International News Roundup: February 3, 2026
Several significant events unfolded across the globe on February 3, 2026, ranging from international conflict and legal proceedings to natural disasters and cultural landmarks attracting tourism.
Despite a US-brokered ceasefire deal, Israeli troops continued attacking Palestinian homes, tents, and infrastructure on Monday, even as they reopened the Rafah crossing, according to Al Jazeera. The reopening allowed the first Palestinians to pass through the border since its closure.
In Oslo, Norway, the trial of Marius Borg Hoiby, the eldest son of Norway's crown princess, began with him denying rape charges, Sky News reported. Hoiby, 29, faces 38 charges in total, including four counts of rape, abuse in a close relationship, acts of violence, transporting 3.5kg of marijuana, making death threats, and traffic violations. The trial is ongoing at Oslo district court.
Japan is grappling with the effects of unusually heavy snowfall that has claimed the lives of 30 people over the past two weeks, Euronews reported. Some remote areas of Aomori have up to 4.5 meters of snow on the ground, forcing troops to assist in clearing roads and supporting elderly residents. Images from Aomori show homes badly damaged under the weight of the snow, with residents struggling to navigate the deep drifts. According to authorities, a strong cold air mass along the Sea of Japan contributed to the extreme weather.
In Australia, a 13-year-old boy, Austin Appelbee, swam for approximately four hours to shore to raise the alarm after his family was swept out to sea, Sky News reported. The incident occurred off the coast of We. Appelbee described battling "massive" waves and said he focused on happy thoughts to endure the grueling swim. The rest of his family sang and joked to keep their spirits up while waiting for rescue.
Cyprus is experiencing a surge in religious tourism, drawn by its UNESCO-listed churches in the Troodos region, Euronews reported. The island, one of the first places Christianity spread outside of Judea, attracts thousands of pilgrims annually. Ten churches and monasteries in the Troodos area have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1985, including the monastery of St John the Lampadistis.
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