Palestinian photojournalist Mohammed Salem's image of a woman hugging a deceased girl in Gaza has won the World Press Photo of the Year. The photo captures the grief of Inas Abu Maamar, who lost her niece Saly in an Israeli missile strike. The article discusses the broader context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlighting the high civilian casualties in Gaza. Other winners include Lee-Ann Olwage for her work on dementia in Madagascar, Alejandro Cegarra for documenting migrant vulnerabilities, and Julia Kochetova for her digital diary on living with war in Ukraine.

Palestinian photojournalist Mohammed Salem's powerful and sorrowful image of a woman embracing a deceased child in Gaza has won the World Press Photo of the Year. The photograph captures the profound pain and loss experienced by Palestinian civilians amidst ongoing Israeli bombings. The article highlights the broader humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with significant casualties among women and children, and references international calls for Israel to prevent genocide. The piece also draws parallels to a similar award-winning photo from 2012 and mentions other category winners in the World Press Photo contest.

Palestinian photojournalist Mohammed Salem's powerful and sorrowful image of a woman embracing a deceased child in Gaza has been awarded the World Press Photo of the Year. The photograph captures the profound pain and loss experienced by Palestinian civilians amidst ongoing Israeli bombings since October. The article highlights the broader humanitarian crisis, with significant casualties among women and children, and mentions international calls for Israel to prevent genocide and allow humanitarian aid. Other winners include South African photographer Lee-Ann Olwage for her work on dementia in Madagascar and Venezuelan photojournalist Alejandro Cegarra for documenting the perilous journey of migrants on freight trains to the U.S. border.

The TEFAF art fair in Maastricht, Netherlands, features a recovered Kandinsky painting, 'Vista de Murnau con la iglesia,' as its star attraction. The painting, looted by Nazis during WWII, was returned to the heirs of Johanna Margarethe Stern-Lippmann in 2022 and is now on sale for 50 million euros. The fair showcases a wide range of art, antiques, and jewelry, attracting collectors and galleries from around the world.

The increase in violence, including murders, torture, and explosions, is a key characteristic of organized crime in Europe, as highlighted by Europol's director, Catherine De Bolle. The narcotics trade, particularly cocaine from Latin America, is a significant driver of this violence. Organized crime impacts the rule of law and social trust, with notable incidents in cities like Antwerp, Brussels, Marseille, and Barbate. The involvement of young people in violent activities and the challenges of money laundering are also major concerns. Cooperation with Latin American countries is crucial for combating these issues.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recommended conditional European licensing for Casgevy, an advanced therapy drug for sickle cell anemia and beta thalassemia, which would be the first available treatment based on CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology. The treatment is indicated for patients over 12 years old with transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia and severe sickle cell anemia without a suitable donor for stem cell transplantation. The recommendation is based on two ongoing single-group trials showing promising results in reducing transfusion dependency and vaso-occlusive crises. Common side effects include low white blood cell counts and liver disease.

Authorities from the European Union, Brazil, Costa Rica, and Panama conducted 226 inspections as part of an international operation against environmental crimes, including illegal logging, smuggling, document fraud, money laundering, and tax evasion. The operation, which included Spain, resulted in the seizure of Burmese timber valued at 12,000 euros and two maritime containers of Brazilian wood valued at 67,000 euros. Europol highlighted the severe impact of illegal timber trade on deforestation and climate change, noting that it generates around 7 billion dollars annually. The operation was coordinated by Europol from The Hague and involved authorities from several EU countries as well as law enforcement from Brazil, Costa Rica, and Panama.

In 2021, Spain had one of the lowest homicide rates in Europe and the world, with 0.61 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants, well below the European average of 2.2. Spain's rate contrasts with France, which has the highest rate of violent deaths in Western Europe at 1.14 per 100,000 inhabitants. The lowest EU rates were in Malta, Slovenia, and Ireland. Russia led Eastern Europe with 6.8 homicides per 100,000. Globally, the Americas had the highest rate, followed by Africa, Oceania, Asia, and Europe. Despite Spain's low homicide rate, gender violence remains a structural problem, with at least 55 femicides this year. A study revealed at least 113 wrongful imprisonments in Europe since 1970, suggesting a need for more transparent discussions and reviews of wrongful convictions.

The article discusses the Netherlands' progressive stance on euthanasia, highlighting that it was the first country to legalize the practice in 2002. Euthanasia in the Netherlands is permitted under strict conditions, including unbearable suffering with no prospect of improvement, a voluntary and well-considered request, full patient information, and the support of at least two doctors. The article also touches on the ongoing debate about extending euthanasia rights to elderly individuals who feel their lives are complete, even without severe illness. Critics express concern over potential pressure on the elderly, while supporters emphasize personal freedom and the right to a dignified end. The Dutch government's research indicates a significant number of older adults might consider euthanasia under these circumstances. The Netherlands continues to explore the balance between protecting vulnerable individuals and respecting personal freedom.

The right-wing liberal VVD party, led by outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte, declined to be part of the future Dutch government after losing seats in the general elections. However, Dilan Yesilgöz, the VVD's lead candidate, offered tactical support to a center-right cabinet if Geert Wilders' far-right PVV agrees to a coalition. This could lead to a minority government, as the potential coalition with PVV, NSC, and BBB would have 64 seats out of 150 in the Parliament. The VVD's support would facilitate measures on immigration, the nitrogen crisis, nuclear energy, and housing, but diverges from Wilders on the EU, climate policy, and support for Ukraine. Party leaders met with the president of the Dutch Parliament, Vera Bergkamp, to discuss coalition possibilities.