International Events Unfold as Gaza Residents Return Home, Europe Battles Floods, and World Leaders Connect
A wave of emotion swept through the Rafah Crossing on Wednesday as the first Gazans returned home, leaving behind the safety of Egypt to face the "indescribable feeling" of returning to their lives amidst ongoing Israeli airstrikes, according to Sky News. Simultaneously, Storm Leonardo brought deadly floods to Portugal, forcing evacuations and deploying soldiers for rescue efforts, Euronews reported. On the diplomatic front, Chinese President Xi Jinping held a video call with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss bilateral ties and geopolitical tensions, preceding a call with US President Donald Trump, Euronews stated.
The return of Gazans through the Rafah Crossing marked a poignant moment for those torn from their families. Adam Parsons, Middle East correspondent for Sky News, described the scene as "proof that the heart has a power that the head can't always match," questioning the logic of returning to the "shattered ruins of Gaza."
Meanwhile, in Portugal, Storm Leonardo caused widespread devastation. Euronews reported that emergency crews in Alcacer do Sal used boats to rescue residents after the Sado river overflowed, submerging streets and closing shops. Portuguese civil protection reported thousands of incidents, including flooded homes and fallen trees, leading to hundreds of evacuations. The storm had already claimed one life in Spain, following weeks of severe weather across Iberia.
On the same day, President Xi Jinping and President Vladimir Putin engaged in a video conference to discuss economic cooperation, relations with the United States, and other bilateral matters, Euronews reported. This call occurred amidst a series of discussions between Xi and Western leaders, who are seeking to strengthen ties with China.
In other news, The Verge reported on the increasing intersection of technology and politics in Washington, D.C., noting that tech is surrendering to the daily chaos of Washington politicking. Tina Nguyen, Senior Reporter for The Verge, covers the second Trump administration, political influencers, tech lobbying and Big Tech vs. Big Government.
Additionally, Ars Technica highlighted the incorporation of the "scent of the afterlife" into Egyptian museum exhibits. Scientists in 2023 identified compounds used in the mummification of an ancient Egyptian noblewoman's organs and partnered with a perfumer to recreate the scent. Barbara Huber, of the Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology and the University of Tübingen, collaborated with museum curators to integrate the scent into exhibits, transforming visitors' understanding of ancient Egyptian embalming.
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