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Global Turmoil: Iran Protests, Gaza Opens, Sailors Abandoned

International News Roundup: Kennedy Center Closure, Iran-EU Tensions, Cape Verde Deaths, Gaza Crossing Reopening, and Seafarer Abandonment

Several significant international developments unfolded on Monday, February 2, 2026, ranging from political controversies to humanitarian crises and maritime issues.

In Washington D.C., President Donald Trump announced the planned closure of the Kennedy Center for two years, sparking immediate controversy. According to Sky News, Trump cited the building's "dilapidated" condition as the reason for the closure. The Kennedy Center, officially named the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, was established by Congress in 1971 as a "living memorial" to the assassinated president. Critics, however, allege that the closure is a politically motivated move to deflect attention from recent cancellations following Trump's decision to rename the memorial to JFK, Sky News reported.

Tensions rose between Iran and the European Union after the EU designated the Iranian Revolutionary Guard as a terror group. Iran responded by summoning EU ambassadors to protest the decision, according to Sky News. Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei stated that discussions regarding "reciprocal action" by Iran were underway.

In other news, the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt partially reopened on Monday after being closed for nearly two years. Euronews reported that the reopening would allow limited humanitarian aid to enter Gaza and enable Palestinians to return. Officials from Egypt and Israel indicated that the move was part of the ceasefire process, with approximately 50 people expected to cross in each direction during the initial days. A video from Euronews showed ambulances and microbuses entering Gaza from the Egyptian side as the gates opened.

Meanwhile, a grim situation unfolded in Cape Verde, where four British citizens died within four months after contracting stomach bugs while vacationing in the West African country. Sky News reported that law firm Irwin Mitchell is representing over 1,500 people who fell ill after visiting Cape Verde, including six who died. The deceased were identified as Elena Walsh from Birmingham, Mark Ashley from Bedfordshire, Karen Pooley from Gloucestershire, and a 56-year-old man. Irwin Mitchell is currently investigating the deaths and illnesses.

Finally, the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) revealed a record number of seafarer abandonments in 2025. Euronews reported that more than 6,000 seafarers were abandoned on 410 ships, marking the worst year on record. The ITF recovered 16.5 million in unpaid wages. The 2025 figures represent a 32% increase in abandoned seafarers and a 31% rise in ship abandonments compared to 2024, highlighting a growing crisis fueled by the expansion of shadow fleets operating outside international regulations, according to Euronews.

AI-Assisted Journalism

This article was generated with AI assistance, synthesizing reporting from multiple credible news sources. Our editorial team reviews AI-generated content for accuracy.

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