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Egypt-Israel-Palestine
Rafah Crossing Reopens in Gaza
The Egypt–Rafah border crossing has reopened after two years, allowing Palestinians to leave Gaza or return home. The crossing has been largely closed since Israeli soldiers seized control of it in May 2024. The reopening was initially planned as part of the first phase of U.S. President Donald Trump’s ceasefire plan between Israel and Hamas in October, but Israel delayed the move until the repatriation of the body of the last Israeli hostage taken to Gaza. Following the return, which took place last week, a limited number of Palestinians were allowed to cross the border in both directions. According to the World Health Organization, around 20,000 sick and wounded Palestinians in Gaza require medical evacuation for treatment. However, Egyptian officials report that only about 50 patients will be permitted to leave Gaza each day, while 50 people who left during the war will be allowed to return. Upon reopening, only five patients and their seven companions were able to cross from Gaza on Monday.
This map depicts the location of the Rafah crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip. Click on the map to learn more.
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Egypt-Sudan
Egyptian Air Strikes Against RSF
Egypt is using a secretive airbase to carry out drone strikes on the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan, according to satellite images, flight records, and videos. Interviews with officials suggest the strikes have been going on for at least six months from the base, which is hidden amid a vast, agricultural project in Egypt’s western desert. Cairo is supportive of the Sudanese government and army (SAF), which in recent months has lost a string of strategic towns and cities to the insurgent RSF, most notably North Darfur’s el-Fasher, where thousands of civilians have been massacred by the paramilitaries. The RSF is supported by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), while Qatar, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia are among those now backing the army. After the RSF took el-Fasher, Egypt and Turkey both agreed to step up military support for the SAF. This new evidence suggests Egypt’s direct involvement in the conflict has increased significantly.
This map depicts the location of the Egyptian air base being used to carry out air strikes agains the RSF. Click on the map to learn more.
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Graphic Source: New York Times
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Australia
Teen Swims & Rescues Family
A 13-year-old boy, Austin Appelbee, rescued his mother and two siblings after the family were blown out to sea by strong winds and rough conditions while paddleboarding and kayaking in the Indian Ocean off Quindalup in Western Australia (WA) on Friday, January 30th. Applebee attempted to kayak back nearly 9 miles (14 km) for help, but his vessel was swamped, forcing him to swim the remaining 2.5 miles (4 km) back to shore. WA Police were alerted by Applebee around 6:00pm local time on Friday and mobilized a search and rescue operation, including water police, local marine rescue volunteers, and a rescue helicopter. His mother, 47, brother, 12, and sister, 8, were located by the rescue helicopter around 8.30pm and retrieved from the water. Local police praised Austin’s determination and courage.
This map depicts the coastal location where an Australian boy kayaked and swam miles to get help for his mother and siblings who had been pushed away from the shore during an outing in the Indian Ocean. Click on the map to learn more.
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Q: Attracting many celebrities to live on its shores, what lake is the largest in Switzerland?
A: Lake Geneva
The crescent-shaped lake Geneva stretches 224 square miles (581 sq km) between southwestern Switzerland and southeastern France. The lake is formed by the Rhone River, which enters from the east and empties in the west through the city of Geneva. While Lake Geneva’s north shore is home to fertile wine-producing land that rises into the Jura Mountains, the southern and eastern shores are bordered by the Savoy and Valaisan Alps. Aside from being one of the largest lakes in Europe, it is also one of the most star-studded. Actor Charlie Chaplin spent the last 23 years of his life on its banks, and the town of Vevey even has a memorial statue of him. Celebrities including Audrey Hepburn, Shania Twain, Phil Collins, Bono, Richard Branson, Coco Chanel, and Freddie Mercury also lived around the lake.
Source
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Q: In the 15th century, what important trading city was home to the largest library in Africa since the Library of Alexandria?
Stay tuned for the answer to today’s question in tomorrow’s DailyGeo.
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