The German frigate 'Hessen' returns after an eight-week mission against Huthi militia attacks in the Red Sea. Iran avoids retaliation but blames 'intruders' after a drone incident. The first criminal trial against a former US president, Donald Trump, is set to begin. Israel's response to an alleged attack by Iran is cautious, despite fears of escalation. Ukraine is to receive more air defense after NATO's commitment. The US Congress is poised to vote on additional aid for Ukraine. EU criticizes radical Israeli settlers and calls for more aid to Gaza. India's parliamentary elections could see Prime Minister Modi's re-election. Lithuania arrests suspects in an attack on Russian exile Leonid Wolkow. Germany reiterates support for Ukraine during Robert Habeck's visit. Russia continues night attacks on Ukraine, with significant damage in Charkiw. The G7 ministers discuss the Iranian attack on Israel and the situation in the Middle East. The EU considers sanctions against Iran after its attack on Israel. China's role in the Ukraine conflict is questioned during Chancellor Scholz's visit to Beijing. The EU Rechnungshof criticizes the lack of transparency in Brussels' legislative influence. The US prepares new sanctions against Iran following its attack on Israel. Antisemitic incidents rise in Germany and globally. The EU plans to act against Iran while urging restraint from all parties. The UN Secretary-General calls for de-escalation after Iran's attack on Israel. Ukraine hopes for allied support similar to Israel's. The EU foreign ministers hold a video conference to discuss potential sanctions against Iran. The US begins a historic trial against former President Trump. International aid is mobilized for Sudan. Germany's Interior Minister visits the EU's external border. Chancellor Scholz's China trip addresses trade and security issues. Iran's attack on Israel is thwarted by a sophisticated defense system. The Middle East faces heightened tensions after Iran's retaliatory strike. Käthe Sasso, a concentration camp survivor, is remembered for her resistance efforts.

Efforts for a ceasefire in Gaza continue with a new proposal on the table, while Israel reaffirms plans for an offensive in Rafah. Ukraine builds a protective wall around Kharkiv in anticipation of a Russian offensive and seeks further air defense systems from allies. The European Court of Human Rights rules on climate protection lawsuits. Debates over the legitimacy of Ukrainian President Zelenskyj arise due to the absence of elections under martial law. China demonstrates its close partnership with Russia during Foreign Minister Lawrow's visit. The first criminal trial against a former US President, Donald Trump, is announced. Simon Harris is poised to become Ireland's new Prime Minister at 37. Poland remains divided after local elections. The first trial against Israel for the Gaza war begins at the highest UN court. The Vatican criticizes abortion, surrogacy, and gender reassignment in a new document. The Israeli government faces internal challenges from right-wing allies. Sudan's ongoing conflict leads to destruction and hunger. The US Congress's legislative halt could impact Ukraine. Elon Musk is investigated for his platform's role in spreading hate speech and disinformation in Brazil. Slovakia's newly elected President Pellegrini promises a pro-Western course without arming Ukraine. The longest and bloodiest war for Israel since 1948 continues in Gaza with unmet war objectives. Rwanda seeks investors 30 years after the genocide despite press and freedom issues. Portugal faces political instability after parliamentary elections. Uganda's Constitutional Court rules on anti-homosexuality laws. NATO members call for unity at the 75th-anniversary ceremony amid global tensions. The WHO reports attacks on healthcare workers in Ukraine. The US presidential race features the oldest candidates ever, with one facing possible imprisonment. Israel faces international criticism for civilian casualties in Gaza and disputes with Warsaw. NATO's future is questioned in light of a potential second term for Donald Trump.

Kenya's picturesque east coast is marred by plastic pollution, despite local efforts to clean beaches. UN member states are working in Nairobi to create an agreement to reduce plastic waste, with Germany being one of the first countries to advocate for a global convention. The UN estimates that 400 million tons of plastic waste are produced annually, with only 9% being recycled. The rest ends up in landfills, incinerated, or in the oceans. The upcoming UN Environment Assembly aims to initiate a legally binding agreement by the end of 2023, addressing the full lifecycle of plastics, including production, consumption, and waste management.

Desmond Tutu, the Nobel laureate and former Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, will be remembered at a funeral service in St George's Cathedral, Cape Town. Known for his anti-apartheid activism and advocacy for racial justice and LGBTQ rights, Tutu passed away at the age of 90. He was a unifying figure in South Africa's struggle against apartheid and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984. His ashes will be interred in the cathedral's mausoleum.

Paul Rusesabagina, known for sheltering people during the 1994 Rwandan genocide and later depicted in the film 'Hotel Rwanda,' has been sentenced to 25 years in prison by a Rwandan court for terrorist acts. The court found him guilty of providing support to the FLN, an armed group responsible for attacks in Rwanda. Rusesabagina, a critic of Rwandan President Paul Kagame, claims he was kidnapped in Dubai by Rwandan authorities. His arrest and detention have been condemned by the European Parliament and US congressmen.

Tunisia's government anticipated 2014 as a year of recovery for its tourism industry, but the sector's performance has been underwhelming, with visitor numbers still not matching those before the 2011 revolution. The downturn is most noticeable along the coast, prompting suggestions that Tunisia should diversify its tourism offerings.