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The UN human rights office is in 'survival mode' due to a $90 million funding shortfall, leading to job cuts and reduced monitoring of violations worldwide. Major donors have decreased contributions amid shifting priorities, impacting the organization's ability to respond to crises, especially in conflict zones like Gaza and Sudan.
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Heavy rains and storms have damaged over 22,000 tents in Gaza, destroying shelters and worsening conditions for more than 1.5 million displaced Palestinians amid ongoing Israeli restrictions and conflict. Aid efforts are hampered, and winter risks threaten further deterioration of living conditions.
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As of December 6, 2025, Gaza remains devastated after two years of war with Israel, with over 70,000 Palestinians killed and much of the territory reduced to rubble. A fragile ceasefire has allowed rare moments of hope, such as a mass wedding of 54 couples, but ongoing violence, humanitarian shortages, and political instability persist amid international efforts to stabilize the region.
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The US supports a plan to create 'safe communities' in Gaza, dividing the territory into Israeli-controlled zones and others. Construction of compounds for displaced Palestinians is underway, but details on funding, infrastructure, and governance remain uncertain amid ongoing conflict and political disagreements.
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Israeli forces intensified strikes in Gaza, violating the ceasefire with ongoing shelling and ground operations. Palestinian casualties and destruction continue, while Israel reports ongoing violations and military activity. Hezbollah mourns an assassinated commander in Lebanon, raising fears of broader conflict. The situation remains volatile as fighting persists.
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Recent reports show a significant increase in antisemitic incidents worldwide, especially in Australia, Germany, and Czechia, driven by Middle East conflicts and political tensions. Incidents include violence, vandalism, and online hate, with foreign influence operations exposing foreign origins of some anti-Israel accounts. Authorities are calling for stronger measures.
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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 Saturday, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 24 Palestinians, including children, across Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, and Nuseirat camp. The strikes followed Israeli claims of ceasefire violations by Hamas, which denies the accusations. The fragile ceasefire, brokered by the US in October, has seen repeated violations and over 310 Palestinian deaths since its inception.
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Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir dismissed senior officers and issued reprimands following a report on October 7 failures, citing systemic issues. The move comes amid political tensions and public pressure for accountability, with ongoing debates over investigations and military appointments.
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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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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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Children in Gaza are suffering severe psychological and developmental impacts due to ongoing conflict and infrastructure destruction. Thousands with autism face regressions, while many children require urgent mental health support amid restricted aid and continued violence. UN and local efforts aim to address these crises.
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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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The UK High Court is examining whether the government’s ban on Palestine Action, proscribed in July for protests linked to Gaza, infringes on free speech. Over 2,300 arrests have occurred since the ban, which criminalizes support for the group with sentences up to 14 years. The case continues today.
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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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On November 28-29, 2025, Israeli forces conducted a dawn raid in the Syrian village of Beit Jinn near the Golan Heights, detaining two suspected Islamist militants. The operation led to clashes that killed at least 13 Syrians, including women and children, and wounded six Israeli soldiers. Israel responded with airstrikes, and the incident has escalated tensions amid ongoing Israeli military activity in southern Syria.
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Amid ongoing tensions, U.S. universities are negotiating with the government over federal funding freezes linked to protests and anti-Israel boycotts. Israeli academia faces increased international boycotts, while Harvard and Northwestern settle disputes over funding and campus policies, reflecting broader political and diplomatic pressures.
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Since the ceasefire began on October 10, Israeli forces have repeatedly violated it, resulting in over 70,000 Palestinian deaths since October 2023. Despite ongoing attacks, Israel continues military operations in Gaza, with reports of new strikes, tunnel fighting, and violations of international agreements. Egypt trains Palestinian police for Gaza security.
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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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Fifty children from Gaza, affected by ongoing Israeli strikes, have been evacuated to the UK for treatment. Prince William visited children receiving care, expressing admiration for their courage amid the conflict. UK officials emphasize scaling aid into Gaza post-ceasefire.
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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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As of late 2025, the world's top 100 arms manufacturers reported record revenues of $679 billion in 2024, a 5.9% increase driven mainly by European and U.S. companies amid wars in Ukraine and Gaza. However, Asia and Oceania saw a slight decline due to corruption scandals delaying Chinese arms contracts, raising doubts about China's military modernization.
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Egypt has announced plans to train 5,000 police officers for Gaza, with the first batch of over 500 trained in Cairo. The program aims to create an independent security force from Gaza, paid by the Palestinian Authority, amid ongoing regional tensions and conflict aftermath.
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US officials aim to announce a second phase of the Gaza peace plan by late December, involving a multinational stabilization force, Palestinian technocratic governance, and Hamas disarmament. Key meetings between Netanyahu and Trump are scheduled for late December, amid ongoing regional tensions and military operations.
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A large bear has taken up residence under a home in Altadena, California, prompting a wildlife response. The bear, estimated at 550 pounds, has been seen rummaging through trash and emerging from the crawl space. Authorities advise caution and monitoring, but no immediate threat has been declared.
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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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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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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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French President Emmanuel Macron visited China for a three-day trip focused on trade and diplomacy. Key topics included involving Beijing in pressuring Russia for a Ukraine ceasefire, strengthening bilateral ties, and addressing trade imbalances. Xi pledged support for peace efforts and announced economic cooperation, while trade disputes and geopolitical tensions remain unresolved.
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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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Recent incidents at US schools include a swastika formed by students at Branham High School and antisemitic content at Columbia University. Authorities and advocacy groups are investigating, condemning hate, and working to protect Jewish students amid rising antisemitism following the Gaza conflict.
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Yasser Abu Shabab, a militia leader linked to Israeli-backed groups in Gaza, was killed during a family dispute. His death exposes Israel's failed strategy to establish proxy forces in Gaza, highlighting internal divisions and the fragility of Israeli efforts to control the enclave.
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Despite a US-backed ceasefire, Gaza's healthcare system remains strained with severe shortages of medicines, damaged hospitals, and slow evacuations. The WHO reports over 1,000 patient deaths and ongoing delays in aid and evacuations, amid continued violence and international calls for full humanitarian access.
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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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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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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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The US is increasingly asserting influence over Gaza, with the UN Security Council discussing a stabilization force amid ongoing conflicts. This marks a shift in international power dynamics, with the US acting as a de facto occupier, raising questions about legality and sovereignty as regional conflicts persist.
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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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On December 8-9, 2025, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) launched its 2026 appeal, seeking $33 billion to aid 135 million people affected by wars, climate disasters, and epidemics. This follows a record low $12-15 billion funding in 2025, forcing aid cuts and leaving millions without support. Priority regions include Palestine, Sudan, and Syria.
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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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Israeli police Sgt. Ran Gvili remains missing in Gaza after Hamas's October 2023 attack. Despite Israeli claims of his death, his family holds hope he is alive. Recent searches by Hamas and Israeli officials have yet to locate his body, complicating negotiations and ceasefire progress.
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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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UNICEF reports that 9,300 children in Gaza were treated for severe malnutrition in October, despite a ceasefire agreement. Aid flows are still insufficient, with obstacles at crossings and security issues limiting supplies. The situation highlights ongoing humanitarian challenges in the region.
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Tony Blair's potential role on Donald Trump's Gaza peace board has been withdrawn amid regional opposition, especially from Arab and Muslim nations. Despite backing from US and Israeli allies, critics cite his Iraq war record and colonial ties. The plan aims to demilitarise Gaza and normalize relations, but faces significant hurdles.
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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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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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Displaced Palestinians in Gaza are enduring severe winter conditions, with repeated flooding damaging tents and homes. Despite a ceasefire, aid remains insufficient, and many live in cold, damp shelters amid ongoing conflict and displacement, with recent storms worsening their plight.
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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.