-
Myanmar's military junta began phased elections on December 28, 2025, amid ongoing civil war and widespread opposition. The polls exclude major opposition parties, including Aung San Suu Kyi's dissolved National League for Democracy, and are held only in military-controlled areas. Critics and international observers denounce the elections as neither free nor fair, citing repression, arrests, and violence.
-
Gaza's health system faces a critical collapse as Israel continues to block medical supplies, despite a ceasefire. Hospitals are severely under-resourced, with shortages of medicines, equipment, and staff. Thousands of patients remain stranded outside Gaza awaiting treatment, with many at risk of death or permanent disability. The situation remains dire today, December 23, 2025.
-
On December 21, 2025, Nigerian authorities announced the release of the remaining 130 abducted students and staff from St. Mary's Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, completing the liberation of all 230 captives taken in a November 21 attack. The children, many malnourished or traumatized, are being reunited with families ahead of Christmas amid ongoing concerns over widespread kidnappings for ransom in Nigeria's volatile regions.
-
Despite a ceasefire since October 10, Israeli strikes continue in Gaza, with ongoing disputes over disarmament and troop withdrawals. The US plans to deploy a non-combat international force to oversee the next phase, but disagreements over mandates and troop contributions persist amid ongoing violence and political tensions.
-
A terrorist attack at Bondi Beach during Hanukkah has killed 15, including a child, and injured dozens. Suspected perpetrators, a father and son inspired by ISIS, targeted Sydney’s Jewish community. The father was killed in a police shootout, while the son is hospitalized and charged with multiple offences. Authorities are investigating links to terrorism and explosives.
-
M23 rebels announced they would withdraw from Uvira following U.S. mediation efforts, but residents report the fighters remain in the town. Fighting persists across eastern Congo, with regional accusations and ongoing violence fueling instability. The situation remains tense as international actors seek to de-escalate the conflict.
-
Fighting in Uvira, eastern DRC, has intensified as M23 rebels seized control of the city, prompting regional and international concern. Despite claims of withdrawal, the group remains present, complicating peace negotiations. Thousands of civilians are displaced, and regional tensions are rising, with the UN and US calling for compliance with peace agreements.
-
Mohammed Bakri, a Palestinian actor and filmmaker known for his politically charged works like 'Jenin, Jenin,' died on December 25 at age 72 in Nahariya, Israel. His career challenged Israeli narratives and faced censorship, making him a key figure in Palestinian cultural resistance. His death marks a significant loss for Palestinian arts.
-
The UK is on track for its warmest year on record, with 2025 likely surpassing 2022's temperature. Despite a colder Christmas spell, the year's average temperature is projected at 10.05°C, driven by heatwaves and climate change. Experts warn this trend signals unprecedented climate shifts.
-
Israeli military operations in southern Syria and Lebanon have increased, with ground incursions, airstrikes, and land bulldozing. Syria protests violations of sovereignty amid ongoing tensions, while aid groups warn of aid disruptions in Gaza. Diplomatic talks aim to curb violence and restore stability.
-
On Christmas 2025, Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, and Syria observed the holiday with a mix of solemnity and hope amid ongoing hardships. Bethlehem held its first festive celebrations since 2022, with a towering Christmas tree and parades marking a fragile truce in Gaza. Gaza's Christian community faced grief and loss, with many churches damaged and families mourning loved ones. Syrian Christians celebrated quietly amid security concerns. Religious leaders emphasized resilience and peace.
-
New Israeli regulations for NGOs, effective from January 2026, threaten to halt vital humanitarian aid in Gaza. Over a dozen groups have already been rejected, risking a collapse in medical and basic services amid ongoing conflict and severe shortages.
-
As of December 2025, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) reports no famine in Gaza following a fragile ceasefire in October and increased aid deliveries. However, 1.6 million people remain acutely food insecure, with over 100,000 facing catastrophic hunger. The situation remains fragile amid ongoing restrictions, poor sanitation, and displacement.
-
Fighting in eastern DRC continues as M23 rebels claim to withdraw from Uvira following international pressure. Despite the withdrawal, reports indicate ongoing clashes, with the UN warning of regional destabilization. The conflict has displaced over 200,000 refugees into Burundi and threatens regional stability.
-
The US pledges $2 billion for UN humanitarian efforts in 2026, a significant reduction from previous years, amid reforms aimed at consolidating aid functions and reducing bureaucracy. The move impacts global aid programs, with many countries facing funding shortfalls and increased humanitarian needs.
-
Tajikistan reports killing three alleged terrorists crossing from Afghanistan, amid ongoing border clashes. Afghan authorities investigate, while regional tensions persist. Meanwhile, humanitarian crises deepen in Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Sudan, with aid cuts worsening conditions for millions. The stories highlight ongoing instability and humanitarian challenges in these regions.
-
Israel's government approved 69 new settlements in the West Bank, including legalizing previous outposts and building on evacuated land. The move increases settlement numbers by nearly 50% since 2022, drawing international criticism and raising tensions amid ongoing violence and stalled peace efforts.
-
Israel's security cabinet approved 19 new settlements in the West Bank, raising the total to 69 over three years. The move, led by far-right officials, aims to prevent a Palestinian state and has drawn international condemnation amid ongoing violence and settlement expansion. The UN reports record-high growth since 2017.
-
Nicki Minaj appeared at a conservative conference praising Donald Trump and JD Vance, criticizing industry backlash and speaking out on Christian persecution in Nigeria. Her support marks a notable shift from her previous criticism of Trump, sparking mixed reactions among fans and industry observers.
-
Fighting in Sudan continues to displace thousands, with recent clashes in Kordofan and Darfur forcing over 1,700 people to flee to camps in White Nile. Humanitarian needs are urgent, but support remains underfunded amid ongoing violence and insecurity.
-
Guinea, Central African Republic, and Benin held elections amid political unrest, civil conflicts, and regional tensions. Incumbents Mamady Doumbouya, Faustin Touadera, and Patrice Talon are expected to secure re-election, despite opposition boycotts, security concerns, and allegations of unfair practices. Results are pending.
-
Sudan’s transitional government, led by Kamil Idris, proposed a UN-monitored ceasefire, troop withdrawal, and disarmament of paramilitary forces amid ongoing conflict since April 2023. International actors, including the US and Gulf states, urge immediate humanitarian truce, but full compliance remains uncertain.
-
As 2026 approaches, Israel confronts multiple crises: Netanyahu's legal and political troubles, regional conflicts, and shifting international support. The country faces tough decisions on security, diplomacy, and domestic policy amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, with internal divisions intensifying.
-
Recent days have seen intensified Israeli military operations and settler violence in the West Bank, following attacks in Israel. Israeli forces have sealed off towns, conducted house searches, and demolished homes, while settler attacks have increased, causing injuries and property damage amid ongoing tensions.
-
The UN visited el-Fasher, Sudan, after the city fell to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) following an 18-month siege. The city remains largely destroyed, with civilians living in dire conditions amid ongoing violence, mass graves, and severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. The UN's initial assessment highlights a humanitarian crisis with hundreds of residents still trapped and suffering.
-
French police are investigating a video showing a man targeting Jewish children at Charles de Gaulle airport, amid rising antisemitism in France following Hamas' war against Israel. No charges were filed after police reviewed evidence, but the incident highlights ongoing tensions and hate crimes.
-
Negotiations between Iran and the U.S. remain deadlocked amid disagreements over uranium enrichment and sanctions. Iran insists on its rights under the 2015 nuclear deal, while the U.S. demands zero enrichment. Tensions have escalated following Iran's accelerated uranium production and the reimposition of UN sanctions.
-
On December 23-24, 2025, the US Trump administration imposed visa bans on five Europeans, including former EU Commissioner Thierry Breton and digital hate campaigners, accusing them of coercing American platforms to censor US viewpoints. The move targets opposition to the EU's Digital Services Act and has sparked strong condemnation from European leaders, who see it as intimidation and an attack on digital sovereignty.
-
Algeria's parliament approved a law declaring France's colonization a crime, demanding an apology and reparations. The law covers colonial atrocities from 1830 to 1962, including nuclear tests and torture, amid ongoing diplomatic tensions with France. The move is symbolic but politically significant today.
-
President Trump announced a US military strike on a Venezuelan dock, claiming it was used for loading drug-carrying boats. The operation follows a series of US-led attacks on Venezuelan vessels amid ongoing tensions over drug trafficking allegations and US sanctions. Venezuela has yet to respond.
-
Recent kidnappings in Nigeria's Kwara, Niger, and Plateau states highlight worsening security. Traditional ruler and residents are abducted for ransom, with demands reaching hundreds of millions of naira. Meanwhile, the release of schoolchildren abducted in November continues, but insecurity persists across the country.
-
Tarique Rahman, son of Khaleda Zia, arrived in Dhaka from London on December 25, 2025, amid large supporter mobilization. His return follows the ousting of Sheikh Hasina and is seen as pivotal ahead of February 2026 elections, with BNP poised to lead amid political unrest.
-
As of December 30, 2025, Spain has enforced a ban on imports from Israeli settlements in occupied territories, including East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights, alongside restrictions on advertising such products. This move follows Spain's broader sanctions on Israel, including an arms embargo, while granting an exception for Airbus. Concurrently, the US sanctioned UN rapporteur Francesca Albanese, barring US companies from financially benefiting her, including from her upcoming book.
-
South Korea will end international adoptions by 2029, amid UN criticism over past abuses and systemic issues. The government aims to improve domestic care and address unresolved cases of falsified records and abuse, following pressure from UN investigators and victims' advocates.
-
As of early January 2026, Iran is experiencing widespread protests led by students, shopkeepers, and bazaar merchants in response to a record plunge of the rial to 1.42 million per US dollar and inflation exceeding 42%. The government acknowledges the unrest, pledging dialogue and economic reforms, while tensions rise following US and Israeli strikes in 2025 and renewed international sanctions.
-
Rwanda signed nine new defense agreements in 2025, with 21 more in progress, focusing on joint training, intelligence, and peacekeeping. The Directorate General of IMC has become highly active, reflecting Rwanda's growing military engagement across Africa and beyond, including deployments in Mozambique and the Central African Republic.
-
Israel has enacted laws to block utilities and seize UNRWA properties, citing security concerns and alleged ties to Hamas. The move hampers aid efforts for Palestinian refugees, drawing international condemnation and raising legal and humanitarian questions. The legislation follows recent bans on NGOs and restrictions on UN operations in Palestinian territories.
-
On January 1, 2026, Israel revoked licenses of 37 international NGOs, including Doctors Without Borders and the Norwegian Refugee Council, citing non-compliance with new registration rules requiring detailed staff and funding disclosures. The ban threatens critical humanitarian aid amid Gaza's worsening crisis, drawing condemnation from UN officials and foreign governments urging Israel to allow sustained NGO operations.
-
On December 31, 2025, Vladimir Putin delivered a New Year’s address to Russia, rallying troops fighting in Ukraine and framing the conflict as an existential struggle with the West. Despite ongoing fighting and international efforts for peace, Russia emphasizes military progress and national unity.
-
Severe flooding in Afghanistan's Herat province has caused at least five deaths, including a family of five when their roof collapsed. The floods, ongoing since Monday, have damaged infrastructure, killed livestock, and affected 1,800 families across multiple regions. The UN has launched a $1.7 billion aid appeal for nearly 18 million people in need.
-
Fighting in Sudan's South and North Kordofan has intensified, with control over key towns shifting between forces. Civilians face severe shortages of food and medical supplies amid ongoing military clashes, prompting urgent calls for international aid. The situation remains volatile as both sides claim control of strategic locations.
-
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu announced that the Rafah crossing will remain closed until the body of Israeli captive Ran Gvili is recovered, citing security and political reasons. This decision follows ongoing Israeli attacks on Gaza and regional diplomatic efforts to implement a ceasefire, with regional and international actors urging full compliance.
-
The US launched unilateral strikes on Caracas early January 3, capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. The operation defies UN Charter rules against force, raising concerns about the collapse of international law amid mounting US geopolitical actions and global conflicts.
-
Israel has revoked licenses for 37 major NGOs, including MSF and Oxfam, citing new registration rules. The move prevents aid delivery and complicates efforts to address Gaza’s ongoing humanitarian crisis amid a fragile ceasefire. International bodies warn of worsening conditions.
-
US special forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas, claiming drug charges. The operation drew international criticism for violating sovereignty and international law, with UN officials warning of increased global instability. Maduro remains in US custody, and the Venezuelan government has declared a state of emergency.
-
The UN rights office reports a sharp decline in Palestinians' rights in the West Bank, describing conditions as resembling apartheid. It calls for Israel to dismantle settlements and end discriminatory laws amid rising violence since October 2023. Israel rejects the allegations, citing equal rights for Arab citizens.
-
On January 7, 2026, President Donald Trump signed an executive order withdrawing the United States from 66 international organizations, including the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). This move marks the US as the only country to exit the 1992 climate treaty, signaling a sharp retreat from global climate cooperation amid rising climate risks and economic shifts toward low-carbon energy.
-
The US has announced its withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, effective January 27, 2026. This move aims to exit the international climate negotiations framework, raising legal and diplomatic questions amid ongoing US commitments to other UN agencies.
-
After days of intense fighting between Syrian government forces and Kurdish-led SDF in Aleppo, a ceasefire was announced. The clashes, which began Tuesday, displaced thousands and resulted in multiple civilian and military casualties. International calls for restraint continue as negotiations stall.
-
Nickolay Mladenov, a former UN envoy, is set to oversee the second phase of a US-brokered ceasefire in Gaza, including disarmament of Hamas and reconstruction efforts. The appointment follows ongoing violence and stalled negotiations, with key meetings held in Jerusalem and Ramallah today.