As Christmas approaches, reports from several Indian states indicate a rise in attacks against Christians by Hindu nationalist groups. Incidents have been recorded in Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Delhi, and Chhattisgarh, where churches were vandalized and believers were harassed. In Jabalpur, a ruling BJP district vice-president was filmed assaulting a visually impaired woman at a church event, sparking outrage. The party defended her actions, alleging forced conversions, but church officials denied the claim, calling the event a charity gathering.

In Chhattisgarh’s Kanker district, violence erupted over a Christian burial, leading to arson, property damage, and injuries to police officers. The United Christian Forum reported at least 23 attacks linked to funeral disputes in 2025, most in Chhattisgarh. Rights groups warn that such incidents reflect growing intolerance and inadequate law enforcement response.

As global Christians prepare for Christmas, India’s Christian community faces heightened fear and insecurity, with calls for stronger protection and accountability from authorities.

Belgium has formally joined South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), becoming the latest nation to intervene in the high-profile proceedings. The ICJ confirmed that Belgium submitted its declaration on December 23 under Article 63 of the Court’s Statute, which allows states with an interest in treaty interpretation to participate. Several countries, including Brazil, Colombia, Ireland, Mexico, Spain, and Turkey, have already joined the case.

The ICJ has invited both South Africa and Israel to submit written observations regarding Belgium’s intervention in accordance with Article 83 of the Court’s rules. South Africa initially filed the case on December 29, 2023, accusing Israel of violating its obligations under the Genocide Convention through actions in Gaza. The Court has since issued multiple provisional measures ordering Israel to prevent acts of genocide and ensure humanitarian access.

Legal analysts note that Belgium’s participation adds diplomatic weight to the case and reflects growing international scrutiny of Israel’s military operations in Gaza. The ICJ’s next hearings are expected to focus on compliance with its earlier orders.

China and Russia have jointly condemned the United States for imposing a naval blockade on Venezuela, calling it an act of aggression and intimidation. The criticism came during an emergency session of the UN Security Council on Tuesday, where both countries accused Washington of violating international law by detaining oil tankers authorized to enter or leave Venezuelan waters.

Russian Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya described the blockade as a form of 'real aggression' and an illegal use of force aimed at pressuring Caracas politically and economically. He argued that the U.S. only respects the sovereignty of nations aligned with its interests. China echoed Moscow’s stance, accusing Washington of using coercion to destabilize Latin America.

The U.S. Navy reportedly intercepted at least two vessels departing Venezuelan ports, prompting Caracas to denounce the action as 'international piracy.' Analysts warn that the escalating tensions could further polarize the Security Council and complicate regional stability in Latin America.

Syria’s foreign and defense ministers met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Tuesday to discuss strengthening bilateral military cooperation, according to Syria’s state news agency SANA. The talks focused on expanding strategic collaboration in the defense industry, modernizing military equipment, and enhancing technical and research partnerships aimed at boosting Syria’s defense capabilities.

This visit marks the first high-level engagement between the new Syrian leadership and Moscow since former president Bashar al-Assad, a long-time Russian ally, was ousted last December. Despite Assad’s exile in Russia, the Kremlin appears keen to maintain influence in Syria, particularly regarding access to its key Mediterranean bases at Hmeimim and Tartus. Discussions also covered economic and trade cooperation, including reconstruction projects and investment promotion.

Analysts view the renewed dialogue as part of Russia’s broader strategy to preserve its strategic foothold in the Middle East amid shifting alliances. The outcomes of these talks could shape Syria’s post-war defense posture and Moscow’s long-term regional presence.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has declared that Israeli forces will not withdraw from Gaza, indicating plans to establish military outposts in the northern part of the enclave. His remarks, reported by Israeli media on Tuesday, came as mediators push for the second phase of a ceasefire that includes the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the territory.

Katz made the statement during a ceremony at the Beit El settlement in the occupied West Bank, asserting that Israel’s continued presence in Gaza is necessary to prevent future attacks. Former minister and ex-chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot sharply criticized Katz’s comments, accusing the government of undermining national unity at a critical security juncture.

The remarks complicate ongoing diplomatic efforts, including proposals for an interim Palestinian authority to govern Gaza and the deployment of an international stabilization force. Observers warn that Israel’s stance could stall ceasefire progress and deepen regional tensions.

Gaza’s health system is on the brink of collapse as Israeli authorities continue to block the entry of essential medical supplies, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Director-General Munir al-Barsh told Al Jazeera that the blockade has made it nearly impossible to treat critically ill patients, with thousands now at risk of death. The situation persists despite a U.S.-backed ceasefire that was supposed to allow humanitarian aid, including medical shipments, into the territory.

Health officials report that nearly three-quarters of needed medical equipment is unavailable, including surgical tools, anesthesia, saline, and dialysis materials. Frequent power outages and fuel shortages have further crippled hospital operations. Over the past two years of conflict, at least 125 health facilities have been damaged and more than 1,700 medical workers killed. Ninety-five Palestinian doctors and health workers remain detained by Israel.

The ministry warns that Gaza is facing its worst health crisis in three decades, with thousands of glaucoma patients at risk of blindness and tens of thousands of displaced pregnant women living in unsafe conditions.

Swedish climate and human rights activist Greta Thunberg was arrested in central London on December 23 after joining a pro-Palestinian demonstration organized by Palestine Action. The protest took place outside Aspen Insurance’s office, where Thunberg was seen holding a placard expressing solidarity with imprisoned activists and opposing what she described as genocide.

London City Police confirmed that a 22-year-old woman was detained for displaying material supporting a banned organization, though they did not name Thunberg directly. The UK government outlawed Palestine Action in July 2025, citing its involvement in disruptive protests targeting companies linked to Israel. Since the ban, hundreds of demonstrators have reportedly been arrested under similar charges.

Thunberg’s detention adds to her growing record of civil disobedience in environmental and human rights causes. The incident is expected to reignite debate over the UK’s protest laws and their impact on freedom of expression, especially in politically sensitive contexts involving international conflicts.

Bangladesh has lodged a strong diplomatic protest with India after a series of violent attacks by Hindu nationalist groups on its diplomatic missions in New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Siliguri. Dhaka summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma on Tuesday, describing the incidents as premeditated acts of violence and intimidation that endangered Bangladeshi diplomats and violated international norms. Following the attacks, Bangladesh’s High Commission in Delhi suspended visa services for Indian nationals indefinitely.

In Delhi and Mumbai, members of the Vishva Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal clashed with police, vandalized property, and issued death threats against Bangladeshi diplomats. The protests, allegedly supported by local political figures, were organized over the killing of a Hindu man in Bangladesh. India’s Ministry of External Affairs informally summoned Bangladesh’s envoy in response, accusing Dhaka of overreacting.

The escalating tensions mark one of the most serious strains in recent Bangladesh–India relations. Dhaka has demanded a full investigation and stronger protection for its missions, while observers warn that continued unrest could undermine bilateral cooperation and regional stability.

Russian authorities reported that Ukraine launched a major overnight drone assault targeting Moscow and surrounding regions, including the Tula industrial zone where a fire broke out. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said at least three drones approaching the capital were shot down, and emergency services were deployed to affected areas. No immediate casualties or damage were reported.

Russia’s Defense Ministry stated that its air defense systems destroyed 172 Ukrainian drones overnight, with nearly half intercepted near border regions. Two of Moscow’s four main airports temporarily restricted operations following the attacks. Tula Governor Dmitry Milyaev confirmed that debris from a downed drone caused a fire at an industrial facility, though details about the site or damage remain undisclosed.

The incident marks another escalation in Ukraine’s long-range drone campaign targeting Russian military, energy, and logistics infrastructure. Kyiv maintains that such strikes are a defensive response to Russia’s continued assaults on Ukrainian territory, signaling the deepening technological and strategic dimensions of the conflict.

A private jet carrying Libya’s Chief of General Staff, Mohammed al-Haddad, crashed in Turkish airspace after reporting an electrical malfunction, Turkish officials confirmed. The aircraft had requested emergency landing clearance before losing contact and going down. All eight people on board, including al-Haddad, four Libyan military officials, and three crew members, were killed.

Turkish Presidency Communications Director Fahrettin Altun stated that pilots had notified air traffic control of the issue moments before the crash. Libya’s Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah confirmed al-Haddad’s death, calling it a tragic loss for the nation and its armed forces. Among the victims were senior military figures such as General al-Fitouri Gharibiel and Brigadier General Mahmoud al-Katawi.

The Libyan delegation had been traveling to Ankara for high-level defense talks aimed at strengthening bilateral military cooperation. Turkish authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident, with preliminary findings pointing to a possible electrical systems failure.

A powerful explosion ripped through a nursing home in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, killing at least two people and leaving five others missing, state officials confirmed on Tuesday. Governor Josh Shapiro said the blast occurred at the Silver Lake facility north of Philadelphia, likely caused by a gas leak. The explosion caused part of the building to collapse, trapping several residents under burning debris.

Fire Chief Kevin DiPolito of Bristol Township reported that firefighters smelled strong gas upon arrival and faced extensive structural damage, with the first floor collapsing into the basement. Emergency crews rescued multiple individuals from windows, stairwells, and elevators, while search efforts continue for those unaccounted for. Governor Shapiro praised the swift coordination between firefighters and police during the evacuation.

Authorities noted that the nursing home recently changed ownership, and state health inspectors had visited earlier in December to review quality improvement plans. Investigators are now focusing on determining the exact cause of the explosion and assessing the facility’s compliance with safety standards.

A faction of pro-Khalistan Sikhs is set to hold coordinated protests outside Indian embassies in seven countries on Wednesday, condemning the killing of Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi, a Bangladeshi activist. The demonstrations, organized by Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), will take place at noon local time in Dhaka, Islamabad, Melbourne, London, Milan, Toronto, Vancouver, and Washington, D.C. SFJ’s general counsel Gurpatwant Singh Pannun announced the plan in a video message, demanding the closure of Indian consulates.

Pannun accused Indian intelligence agencies of orchestrating Hadi’s killing and alleged that Indian diplomatic missions serve as operational centers for such activities. He also linked the protests to broader claims of Indian interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs, including alleged plots against the government led by Muhammad Yunus. Indian authorities have not responded to the allegations.

The protests underscore ongoing tensions between pro-Khalistan activists and the Indian government, with SFJ continuing to use international platforms to challenge India’s policies. Security around Indian diplomatic missions in the mentioned cities is expected to be tightened.

A youth leader from Pakistan’s ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has issued a sharp warning to India, declaring that any threat to Bangladesh’s sovereignty would provoke a military and missile response from Pakistan. Kamran Saeed Usmani made the remarks in a video message, asserting that Pakistan’s armed forces and missiles are “not far away” if India acts against Dhaka.

Usmani claimed that Muslim youth across the region are becoming increasingly alert to India’s strategic ambitions, particularly what he described as efforts to impose the “Akhand Bharat” ideology. He urged Bangladesh to form a military alliance with Pakistan and proposed establishing mutual military bases in both countries.

Analysts note that such rhetoric, though not an official government stance, could heighten regional tensions between India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The statement comes amid a fragile South Asian security environment, where even symbolic threats risk escalating diplomatic friction. No official response from Dhaka or New Delhi has yet been reported.

The United Nations has accused Myanmar’s military junta of using violence and intimidation to force citizens to vote in the upcoming national election, scheduled to begin Sunday. UN human rights chief Volker Türk urged the junta to halt the brutality and arbitrary arrests tied to dissent, calling the election environment one of fear and repression. The vote comes five years after the military ousted the elected government and plunged the country into civil war.

Türk warned that civilians face threats from both the junta and armed opposition groups, with reports of forced participation and harsh punishments for dissent. Three young men in Yangon were sentenced to up to 49 years for posting anti-election materials. Displaced residents in Mandalay and other regions reported being told their homes would be seized if they refused to vote. Türk described the situation as a clear violation of human rights.

International observers have rejected the month-long election as a façade for continued military rule, noting that opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi remains imprisoned and her party dissolved.

Iranian authorities reportedly carried out missile drills across several cities, including Tehran, Isfahan, Mashhad, Khorramabad, and Mahabad, earlier this week. Semi-official media outlets such as Fars and Nour News released footage and reports of the exercises, though Iran’s state broadcaster denied any missile launches, claiming the circulating images were unrelated to military testing.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed concern over Iran’s expanding missile activities, stating that Israel is taking necessary precautions. According to NBC News, Netanyahu plans to brief U.S. President Donald Trump on Iran’s missile program and other threats during his upcoming visit to Washington. Israeli officials have warned that they view Iran’s actions as a potential security threat requiring swift response if necessary.

Western nations continue to view Iran’s missile capabilities as a destabilizing factor in the Middle East, fearing that such systems could eventually be adapted to deliver nuclear warheads. The latest drills follow similar exercises by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards earlier this month in the Persian Gulf.