Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter passed away at the age of 100 in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, on December 30, 2024. President Joe Biden announced plans for a state funeral to honor Carter, who served as the 39th president from 1977 to 1981. Memorial services are expected to take place in Washington, D.C., and Georgia, with a national day of mourning to be declared, during which flags will be flown at half-staff and federal buildings will close.
World leaders, including President-elect Donald Trump and former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, expressed their condolences and gratitude for Carter's contributions to public service. The Carter Center confirmed that a public observance will be held in Atlanta, followed by a lying in state at the U.S. Capitol.
Meanwhile, in Germany, the federal government announced a €60 million aid package to support humanitarian organizations in Syria, focusing on the reconstruction of schools and assistance for war-affected children. Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Svenja Schulze stated that the humanitarian situation in Syria remains dire, with 90% of the population living in poverty.
The funding will be distributed through non-governmental and international organizations, with €25 million allocated to UNICEF for school repairs and support for traumatized children. Other funds will assist internally displaced persons and promote women's rights. Schulze emphasized the need for a non-ideological and inclusive education system in Syria.
As the situation in Syria evolves following the recent power transition to the Islamist group Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, Germany has laid out conditions for its support, including a peaceful transfer of power and protection of minority rights.