Yemen’s Houthi movement has issued a strong warning to Israel following its recognition of Somaliland as an independent state. On December 26, Israel became the first country to formally recognize Somaliland, a self-declared republic that separated from Somalia in 1991. The move drew sharp condemnation from Somalia and several Muslim-majority nations, as well as statements from the European Union, African Union, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Arab League.

Houthi leader Abdel-Malik al-Houthi declared that any Israeli presence in Somaliland would be treated as a military target, describing it as aggression against Somalia and Yemen and a threat to regional security. He warned that the consequences of Israel’s decision would be serious, calling it a hostile act toward Somalia, Yemen, and countries along both shores of the Red Sea.

Somaliland, strategically located along the Gulf of Aden, has long sought international recognition and maintains its own currency, passport, and armed forces.

China carried out a second consecutive day of live-fire military exercises around Taiwan under the name “Justice Mission 2025.” According to Beijing, the two-day drills included simulated attacks on maritime targets and blockade exercises around key Taiwanese ports such as Keelung and Kaohsiung. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) said destroyers, frigates, fighter jets, and bombers were deployed, with operations covering northern and southern waters to test sea-air coordination and blockade capabilities. Taiwan condemned the drills as an act of military intimidation and lodged a strong protest.

The exercises took place as the United States approved a major arms sale to Taiwan and Japan’s prime minister suggested possible military response if force is used against the island. China’s foreign ministry warned that foreign arms support to Taipei could quickly escalate tensions in the Taiwan Strait. PLA spokesperson Shi Yi described the drills as a legitimate and necessary warning to “Taiwan independence” forces.

Taiwan’s defense ministry reported detecting 130 Chinese aircraft and 14 naval vessels near the island within 24 hours, calling the maneuvers a sign of China’s growing aggression.

Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland as an independent state has complicated its efforts to normalize relations with Saudi Arabia, according to a senior source from the Saudi royal family quoted by Israel’s Channel 12 on Sunday. The source said the move angered Riyadh and pushed the possibility of diplomatic normalization further away, warning that it increases Israel’s isolation across the region.

The Saudi source described the recognition as equivalent to endorsing separatism and a violation of regional security. He cautioned that the decision challenges Arab and Muslim nations that have not recognized Somaliland, including Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan. The source also argued that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s pursuit of a second term is fueling regional instability and undermining Somalia’s UN-recognized borders, which include Somaliland.

The source concluded that Netanyahu’s policies disregard international law and diplomatic norms, further straining Israel’s standing in the Middle East.

Israel has released 10 Palestinians detained in Gaza under a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement with Hamas, according to Anadolu Agency on Sunday. The released individuals were taken by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah for medical examinations and necessary treatment.

Human rights organizations from both Palestine and Israel reported that more than 9,300 Palestinians remain imprisoned in Israel, including women and children. The report cited allegations of torture, starvation, and medical neglect among detainees, leading to several deaths. Rights groups also stated that mistreatment of Palestinian prisoners has intensified during Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza.

Since the conflict began in October 2023, over 70,900 people have been killed—mostly women and children—and about 171,200 injured, while large parts of Gaza have been reduced to rubble.

The United States has allocated $2 billion to support United Nations humanitarian operations, with Bangladesh among 17 countries set to benefit. The funding will be distributed through an 'umbrella fund' targeting specific agencies and priority sectors. The US administration described the move as part of a new financial approach under the Trump administration, which seeks to reduce foreign aid while maintaining the country’s position as the world’s largest humanitarian donor.

Although the $2 billion allocation is lower than previous levels, the administration called it a generous contribution. However, the new funding model has raised concerns among humanitarian organizations due to significant program cuts. Afghanistan and the Palestinian territories are excluded from the list, with aid for Palestine expected to come through Trump’s incomplete Gaza peace plan.

According to UN data, the current amount represents only a small fraction of recent humanitarian assistance levels, as the US once provided up to $17 billion annually. Critics worldwide warn that reduced Western aid could increase hunger, displacement, and disease risks for millions and weaken international influence.

More than 3,090 migrants died in 2025 while attempting to reach Spain from various countries, according to Spain’s migrant rights organization Caminando Fronteras. The group reported that the number of deaths, though still high, marked a significant decrease compared to 2024 as fewer people attempted the perilous crossings. Most fatalities occurred along the Atlantic migration route from Africa to Spain’s Canary Islands, one of the world’s most dangerous sea passages.

The report noted that while arrivals to the Canary Islands have fallen, a new, longer, and more dangerous route from Guinea has emerged. Among the dead were 437 children and 192 women. Caminando Fronteras also observed a rise in migrant boats departing Algeria toward Ibiza and Formentera in the Mediterranean, a route increasingly used by migrants from Somalia, Sudan, and South Sudan in 2025. Deaths on this route doubled from the previous year to 1,037.

Spain’s Interior Ministry stated that by December 15, 2025, a total of 35,935 migrants had reached Spain, about 40 percent fewer than during the same period in 2024, with roughly half arriving via the Atlantic route to the Canary Islands.

China has voiced firm opposition to any attempt to divide Somalia’s territorial integrity. At a regular press briefing on Monday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry reiterated Beijing’s unwavering support for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that no country should encourage or support separatist forces within another nation for its own interests. He also urged Somaliland authorities to halt separatist activities and cease collaboration with foreign powers.

The statement came shortly after Israel became the first country to officially recognize the self-declared Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state last Friday. Tel Aviv also expressed interest in immediate cooperation with Somaliland in agriculture, health, technology, and economic sectors.

China’s position underscored its stance against interference in Somalia’s internal affairs and its commitment to upholding Somalia’s full sovereignty in accordance with international law.

India has granted final approval for the Dulhasti Stage-2 hydropower project on the Chenab River, located in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, according to The News. The project, costing about 327.7 billion Indian rupees, will be implemented by the state-owned NHPC Limited and aims to generate up to 260 megawatts of electricity. Construction is expected to begin early next year.

Analysts link the approval to India’s earlier decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) following the Pahalgam incident, which heightened border tensions and led to reciprocal military actions between India and Pakistan. Despite India’s move, Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to the IWT and pledged to continue participating in the neutral expert process. In August, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that western rivers must flow freely for Pakistan’s unrestricted use.

Experts warn that the project could harm Pakistan strategically and environmentally, as the Chenab flows into its territory. Environmental authorities have cautioned that altering water flow may disrupt the Marusudar River’s natural structure and ecosystem over a 25-kilometer stretch downstream of the Pakal Dul project.

At least three people were killed on Sunday when security forces opened fire during Alawite community protests in western Syria, according to the country’s health authorities. The demonstrations erupted after a deadly bombing at a mosque in Homs city, which killed eight people on Friday. The protests spread across coastal and central provinces, raising renewed concerns over minority safety under the new Islamist-led government.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that two people were shot dead in Latakia province as security forces dispersed demonstrators, while state news agency SANA cited local health officials saying three were killed and about 60 injured in attacks blamed on remnants of the former regime. The Interior Ministry later confirmed one of the dead was a member of the General Security police. Clashes also broke out between protesters and government supporters in Latakia and Jableh, prompting security intervention and aerial gunfire.

Alawite religious leader Ghazal Ghazal, who called for the protests, urged political decentralization and protection of minority rights. The Alawite Council condemned attacks on unarmed civilians and asked supporters to return home.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir came under attack from angry Palestinians during a visit to the Bedouin village of Tarabin in the occupied Negev region of southern Palestine. The incident occurred on Sunday after Israeli forces had raided the village and arrested several Palestinians. As Ben-Gvir arrived to oversee a police operation, villagers reportedly threw stones at him, forcing him to flee the area under heavy police protection.

According to Channel 14, the confrontation escalated when residents clashed with police during the minister’s visit. Social media videos showed Palestinians throwing stones at Ben-Gvir as he left the area surrounded by security forces. Israeli police responded by firing tear gas to disperse the crowd.

The report, citing Middle East Eye, highlights ongoing tensions in the occupied Negev region, where Israeli security operations and Palestinian resistance frequently lead to violent confrontations.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war are in their final stage. He made the remarks after meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, according to Anadolu Agency. Trump said the discussions could either conclude soon or continue for a long time with heavy casualties if unresolved.

Trump reiterated his claim of having ended eight wars during his presidency and described the Russia-Ukraine conflict as the most difficult one yet. He emphasized that both presidents are willing to reach an agreement and that his goal is to end the war rather than set a specific timeline. Following his meeting with Zelensky, Trump plans to call Russian President Vladimir Putin to continue the dialogue.

He added that a strong security agreement is being considered, with European countries expected to play a key role in the security framework.

Residents of war-torn Gaza are facing extreme hardship amid cold and hostile weather, according to Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA). In a post on social media platform X, Lazzarini described worsening conditions with more rainfall, despair, and death, saying Palestinians are living in flooded tents and ruins while essential aid deliveries remain blocked. He added that UNRWA could greatly expand its relief efforts if restrictions on aid supplies were lifted.

Gaza authorities reported that nearly 200,000 prefabricated housing units are urgently needed to meet the humanitarian needs of displaced people affected by the severe weather. Winter storms have flooded thousands of tents across the region, with some blown away, further worsening the crisis. Recent months have seen Gazans struggling against harsh weather, building collapses, and flooding.

According to the report, since October 2023, Israeli military actions in Gaza have killed more than 71,200 people, mostly women and children, and injured over 171,200 others.

A midair collision between two helicopters near Hammonton Municipal Airport in New Jersey, United States, left one person dead and another critically injured, according to a statement from the Federal Aviation Administration. The incident occurred around 11:25 a.m. local time, when the aircraft collided and caught fire. Police confirmed that both helicopters had only their pilots onboard.

Hammonton Police Chief Kevin Friel said the helicopters were flying very close to each other, which may have caused the collision. The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation into the crash. A nearby café owner, Sal Silipino, said both pilots were regular customers at his café and often had breakfast together. He and other witnesses saw the helicopters take off before one began spiraling downward, followed by the other losing control.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the collision, with initial reports suggesting proximity during flight as a possible factor.

North Korea has conducted a test of long-range cruise missiles under the direct supervision of its leader Kim Jong Un. According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the missiles flew over the sea west of Pyongyang along designated trajectories and accurately hit their targets. Kim expressed satisfaction with the results and announced that the country would continue sustainable development of its nuclear capabilities.

KCNA did not specify the exact launch site. However, South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reported that its military detected multiple missile launches from the Sunan area near Pyongyang on Sunday morning. The report also suggested that North Korea might conduct additional missile tests before the end of the year.

Kim stated that regular testing of nuclear capabilities is necessary due to ongoing security threats. He emphasized that Pyongyang will persist in its efforts toward unlimited and sustainable advancement of nuclear strength.

At least 16 people were killed in a fire that broke out at a nursing home in Manado, the capital of Indonesia’s North Sulawesi province, on Sunday night at 8:36 p.m. local time, according to Xinhua. Police spokesperson Almsiah P. Hasibuan said identification of the victims’ bodies was underway at the North Sulawesi Regional Police Hospital.

Police reported that three fire department units were dispatched immediately after the blaze began, and the fire was brought under control by around 9:30 p.m. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but an investigation has been launched. Manado Fire Service Chief Jimmy Ratinsulu stated that most of the residents were physically weak due to old age and became trapped inside the building when the fire erupted.

Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the source of the fire and to identify all victims.