom Murray has the story.

Oliver O'Connell19 January 2025 20:20

As he returns to the White House, Trump will begin ‘two year race’ to change America and the world

David Maddox, The Independent’s political editor, reports from Washington, D.C.

Oliver O'Connell19 January 2025 20:00

Read More

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Vivek Ramaswamy, the billionaire biotech entrepreneur joining Elon Musk to recommend drastic cuts to federal spending in Donald Trump’s administration, reportedly plans to run for governor of Ohio.

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

Ramaswamy — who was reportedly considering a run for J.D. Vance’s open U.S. Senate seat, with Trump’s encouragement — is expected to announce a campaign to replace the state’s term-limited Republican Governor Mike DeWine, according to The Washington Post.

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

Alex Woodward reports.

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In his social media post about the weather-related change, Trump said that “various Dignitaries and Guests” would be taken into the Rotunda for the ceremony. It’s unclear how many people or whom.

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

According to a notice from the House’s sergeant at arms to congressional offices, the vast majority of the seats that had been planned for an outdoor ceremony will be excluded and those tickets will become “commemorative.” Organizers are still deciding whether they can admit people who have tickets in sections 3 and 4, which would have been right in front of the stage outdoors.

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

The Rotunda can only hold about 600 people, according to the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

According to Trump’s post, Capital One Arena — where the incoming president plans a rally Sunday afternoon — will be open again on Monday for “LIVE viewing of this Historic event.” No information is available yet on how to sign up for a seat inside the arena on Monday. The arena can hold 20,000 people.

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

AP

"}}],"timestamp":1737223223,"formattedTimestamp":"18 January 2025 18:00"},{"type":"post","data":{"name":"1912972","title":"Biden sets record commuting sentences of 2,500 non-violent drug offenders","id":1934794,"uuid":"a9c6d850-0718-4fb6-94ac-b1d4fd1d673e","scheduleTime":"1737222310","created":"1737212144","changed":"1737212144","container":1912972,"user":{"name":"Oliver O'Connell"},"extra":{"authorName":"Oliver O'Connell"}},"postJson":[{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

President Biden will commute the sentences of roughly 2,500 people convicted of non-violent drug offenses, the White House announced on Friday.

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

“This action is an important step toward righting historic wrongs, correcting sentencing disparities, and providing deserving individuals the opportunity to return to their families and communities after spending far too much time behind bars,” Biden said in a statement. “I am proud of my record on clemency and will continue to review additional commutations and pardons.”

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

The announcement, coupled with Biden’s decision last month to commute the sentences of about 1,500 people put on home confinement during the Covid pandemic, means the Democrat has issued the most individual pardons and commutations of any president, according to The Associated Press.

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

Criminal justice advocates praised the decision.

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

Josh Marcus reports.

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The National Weather Service is predicting that the temperature will be about 22 degrees Fahrenheit (minus-6 Celsius) at noon EST, when Trump becomes president. That would be the coldest since Reagan’s second inauguration saw temperatures plunge to 7 degrees (minus-14 Celsius).

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

“The weather forecast for Washington, D.C., with the windchill factor, could take temperatures into severe record lows,” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. “There is an Arctic blast sweeping the Country. I don’t want to see people hurt, or injured, in any way.”

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

In 2009, it was 28 degrees (minus-2 Celsius) for Barack Obama’s swearing-in. Biden was sworn in four years ago in a relatively balmy 42 degrees (5.5 Celsius).

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

A few Democrats poked fun at Trump’s decision.

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who was Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate in the Democrats’ losing 2024 campaign, posted a photo of himself standing in a snowstorm with the caption, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.”

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

Monday’s forecast temperature is about the same as it was in Washington 64 years ago, when John F. Kennedy took the oath in a 22-degree chill, and after crews worked overnight clearing 8 inches of fresh snow from the parade route. Kennedy delivered his speech from the Capitol’s east steps without a topcoat, his frosty breath visible as he spoke.

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

A half-century earlier, William Howard Taft held his 1909 inauguration indoors after 10 inches of snow fell. That’s when the inauguration was still held on March 4, not Jan. 20.

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

AP

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

\n

"}}],"timestamp":1737221723,"formattedTimestamp":"18 January 2025 17:35"},{"type":"post","data":{"name":"1912972","title":"With the inauguration moving indoors, where will Trump now be sworn in?","id":1935980,"uuid":"94974f32-328b-4f49-94e7-8f41ab9e97f9","scheduleTime":"0","created":"1737220691","changed":"1737220691","container":1912972,"user":{"name":"Oliver O'Connell"},"extra":{"authorName":"Oliver O'Connell"}},"postJson":[{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

The Rotunda is prepared as an alternative for each inauguration in the event of inclement weather. The swearing-in was last moved indoors in 1985, when President Ronald Reagan began his second term. Monday’s forecast calls for the lowest Inauguration Day temperatures since that day.

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

President Joe Biden, members of Congress and other dignitaries and notable guests will be able to view the ceremony from inside the Capitol. On Friday, workers were installing a small platform in the Rotunda.

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

The U.S. Capitol Police said outside ticketed areas at the Capitol will be closed “due to the extremely cold weather,” so even if people wanted to gather there as Trump takes the oath inside, they won’t be allowed to do so.

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

AP

"}}],"timestamp":1737220691,"formattedTimestamp":"18 January 2025 17:18"},{"type":"post","data":{"name":"1912972","title":"Hinting at investigation, Trump blasts FBI’s now-shuttered DEI office ","id":1934793,"uuid":"606e8cfd-2dec-418b-8f75-f38f682c2fe9","scheduleTime":"1737220510","created":"1737212088","changed":"1737212088","container":1912972,"user":{"name":"Oliver O'Connell"},"extra":{"authorName":"Oliver O'Connell"}},"postJson":[{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

President-elect Donald Elect Donald Trump has indicated that he may order an investigation of the FBI’s shuttered Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

“We demand that the FBI preserve and retain all records, documents, and information on the now closing DEI Office—Never should have been opened and, if it was, should have closed long ago,” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Thursday. “Why is it that they’re closing one day before the Inauguration of a new Administration? The reason is, CORRUPTION!”

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

The office was closed last month, following Trump’s November election win.

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

Gustaf Kilander reports.

"}},{"type":"article-link","data":{"url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/donald-trump-fbi-dei-documents-b2681755.html","productId":"","title":"Trump blasts FBI DEI office and hints at an investigation ahead of White House return","image":{"url":"https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/17/15/newFile-2.jpg?quality=75&width=1200&auto=webp","width":null,"height":null,"type":"jpg"},"description":"President-elect accuses FBI of ‘corruption’ after it closes down Office of Diversity and Inclusion before his inauguration "}}],"timestamp":1737220510,"formattedTimestamp":"18 January 2025 17:15"},{"type":"post","data":{"name":"1912972","title":"EXCLUSIVE: Trump considering rejecting UK prime minister’s nominee for ambassador to the US","id":1935674,"uuid":"5e5e2569-f605-4ab8-8d9d-306777305c71","scheduleTime":"1737218723","created":"1737218323","changed":"1737218323","container":1912972,"user":{"name":"Oliver O'Connell"},"extra":{"authorName":"Oliver O'Connell"}},"postJson":[{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

Donald Trump is considering rejecting Keir Starmer’s nominee for UK ambassador to the US in what would be an extremely rare move.

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

Mar-a-Lago sources within the Trump team have told The Independent that it is still not certain Lord Peter Mandelson’s credentials will be accepted by Trump after he becomes president.

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

While the threat of rejecting Mandelson could be sabre rattling, strains between Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour government and the incoming administration are being blamed. However, there also are concerns about Lord Mandelson’s perceived links to China.

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

David Maddox, The Independent’s political editor, reports.

"}},{"type":"article-link","data":{"url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/donald-trump-mandelson-ambassador-starmer-b2682089.html","productId":"","title":"Trump considering rejecting Mandelson as Starmer’s nominee for ambassador to the US","image":{"url":"https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/12/23/13/8d8cb340c29b4d38a69ab3da7353f6a7Y29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNzM1MDQ2MTQ1-2.43639155.jpg?quality=75&width=1200&auto=webp","width":null,"height":null,"type":"jpg"},"description":"Exclusive: With Donald Trump set to be sworn in as the 47th US president on Monday, the nomination of Lord Mandelson as the UK’s ambassador to the US is still causing problems "}}],"timestamp":1737218723,"formattedTimestamp":"18 January 2025 16:45"},{"type":"post","data":{"name":"1912972","title":"Canada’s retaliatory tariffs to target Trump allies for maximum political impact, report says","id":1935639,"uuid":"32c65443-4c79-42af-9f5c-182c0971bde1","scheduleTime":"0","created":"1737218154","changed":"1737218154","container":1912972,"user":{"name":"Oliver O'Connell"},"extra":{"authorName":"Oliver O'Connell"}},"postJson":[{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

The Canadian government is gearing up a three-phase strategy involving retaliatory tariffs and other trade measures against the United States. This plan will be activated if President-elect Donald Trump follows through on his promise of a universal 25 percent tariff on all Canadian imports to the U.S.

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

The New York Times reports that Canadian officials will wait until Mr. Trump has made his move — which he has said will be on his first day in office, Monday — before starting to impose their own tariffs. According to two senior government officials familiar with the plans, the tariffs would mostly affect consumer goods worth 37 billion Canadian dollars ($25.6 billion).

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

The plans are meant to remain private but the officials spoke to the Times on condition of anonymity.

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

The choice of goods is planned to be precisely targeted for maximum political impact. They specifically want to focus on goods made in Republican or swing states, where the pain of tariffs, like pressure on jobs and the bottom lines of local businesses, would affect Trump allies.

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The hope is that those allies—governors or members of Congress—will then intervene to de-escalate the situation.

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Families across Israel and Gaza are anxiously counting down the hours to the start of a historic ceasefire in Gaza after 15 months of brutal war that has devastated the territory. The truce will allow the return of hostages held since the start of the conflict.

Benjamin Netanyahu has said he expects the hostages to begin being released on Sunday, with Israel set to finally approve the deal. It will bring relief to families who have had to deal with the loss of loved ones amid the devastation wrought on Gaza – though they acknowledge the truce is a fragile thing that needs work to last beyond its initial six weeks.

One family member of a hostage told The Independent that "we must go all the way with the ceasefire deal, no one should be left behind” while another said that “enough is enough, bring everyone home”.

The Israeli security cabinet recommended approving the Gaza ceasefire and hostage return deal on Friday, with the rest of the cabinet expected to follow suit later the same day, allowing the truce to begin on Sunday.

Hamas triggered the war with a cross-border attack on Israel on 7 October 2023 that killed some 1,200 people and left around 250 others captive. Israel believes 94 of those are still held in Gaza, with about 60 still alive.

Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed more than 46,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials, who say women and children make up more than half of those killed. Around 90 per cent of Gaza's 2.3 million population have been forced from their homes at least once thanks to the bombardment, with much of the enclave left a wasteland.

Speaking from Hostage Square, where families hold regular protests demanding the government bring their relatives home, Shay Dickmann, a 29-year-old medical student whose cousins Carmel Gat and Yarden Roman-Gat were captured on 7 October, tells The Independent: “We must go all the way with the ceasefire deal, no one should be left behind”.

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Her family knows the painful reality of deals falling through. Yarden was released in November 2023, but Carmel, 39 an occupational therapist, was due to be released in the current deal, when it was first tabled last year. She was shot dead by her captives in a tunnel in Gaza when the talks fell through. In tears, Shay urges: “This uncertainty is ripping families apart – there is a chance they could all be released. If this opportunity is missed you have no idea how long will be until the next time”.

The Israeli cabinet meetings had been delayed on Thursday, with Mr Netanyahu accusing Hamas of backtracking on the deal, amid severe pressure from hardline partners in his government coalition. Underscoring the potential obstacles facing a final ceasefire, national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir threatened to resign if it was approved. However, he said he would not bring down Mr Netanyahu's government. His fellow hardliner, finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, has also threatened to quit the government if it does not go back to war to defeat Hamas when the initial phase of the ceasefire is complete.

Under the first phase of the deal, which is to last 42 days, Hamas has agreed to release 33 hostages including children, women, among them female soldiers, and men aged over 50. In exchange, Israel would release 50 Palestinian prisoners for every female Israeli soldier released by Hamas, and 30 for other female hostages. The remainder of the hostages, including male soldiers, are to be released in a second – and much more difficult – phase that will be negotiated during the first. The third phase would address the exchange of bodies of deceased hostages and Hamas members, and a reconstruction plan for Gaza would be launched.

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“Seeing people return is going to bring tears of joy,” says Alana Zeitchik, who has six family members seized by Hamas from the Nir Oz kibbutz in the Hamas attack. Four of her captured relatives, including a cousin and her three-year-old twin daughters were released in the last weeklong truce in November 2023. In this deal she expects close friends – the Bibas family – to be returned home, among them is the youngest hostage Kfir Bibas who was just eight months old when he was abducted.

But Alana’s cousin David Cunio, 34 – an electrician and father of the twins – and his brother Ariel Cunio, 27 both civilians and young men, are not on the list of the first 33 to be released. Alana describes the “euphoria” when her cousin Sharon Alony-Cunio, three-year-old twin daughters Emma and Yuli as well as Danielle Alony, 44, and her five-year-old daughter Amelia, were released last year, but she is concerned that the ceasefire may not last long enough to bring her other relatives home.

"We are worried that this will cloud the urgency that we will have to make sure the deal progresses to phase two,” she says. “We don’t have commitment from this government that phase two will happen, or that it will happen in any timely manner.”

As for the comments from Israeli ministers Mr Smotrich and Mr Ben-Gvir, she says: “The ministers who have been saying that they want to reject the deal, they’re a stain on the state of Israel, and they don’t represent the state of Israel... They must put all of our people above the politics.”

Families of some hostages, the majority relatives of young men held by Hamas who are not included in the first phase, sent a letter to Mr Netanyahu on Friday calling on him to publicly approve “all stages of the deal … until the return of the last hostage”. In the letter printed by Haaretz, they said he must do so to “prevent division in the country”.

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Israel has stated that the names of the hostages will be made public only after they have been handed to the Israeli military. A list containing the names of those who will be released over the next six weeks has been circulating on the main Israeli news sites since the early hours of Friday morning.

Israel’s justice ministry also released a list of 95 Palestinians held in Israeli prisoners to be freed in the first exchange of the hostage release deal with Hamas. Most of the people on the list are women, and the vast majority were arrested after the Hamas attacks on 7 October.

The releases will be staggered. On Sunday, three Israeli hostages are expected to be released, followed by four more on the seventh day, and again at the end of each week of the ceasefire.

The French president, Emmanuel Macron, has said that the French-Israeli citizens Ofer Kalderon and Ohad Yahalomi are in the first group of hostages to be freed.

The first phase of the deal will also allow Palestinians displaced from their homes to be allowed to move freely around the Gaza Strip, while aid to the territory should increase to 600 trucks a day, above the 500 minimum that aid agencies say is needed to contain Gaza’s devastating humanitarian and hunger crisis. Until now, the number of daily aid trucks has been far below this number, according to the UN and aid agencies, leaving hundreds of thousands facing extreme hunger, while much of the population struggles to get what supplies they need.

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Ibrahim al-Muslimi, 75, a community leader from the most heavily destroyed areas of Gaza in the north, tells The Independent that families are torn between celebrating the imminent ceasefire and dread about the future.

“Gaza has been disaster struck. We need food after a long harsh wave of hunger, and exorbitant prices. We need water, electricity, sanitation. We need medical assistance. We are living in tents, we need homes. we need psychological assistance.”

As the airstrikes on Gaza continue, in the aftermath of one hit on tents housing displaced people, a boy picked through damaged items on a floor littered with canned food and coffee pots.

That attack killed two people and wounded seven at an encampment close to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, according to medics.

Also in Khan Younis, mourners gathered around the body of a man killed in an Israeli strike as women hugged each other and cried.

“Life has become an unbearable hell,” resident Jomaa Abed al-Aal told Reuters.

Longer-term questions about post-war Gaza remain, including who will rule the territory or oversee the daunting task of its reconstruction. Hanaa Ahmed, 64, who has been displaced five times, has lost numerous family members to airstrikes and her son is missing as he was arrested by the Israeli military and held incommunicado. “The most important aspect of the deal for me is the release of prisoners from Israeli prisons. I am also worried about the process of rebuilding and living long years in tents. The feelings of anxiety continue.”

Ibrahim reflects the thoughts of many in Gaza when he says that he hopes countries around the world “stand with us and do not abandon us”.

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Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US

Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US

A man wielding a stick attacked multiple homeless people in Miami on Thursday, leaving two dead and two injured, according to police.

“This is a horrible incident,” Miami Police Chief Manny Morales told reporters. “The officers on the scene and the Miami Police Department is appalled at this display of unprovoked violence.”

Police apprehended a suspect in the attacks, who attempted to flee on foot but was hit with a stun gun and captured.

Officials described the individual, who hasn’t been named publicly, as a 30-year-old with no known criminal history in the city.

"It appears the individual has no local criminal past, he does have some minor criminal run-ins with the police up in New York," Morales said.

Police were called just after 6 a.m., and responded “within seconds,” according to Morales.

The individual beat one man near a downtown train station, then headed down the street and attacked multiple others, including a homeless man and a couple.

Police blocked off North Miami Avenue and Northwest 6th Street, where officers could reportedly be seen inspecting what appeared to be a bloodied plank of wood.

Officers set up a command center near the site of the attack, Brightline Central Station.

“I was just scared,” Matthew Romero, who works nearby, told NBC Miami. “That was the first reaction.”

“I make the walk every day from the parking garage to work, so it is concerning.”

This is a breaking news story and will be updated with new information.

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Watch again as Los Angeles County officials gave a wildfire update on Tuesday (14 January) as a new dangerous weather warning was issued.

Firefighters braced the return of ferocious Santa Ana winds that are expected to fan the flames of massive wildfires raging across Southern California, as the death toll climbs to at least 25 people.

The combined area burnt by the fires around Los Angeles is reportedly about 60 square miles.

The National Weather Service warned of a “particularly dangerous situation” in the days ahead as Santa Ana winds return.

Peak winds are expecte to be milder than last week, the agency said Monday, though relatively low humidity and 20 to 40 mph offshore winds will “support rapid fire growth and potential for extreme fire behavior.”

Gusts of up to 70 mph were expected in mountainous regions.

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During defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth’s confirmation hearing on Tuesday, Republican lawmakers were so focused on three specific letters — DEI — that they forgot to correctly spell the word "military" on one of their visual aids.

An AP photographer snapped a photo of a board sitting just behind Republican Senator Eric Schmitt and Republican Senator Ted Budd with the title "DEI in our Miltary."

That's right, "Miltary," not "Military."

The oversight was likely just a lack of quality control on the part of a senatorial staffer and hardly the most important issue of the hearing, which saw Democrats and Republicans in a tense back and forth over Hegseth's qualifications, values, and the various allegations surrounding his behavior.

During the hearing, Schmitt complained about DEI initiatives in the military, which he called "race essentialism," — essentially arguing that the military was more concerned about a member's race than their aptitude for service.

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“DEI is not about giving everybody opportunity,” Schmitt said. “It is rooted in cultural Marxism, the idea that gets the room, any room with oppressor versus oppressed. It’s race essentialism, and it is poison.”

Hegseth agreed with Schmitt's take.

“You have to tear out DEI and CRT initiatives root and branch from institutions,” Hegseth said. “Then you have to put in Army, Navy, and Air Force secretaries and others, civilian positions, at the helm who are committed to the same priorities that the president of the United States is, and if confirmed, the secretary of defense will be. Send a clear message that this is not a time for equity.”

CRT — Critical Race Theory — is an academic lens used for examining society, and isn't typically something that would be implemented in military education.

Schmitt agreed nonetheless, saying he backed Hegseth's opinion" 100 percent."

The Independent has requested comment from Schmitt's office.

Democrats pointed out that Hegseth had previously complained about the military allegedly lowering its standards to accommodate women, and argued that by confirming him to Secretary of Defense they would essentially be lowering the bar for the position.

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“Do you think that the way to raise the minimum standards of the people who serve us is to lower the standards of the Secretary of Defense?” Senator Gary Peters asked Hegseth after asking Hegseth what the highest number of people he'd ever managed was.

Hegseth said the highest number of people he'd ever been in charge of was a few hundred while he served as a company commander in the military. As Secretary of State, he would oversee the more than 2.86 million active duty military members, and his decisions could affect not only every American but people across the globe.

During the hearing, he also complained about an initiative undertaken by the Biden administration to root out extremism in the military.

“Things like focusing on extremism, senator, have created a climate inside our military that feels political when it hasn’t ever been political,” Hegseth said. “Those are the types of things that are going to change."

He cited a report that found around 100 military members were identified as extremists and said he considered that a small number.

In addition to Hegseth's views on the military, the nominee was also grilled on his personal values and behavior.

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Republican Senator Kevin Cramer asked Hegseth about one of his tattoos — a Jerusalem Cross, a symbol associated with the Kingdom of Jerusalem during the Crusades — but did not ask Hegseth about his Deus Vult tattoo, which got him flagged as an "insider threat" due to its potential connection to white nationalist groups while he was serving in the National Guard, according to the Associated Press. Deus Vult — Latin for "God wills it" — is also often associated with both the Crusades and white nationalists.

Hegseth has previously written off questions about his tattoos as unfair targeting of Christians.

Senator Jack Reed called Hegseth's qualifications into question, citing his alleged conduct issues.

“Mr. Hegseth, I do not believe that you are qualified to meet the overwhelming demands of this job,” he said, adding, “Indeed, the totality of your own writings and alleged conduct would disqualify any servicemember from holding any leadership position in the military, much less being confirmed as the Secretary of Defense.”

Hegseth insisted that the allegations of his drunkenness at work and of a sexual assault were false, anonymous reports and that he'd been cleared of wrongdoing.

“I have failed in things in my life, and thankfully I’m redeemed by my lord and savior Jesus," Hegseth said.

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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has taken a side in the MAGA civil war over H-1B visas.

The Republican lawmaker said there are “big” problems with the H-1B skilled workers visa program, which allows employers to temporarily employ foreign nationals in “specialty occupations or as fashion models of distinguished merit and ability,” according to the Department of Labor.

Those applying for the visa must have at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a specialty subject to qualify, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

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"We’ve got some big problems with some of the legal programs we have,” DeSantis said at a press conference Monday. “This H-1B program, the Americans train the H-1B then they fire the Americans and hire the H-1B. How would that even remotely be acceptable?"

DeSantis’s comments come after a contentious back-and-forth on the program among other members of the MAGA movement.

Department of Government Efficiency co-chairs Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy have come out in support of the program. Ramaswamy has argued that the US does “not produce the best engineers,” while Musk claimed there is “a permanent shortage of excellent engineering talent” in America.

However, other staunch allies of Donald Trump, including Laura Loomer and Steven Bannon, have fiercely spoken out against the program.

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Loomer slammed Musk for his support of the H-1B program before accusing the X owner of removing her blue checkmark on the platform in retaliation.

“Looks like Elon Musk is going to be silencing me for supporting original Trump immigration policies,” she wrote. “I have always been America First and a die hard supporter of President Trump and I believe that promises made should be promises kept.”

“Donald Trump promised to remove the H1B visa program and I support his policy,” she added. “Now, as one of Trump’s biggest supporters, I’m having my free speech silenced by a tech billionaire for simply questioning the tech oligarchy.”

Bannon also hit out at the world’s richest man, calling him a “toddler,” and telling him to “bring it” after Musk said he would “fight to my last drop of blood.”

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Meanwhile, Trump has sided with Musk and Ramaswamy, who argue the H-1B program fills skill gaps in engineering, science and technology.

“I’ve always liked the visas, I have always been in favor of the visas,” Trump told the New York Post last month. “That’s why we have them.”

“I have many H-1B visas on my properties,” he added. “I’ve been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. It’s a great program.”

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Gavin Newsom has described the Los Angeles wildfires as the worst natural disaster in US history “in terms of the scale and scope”.

The blazes are on track to be among the costliest ever seen in the US, with losses expected to exceed $135bn (£109.7bn).

Speaking to NBC News, the California Governor said: “I think it will be in terms of just the costs associated with it in terms of the scale and scope.”

He also announced a new executive order hoping to address the issue of fraud, price gouging and insurance claims in the wake of the disaster.

Landlords in Los Angeles have been accused of “taking advantage” of victims who have lost their homes in the city’s wildfires, as they illegally gouge prices for those desperate for a place to stay.

At least 16 people have now died as the potential return of high winds threatens to push the wildfires ravaging the city towards some of its most famous landmarks.

Santa Ana winds which initially fanned the flames were calmer on Saturday, but the National Weather Service has warned that stronger gusts of up to 70 mph could return early next week.

Meghan Markle’s Netflix series ‘With Love, Meghan’ delayed by LA wildfires

Meghan Markle’s new Netflix series With Love, Meghan has been delayed due to the ongoing wildfire crisis in California, she has announced.

The US state has been devastated by wildfires over the past week, described by California governor Gavin Newsom as the worst natural disaster in the country’s history “in terms of the scale and scope”.

More than 12,000 homes have been destroyed in the blazes, with more than 150,000 people evacuated from their residences and at least 16 people confirmed to have died.

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Graig Graziosi12 January 2025 23:00

Cal Fire warns of “critical fire weather” between tonight and Wednesday

Cal Fire warned that Southern California will face “critical fire weather” between Sunday night and Wednesday in a post on Facebook on Sunday evening.

High winds — reaching 70mph — are expected between later on Sunday evening through Wednesday. The winds can help spread and stoke existing fires and potentially start new ones by moving embers to previously untouched parts of the region.

“Life-threatening winds and dangerously low humidity are forecast for much of Southern California - from Ventura to San Diego - creating a significant risk of rapid fire spread,” Cal Fire warned. “The winds will cause increased fire activity.”

Graig Graziosi12 January 2025 22:54

LA County Sheriff says curfew will be in effect, law enforcement will not be deescalating number of officers on the streets

LA County Sheriff Robert Luna said during a press conference on Sunday that a curfew, from 6pm to 6am, will be in effect in wildfire affected areas of LA County on Sunday night into Monday morning.

“Simply stay out of the areas if you are not a first responder or have emergency business there,” he said.

Luna also said that law enforcement would not be decreasing the number of officers and deputies on the ground. He also said that while he understood that people wanted to get back to their homes, many areas are too dangerous to allow residents to return at this time.

“I know there’s a lot of folks trying to get back to their houses. We are very empathetic and sensitive to those needs, but your safety comes first,” he said. “A lot of these areas still look like they were hit by a bomb. There are live electrical wires, gas lines and other hazards. We want to make sure you’re safe, not to mention the health hazards that come with that information.”

Graig Graziosi12 January 2025 22:47

Los Angeles residents share what’s packed in their emergency evacuation bags amid ongoing wildfires

As deadly wildfires continue to displace people across Los Angeles, some residents affected by the natural disaster, which has now been described as the most destructive in U.S. history, have taken to TikTok to share what they packed in their evacuation bags.

Since the first flames sparked in the Santa Ana winds on January 7, at least 16 have been confirmed dead, 12,000 structures have been destroyed, and over 150,000 residents have been ordered to leave their homes.

Those forced to evacuate, leaving behind houses full of memories, have had to frantically pack necessities and decide which valuables they want to salvage in case their properties are ruined in the fires.

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Graig Graziosi12 January 2025 22:45

Update on Palisades fire: 604 structures destroyed, 83 damaged, fire still at 11 percent containment

California fire officials offered an udpate on the state of the Palisades fire today during a press conference.

According to officials, the Palisades fire has burned 23,713 acres, has destroyed 604 structures, and has damaged another 83.

The fire is currently 11 percent contained. The fire was 11 percent contained as of Saturday morning.

“We have airplanes, we have helicopters, even drones. We’re dropping retardants. We drop out everywhere we can again to secure that edge all around the fire,” fire officials said.

High winds, expected to kick up on Sunday night, are expected to further stoke and potentially spread the fire.

LA Fire Chief Kristin Crowley offered the following:

“This wind event is approaching us, and it’s approaching us very, very quickly. I want to reassure you that your LAFD, all of our regional partners, every single agency that has come from up and down this state and outside the state, we are ready ... We need [the community] to stay informed. Please stay informed. With trusted news and official updates, be prepared to evacuate. We keep going back to that, but with this next wind event, [you’ve] got to stay informed follow all evacuation warnings and orders.”

Graig Graziosi12 January 2025 22:39

Trump reposts image of Hollywood sign replaced by words “Trump Was Right” against flaming landscape

President-elect Donald Trump reposted an image showing the iconic Hollywood sign replaced by the words “Trump Was Right” set against a burning landscape.

The source image either was or was based on a criticized image showing the Hollywood hills on fire, which was generated by AI and was not reflective of the situation on the ground in Los Angeles.

Trump’s repost comes as the wildfires that have killed at least 16 and have damaged more than 20,000 structures continue to rage in the area.

Despite his criticism of California’s leadership, Governor Gavin Newsom and other California lawmakers have invited him to tour the area ahead of his inauguration later this year.

Graig Graziosi12 January 2025 22:35

More than 24,000 people have registered for FEMA aid, White House says

Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were briefed today on how federal resources were being used to battle the wildfires in Los Angeles and on the overall state of the ongoing response and recovery efforts.

According to a White House statement, more than 24,000 people have registered for FEMA assistance. which was made available to affected individuals on Wednesday following Biden's Major Disaster Declaration on Wednesday.

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell told ABC News's This Week that military personnel were on standby and prepared to deploy if needed to assist the wildfire response efforts.

"We are in there supporting them. You know, the support for the firefighters themselves, that is coordinated through the NIFC, the National Interagency Fire Center,” Criswell said. “There are active duty military personnel that are on a prepare to deploy order, that are ready to go in and continue to support the firefighting effort.”

Graig Graziosi12 January 2025 22:20

Ukraine may join firefighting efforts in Los Angeles, even as it defends itself against Russian incursion

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Sunday that he may be sending firefighting resources to help battle the blazes in Los Angeles.

Zelenskyy said the following:

“Today, I instructed Ukraine’s Minister of Internal Affairs and our diplomats to prepare for the possible participation of our rescuers in combating the wildfires in California. The situation there is extremely difficult, and Ukrainians can help Americans save lives. This is currently being coordinated, and we have offered our assistance to the American side through the relevant channels. 150 of our firefighters are already prepared.”

Both Canada and Mexico have also sent firefighting resources to assist battling the wildfire.

Graig Graziosi12 January 2025 22:10

Governor deploys another 1,000 National Guard members to Los Angeles

Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Sunday he was deploying another 1,000 National Guard troops to help the with wildfire response and law enforcement efforts in Los Angeles.

After the latest deployment, there will be 2,500 National Guard members deployed to the Los Angeles area.

Graig Graziosi12 January 2025 22:00

Cal Fire explains why firefighting aircraft aren’t constantly in the air fighting wildfires

Cal Fire released a video explaining why firefighting aircraft aren’t constantly in the air dropping water on wildfires.

Chief among the reasons is a force that has been plaguing firefighters since the start of the wildfires — wind.

“High winds can make flying an aircraft over a wildfire much more challenging, even for the most highly-skilled pilots,” a Cal Fire spokesperson says in the video.

High winds can dispersee the fire-retardant liquid that planes drop on fires and can make flying dangerous for pilots.

Watch the full video below:

Graig Graziosi12 January 2025 21:45

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