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.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu announced preparations for a response after the explosion incident in Rafah, which injured an IDF officer. Hamas denies involvement, claiming the explosion was caused by old ammunition.
Thousands gathered in Manger Square in Bethlehem on Christmas Eve, where the giant Christmas tree has returned. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa opened the celebrations, calling for a "Christmas full of light" despite the consequences of the war in the region.
President Trump's new envoy to Greenland, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, announced his intention to initiate a dialogue with the island's residents regarding its development. This contradicts Trump's previous statements about the need for US control over Greenland.
The Israeli Ministry of Defense denied the government's intentions to restore civilian settlements in the Gaza Strip, stating that the military presence would be purely for security purposes. This position contradicts the "Trump Plan" for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the enclave.
Former aide to Israeli Prime Minister Eli Feldstein stated that after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, Benjamin Netanyahu sought ways to avoid responsibility. According to Feldstein, Netanyahu instructed him to develop a strategy to neutralize media criticism regarding security failures.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu will visit the US next week to meet with Donald Trump. The main topics will be Iran's nuclear activity in light of its recent missile exercises, as well as the transition to the next stage of Trump's "Plan" for Gaza.
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 Israeli government has approved the construction of 19 new Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, increasing their number to 210. This decision legalizes previously established outposts and allows construction on lands from which Palestinians have been evicted.
Thousands gathered on Sydney's Bondi Beach a week after an attack on a Jewish festival that killed 15 people. The event was attended by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other high-ranking officials, as authorities step up the fight against antisemitism.
US Secretary of State Rubio announced the imposition of restrictions against two ICC judges, Gocha Lordkipanidze and Erdenebalsuren Damdin. This decision was made under an executive order aimed at countering attempts by the court to prosecute citizens of states that are not members of the ICC.
The UN has halved food rations in Gaza due to Israeli restrictions on humanitarian aid. This has resulted in families receiving only half of their minimum caloric needs.
A Hamas negotiator stated that Israel's killing of senior commander Raed Said and three of his associates jeopardizes the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The Hamas leader called on US President Trump to demand that Israel adhere to the terms of the truce.
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 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.
Representatives of the Plast scout organization have received the Bethlehem Peace Light in Ukraine. Ukrzaliznytsia reported that Plast scouts have been delivering the Light from Bethlehem for almost 40 years.
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.
US President Donald Trump received the newly established FIFA Peace Prize during the 2026 World Cup draw. The award was personally presented by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who highly praised Trump's efforts to establish peace worldwide.
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.
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.
The crew of the Greek vessel attacked by Houthis in the Red Sea has been released. All 11 crew members, including Filipinos, a Russian, and an Indian, will arrive in Oman.
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.
The Nightmare FPV drone platform from Renegade UxS, which has proven its effectiveness in Ukraine, has been officially added to the US government's BLUE UAS Cleared List. This allows the US military to use the strike drone, bypassing lengthy defense procurement cycles.
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.
Arms sales revenues of the top 100 arms-producing companies grew by 5. 9% in 2024, reaching $679 billion. This growth is driven by the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, geopolitical tensions, and increased military spending.
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.
