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Israeli forces launched extensive operations across the West Bank, including Tubas, Jenin, and Hebron, targeting Palestinian militants amid rising violence since October 2023. Multiple casualties, arrests, and settler attacks have been reported today, reflecting ongoing tensions and military activity.
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European broadcasters are divided over Israel's participation in Eurovision 2026 amid tensions over Gaza. Several countries threaten to boycott if Israel competes, citing concerns over political interference and Gaza's humanitarian crisis. The EBU plans rule changes to prevent voting manipulation, with a vote on Israel's inclusion imminent.
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On November 24, 2025, the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) permanently ceased operations after delivering over 187 million meals during a six-month emergency mission in Gaza. Created to bypass UN aid amid an Israeli blockade, GHF faced criticism for deadly violence near its distribution sites. Its aid model will now be adopted by a US-led coordination center.
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The Biden administration is moving to designate chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon as foreign terrorist organizations, citing their support for violence and destabilization. The move follows regional crackdowns and regional tensions, with the process including reports from US agencies and potential legal challenges.
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Since the ceasefire began on October 10, 2025, violence persists in Gaza, with Israeli violations and Palestinian casualties rising. Efforts by US and Egyptian mediators face obstacles, especially over Hamas disarmament. Humanitarian conditions worsen as aid access remains limited and heavy rains cause flooding and displacement.
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Israel is intensifying efforts to locate and recover the remains of hostage Ran Gvili, believed to be in Gaza. Recent searches have yet to find his body, which remains a key issue for advancing a ceasefire and future negotiations. The search is ongoing amid political and military tensions.
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As of December 11, 2025, the Gaza ceasefire brokered by the US and regional mediators since October 10 remains fragile. Hamas is open to a weapons freeze but rejects full disarmament demanded by Israel under Trump's 20-point plan. Israeli forces maintain control over half of Gaza, with ongoing disputes over prisoner exchanges, international peacekeeping deployment, and the reopening of border crossings.
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Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei rejected rumors of US communication, condemning US and Israeli actions during recent conflicts. He praised Iran's unity during the war and dismissed claims that Iran's nuclear program was destroyed, asserting Iran's resilience and defiance.
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Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem stated the group retains the right to respond to Israel's killing of top commander Haytham Ali Tabatabai, warning of potential renewed conflict. Qassem called for Lebanon to prepare a defense plan amid ongoing tensions and Israeli strikes, while expressing hope for peace during Pope Leo's visit.
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Israel continues strikes on southern Lebanon despite a ceasefire, targeting Hezbollah infrastructure amid ongoing hostilities. Lebanon's government aims to disarm Hezbollah, but the group resists. Diplomatic talks have resumed, but violence and international criticism persist, with fears of broader conflict escalating.
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Two months after a US-backed ceasefire, Israel has violated it over 500 times, killing over 356 Palestinians and causing Gaza's death toll to exceed 70,000. Despite claims of peace, Israel continues military operations, destruction, and restrictions, with international protests demanding an end to the ongoing violence.
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On November 30, 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu formally requested a presidential pardon amid his ongoing corruption trial. Charged with bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, Netanyahu denies wrongdoing and argues the trial divides Israel. The request follows a letter from former U.S. President Donald Trump urging pardon to aid national unity. President Isaac Herzog will review the request with legal counsel.
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Pope Leo visited Lebanon, meeting with officials and addressing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. He emphasized Turkey's role in peace efforts and reiterated support for a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine. The trip highlights ongoing diplomatic efforts amid regional instability.
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Two prominent sports journalists, Josina Anderson and Zac Jackson, are embroiled in a dispute after Jackson received threatening messages allegedly linked to Anderson's sister. Meanwhile, a separate controversy involves a debate society president at Oxford making offensive comments about a political figure, leading to his resignation. The stories highlight tensions in media and political discourse.
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The ICC faces internal and external pressures as US sanctions target staff, including the acting prosecutor Karim Niang, amid ongoing investigations into US and Israeli officials. The court's independence is reaffirmed, but member withdrawals and delays in internal probes threaten its future. The 24th Assembly is ongoing today.
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Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu will meet with US President Trump on December 29 to discuss the second phase of a US-led plan to end the Gaza conflict. Topics include Hamas disarmament, Gaza governance, and regional security arrangements amid ongoing tensions and military operations in Gaza and Syria.
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Israeli escalation in Lebanon continues despite a year-old ceasefire, with threats to disarm Hezbollah and recent strikes raising fears of renewed conflict. Lebanon's government faces pressure to disarm Hezbollah, while diplomatic efforts aim to prevent full-scale war.
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Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu called for a demilitarized buffer zone in southern Syria as part of a potential security deal, amid ongoing talks brokered by the US. Trump expressed support for Syria's new leader, while Israel has conducted recent raids in Syrian territory. No agreement has been reached.
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As of December 2025, 67 journalists were killed worldwide, with Israeli forces responsible for 43%, primarily in Gaza where over 220 journalists have died since October 2023 amid ongoing conflict. Israel continues to bar international journalists from Gaza, despite calls for access and legal challenges. U.S. lawmakers criticize Israel's lack of transparent investigations into attacks on journalists.
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Iran is experiencing its worst drought in over 50 years, with reservoirs critically low and the government warning of potential relocation of Tehran. The crisis is driven by climate change, mismanagement, and high water demand, threatening regional stability and food security.
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On December 3, 2025, Israel's COGAT announced the Rafah crossing will reopen soon, allowing Gaza residents to exit to Egypt under EU supervision. Egypt insists the crossing must operate both ways per the US-brokered ceasefire, but Israel restricts entry until all hostages are returned. The crossing's reopening offers critical medical evacuation and economic relief amid Gaza's humanitarian crisis.
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Lebanon and Israel held their first civilian-led meeting since 1993 at the UN headquarters in Naqoura, amid US and Israeli pressure to disarm Hezbollah and normalize relations. Lebanon appointed former ambassador Simon Karam to lead its delegation, as tensions persist despite a ceasefire brokered in 2024.
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UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned Israel's military operations in Gaza, citing potential war crimes and flawed conduct. He highlighted ongoing violations of a fragile ceasefire, praised US aid efforts, and called for a reassessment of strategies amid rising civilian casualties and destruction. The story is current as of December 7, 2025.
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Israeli forces have continued to violate the Gaza ceasefire, conducting airstrikes and raids, killing at least 385 Palestinians since October. Meanwhile, Hamas has agreed to hand over remains of captives, and border crossings are slowly reopening amid ongoing tensions and humanitarian crises.
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Lebanese and Israeli civilian officials met on Wednesday for the first direct talks in decades, focusing on ceasefire issues, hostages, and Israeli withdrawal. Lebanon reaffirmed its commitment to the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, emphasizing peace must precede normalization and economic ties. The talks aim to reduce tensions amid ongoing Israeli strikes and troop presence.
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New York's incoming mayor Mamdani has vowed to enforce an ICC arrest warrant for Netanyahu, sparking tensions with the Israeli Prime Minister who plans to visit the city. Officials and legal experts question the legality of the arrest plan amid political disagreements and international law constraints. Netanyahu confirms his visit, while Hochul distances herself from Mamdani's stance.
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A US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas remains fragile, with ongoing delays in returning the remains of deceased hostages. The last body, of Israeli police officer Ran Gvili, is still in Gaza, while efforts continue to exchange captives and remains under international supervision.
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Israel's Knesset approved a NIS 662 billion ($205 billion) budget after negotiations, with defense spending set at NIS 112 billion. The budget faces opposition over tax hikes and allocations for Haredi communities, risking early elections if not approved by March 2026.
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One year after rebels led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa seized Damascus, Syria celebrates the fall of Bashar al-Assad. The new government has begun rebuilding efforts amid ongoing sectarian violence, international support, and internal power struggles. The country remains fragile, with hopes for stability and unity.
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High-level meetings between US, Qatar, and Israel focus on implementing the Gaza ceasefire. Discussions include troop withdrawals, Hamas disarmament, and deploying an international stabilisation force. Key issues remain unresolved, with ongoing tensions and violations threatening the fragile truce, now nearly two months old.
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German leader Friedrich Merz visited Israel and Jordan amid ongoing Gaza conflict, reaffirming support for Israel while navigating strained relations over arms exports and Netanyahu's ICC arrest warrant. The trip highlights Germany's balancing act between historical responsibility and current geopolitical interests.
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Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa warned that Israel's push for a demilitarized zone in southern Syria threatens regional stability. He emphasized adherence to the 1974 disengagement agreement amid ongoing Israeli incursions and airstrikes since the fall of Assad's regime last December. The US supports Syria's stance, but negotiations have stalled.
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Efforts for a security deal between Syria and Israel have failed to progress, despite US encouragement. Syria emphasizes adherence to the 1974 disengagement agreement, opposing Israeli demands for a demilitarized zone. Tensions remain high with ongoing Israeli incursions and regional instability.
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Bethlehem's Christmas celebrations have resumed after two years of silence due to war in Gaza. The city lit a large tree in Manger Square, signaling a cautious return of festivities amid ongoing conflict, economic hardship, and a fragile ceasefire. Tourism is slowly rebounding, but tensions remain high.
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Derek Chauvin, serving a 22.5-year sentence for George Floyd's murder, has filed a request for a new trial citing alleged misconduct and misleading testimony. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's attempt to halt his ongoing corruption trial through a pardon request sparks political debate and legal uncertainty.
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Hamas and Israel are preparing for the second phase of a US-backed ceasefire, focusing on disarmament, troop withdrawal, and Gaza reconstruction. Mediation continues, with international forces expected early next year. Key issues include Hamas's weapons storage and Israeli troop pullback, amid ongoing violence and negotiations.
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Hamas is regaining power in Gaza despite international pressure for disarmament and political transition. Israel and mediators are preparing for the next phase of a peace plan, with Hamas controlling more territory and revenue, raising concerns about disarmament and future conflict. The US and others plan to announce a new peace structure soon.
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Efforts to implement the Gaza ceasefire face delays amid accusations of violations by both Israel and Hamas. The reopening of key crossings and aid flows are limited, with ongoing violence and political disagreements hindering full implementation of the deal. The next phase involves disarming Hamas and withdrawing Israeli forces, but progress remains uncertain.
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Israel has reopened the Allenby (King Hussein) crossing for cargo aid into Gaza after security upgrades following a September incident. The crossing, the only route for Palestinians from the West Bank to Jordan, had been closed after a Jordanian driver killed two Israeli soldiers. Aid trucks are now passing under escort, with increased security measures in place.
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On December 11, 2025, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado arrived in Oslo after over a year in hiding, defying a travel ban. Machado, barred from last year's presidential election, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in October for her peaceful challenge to Nicolás Maduro's regime. Her daughter accepted the prize on her behalf in Oslo. Machado supports international action against Maduro and plans to return to Venezuela when security allows.
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Israel's government approved over 500 new settlement units in the West Bank, including in Hashmonaim, Beitar Illit, and Giv'at Ze'ev. The move, condemned by the Palestinian Authority and international bodies, continues Israel's settlement expansion amid regional tensions and increased violence. The decision follows recent escalation in settler attacks and military activity.
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Storm Byron threatens Gaza with heavy rains, floods, and strong winds, worsening an ongoing humanitarian crisis. Israeli restrictions hinder aid and shelter supplies, leaving thousands vulnerable to flooding and disease. International pressure is urged to improve aid access and response capacity. Today’s date is Fri, 12 Dec 2025 06:25:04 +0000.
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The US plans to lead a new International Stabilization Force in Gaza, with a two-star general appointed as commander, as part of ongoing efforts to oversee postwar governance and disarmament. The announcement is expected early next year, amid negotiations with regional actors and Israel.
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Amnesty International's latest report details crimes against humanity committed by Hamas during its October 2023 attack on Israel, including murder, torture, and hostage mistreatment. The report also accuses Israel of genocide in its Gaza response, amid ongoing violence and high civilian casualties.
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Egypt has expressed frustration with Israel over restrictions at the Rafah crossing amid ongoing Gaza conflict. Cairo demands open borders in both directions, citing security concerns and opposition to displacement. Diplomatic relations are strained, with Egypt wary of being used as a political pawn and delaying regional economic deals.
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A 76-year-old man, Ali Muhammad Abd–Al-Rahman, has been sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of 27 war crimes, including mass executions and brutal killings, committed in 2003-2004. The sentencing followed a hearing where prosecutors emphasized his deliberate and enthusiastic involvement in these crimes.
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Israeli forces targeted and killed Raed Saad, a senior Hamas commander involved in planning the October 2023 attack on Israel. The strike occurred in Gaza amid ongoing tensions, with Israel asserting it was in response to recent ceasefire violations. Hamas condemned the attack as a breach of the ceasefire.
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A mass shooting at a Hanukkah event in Sydney has killed at least 11 people, including a rabbi, with 13 critically injured. The attack, carried out by two gunmen, marks the deadliest in Australian history and follows a surge in antisemitic violence linked to rising tensions after Hamas's attack on Israel.