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Following Israel's strike on Hamas leaders in Qatar, regional tensions escalate. Analysts warn Turkey could be targeted next, questioning NATO's protection. Ankara responds sharply, citing Israeli aggression and regional ambitions. The story highlights the fragile security landscape amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Syria.
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Kataib Hezbollah publicly claimed responsibility for abducting and releasing Israeli citizen Elizabeth Tsurkov, citing national security reasons and US pressure. The group alleged she was part of a network inciting conflict among Shia factions. Critics dismiss the militia's claims, suggesting ransom motives. Tsurkov was abducted in March 2023 and released in September 2025.
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Recent negotiations between the Syrian government and Kurdish-led forces have resulted in an agreement to integrate the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the national army. The talks, which stalled earlier, now focus on mechanisms for merging military and civil institutions amid ongoing regional tensions and clashes in northeast Syria. The process aims to stabilize the region and address longstanding disputes over autonomy and decentralization.
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Israel announced a ceasefire with Hamas after cabinet approval of Trump's plan, leading to troop withdrawals and heavy shelling reports. Palestinians began moving north amid ongoing violence, with questions remaining about disarmament and governance in Gaza. The ceasefire marks a significant step in ending two years of conflict.
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Turkey, along with several Muslim nations, is working to establish an international stabilization force in Gaza to oversee ceasefire implementation and governance. Despite Israeli opposition, Turkey emphasizes Palestinian self-governance and increased humanitarian aid amid ongoing violence and ceasefire violations.
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The US is advancing a UN resolution to establish an international stabilization force in Gaza, aiming to oversee demilitarization, border security, and police training. The resolution follows a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, with troop contributions under discussion. The vote is expected soon, with deployment possible by early 2026.
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Turkey issued arrest warrants for 37 Israeli officials, accusing them of genocide in Gaza. Israel dismisses the charges as a PR stunt. The dispute escalates tensions amid ongoing Gaza conflict, with Turkey seeking a role in postwar security arrangements despite Israeli opposition.
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On November 23, 2025, Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene announced her resignation effective January 5, 2026, citing a bitter feud with former President Donald Trump. Once a staunch MAGA ally, Greene criticized Trump over the Jeffrey Epstein files and foreign policy, prompting Trump to label her a "traitor" and endorse a primary challenger. Greene is considering a 2028 presidential run.
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Turkey is seeking a significant role in Gaza's post-ceasefire reconstruction, hosting talks with Egypt and US officials. Despite Israeli opposition, Turkey emphasizes its willingness to help rebuild Gaza and monitor ceasefire compliance amid ongoing tensions over the fate of hostages and fighters.
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On November 11, 2025, a Turkish C-130 military cargo plane crashed near the Georgia-Azerbaijan border shortly after departing Azerbaijan en route to Turkey. All 20 personnel aboard, including flight crew, were killed. Search and rescue operations were conducted by Turkish, Georgian, and Azerbaijani authorities. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
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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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Turkey warns Russia and Ukraine to protect energy infrastructure amid recent Black Sea drone attacks. Kyiv claims responsibility for some strikes, while Russia warns of retaliatory measures. Turkey seeks to keep energy flows stable amid escalating regional tensions, with ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict.
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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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A Gambian-flagged tanker, Kairos, caught fire after an alleged attack with Ukrainian drones near Turkey. The vessel, sanctioned earlier this year, was drifting off Bulgaria after the fire. The incident highlights ongoing tensions over Russian oil exports and maritime security in the Black Sea.
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Since late November 2025, multiple drone attacks have targeted Russian-flagged tankers in Turkey's Black Sea exclusive economic zone. Ukraine has claimed responsibility for strikes on vessels allegedly transporting sanctioned Russian oil. Turkey condemns these attacks as a dangerous escalation, warning all parties to halt actions threatening maritime safety.
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Turkey remains in talks with the US over rejoining the F-35 program after being excluded in 2020 over its purchase of Russian S-400 missile systems. US-Turkey relations have improved under Trump, with discussions focusing on Turkey relinquishing the S-400s to meet US security requirements. Turkish officials remain optimistic about resolving sanctions soon.