Last-Minute Crisis

Hi Global Recap readers,

We all know why the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal has made such quick progress.

• Biden is leaving, so he needs a win before exiting.

• Meanwhile, Trump warned Hamas that if the hostages aren’t returned by his inauguration, there will be “Hell to pay.”

This clearly puts Israel in a stronger position to negotiate, using the threat of “hell” to pressure Hamas. However, Israel has just warned of a “last-minute crisis,” blaming Hamas, not them.

🇺🇸 UNITED STATES
Trump & Vance:
Inauguration Portraits

The Trump-Vance Transition Team has just released the official inauguration portraits of President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance, days before their inauguration.

I could gather two distinct reactions online:

• Trump supporters are saying things like “we’re so back,” and commenting how the photos are “badass.”

• Critics of his are saying that he “looks evil,” comparing him to several photos of Hitler in some cases.

Comparison

As you may have noticed, the heavy contrasting in the photos makes them dramatic—strikingly different from previous inauguration photos. Compare it to Trump’s 2017 inauguration portrait.

Remember, these are not “in-office portraits.”

Memes

But of course, people are making memes about it already, because it’s the internet.

🇮🇱 ISRAEL
Netanyahu Blames
“Last-Minute Crisis” for Delay

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that a “last-minute crisis” with Hamas is holding up the approval of a Gaza Strip ceasefire and hostage deal.

Ceasefire on Hold

Netanyahu insists Hamas must accept all elements of the ceasefire agreement before any Cabinet vote.

• Hamas supposedly objected to Israel’s right to refuse the release of certain Palestinian prisoners accused of murders.

• Netanyahu’s office stated, “Hamas is demanding that it determine the identity of the terrorists to be released.”

• It also accused Hamas of trying to “extort last-minute concessions.”

Hamas’ Response

Hamas denied the accusations, claiming commitment to the agreement.

• Senior Hamas official Izzat al-Rashq stated the group remains “committed” to the deal.

• However, Israel shared a video of Hamas leader Khalil al-Haya expressing ongoing commitment to violence.

Blinken’s Response

Despite the recent drama, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated he is “confident” and expects the ceasefire to start on Sunday.

🇺🇸 UNITED STATES
Biden’s Farewell Address

With President Trump’s inauguration just around the corner, President Biden delivered his farewell address to the nation from the White House.

Biden's Farewell Address

In his farewell address, President Biden sounded the alarm about an emerging oligarchy in America, warning of unchecked power and urging the preservation of democratic ideals.

• He expressed concern about the “dangerous concentration of power.”

• Biden urged Americans to stay engaged in the democratic process.

Tech-Industrial Complex

Biden compared the current situation to Eisenhower's warning about the military-industrial complex.

• He referred to the “tech-industrial complex” and the erosion of “truth.”

• Biden highlighted the dangers of unchecked social media platforms and artificial intelligence.

Climate Crisis

Biden also emphasized the need to continue addressing climate change.

• He warned against powerful forces trying to eliminate steps taken to tackle the climate crisis.

• Biden urged Americans to push forward and faster in their efforts.

Legacy and Reforms

Biden called for term limits, ethics reform, and changes to safeguard against presidential immunity.

• He proposed amending the Constitution to ensure no president is immune from crimes committed while in office.

• Biden celebrated a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas as a crowning accomplishment of his foreign policy.

🇰🇷 SOUTH KOREA
Court Rejects Yoon’s Release

It’s not going too well for South Korea’s disgraced President Yoon.

Today, the court has denied his release, a day after he was detained over martial law / insurrection allegations.

Yoon’s Detention Drama

Yoon Suk Yeol, South Korea’s impeached president, was detained on January 15, 2025, after a marathon 10-hour questioning session.

• He’s accused of rebellion linked to his martial law declaration last month.

• Yoon exercised his right to remain silent during the questioning.

Legal Battle

Yoon’s lawyers are fighting tooth and nail to get him released, but the Seoul Central District Court isn’t budging.

• They questioned the validity of the detention warrant issued by the Seoul Western District Court.

• The court denied their petition late Thursday.

Supporters Rally

Yoon’s supporters are not taking this lying down. They’ve been rallying in the streets, waving banners and chanting slogans.

• Hundreds of supporters gathered near the court and detention center.

• They’re calling for Yoon’s release and opposing his impeachment.

Political Crisis

This whole situation has thrown South Korea into its most serious political crisis since the late 1980s.

• Yoon declared martial law on December 3, 2024, to break through legislative gridlock, accusing opposition politicians of being “communist” and attempting to sabotage the government. This claim was essential, as under Article 77 of South Korea’s Constitution, the president can declare martial law only if the country is under attack (war or armed rebellion). But unfortunately, no one bought it.

• His presidential powers were suspended when the National Assembly impeached him on December 14, 2024.

What’s Next?

Yoon’s fate now lies with the Constitutional Court, which is deliberating whether to formally remove him from office or reinstate him.

• If a court grants a warrant for his formal arrest, he could remain under arrest until the first court ruling, which is typically made within six months.

• Under South Korean law, a leader of a rebellion can face the death penalty or life imprisonment if convicted. Yikes.

🇺🇦 UKRAINE
Drone Shot Down
During Starmer’s Visit

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s visit to Kyiv was a little more dramatic than he probably anticipated.

As he met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a Russian drone was shot down near the presidential palace.

Just imagine the fallout if he were harmed. 😨

A Fiery Welcome

Starmer’s first visit to Kyiv since his election victory in July was met with a bang—literally.

• Anti-aircraft gunfire echoed in the palace courtyard as air sirens blared.

• Eyewitnesses believe there were at least two drones, likely surveillance drones, as the one shot down didn’t explode on impact.

Zelenskyy’s Response

President Zelenskyy didn’t mince words when the drone was detected.

• He quipped, “We will say hello to them too.”

• The incident underscored the daily threats Ukraine faces from Russian aggression.

Starmer’s Pledge

Starmer reiterated his support for Ukraine’s NATO ambitions and condemned Russian aggression.

• He emphasized the UK’s commitment to Ukraine’s security and eventual NATO membership.

• Starmer pledged to send 1,540 artillery barrels and a new mobile defense system to Ukraine.

Symbolic News Conference

The news conference was heavy on symbolism, with Starmer vowing to stand by Ukraine for as long as it takes.

• He promised to work with Ukraine to ensure security guarantees in any ceasefire deal.

• Starmer hinted at possible troop deployments in training or peacekeeping roles, stating, “nothing is off the table.”

Uncertain Future

Zelenskyy acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the conflict and Ukraine’s security guarantees.

• He noted that the US, Slovakia, Germany, and Hungary “cannot see us in NATO.”

• The upcoming Trump administration’s stance on Ukraine’s NATO membership remains a critical factor.