New Year's Eve sweeps across the globe, but wars cast a shadow on 2024

New Year's Day celebrations across the globe were subdued due to ongoing conflicts and heightened security concerns. In New York's Times Square, thousands gathered to watch the descent of the sparkling crystal ball, while in Sydney, Australia, more than 1 million people witnessed a pyrotechnic display. Fireworks lit up the night in various iconic locations, including Athens, Dubai, and Nairobi. Pope Francis highlighted the human cost of war and offered prayers for those affected in Ukraine, Gaza, and other regions. Despite the celebrations, the war in Ukraine and the Israeli strikes in Gaza continued to rage on.