Ukraine's Foreign Minister has called for sanctions against Russia's "shadow" grain fleet, which has stolen over 2 million tons of Ukrainian grain. Intelligence has identified 45 vessels involved in the theft, and Ukraine has already imposed sanctions on 43 of them.
The United States has begun withdrawing some military personnel from bases in Qatar. This is due to Iran's threats to strike American bases in the region.
The US State Department is suspending visa processing for 75 countries, including Russia and Iran, starting January 21. This is due to a review of applicant screening procedures that could lead to a public charge.
Hamas will dissolve its administration in Gaza after a Palestinian technocratic governing committee takes control of the region. This is a requirement of a US-brokered plan for the enclave.
From 2026 to 2028, Earth will experience a cascade of double solar eclipses, including three total and three annular solar eclipses. This is a repetition of a pattern last observed from 2008 to 2010.
The death toll in Gaza has risen to 71,384 as of January 4, 2026, with 171,251 injured. Since the ceasefire agreement came into effect, 418 people have been killed and another 1,171 injured.
The European Union has called for the preservation of Somalia's unity and territorial integrity after Israel officially recognized the breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent state. This decision has provoked a strong reaction from African and Middle Eastern countries and international organizations.
Israel has become the first state to recognize Somaliland's independence since its de facto secession from Somalia in 1991. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signed a joint declaration with the region's president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi.
Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan stated that the transition to the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement is expected in early 2026. The main priority at this stage is the transfer of Gaza's administration to a Palestinian group.
The European Union has agreed on a new law that allows migrant applications to be processed outside the EU and simplifies deportations. This expands the list of "safe third countries" and limits the possibilities of obtaining asylum in the European Union.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the approval of a 112 billion shekel ($34. 67 billion) deal to supply natural gas to Egypt. This agreement will help Egypt, which has spent billions on importing liquefied natural gas, to ease its energy crisis.
In Ukraine, December accounts for 30% of the annual import of mandarins, the demand for which was growing before the war. The main suppliers are Turkey, Pakistan, and Egypt.
Five people have been arrested in Bavaria on suspicion of preparing a potential attack on a Christmas market in the Dingolfing-Landau district. A 56-year-old Egyptian national called for an attack using a vehicle, and three Moroccans and a Syrian agreed to participate.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported on Russia's attack on the civilian Turkish vessel VIVA in the Black Sea, which was transporting food to Egypt. This incident is regarded as a threat to food security and a challenge to the global community.
The Ukrainian Navy reported that Russia attacked the Turkish vessel VIVA, carrying sunflower oil and en route to Egypt. The drone strike occurred in the open sea, and the crew was unharmed.
US sanctions against Russian oil giants Lukoil and Rosneft, which came into force on November 21, could cause a structural reorganization of the global oil sector. This will lead to the forced sale of assets and the redistribution of ownership of fields and refineries around the world.
Karina Ayrapetyan, the sole representative of Ukraine at the 2025 World Karate Championship, won a silver medal in the para-karate competition in the K30 category. In the final, the Lviv native faced Fatima Mahmoud from Egypt, where the judges awarded the victory to her opponent.
The KAIROS tanker, damaged in the Black Sea while transporting Russian oil products, cannot yet be towed to shore. The vessel has drifted 18 kilometers from the coast, and the oil spill has stretched for 16 kilometers.
The Turkish Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure reported a repeated hit on the vessel "Virat," which resulted in minor damage to its starboard side. The fire on the tanker "Kairos," which caught fire during a voyage between Egypt and Russia, was also extinguished, and the crew was evacuated.
After Hamas handed over the remains of an Israeli hostage the day before, in response, the Israelis handed over the remains of 15 Palestinians to Gaza. The transfer took place as part of the ceasefire agreement, the first phase of which is nearing its end.
Israel received another batch of human remains from Palestinian militants via the Red Cross. The remains will be sent for forensic examination for identification, but it is unknown whether they belong to the three hostages who remain in the Gaza Strip.
Officials from Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar met in Cairo to discuss the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. They agreed to strengthen coordination and cooperation to ensure the continuity of the truce and counter violations by Israel.
Montenegro plans to align its visa policy with EU standards, which is a requirement for accession to the European Union. The country will tighten visa rules for Russian citizens, who can currently travel without a visa for up to 30 days.
PSG right-back Achraf Hakimi has been named African Player of the Year 2025, ahead of Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen. His compatriot Ghizlane Chebbak was named African Women's Player of the Year.
A large-scale reconstruction of the Darb al-Labbana district under the Saladin Citadel is underway in Cairo. Restorers are restoring buildings, preserving historical facades and street plans, and integrating modern communications.
US President Donald Trump aims to officially make Saudi Arabia a major non-NATO ally to strengthen relations. This would give Saudi Arabia priority access to military equipment and participation in joint projects.
Hamas rejected demands for immediate disarmament and the creation of an international guardianship mechanism, undermining Trump's peace plan approved by the UN Security Council. This creates obstacles to stabilizing the region.
Russian seaborne crude flows fell for the fourth consecutive week, exacerbating the country's oil price slump and cutting the Kremlin's revenue to a two-and-a-half-year low – about $1. 2 billion a week. In the four weeks to November 16, the country shipped 3.36 million barrels per day, about 90,000 barrels less than in the comparable period to November 9.
Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler, Mohammed bin Salman, will pressure US President Donald Trump to intervene in the war in Sudan. Saudi Arabia believes that direct pressure from Trump is necessary to break the deadlock in negotiations.
The UN Security Council will vote on a US resolution supporting Donald Trump's plan for the future of Gaza. The document has received support from several Arab countries but has drawn objections from Israel and Hamas.
