Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has sharply criticized Israel for obstructing humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza, accusing it of using fabricated excuses to maintain the blockade. Speaking at a Justice and Development (AK) Party meeting in Ankara, Erdogan denounced what he called Israel’s failure to uphold the ceasefire agreement that took effect on October 11, saying the humanitarian situation in Gaza has not improved.

Erdogan emphasized Turkey’s continued support for Palestinians, pledging to increase aid and maintain diplomatic pressure. He reiterated that while Turkey supports peace, it will not tolerate injustice or oppression. His remarks come amid growing international concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where aid agencies report severe shortages of food, medicine, and fuel.

Analysts view Erdogan’s statement as part of Turkey’s broader effort to position itself as a leading voice for Palestinian rights in the Muslim world. The comments may further strain Ankara’s already tense relations with Israel, while reinforcing Turkey’s regional diplomatic stance on the Gaza conflict.

Fourteen countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Canada, and Denmark, have jointly condemned Israel’s decision to authorize 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank. In a joint statement, the nations described the move as illegal under international law and warned that it endangers the fragile Gaza ceasefire and prospects for long-term regional stability.

The statement, endorsed by Belgium, Germany, Italy, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and the United Kingdom, urged Israel to reverse the decision. The countries reaffirmed their opposition to any annexation or expansion of settlements and reiterated support for the Palestinian right to self-determination. Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich confirmed the approval, stating the plan aims to prevent the creation of a future Palestinian state.

Diplomatic observers warn that the move could further strain Israel’s relations with Western allies and complicate ongoing mediation efforts to sustain the Gaza truce. The development underscores renewed tensions surrounding the two-state solution and international law compliance.

Pope Leo XIV presided over his first Christmas Mass as pontiff on Wednesday at St. Peter’s Square, drawing thousands of worshippers despite heavy rain. Around 5,000 people gathered outside the basilica to follow the ceremony on large screens, while another 6,000—including senior clergy and diplomats—attended inside. The 70-year-old American-born pope described Christmas as a celebration of faith, mercy, and hope, and criticized what he called a “distorted economy” that turns people into commodities.

Leo’s address avoided direct political commentary, focusing instead on spiritual reflection. His restrained tone contrasted with that of his late predecessor, Pope Francis, who died in April. The Mass included traditional hymns and rituals, such as placing the infant Jesus statue in a manger. Leo also revived an older tradition by scheduling a second Christmas Day prayer and the “Urbi et Orbi” blessing from the basilica balcony.

Earlier, the pope urged a global ceasefire for Christmas, lamenting Russia’s rejection of the appeal regarding Ukraine. The celebration also marked the conclusion of the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Holy Year, which brought millions of pilgrims to Rome.

At least 20 people were killed when a passenger bus caught fire following a head-on collision with a truck in Chitradurga district of Karnataka, India, early Thursday morning. The accident occurred around 2:30 a.m. on National Highway 48 as the bus was traveling from Bengaluru to Shivamogga. Police said the truck crossed the divider and rammed into the bus, triggering an immediate blaze that trapped passengers inside.

Rescue teams from the police and fire department rushed to the scene, managing to save several injured passengers who were taken to hospitals in Hiriyur and Chitradurga. Officials fear the death toll may rise as some victims remain in critical condition. Preliminary investigations suggest the truck driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel, causing him to lose control and cross into oncoming traffic.

Traffic on the busy highway was temporarily halted but later resumed after the vehicles were removed and the fire was brought under control. Authorities have launched a detailed inquiry into the cause of the accident.

French President Emmanuel Macron has sharply criticized the United States for imposing visa restrictions on five European citizens, including EU Commissioner Thierry Breton, over disputes related to technology company regulations. In a statement posted on social media platform X, Macron described the US decision as an act of intimidation and coercion, asserting that France strongly condemns the measure.

According to reports from AFP, the restrictions are linked to ongoing tensions between Washington and Brussels regarding the regulation of major technology firms. Macron argued that the move was intended to weaken Europe’s digital sovereignty and pressure EU policymakers. He reaffirmed that Europe remains committed to protecting its regulatory autonomy and will not compromise on its principles.

The incident underscores growing transatlantic friction over digital governance and corporate oversight. Analysts suggest the dispute could complicate cooperation on technology policy and data protection between the US and the European Union in the coming months.

The Israeli military on Wednesday confirmed the death of a Hamas financial officer in a December 13 airstrike in Gaza, identifying him as a key figure in the group’s armed wing. The official, named Zakut, was killed alongside senior Hamas commander Raed Saad during a joint operation by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Shin Bet security agency. Saad was reportedly one of the planners of Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

According to IDF Arabic spokesperson Avichay Adraee, Zakut was responsible for managing millions of dollars in funding for Hamas’s military activities over the past year. Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya had earlier confirmed Saad’s death but did not mention Zakut. The IDF described Saad as head of Hamas’s weapons production headquarters, overseeing the group’s military buildup.

The announcement comes amid a fragile ceasefire in Gaza, in effect since October 10, which both Israel and Hamas accuse each other of violating. The identification of Zakut underscores Israel’s continued targeting of Hamas’s financial and military infrastructure.

A new Pentagon report submitted to the U.S. Congress claims that China aims to incorporate India’s northeastern Arunachal Pradesh into its national map, identifying it as part of Beijing’s expanding list of ‘core interests.’ The report places Arunachal Pradesh alongside Taiwan and disputed maritime zones in the South and East China Seas as central to China’s long-term national strategy. It links these ambitions to Beijing’s goal of achieving the ‘great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation’ by 2049.

The document also notes that China and India agreed in October 2024 to withdraw troops from remaining friction points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Following that, both nations initiated monthly high-level talks on border management, air connectivity, and academic exchanges. Pentagon analysts suggest China’s de-escalation efforts aim to stabilize ties with India and prevent closer U.S.-India alignment. The report further highlights deepening China-Pakistan military cooperation, including joint fighter production and drone supplies.

Analysts warn that despite dialogue, mutual distrust persists, keeping India cautious about Beijing’s strategic intentions in the region.

The United Nations has issued a stark warning about the worsening humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, citing ongoing Israeli military operations and escalating violence by illegal settlers. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), six Palestinians, including four children, were killed between December 9 and 22, 2025. The agency also reported that more than 100 Palestinians were displaced during the same period due to home demolitions and forced evictions across the West Bank.

OCHA expressed grave concern over the growing displacement crisis, noting that 63 of those displaced were from East Jerusalem and the rest from Area C. Palestinian government data indicate that since October 2023, at least 1,102 Palestinians have been killed, nearly 11,000 injured, and around 21,000 detained by Israeli forces and settlers. Humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza remains severely restricted, with shortages of essential supplies hampering maintenance of sanitation systems.

The UN urged immediate action to ensure unimpeded humanitarian access and protection of civilians, warning that continued restrictions could push the region into an even deeper humanitarian catastrophe.

In 2025, Turkey’s long-term strategic patience paid off as it successfully balanced relations between Russia and the West amid ongoing global conflicts. Despite early fears that Ankara would be forced to choose sides following the 2022 Russia-Ukraine war, the country maintained diplomatic flexibility, turning crises into opportunities. Through initiatives such as the Antalya peace talks, the Black Sea grain deal, and the Istanbul peace process, Turkey positioned itself as a key mediator while sustaining trade with Moscow under Western sanctions.

Turkey’s defense industry gained global recognition, particularly for its Bayraktar drones used in Ukraine and Azerbaijan’s Nagorno-Karabakh operations. The country also benefited from shifting regional dynamics, including the fall of the Assad regime in Syria and emerging peace prospects between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Improved ties with the EU, the U.S., and Gulf nations further strengthened Turkey’s geopolitical standing. Analysts suggest that Ankara’s pragmatic diplomacy and defense partnerships could accelerate its EU integration talks and restore its role in the F-35 program, marking 2025 as a pivotal year for its global influence.

A recent editorial cartoon published in Pakistan’s influential English-language daily *Dawn* has stirred new diplomatic discussions across South Asia. The cartoon, released on December 21, 2025, depicts Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi standing before a large tiger labeled “Bangladesh.” Analysts interpret the image, drawn by artist Rohait Bhagwant, as symbolizing Bangladesh’s growing confidence and shifting dynamics in its relationship with India. The artwork quickly went viral on social media, prompting debates about regional power balances.

In response, a youth leader from Pakistan’s ruling Pakistan Muslim League–Nawaz (PML–N) issued a strong warning to India. Kamran Saeed Usmani stated in a video message that Pakistan’s military and missiles are ready to defend Bangladesh’s sovereignty if threatened. He further accused India of pursuing an “Akhand Bharat” agenda and proposed a military alliance between Pakistan and Bangladesh. Analysts caution that any such alignment could significantly alter South Asia’s strategic equilibrium, signaling renewed regional tension.

Saudi Arabia’s Coast Guard rescued two Bangladeshi sailors from the Red Sea near the Al Lith administrative area in the Makkah region after their vessel broke apart, leaving them stranded. According to Gulf News, rescue teams reached the site promptly, provided necessary assistance, and ensured the sailors’ safety before bringing them ashore.

In an official statement, the Saudi Border Guard urged all seafarers to strictly follow maritime safety guidelines and verify the seaworthiness of their vessels before departure. Authorities also reminded residents to report emergencies by calling 911 in Makkah, Madinah, and the Eastern Province, or 994 in other regions of the country.

The incident highlights ongoing efforts by Saudi maritime authorities to enhance coastal safety and emergency response capacity, particularly in busy Red Sea routes used by international and regional shipping traffic.

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.