Israel
Negotiations between Israel and Hamas on a ceasefire are 90% complete. The main obstacle remains the issue of Israel's military presence in the Philadelphia Corridor.
The Deputy Foreign Minister of Poland announces his readiness to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu under an ICC warrant.
Iran introduced reduced working hours for government agencies and online learning due to a 350 million cubic meter gas shortage. Industrial enterprises and shopping centers were left without electricity, and production decreased by 30-50%.
Yemeni Houthis launched a rocket attack on the capital of Israel, a missile landed in the city center on a playground. Five people were lightly injured by glass fragments.
The German Ministry of Defense has approved a large-scale program for the purchase of military equipment worth 20 billion euros. It is planned to modernize the Taurus, purchase submarines, Aegis systems, Patriot missiles and other weapons.
Human Rights Watch declares Israel's deliberate restriction of access to water in Gaza as an act of genocide. Due to the contaminated water sources, 670 thousand cases of diarrhea have been recorded among the population.
The Israeli military conducted targeted strikes on Houthi positions in the western and central regions of Yemen. Ports, energy infrastructure and military facilities were attacked after a missile was intercepted from Yemen.
Sirens sounded in central Israel due to the launch of a missile from Yemen, which was intercepted before crossing the border. The Houthis announced the launch of a ballistic missile at a military target in Jaffa.
Israel's Prime Minister announced the maintenance of a buffer zone in Syria until a new agreement is reached. The statement was made from Mount Hermon amid the escalation of the conflict and the build-up of military presence in the region.
The former FBI informant admitted that he fabricated a story about $5 million in bribes to Joe and Hunter Biden from the Ukrainian company Burisma. Smirnov also pleaded guilty to tax evasion on $2 million in income.
The IDF launched a massive air strike on military targets in the Syrian province of Tartus, destroying missile depots. The explosions were so powerful that they caused a magnitude 3 earthquake.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has a phone conversation with Donald Trump about the release of hostages in Gaza and the events in Syria. Trump threatens “hell” in the Middle East if the hostages are not released before his inauguration.
The Israeli Air Force carried out large-scale strikes on military targets in Syria's Tartus and Latakia. Air defense bases, surface-to-surface missile depots, and other military facilities near the Russian naval base were attacked.
Israel is investing 40 million shekels to increase the population in the occupied Golan Heights due to threats from Syria. The plan was announced after the ouster of Bashar al-Assad and the coming to power of a new leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry announced the closure of its embassy in Dublin due to Ireland's “anti-Semitic actions. ” The decision was made after Ireland recognized Palestine and supported the claim of “genocide” in Gaza.
In the village of Kosenivka, the ruins of a house with the remains of seven representatives of the Trypillian culture were discovered. Traces of burns and injuries were found on the bones, which may indicate a violent death in a fire.
The G7 countries reaffirmed their support for the political process in Syria and called for the formation of a new inclusive government. The leaders emphasized the need to bring the Assad regime to justice and destroy chemical weapons.
The Israel Defense Forces said it could strike Iran's nuclear facilities after weakening its allies in the region. The Israeli Air Force is increasing its readiness for potential strikes despite Iran's denial of developing nuclear weapons.
According to Reporters Without Borders, 54 journalists were killed in the line of duty in 2024, one third of them in Gaza. 550 media workers are imprisoned around the world, most of them in China and Myanmar.
The UN General Assembly adopts a resolution on an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages by 158 votes to 9. The United States had previously vetoed a similar resolution in the Security Council.
In the Manot Cave in Israel, archaeologists discovered a 35,000-year-old stone sculpture of a turtle. The artifact could have been used for rituals by ancient people in a special room in the cave.
The IDF has begun withdrawing troops from the area of the city of Khiam in southern Lebanon in accordance with the November ceasefire agreement. The full withdrawal from all areas is expected to be completed by the end of January 2025.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke in court in Tel Aviv, calling the charges “an ocean of absurdity. ” He is accused in three cases related to gifts and influence on the media.
During a night operation, the Israeli Navy completely destroyed the Syrian navy. Israeli troops are also creating a “sterile defense zone” in southern Syria and strengthening their positions near the Golan Heights.
The G7 countries have expressed their readiness to support the new Syrian government after the change of power. A key condition for support is the observance of human rights and respect for religious and ethnic minorities.
The Israeli military has carried out 250 air strikes on Syrian military targets, including air bases and military facilities. IDF tanks are advancing to the suburbs of Damascus, and the Israeli Air Force is close to destroying the Syrian Air Force.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu will appear in court for the first time on corruption charges. He has to testify three times a week, despite the ongoing war with Hamas and regional instability.
The Israeli Prime Minister declared the inalienable nature of the Golan Heights from Israel after the fall of the Assad regime in Syria. Netanyahu stressed the strategic importance of the region and thanked the United States for recognizing the annexation.
Iranian officials have confirmed direct contacts with groups in Syria's new leadership. Tehran is seeking to maintain its influence in the region after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime.
Israeli ground forces crossed the Demilitarized Zone on the border with Syria for the first time since 1973. The military took control of Mount Hermon and other strategic positions to protect the border.