Guinness World Records has reportedly suspended the review of record registration applications from Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. The decision came after an Israeli organization, Matnat Chaim, which promotes kidney donations, submitted an application to register a record based on the number of voluntary kidney donors. Guinness responded by informing the group that it is not currently processing submissions from Israel or the Palestinian territories. Israeli media outlet Channel 12 reported that the move affects both the West Bank and Gaza. Matnat Chaim, claiming to have organized 2,000 donors, described the decision as politically motivated. Guinness World Records, a UK-based organization, has not yet issued an official statement explaining the reason behind the suspension, leaving the matter open to speculation and criticism from Israeli sources.

Reports from Al Jazeera and BBC indicate that Israel has violated the Gaza ceasefire more than 600 times within 50 days since it was declared on October 10. Despite the truce, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have carried out extensive airstrikes, artillery attacks, and ground operations, destroying over 1,500 buildings and killing at least 357 Palestinians. The Gaza government’s media office reported that Israel conducted 164 shootings at civilians, crossed the ‘Yellow Line’ 25 times, and bombed residential areas 280 times. Additionally, 35 Palestinians were detained during this period. The ceasefire, agreed upon under a 20-point plan brokered by former U.S. President Donald Trump, was supposed to halt all military actions, including air and artillery strikes. However, humanitarian aid remains blocked, and destruction of homes and infrastructure continues across Gaza, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the ceasefire and the worsening humanitarian crisis.

Pakistan has dispatched 200 tons of humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka via sea after India denied permission to use its airspace. The aid is intended for victims of Cyclone Dithwar, which has caused a severe humanitarian crisis in Sri Lanka, leaving at least 465 people dead and 366 missing. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has declared a state of emergency and appealed for international assistance. A farewell ceremony for the relief ship was held in Islamabad, attended by Pakistani officials and the Sri Lankan High Commissioner. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed condolences to the Sri Lankan president and reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with the neighboring nation. Over 1.5 million people have been affected, and rescuers fear the death toll could rise as communication and power remain cut off in many areas. The cyclone, along with heavy monsoon rains, has also impacted parts of Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia, with total regional deaths exceeding 1,300. Experts attribute the intensifying storms to climate change.

The United Nations has warned that the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire and could worsen as winter sets in. UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said the ongoing conflict continues to complicate relief efforts, with displacement rising in both Gaza and the occupied West Bank. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and its partners are increasing aid, particularly for children who have suffered greatly over the past two years. In preparation for winter, thousands of essential items such as shoes, clothes, blankets, and towels have been distributed, along with 160 tents and mental health support for thousands of children. The World Health Organization (WHO) has evacuated 18 patients and 54 companions for treatment abroad but says over 16,500 patients still need life-saving care outside Gaza. The UN has urged the opening of all border crossings and corridors to allow medical evacuations and ensure international medical teams can access Gaza freely.

Twelve Israeli human rights organizations have jointly reported that 2025 has become the deadliest and most devastating year for Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank since 1967. The report claims Israel has intensified civilian killings, displacement, and blockades to unprecedented levels. Deaths in Gaza rose from about 36,000 in March 2024 to over 67,000 by October 2025, including more than 20,000 children and 10,000 women, with around 10,000 still missing under rubble. Over 1.7 lakh were injured, and 1.9 million people—nearly 90% of Gaza’s population—were displaced. At least 461 people, including 157 children, died from starvation. In the West Bank, settler violence and forced evictions surged, displacing nearly 3,000 people. Administrative detentions tripled, and 98 detainees reportedly died due to abuse and poor prison conditions. The organizations accused Israel of openly violating international law and erasing moral boundaries, warning that such actions undermine any claim of self-defense.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has pledged to defend his country’s sovereignty and remain loyal to the people as tensions with the United States escalate over drug trafficking allegations. US President Donald Trump warned that Washington could launch a military operation against Venezuela at any time, following a series of attacks on suspected drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific that left at least 83 people dead. Addressing members of the ruling PSUV party, Maduro reaffirmed his commitment to the legacy of former President Hugo Chávez and accused the US of attempting to overthrow him. Trump also threatened possible ground operations and advised that Venezuela should keep its airspace closed. The growing confrontation underscores the deepening diplomatic and military strain between Caracas and Washington, with both sides trading accusations of aggression and interference.

A new analysis by travel insurance company Compare the Market has identified Bangkok as the world's most dangerous city for tourists in terms of pickpocketing, scams, and theft. The study reviewed traveler reviews from over 75 major tourist destinations to rank cities based on reported incidents and perceived risks. Bangkok scored 83.45, topping the list, followed by Paris (68.81) and Prague (52.16). Shanghai ranked fourth due to its high rate of scams rather than thefts, while Agra, Rome, Pattaya, Phuket, Shenzhen, and Mumbai completed the top ten. The report highlights that both Asia and Europe dominate the risk rankings, with 24 Asian and 27 European cities appearing on the list. Analysts emphasize that while these cities remain popular for their culture and attractions, tourists should remain vigilant against petty crimes and fraudulent schemes to ensure safe travel experiences.

Israeli Apache attack helicopters opened heavy machine-gun fire over the northern West Bank cities of Tubas and Kabatiya, according to local reports. The U.S.-made helicopters reportedly fired multiple rounds over Tubas throughout the evening, though no casualties have been confirmed and the targeted areas remain unidentified. In Kabatiya’s Al-Zakaranah hills, helicopters also fired into open, uninhabited areas, Palestinian news agency WAFA reported. The strikes come amid an intensified Israeli military campaign in the Tubas governorate that has caused extensive infrastructure damage, hundreds of injuries, and numerous arrests. On Tuesday, Israeli forces imposed an indefinite full curfew in Kabatiya, while movement restrictions and road closures were enforced across Hebron, Ramallah, Nablus, and Tubas, disrupting public services and schools. Since October 2023, Israeli operations in the occupied West Bank have killed about 1,100 Palestinians, injured over 10,700, and detained more than 20,500. The International Court of Justice previously declared Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories illegal and called for the removal of all settlements.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned European nations that any war with Russia would result in their certain defeat. Speaking after Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto suggested that Europe was preparing for conflict with Russia, Putin said Moscow does not seek war but is fully prepared if Europe initiates one. He claimed that such a war would end swiftly, leaving no one in Europe to negotiate peace. Putin also threatened to cut off Ukraine’s access to the sea, describing it as the best way to stop what he called Ukrainian piracy. His remarks came in response to a recent Ukrainian drone attack on a Russian tanker in the Black Sea. The comments underscore rising tensions between Russia and Europe amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and growing fears of escalation across the region.

Russia’s lower house of parliament, the State Duma, has approved a significant military agreement with India just days before President Vladimir Putin’s scheduled visit to New Delhi on December 4–5. The Reciprocal Exchange of Logistic Support (RELOS) pact, signed on February 18 this year, was recently submitted for approval by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. The agreement outlines procedures for mutual logistical support between the two nations’ armed forces, including access to each other’s bases, airspace, and ports for military aircraft and warships. It will apply to joint exercises, training, humanitarian missions, and disaster relief operations. Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin described the move as a major step toward strengthening the strategic partnership between Russia and India. According to the Russian cabinet, the pact will simplify airspace use and enhance naval cooperation, further consolidating bilateral defense ties.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to sever Ukraine’s access to the sea following Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian tankers in the Black Sea. In a televised address, Putin said the best solution would be to isolate Ukraine from the sea to stop what he called 'Ukrainian piracy.' He also warned of intensified strikes on Ukrainian ports, ships, and infrastructure, and possible actions against tankers belonging to countries aiding Ukraine. The warning came after Ukrainian naval drones reportedly hit two Russian tankers heading to load oil for export. Ukraine also launched missile and drone strikes on Russia’s Novorossiysk port, disrupting oil supplies. While Putin did not elaborate on how he would enforce a maritime blockade, analysts see the threat as an escalation in the ongoing conflict that began in February 2022. Despite Russia’s occupation of parts of southern and eastern Ukraine, Kyiv still controls key ports like Odesa.

US President Donald Trump has announced that the United States may launch a military operation in Venezuela at any time, targeting drug trafficking networks and their infrastructure. Speaking at a cabinet meeting on December 2, Trump claimed that large quantities of fentanyl produced in Venezuela are smuggled into the US, causing nearly 200,000 American deaths last year. He stated that the upcoming campaign would include ground operations, complementing previous naval missions in the Caribbean. Over recent months, the US has increased its military presence in the region, deploying warships and troops. Several naval attacks on alleged drug-carrying vessels have already taken place, sparking criticism after leaked videos showed fatal assaults on survivors. Despite the controversy, Trump reaffirmed his stance, vowing to eliminate those involved in drug trafficking. The US has long accused Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of facilitating drug smuggling, allegations Maduro has consistently denied.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the French journalists' union have filed a lawsuit in France accusing Israel of obstructing press freedom in Palestinian territories. The complaint, lodged with the Paris anti-terror prosecutor’s office, alleges that Israel has restricted international journalists’ access to Gaza and the occupied West Bank since the war began in October 2023. The unions cited numerous testimonies from French journalists whose identities remain confidential for safety reasons. The case also highlights growing insecurity for reporters, noting that over 210 journalists have been killed in Gaza since the conflict’s onset. IFJ Secretary-General Anthony Bellanger said the move aims to pressure Israel to allow international media access to Gaza. This marks the first time such an international legal action has been taken over restrictions on press freedom in the context of the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Russia and the United States have failed to reach any agreement to end the war in Ukraine following a lengthy meeting in Moscow between Russian President Vladimir Putin, US special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former President Donald Trump. Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov described the five-hour discussion as constructive but said no concrete solution had been achieved, though several US proposals were discussed. Putin earlier accused European nations of withdrawing from peace efforts and claimed they were obstructing Washington’s role. He warned that if Europe seeks war, Russia is ready to respond. Reports suggest that a draft peace deal would require Ukraine to cede the Donbas region, including Donetsk and Luhansk, to Russia—something Kyiv refuses to accept. Putin reiterated that Russia would seize the territory by force if Ukraine does not agree to territorial concessions.

Israeli forces launched renewed attacks on Gaza despite an ongoing U.S.-brokered ceasefire, killing at least five Palestinians, including a journalist and a child, and injuring 15 others. Medical sources reported that shelling in Gaza City’s Al-Tuffah area killed two people, while another was shot dead in Zaytoun. In Khan Younis, photojournalist Mahmoud Wadi was killed in a drone strike in an area not designated under Israeli control. Witnesses said Israeli tanks and drones continued to bombard several areas, including Beit Lahia, destroying multiple buildings. Gaza’s Health Ministry stated that since the ceasefire began on October 10, at least 356 Palestinians have been killed and over 900 injured. Since October 2023, more than 70,000 Palestinians have died in Israeli attacks, most of them women and children. Gaza’s Government Media Office said Wadi’s death raised the number of journalists killed to 257, accusing Israel of deliberately targeting Palestinian reporters.