- 5 hours ago
03/02/2026
FTS 8.30
*Climate crisis affect several countries around the world
*Limited Rafah crossing opening allows few Palestinians through the border with Egypt
FTS 8.30
*Climate crisis affect several countries around the world
*Limited Rafah crossing opening allows few Palestinians through the border with Egypt
Category
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NewsTranscript
00:00This Tuesday, February 30th, Citizens Worldwide Hall rallies and different activities in support of Venezuela a month after the U.S. invasion and kidnapping of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Celia Flores.
00:22And climate crisis continues to cause weather disasters around the globe with forest fires flooding and winter storms.
00:35And in Palestine during the first day of the Rafa border crossing opening, Israel limitation only allowed 12 citizens to enter Gaza and 5 patients to exit looking for medical aid.
00:46Hello, welcome to From the South. I'm Luis Alberto Matos from Delezu Studios in Havana, Cuba. We begin with the news.
00:56On Monday night, Venezuelan citizens held a national vision to reaffirm their demand for the release of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Celia Flores.
01:15One month after their kidnapping by U.S. military forces.
01:20People gathered at the Alta Gracia Parish in Caracas for a feature demanding the liberation of Venezuela's presidential couple who were kidnapped on January 3rd during the U.S. military incursion into national territory.
01:31According to reports from the authorities, the armed attack left at least 100 people dead and a similar number wounded.
01:38Thus, the people of this South American country continued to demand respect for their sovereignty and reiterate their firm support for the Bolivarian revolution.
01:50A photo gallery dedicated to President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Celia Flores was inaugurated at the Venezuelan embassy in the Chinese capital.
01:59This is part of an international agenda demanding their release and return to Venezuela.
02:03Similar activities were carried out at Venezuelan embassies in different regions in the world.
02:08During the event, held in the Asian giant, Venezuela's ambassador to China, Remigio Ceballos, denounced the military operation as a serious violation of international law and stressed the demand for release has become a humanitarian and global cause.
02:27Also in China, the government reiterated its condemnation of the military intervention and the kidnapping of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Celia Flores a month after the aggression against Venezuela.
02:40China's Foreign Minister Guo Jia-kun reaffirmed China's support for the defense of Venezuela's sovereignty, dignity and legitimate rights.
02:49In this regard, the spokesperson affirmed his willingness to work with the international community to firmly defend the Charter of the United Nations.
02:56The spokesperson also denounced the use of force by the United States against a sovereign state,
03:01describing it as intimidating behavior and an act that seriously violates international law and undermines the sovereignty of peoples.
03:13The United States played a military strike against Venezuela and its forcible detention of President Maduro and his wife constitute a serious violation of international law,
03:24infringes upon Venezuela's sovereignty and threatens peace and stability in Latin America and the Caribbean.
03:29China firmly opposes this.
03:31China supports Venezuela in safeguarding its sovereignty, dignity and legitimate rights
03:36and will work with the international community to firmly uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter,
03:42adhere to the bottom line of international morality and safeguard international fairness and justice.
03:47And the Dominican Solidarity Committee in defense of the sovereignty of peoples in struggle called for a march in Santo Domingo to demand the release of Nicolas Maduro and Celia Flores,
04:00one month after the kidnapping by U.S. forces.
04:02The march will start at 5 p.m. from the iconic Coppelio building and head to the statue of Colonel Francisco Alberto Camano in the colonial city.
04:11In this context, several social and popular organizations have confirmed their participation in what they describe as an act of internationalist solidarity.
04:19The date also coincides with the anniversary of the Playa Caracoles landing, linking the historical Dominican resistance with the current defense of Venezuelan sovereignty.
04:32In other topics in Panama, after 28 years of operation, a core ruling changes control of Panama's main ports and opens a new chapter in the geopolitical dispute of the strategic interoceanic route.
04:44The government of Panama has activated a transition plan to administer the ports of Balboa on the Pacific and Cristobal on the Atlantic.
04:52The measure responds to the Supreme Court's ruling that the port concession contract held by Hutchinson's local subsidiary is unconstitutional.
05:00The decision ends the 1997 agreement, its addendum and its 25-year extension, leaving the operation of the country's two main terminals uncertain.
05:09The ruling comes amid pressure from the United States following a failed attempt by the BlackRock Investment Fund to acquire the concession.
05:16In Puerto Rico, a major breakdown in the Carraizo dam's pumping system has left approximately 44,000 customers in San Juan and surrounding areas without drinking water.
05:31The state-owned aqueduct and sewer authority declared an emergency at the Sergio Cuevas filtration plant after a pump motor was affected by voltage fluctuations on Saturday.
05:40The AAA stated in writing that this breakdown is more complex.
05:46It involves a specialized system that requires intervention by a specific technical workshop that services industrial-sized equipment.
05:53The repair work is estimated to take approximately 15 days.
05:56The institution anticipated measures to assist the system with water from other sectors, including the Zúpera Aqueduct del Norte.
06:08And on Monday, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum congratulated Laura Fernández on her victory in the Costa Rican presidential election.
06:15The head of the executive branch posted a message on social media stating that the Mexican government reaffirms its desire to strengthen the bonds of friendship, cooperation and respect between both nations.
06:25According to data from the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, Fernández, candidate for the conservative Sovereign People's Party, won February 1st election with 1,446,000 votes, more than 48% of votes.
06:38We have a first break coming up. Remember you can join us on TikTok at Telesu English where you'll find news in different formats, news updates and much more.
06:50We'll be right back. Stay with us.
06:52Welcome back.
07:14A Monday, the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador warned of the social and environmental risks of the Mining and Energy Bill promoted by President Alinopoa's government.
07:24The organization expressed alarm regarding the Organic Law project for strengthening the strategic mining and energy sectors, which the executive sent as an urgent economic initiative and which the National Assembly is already processing.
07:36The indigenous movement claims that the proposal prioritizes accelerating extractive investments without ensuring prior free and informed consultation, which is a right recognized in the Ecuadorian constitution and international human rights treaties.
07:55On Monday, Peru's Public Prosecutor's Office announced an investigation into the judges who sentenced former President Ollanta Humala and his wife Nadine Heredia to 15 years in prison for the alleged crime of money laundering.
08:07The investigation originated from a complaint filed by the former President against Judges Max Bengoa, Juana Caballero and Naiko Coronado, whom he accuses of abuse of authority, omission, refusal or delaying performing official duties, malfeasance and falsification.
08:23Humala's lawyer, Wilfredo Pedraza, said that the main charges in the complaint are abuse of authority because the judge sent the defendant to prison before notifying him of the full sentence and malfeasance because it was not even finished.
08:36The Argentine people continue to defend their rights against the austerity measures imposed by Javier Millet's government.
08:48Next Thursday, February 5th, there will be a total train strike after unions announced they would not accept handouts.
08:55After their latest joint meeting, the La Fraternidad Railway Union announced that their industrial action will last 24 hours.
09:02in response to trenes Argentinos and Belgrano Cargas crew offered to restructure train driver salaries.
09:09La Fraternidad has decided to implement a plan of action beginning Thursday for his part.
09:14The Union's General Secretary, Omar Maturano, said that they do not have mandatory arbitration with the government.
09:20In Argentina, forest fires fueled by high temperatures and strong winds continue to ravage large areas of Patagonia in the south of the country.
09:43The Argentine government declared a state of emergency in the province of Santa Cruz, the fifth due to forest fires.
09:50The fires began in December and continued throughout January, destroying more than 45,000 hectares in areas of Patagonia.
09:56The most recent incident was reported in the mountainous regions surrounding National Route 71 in the province of Chubut,
10:02where the flames consumed vast expanses of forest.
10:12And precisely in Chubut, one of the provinces hit by fires in Argentine Patagonia,
10:16volunteer firefighters say the government's commitment is not an additional donation, but rather the fulfillment of a 2025 death.
10:22The president of the Chubut Volunteer Firefighters Federation, Ruben Oliva, glorified that the transfer of resources are not extraordinary
10:29or additional aid related to the Patagonia forest fires.
10:32In this scenario, the federation confirmed compliance with national law number 25054,
10:37governing the financing of the National Volunteer Firefighter System since 1998.
10:42On Thursday, the official Gazette published a resolution transferring more than $68 million to the Volunteer Firefighter System.
10:50In response to the low temperatures forecast for Tuesday in several areas of Mexico City,
11:00the Secretariat for Comprehensive Risk Management and Civil Protection in this capital city activated orange and yellow alerts.
11:06In light of this scenario, the authorities recommended that the population avoid sudden temperature changes,
11:11wear at least three layers of clothing, preferably cotton or wool,
11:15and use cream to protect and moisturize their skin against the cold.
11:18They also advise people to drink plenty of water, eat fruits and vegetables,
11:22rich in vitamins A and C, wash their hands frequently, and use antibacterial gel.
11:27If they experience any discomfort, they should go to the nearest health center.
11:38And in Colombia, heavy flooding caused damage in the city of Cartagena.
11:41The rainfall caused flooding, as well as falling trees and power outages.
11:45According to local authorities, weather conditions, including strong winds and high waves,
11:49will continue in the city until February 6th.
11:51In this scenario, they called on the population to take extreme precautions.
11:54In addition, authorities ordered the total closure of all local beaches,
11:58a measure that will remain in effect for the next two days.
12:00And in Spain, the first effects of Storm Leonardo materialized on the peninsula,
12:12with a river overflowing and power outages.
12:15According to Spain's State Meteorological Agency, the new storm will bring intense and extraordinarily persistent rains,
12:21accompanied by wind and severe sea conditions.
12:24The emergency service handles 758 incidents in Andalusia on Monday due to the storm.
12:29In this regard, in the event of flooding, SeaWorld Protection has asked people to avoid driving in flooded areas
12:35and not to attempt to cross footbridges or watercourses on foot.
12:39It has also advised people to stay away from rivers and torrents and to use main roads and highways for travel.
12:51We now have our second break coming up before we invite you to tune in at 7 p.m. Caracas time, 6 p.m. Havana time
12:58for a special interview with historian, former British ambassador and human rights activist, Craig Murray,
13:03analyzing the impact of a month after the U.S. military aggression of Venezuela
13:07and the kidnapping of President Nicolas Maduro.
13:10So join us at 7 p.m. Caracas time here on Telesur English.
13:15Final break. Don't go away.
13:21Welcome back.
13:44After delaying the process for several days, the Israeli regime reopened Monday the Rafa border crossing
13:49between the Gaza Strip and Egypt, but only to a limited number of Palestinians.
13:53The decision is part of the agreement signed by the Saturday State, which just a few days ago announced the limited opening as of Monday.
13:59After almost two years of blockade, the opening is being carried out in a pilot phase under strict security measures
14:05and with the coordination of Egypt and the European Union.
14:08The crossing will allow pedestrian traffic in both directions, mainly for people requiring medical attention.
14:13According to Egyptian estimates, nearly 200 cancer patients and people with other serious illnesses as well as injured people
14:20will cross this passage daily to reach Egyptian health centers.
14:26In Palestine, the return to the Gaza Strip of the first 12 citizens was recorded after the reopening of the Rafa border on Monday.
14:37The group arrived at the Nasser Medical Complex in Hanjunis, following a highly restricted transit process in the southern part of the enclave.
14:44The operating mechanisms established for these first days envisions a limited divided flow as follows.
14:50For entry into Gaza, the initial return of a quota of 50 people from Egypt was authorized,
14:55and for exit from Gaza, the evacuation of 50 critical patients and wounded to Egyptian territory for medical treatment is anticipated.
15:03According to official data, at least 22,000 injured or sick people remain on a waiting list upon which their survival depends.
15:10And despite the reopening of the Rafa crossing between Gaza and Egypt on Monday, the first day of the opening,
15:19Israel only allowed five injured Palestinians in need of medical care to leave Gaza.
15:24The reopening of Rafa, Gaza's only land crossing is seen as evidence of the progress of the Gaza ceasefire deal,
15:30but Monday's events revealed strict security restrictions, complex procedures and limited crossings,
15:35falling far short of expectations and Gaza's humanitarian needs.
15:39According to information provided to Gaza's health authorities, each of the five patients allowed to leave was accompanied by two people,
15:46as per Israeli orders, bringing the total number of travelers to 15.
15:54And in this regard, Dr. Muhammad Abu Salmiya, director of the Alt-Shifa Medical Complex, criticized the current mechanism that only allows 50 patients to leave the Gaza Strip per day,
16:05leaving thousands waiting. The doctor warned of the repercussions of the catastrophic health conditions in the coastal enclave, home to more than two million people.
16:13He emphasized that thousands of wounded and sick people urgently need treatment outside Gaza.
16:18However, he questioned the exit mechanisms imposed by Israel, which he described as very difficult and complex.
16:23Although he welcomed February 2nd reopening of the Rafa border crossing for departure of patients,
16:28he stressed that, according to the approved figures, it would take years to evacuate them all.
16:34The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon reported that the Israeli regime launched unidentified chemical substances over Lebanese territory near the Blue Line.
16:48The peace mission reported in a statement that the Israeli forces notified the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon of the execution of an air operation
16:54to drop what they described as non-toxic chemical material over areas near the Blue Line.
17:00The organization also collaborated with the Lebanese Armed Forces in collecting samples of the material dropped for analysis and verification of its degree of toxicity.
17:09In addition, they reported that this is not the first time the Tel Aviv regime has dropped unidentified chemical materials from its aircraft over Lebanese territory.
17:22As tensions around the threat of a military confrontation appear to ease, Iran's President has announced that he has instructed diplomats to seek talks with the United States.
17:31On Tuesday, President Massoud Pesizkian wrote on social media that he had instructed the country's foreign minister to pursue fair and equitable negotiations.
17:39This announcement corroborates reports that Iran is prepared to participate in negotiations organized by Turkey in an effort to ease tensions.
17:46The U.S. has gathered warships in the region and President Donald Trump has issued threats several times.
17:51However, comments and reports from both sides over the weekend and into Monday suggested that back-channel diplomacy was progressing.
18:00In Japan, citizens protested in front of the Ministry of Defense against the Rearmament and Foreign Policy of Prime Minister Sanai Takahashi's administration.
18:13Protesters denounced the security policies implemented by Takahashi since taking office, claiming they are leading the country towards a scenario of military confrontation.
18:21The protests focused on the Henoko base in Okinawa denouncing it not only as an impossible burden for the local population, but also as a catalyst for war.
18:31This contained escalated after Takahashi's statements on November 7, when she described a possible conflict in Taiwan as a threat to Japan's survival, opening the door to direct armed intervention and breaking with decades of pacifist policy.
18:44And approximately 3,000 people gathered in the capital of Algeria to witness the launch of the promotional video for the 2026 Spring Festival Gala.
18:59This event promotes cultural exchange between the two countries.
19:16The Chinese ambassador to Algeria, Don Guanli, and the Algerian Minister of Culture and Arts, Malika Ben-Dude, highlighted the importance of the Spring Festival as a symbol of cultural exchanges between the two nations.
19:28During the event, performances showcasing the rich Chinese culture were held, including dance, music and acrobatics, which were very well received by the local audience.
19:37Attendees expressed their admiration for Chinese traditions and their desire to continue promoting cultural understanding between the two countries.
19:45And the 2026 Venice Carnival kicked off with a colorful opening ceremony feature in the iconic Pante Gana, a giant carnival rat that sailed down the Grand Canal.
20:00From January 31st to February 17th, the city comes alive with a parade of themed boats and Venetians and tourists in elaborate 18th-century costumes and masks.
20:11This year, the carnival pays tribute to the Olympic spirit under the slogan, Olympus, the origins of the game, in anticipation of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan Cortina.
20:23The main festivities will take place from February 7th to the 17th, with events such as mask contests in St. Mark's Square and the traditional flight of the lion.
20:33The celebration will culminate on Shrove Tuesday, which marks the beginning of Lent.
20:45The African diaspora in Argentina organized an anti-racist and anti-fascist festival, combining political debates, cultural expressions and live music to denounce structural racism.
20:55The day included rounds of exchanges between various organizations in the Buenos Aires metropolitan area and offered spaces for children, institutional booths and entrepreneurship fairs.
21:05International leaders in anti-racist activism such as Oshii Curiel and Ángela de Silva, Bruce Celino, participated in the discussions and contributed their perspective on the struggle against racism and the advance of the far right.
21:19The festival culminated with musical performances by artists such as DJ Tao and Malafama.
21:33Ladies and gentlemen, we've come to the end of this news brief.
21:34You can find this and many other stories on our website at www.texelenglish.net, so join us on social media on Facebook and TikTok.
21:44With Tedzoe English, I'm Luis Roberto Matos.
21:45Thanks for watching.
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