The Danish postal service will cease letter deliveries by the end of December, marking the end of a 400-year tradition, while Spain's ruling party grapples with corruption and harassment allegations as voters head to the polls in Extremadura. In Gaza, Israeli military actions have resulted in the deaths of six Palestinians, raising concerns about the fragile ceasefire.

Danish Postal Service to Cease Letter Deliveries
Denmark's postal service, PostNord, announced it will deliver its final letter on December 30, concluding over four centuries of letter delivery in the country. The decision, attributed to the increasing digitalization of Danish society, comes as letter demand has plummeted by more than 90% in the last 25 years. PostNord, formed from a merger of Swedish and Danish postal services, will cut 1,500 jobs and remove 1,500 red postboxes. While letters will still be sent through the delivery company Dao, customers will need to visit Dao shops or pay for collection services. Despite the shift, research indicates a resurgence in letter-writing among younger Danes, who are seeking a counterbalance to digital communication. Danish law mandates the option to send letters must remain, ensuring continued service availability.

Spain's Ruling Party Faces Corruption Allegations Ahead of Regional Elections
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is under pressure as voters in Extremadura prepare to cast their ballots in a critical election amid a backdrop of corruption and harassment allegations. The snap election was called after the regional budget was rejected, transitioning control from Sánchez's Spanish Socialist Workers' party (PSOE) to the conservative People's Party (PP). The socialist candidate, Miguel Ángel Gallardo, is facing trial for influence-peddling regarding a job for Sánchez's brother, further complicating the PSOE's position. Sánchez's administration has also been accused of failing to address sexual harassment within the party, leading to public outcry. The election results will be closely monitored as they could indicate the extent of damage to the PSOE's reputation and influence.

Gaza Violence Escalates Amid Fragile Ceasefire
The Israeli military killed six Palestinians, including a baby, in an attack on a school in Gaza City, prompting outrage as the region grapples with ongoing violence. Hospital officials reported the incident, which raises the death toll to 401 Palestinians since a ceasefire began in October. The attack occurred as Israeli troops fired across the ceasefire line, leading to civilian casualties. Witnesses described the situation as a bloodbath, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The ceasefire, which aims to establish a more permanent peace, is at risk as discussions between Hamas and Israel remain unresolved. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the need for clarity on the mandate of an international stabilization force, essential for future peace efforts.

Wrap-up
Denmark's transition away from letter deliveries showcases the impact of digitalization on traditional services, while Spain's political landscape is under scrutiny as corruption allegations threaten the ruling party's stability. In Gaza, escalating violence poses significant challenges to the fragile ceasefire, emphasizing the urgent need for diplomatic solutions to ensure peace and humanitarian relief.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team