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.
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.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan praised Pope Leo's approach to the Palestinian issue and his calls for peace in Ukraine. He expressed hope that the new Catholic leader's first foreign visit would contribute to world peace.
The presentation of the book by Poland's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Radosław Sikorski, in Krakow was disrupted by pro-Palestinian activists. The politician was forced to leave the event accompanied by security guards, and one of the activists attempted to attack him.
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.
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.
Israel struck Beirut on November 23, stating that the target was Hezbollah's chief of staff. The attack resulted in one death and 21 injuries.
Hamas informed the US special envoy and the US president's son-in-law about the termination of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. This followed Israeli military raids that resulted in the deaths of 10 people.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy faces the most painful choice: to agree to a peace deal that involves giving up part of Donbas, or to continue the war. This is due to new efforts by the Trump administration for a peace deal that involves compromises from Ukraine.
The UN World Food Programme says more food is entering Gaza after the October ceasefire, but it's still not enough. Hundreds of thousands of people remain in critical need, and at least half a million residents are already starving.
Human Rights Watch accused Israel of war crimes and crimes against humanity in early 2025. Tens of thousands of Palestinians were forcibly displaced from three refugee camps in the occupied West Bank.
