Gaza, India, Benin
Today's three stories you should know
Gaza
A two-week-old baby has frozen to death in Gaza as Israel continues to restrict the entry of shelters and other supplies, and heavy rains destroy the fragile structures and tents many people are living in. Mohammed Khalil Abu al-Khair died after his parents sought treatment for him for hypothermia as extreme cold gripped the Palestinian enclave, the health ministry said. “Families are living in tents on wet ground without heating, electricity or sufficient clothing,” Al Jazeera’s Tareq Abu Azzoum, reporting from Gaza City, said. “When food, fuel, shelter and aid are banned, cold absolutely becomes lethal.” Israel’s two-year assault on Gaza has destroyed an estimated 80 percent of buildings in the strip, forcing people to live in flimsy tents and makeshift settlements.
More from Al Jazeera here.
India
India has summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to New Delhi over what it says is a deteriorating security situation in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka, citing threats to its embassy there. In what appeared to be a tit-for-tat move, it came two days after Bangladesh summoned India’s ambassador to complain about statements made by the ousted leader of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, who has been in exile in India since fleeing Dhaka during anti-government protests in 2024. Bangladesh has repeatedly called for the 78-year-old’s extradition from India and sentenced her to death last month for crimes against humanity.
More from Reuters here.
NB: Proximities has published a deep dive on the upcoming Bangladesh elections for paid subscribers. Consider going paid for weekly Q&As that put our world in context.
Benin
Benin has jailed about 30 people, mostly soldiers, accused of involvement in a failed coup attempt earlier this month, according to an AFP report. A group of army officers appeared on state television on December 7 and announced they had toppled President Patrice Talon, but the attempted putsch was quickly put down with the help of Nigerian air strikes against the rebels. The accused appeared before a special prosecutor and were charged with “treason,” “murder” and “endangering state security,” sources told AFP. West Africa has seen an unprecedented series of coups and attempted coups since 2020.
More from AFP via France 24 here.
NB: Proximities has published a deep dive on West Africa’s slew of coups for paid subscribers. Consider going paid for weekly Q&As that put our world in context.