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World in brief: January 28, 2026
Aerial view of the village of Niscemi near the Sicilian town of Caltanissetta, southern Italy, January 27, 2026, where severe storms provoked a landslide, and some 1,500 people had to be evacuated from their homes. Photo: Alberto Lo Bianco/LaPresse via AP

PALESTINE: The Foreign Press Association expressed disappointment today after Israel’s Supreme Court postponed a ruling on a petition seeking free media access to Gaza. 

Journalists have been barred from entering the blockaded territory since October 2023 and the court cited classified security arguments. 

The association said the secretive process prevented it from rebutting claims and warned that Gaza remains closed to foreign reporters without justification.

 

ITALY: Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited the Sicilian town of Niscemi today after heavy rains triggered a landslide that forced over 1,500 people to evacuate. 

Civil protection crews declared a no-go zone as homes teetered on unstable cliffs, while Ms Meloni pledged further support for displaced residents, without offering details.

Authorities warned that the water-soaked ground remained unsafe and initial emergency funding of €100 million (£87m) was released, with more to address damage to housing, utilities and roads.

 

NETHERLANDS: A court ordered the government today to protect residents of the Caribbean island of Bonaire from climate change, ruling that authorities had acted too slowly. 

The decision requires the setting of legally binding targets to cut greenhouse gas emissions within 18 months, following warnings of rising sea levels and worsening storms. 

Environmental groups hailed the ruling as historic, arguing that it ensures equality for islanders and could set a precedent for global climate litigation.

 

SOUTH KOREA: Kim Keon Hee, wife of ousted president Yoon Suk Yeol, was sentenced today to 20 months in jail for corruption linked to luxury gifts given in return for political favours. 

Prosecutors had sought 15 years, but the court acquitted her of some charges. 

Her sentence comes as Mr Yoon faces a rebellion trial, with potential life imprisonment or the death penalty, over his failed declaration of martial law in December 2024.

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