The Israeli military has claimed responsibility for killing nine Palestinian fighters inside a tunnel in Rafah, southern Gaza, according to a statement released on Friday. The army further alleged that over 30 militants attempting to flee from underground structures in eastern Rafah have been killed so far. Hamas has not yet commented on the Israeli claims. Israeli media recently reported that around 200 Hamas fighters remain trapped in a tunnel in Rafah, though Tel Aviv has not responded to mediation efforts by Hamas and international intermediaries to allow their safe evacuation. Rafah remains under Israeli military control. The incident comes amid a fragile ceasefire deal brokered by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, which includes prisoner exchanges and plans for Gaza’s reconstruction under a new administrative framework excluding Hamas. Since the conflict began on October 7, 2023, Israeli operations in Gaza have reportedly killed around 70,000 people, mostly women and children, and injured more than 170,000 others.

Hezbollah’s deputy leader Naim Qassem has vowed to avenge the killing of the group’s top military commander, Haitham Ali Tabatabai, who died in an Israeli airstrike near Beirut on November 23. In a televised speech on November 27, Qassem described the attack as a 'clear act of aggression and a brutal crime,' asserting Hezbollah’s right to respond at a time of its choosing. He did not specify whether a new war with Israel was imminent but urged Lebanon to rely on its army and citizens for defense. Qassem also expressed hope that the upcoming visit of Pope Leo to Lebanon would help promote peace and curb Israeli aggression. He claimed Hezbollah has abided by the ceasefire agreement effective since November 2024, while accusing Israel of continued attacks. In response, Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee criticized Lebanon’s army for failing to curb Hezbollah’s weapons buildup in the south.

Iran’s Armed Forces Chief of Staff, Major General Seyyed Abdolrahim Mousavi, declared that the country’s navy is fully prepared to counter any form of aggression or threat. Speaking on the occasion of Iran’s Navy Day, Mousavi emphasized the strategic capabilities and self-reliance of the Iranian Navy, highlighting its reliance on indigenous strength and a spirit of resistance. He stated that the navy has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to deliver a strong and deterrent response to any hostile action. Mousavi also credited the sustained maritime security in the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman, and Iran’s territorial waters to close coordination between the navy and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) naval units. He described this cooperation as a strategic and intelligent model of deterrence that ensures regional stability and readiness against potential threats.

Three Chinese nationals were killed and two others seriously injured in a drone strike that originated from Afghanistan and hit Tajikistan’s southwestern Khatlon province on November 26. The Chinese embassy in Dushanbe confirmed the incident on November 28, stating that the victims were employees of the Chinese mining company LLC Shahin SM. Tajikistan’s foreign ministry said the drone, carrying grenades, specifically targeted the company’s site and confirmed it came from Afghan territory. China has urged Tajik authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and called on Afghanistan’s Taliban government to take appropriate measures. Kabul has yet to issue an official response. The attack adds to a series of recent assaults on Chinese nationals working abroad, particularly in Pakistan’s Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa regions, where militant groups have previously targeted Chinese projects.

The Bangladesh High Commission in Colombo has issued an urgent advisory for Bangladeshi tourists in Sri Lanka following severe floods and landslides that have killed at least 56 people, according to Al Jazeera. The High Commission expressed deep concern for the safety of Bangladeshi nationals and said it is maintaining close contact with Sri Lankan authorities to monitor the situation. Tourists facing difficulties, being stranded, or in need of assistance have been urged to contact the mission through two emergency hotlines: +94 71 760 6394 and +94 71 368 0461. The advisory also urged all Bangladeshis in affected areas to remain calm, stay indoors or in safe shelters, and follow instructions from local authorities and disaster management officials. The mission emphasized that ensuring the safety of Bangladeshi citizens remains its top priority amid the ongoing natural disaster.

Israeli authorities have released Palestinian American teenager Mohammed Ibrahim after more than nine months in detention, following sustained pressure from US lawmakers and civil rights groups. The 16-year-old from Florida was arrested at age 15 during a February raid on his family home in al-Mazraa ash-Sharqiya, near Ramallah, over allegations of throwing rocks at Israeli settlers, which he denied. During his imprisonment, Ibrahim reportedly suffered weight loss and a skin infection, and was denied contact with his family. His relatives alleged he was blindfolded and beaten during his arrest. US officials were the only ones granted access to him, while his family repeatedly appealed to the Trump administration for his release. The campaign for his freedom intensified in recent weeks amid concerns over his deteriorating health, culminating in his release on Thursday. His family expressed immense relief and plans to celebrate his belated 16th birthday at home.

Bangladesh’s interim government adviser for law, justice, parliamentary affairs, expatriate welfare and overseas employment, Dr. Asif Nazrul, announced that the remaining 24 Bangladeshi nationals detained in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will soon be released. The detainees were imprisoned at different times for their alleged involvement in the July uprising in the UAE. Dr. Nazrul shared the news on his verified Facebook page, expressing gratitude to the Prime Adviser, the Ministry of Expatriate Welfare, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and officials of the Bangladesh Embassy in the UAE for their coordinated efforts. He noted that this marks the final phase of the release process, following the earlier release of 188 detainees in September last year, which occurred after a direct appeal from the Chief Adviser. The announcement brings relief to the families of those still detained and highlights the government’s ongoing diplomatic engagement to protect Bangladeshi workers abroad.

Ukraine will not surrender any of its territory to Russia in exchange for peace, according to Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to President Volodymyr Zelensky. In an interview with The Atlantic, Yermak stated that as long as Zelensky remains president, he will never sign any agreement transferring Ukrainian land to Russia. His remarks came after Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated that Moscow would not halt its offensive unless Ukrainian forces withdrew from regions claimed by the Kremlin. Russia currently controls about one-fifth of Ukraine, including Crimea and parts of Donbas, which remain central obstacles to peace negotiations. Discussions continue around a U.S.-backed peace plan, but Kyiv insists that all occupied territories must be returned. Zelensky has accused Moscow of disregarding genuine efforts to end the war, while Putin continues to push for international recognition of Russia’s annexed regions.

Israeli soldiers shot dead two unarmed Palestinians in Jenin, West Bank, after they had reportedly surrendered during a military raid. Video footage shows the men raising their hands and lifting their shirts to show they were unarmed before being shot. The victims were identified as Al-Muntasir Billah Mahmoud Qasem Abdullah, 26, and Yusuf Ali Yusuf Asa’sa, 37. The Palestinian Authority condemned the killings as a war crime, while Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir defended the soldiers’ actions, saying they acted as expected against 'terrorists.' The Israeli army admitted to the shooting, claiming the men failed to follow orders. Hamas described the incident as part of a broader campaign to eliminate Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. The killings come amid intensified Israeli operations in the region, where over a thousand Palestinians have been killed and thousands arrested in the past two years.

France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom have jointly called on Israel to comply with international law and take immediate measures to protect Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. In a joint statement, the four European nations, known as the E4, expressed deep concern over the sharp rise in violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinian civilians, describing it as the highest level in nearly two decades. Citing UN data, the statement noted that 264 attacks were recorded in October, marking the highest monthly figure since 2006. The countries warned that escalating violence threatens to destabilize the West Bank and increase regional tensions. They urged the Israeli government to ensure accountability for perpetrators, address the root causes of violence, and refrain from any annexation, which they said would violate international law.

At least 128 people have been confirmed dead and around 200 remain missing after a massive fire swept through a residential complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district, marking the city’s deadliest blaze in nearly 80 years. The fire broke out Wednesday afternoon at Wang Fuk Court, a cluster of eight 32-story buildings, and was brought under control after two days of firefighting. Hong Kong’s Security Chief Chris Tang said the death toll could rise as police continue searches inside the buildings. Among the victims, 39 have been identified so far, and 79 people, including 12 firefighters, were injured. Officials reported that the fire alarm system malfunctioned during the incident. Authorities suspect that unsafe renovation materials and construction irregularities may have triggered the fire. Three officials from the construction company have been arrested. The complex housed more than 4,600 residents and was under renovation at the time of the tragedy.

The United States has deported 39 more Bangladeshi nationals, who arrived in Dhaka early Friday on a special military flight. According to BRAC’s Migration Program, 34 of them had initially traveled legally to Brazil with Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) clearance before entering the US illegally via Mexico, while the remaining five reached the US through other routes. This brings the total number of Bangladeshis deported from the US this year to over 220. BRAC officials raised concerns about the accountability of recruitment agencies and government oversight, as many migrants spent large sums to reach the US. Unlike previous deportations, the returnees were not restrained during the flight. The deportations come amid tougher immigration enforcement under Donald Trump’s second presidential term, with the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) increasingly using chartered and military flights to repatriate undocumented migrants after legal proceedings.

At least 12 people, including women and children, were killed and 18 others injured, among them six Israeli soldiers, during intense clashes following Israeli airstrikes in Syria’s Beit Jinn and Mazraat Beit Jinn areas near Damascus. According to Syrian state media, the attacks occurred early Friday, leaving several people trapped under rubble as rescue operations continued. Israeli forces claimed the operation targeted members of Al-Jamaa Islamiyah allegedly plotting attacks on Israeli civilians. Syrian authorities have not commented on the incident. The Israeli military confirmed six of its soldiers were wounded, three critically. Reports indicate that Israel has conducted 47 operations in southern Syria this November alone, and over 1,000 airstrikes since late 2024, expanding its control over the Golan Heights and violating the 1974 disengagement agreement. The renewed violence follows similar Israeli attacks in Lebanon, raising regional tensions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared Ukraine’s current government under Volodymyr Zelensky 'illegitimate', arguing that any peace negotiations with Kyiv are now meaningless. Speaking after a three-day visit to Kyrgyzstan, Putin stated that Zelensky’s term has expired without elections, rendering his administration invalid. Kyiv, however, maintains that elections cannot be held under martial law amid Russia’s ongoing invasion. Putin also dismissed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed plan as merely a set of discussion points rather than a draft peace deal. He reiterated that Russia would halt its military operations only if Ukrainian forces withdraw from all contested territories, including regions not under Russian control. Putin further emphasized that Ukraine must abandon its NATO ambitions and prevent Western military presence. Meanwhile, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to visit Moscow next week, while U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll may travel to Kyiv, signaling continued diplomatic engagement despite escalating rhetoric.

Armenia has suspended negotiations to purchase India’s Tejas fighter jets following a crash during the Dubai Airshow, where an Indian Air Force pilot was killed. The deal, valued at $1.2 billion for 12 aircraft, was in its final stages between the Armenian government and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). According to The Jerusalem Post, this would have been the first export contract for the Tejas, a 4.5-generation multirole combat aircraft developed by India to replace its aging MiG-21 fleet. The crash has raised concerns about the aircraft’s reliability and could impact India’s ambitions to become a major defense exporter. Neither the Armenian nor Indian governments have issued official statements regarding the suspension. The Tejas A1 variant, currently in production, includes Israeli radar and electronic warfare systems aimed at improving its competitiveness with Western fighters.