Israel
The Israel Defense Forces announced the elimination of Raed Saed, one of Hamas's commanders. This occurred in response to an attack that wounded two Israeli soldiers.
The United States of America temporarily reduced intelligence sharing with Israel in the second half of 2024. This was due to concerns about the methods of warfare in the Gaza Strip and the lack of guarantees regarding compliance with the laws of war.
The administration of US President Donald Trump is forming a coalition to counter China's dominant control over critical minerals and technology sectors. On Friday, the Pax Silica declaration will be signed with the participation of Singapore, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Israel.
Ukraine's Ambassador to Israel, Yevhen Korniychuk, was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This happened after his criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's statements about "close personal contact" with Vladimir Putin.
Political expert Oleh Posternak stated that Ihor Kolomoisky should repent before Ukrainians for his "deeds" that warrant at least one life sentence. The expert recalled the accusations against the oligarch of contract killings, siphoning off billions of hryvnias through PrivatBank, and embezzling 3.3 billion UAH in the cases of Ukrnafta and Ukrtatnafta.
An assassination attempt was made on businessman Timur Mindich, a figure in the "Midas" case, in Israel on November 28, as reported by Ihor Kolomoisky. The criminals have been arrested, and a domestic worker was injured.
The Hamas leader threatens not to proceed to the next phase of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, demanding increased pressure on Israel. Key demands include opening the border crossing, ending deadly strikes, and ensuring the flow of humanitarian aid.
Israeli police forcibly entered the UN compound in East Jerusalem. UNRWA called the incident an unacceptable violation of UN privileges and immunities.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council, stated that numerical superiority in personnel does not guarantee results in modern technological warfare. The effectiveness of drones, especially those with AI, will provide a "security wall" and become the basis of defense in the future.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that he does not plan to leave politics in exchange for a possible pardon in corruption cases. He emphasized that his fate would be determined by the citizens of Israel.
At the Doha Forum, Syria's interim president accused Israel of fighting 'ghosts' in the Gaza Strip and seeking a conflict that has already ended.
In Bethlehem, on the West Bank, public Christmas celebrations have resumed with the lighting of a giant Christmas tree in Manger Square. The decision was made after the ceasefire, despite the ongoing suffering in Gaza, to revive the city's tourism-dependent economy.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun declared the "irreversibility" of expanding negotiations with Israel to end the violence, while Hezbollah publicly criticized the move as a political mistake.
The naval forces of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) conducted two-day military exercises, carrying out a massive launch of ballistic and cruise missiles. This demonstrated their readiness to counter external threats.
Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, his associate Steve Witkoff, and Tony Blair will play a key role in the reconstruction and governance of the war-torn Gaza Strip. Their involvement in resolving the Gaza conflict is part of new US plans, expected to be announced this month.
US President Donald Trump plans to announce a transition to the second phase of the Palestinian-Israeli settlement by Christmas. He will also present a new governance structure for the Gaza Strip.
A delegation of 15 UN Security Council members visited Syria for the first time since 1945, meeting with interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa. The visit took place on the eve of the anniversary of the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime and aimed to build trust.
Weeks after Iraq recognized Yemen's Houthis and Hezbollah as terrorists, the authorities revoked the decision, citing a mistake.
The Netherlands, Spain and Ireland will boycott Eurovision 2026 due to Israel's permission to participate. This decision was made after members of the European Broadcasting Union voted for new rules protecting the integrity of the competition.
Germany has become the first European country to deploy the advanced Arrow air defense system. It is designed to intercept medium-range ballistic missiles, such as Russia's "Oreshnik," and will be deployed in three locations by 2030.
The Rafah border crossing, to allow Palestinian residents of the Gaza Strip to leave its territory, may be opened by Israel in the coming days.
Through the mediation of the Red Cross, Hamas handed over to the Israeli side the remains of another hostage who died during the war in the Middle East.
During his first foreign visit to the Middle East, before flying to the Vatican, the Pope called on world leaders for peace and to prevent wars.
Donald Trump has tasked trusted individuals without diplomatic training, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, with negotiating a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia. They are scheduled to meet with Vladimir Putin in Moscow, despite criticism over their ties to Russian officials.
US President Donald Trump urged Israel to continue dialogue with Syria after a border incident that escalated relations. This happened after Israeli soldiers were wounded during an operation near the Syrian border.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, stated that Russia will seek to destroy Ukraine and annex its territories as long as Putin's regime remains in power. He emphasized that a return to peaceful life is impossible, and Ukraine must ensure its security with a strong army.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has submitted an official request for a pardon to President Isaac Herzog. The request concerns charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in three cases.
Israel and the US are negotiating the fate of 200 Hamas militants trapped in the Rafah tunnels. Washington insists on a safe corridor, while Prime Minister Netanyahu considers it a risky move.
Kyrgyzstan held early parliamentary elections, with 467 candidates vying for 90 seats. This occurred amidst arrests of opposition figures and the closure of independent media outlets.
Pope Leo will visit Lebanon, which is under pressure from Israeli airstrikes, to address the country with a call for peace. This will be the second stage of his first foreign trip, following a visit to Turkey.