In Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts, tribal individuals who have converted to Islam report facing severe persecution, including social boycotts, economic exclusion, and threats from armed groups. The 2021 killing of Mohammad Omar Faruk Tripura, a convert and preacher, highlighted the dangers faced by new Muslims in remote areas like Roangchhari, Bandarban. His murder remains unsolved, and many families now conceal their faith for safety.

Human rights advocates and local activists describe a pattern of intimidation, extortion, and denial of basic rights for converts, particularly among the Tripura, Marma, and Mro communities. Converts are often accused of betraying indigenous identity and are barred from communal resources and markets. Legal experts call these acts violations of constitutional and human rights protections, while local armed groups such as JSS and UPDF are accused of enforcing anti-conversion campaigns.

Observers warn that the issue reflects a deeper intersection of religion, ethnicity, and politics in the Hill Tracts, leaving converts isolated from both state protection and their original communities.

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Moscow will achieve its objectives in Ukraine through either diplomatic or military means, reiterating plans to establish and expand a 'security buffer zone' along contested regions. Speaking on Wednesday, Putin said the goals of the 'special military operation' would be fulfilled and that Russia preferred diplomacy to address the root causes of the conflict. However, he warned that if Ukraine and its Western backers refuse genuine talks, Russia will proceed militarily.

Putin claimed that Russia continues to advance on all fronts, even as U.S. President Donald Trump presses for a rapid peace agreement. Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov acknowledged Ukraine’s attempts to retake the northeastern city of Kupiansk but said they were unsuccessful, while Kyiv asserted control over 90% of the city. Putin also accused European leaders of spreading fear about war with Russia, insisting Moscow does not seek conflict but is prepared if Europe chooses confrontation.

The remarks come as the war reaches a critical juncture, with territorial control contested and diplomatic efforts intensifying.

The bodies of six Bangladeshi peacekeepers killed in a terrorist drone attack on a United Nations base in Sudan’s Abyei region will return to Dhaka on December 20, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The attack, which occurred on December 13, also left nine Bangladeshi soldiers injured. They are currently receiving treatment at Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya, and are reported to be out of danger.

The ISPR identified the fallen soldiers as Corporal Masud Rana, Soldier Mominul Islam, Soldier Shamim Reza, Soldier Shanto Mondal, Mess Waiter Jahangir Alam, and Laundryman Sabuj Mia. The Bangladesh Army confirmed that funeral rites will be held with full military honors upon the bodies’ arrival in Dhaka. The government has expressed deep condolences to the bereaved families.

Bangladesh is one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping missions. The incident highlights the growing security risks faced by peacekeepers in conflict zones like Sudan, where drone warfare has become an increasing threat to international forces.

UK-based humanitarian group Save the Children has reported that it has been unable to deliver its own relief supplies to Gaza since March, when Israel imposed a full blockade on the enclave. Despite a ceasefire taking effect on October 10, the organization said that no change has occurred in its ability to bring in tents, blankets, and other essential materials.

Severe storms have recently caused extensive damage across Gaza, heightening the need for emergency shelter and supplies. Save the Children’s Gaza media manager, Shorouq, told Al Jazeera that only limited aid has entered through the United Nations, insufficient to meet the population’s basic needs. An aid worker, speaking anonymously, described desperate conditions as Palestinians struggle to find safe shelter.

The organization has attempted to source materials locally, but these efforts have been described as a “drop in the ocean” compared to the overwhelming demand. Humanitarian agencies continue to urge Israel to ease restrictions to prevent a deeper crisis in Gaza’s already fragile humanitarian situation.

The Israeli military is reportedly facing a severe personnel crisis as hundreds of soldiers and officers have submitted resignation letters, while many are also leaving the country. According to Israeli media reports cited by TRT World, around 500 resignation applications have been filed by regular officers and non-commissioned officers (NCOs). The military leadership has issued warnings regarding the growing trend of soldiers emigrating, which is exacerbating the staffing shortage.

Officials within the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have expressed concern that the number of resignations could increase further, potentially affecting operational readiness. Reports indicate that the army is struggling to persuade thousands of officers and NCOs to remain in service. The situation comes amid ongoing regional tensions and internal pressures within the defense establishment.

Analysts suggest that if the exodus continues, the IDF may face challenges in maintaining its current deployment levels and training programs. The military is expected to introduce retention measures or incentives in the coming months to stabilize its workforce.

Hundreds of demonstrators marched through Berlin’s Kreuzberg district on Tuesday evening to express solidarity with Palestinians and protest Israel’s continuing military operations in Gaza. Participants gathered at Hohenstaufen Square, carrying lanterns and candles as they moved toward Hallesches Tor subway station. The rally, reported by Anadolu Agency, featured Palestinian flags and chants such as “Free Palestine,” while protesters criticized the German government’s support for Israel.

Organizers and participants condemned what they described as a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, citing figures that nearly 70,700 Palestinians—mostly women and children—have been killed since October 2023, with more than 171,000 injured. Protesters accused Western nations of remaining silent in the face of widespread destruction across the enclave.

Analysts view the Berlin torchlight march as part of a broader wave of pro-Palestinian demonstrations across Europe, reflecting growing public concern over civilian casualties and calls for stronger international intervention to halt the violence.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that Germany is prepared to send troops to Ukraine as part of a European-led multinational coalition, emphasizing that the mission would not be under U.S. leadership. Speaking to state broadcaster ZDF, Merz said Berlin supports a 'coalition of the willing' that could include European nations along with Canada, Australia, and others.

The statement followed two days of talks in Berlin involving Ukraine, the United States, and several European countries, where participants discussed forming a European-led force to assist Ukrainian defense operations and secure air and maritime zones. Merz suggested such a deployment could help secure a ceasefire with Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously rejected any foreign troop presence in Ukraine, but Merz noted that Moscow has sometimes reversed earlier refusals.

Analysts say Germany’s stance signals a shift toward stronger European strategic autonomy in the Ukraine conflict. Further consultations are expected among EU and NATO partners to define the coalition’s scope and mandate.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a complete blockade on all oil tankers traveling to and from Venezuela that fall under existing sanctions. The directive, issued Tuesday via his social media platform Truth Social, intensifies Washington’s economic and military pressure on Caracas. Trump accused President Nicolás Maduro’s government of using profits from ‘stolen oil’ to fund drug trafficking and human rights abuses, vowing to maintain a hardline stance until Venezuela returns what he called ‘stolen assets.’

The move follows the recent seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker and expanded naval deployments in the Caribbean under the pretext of anti-narcotics operations. Venezuela, however, claims the U.S. actions aim to topple Maduro and seize control of its vast oil reserves. Analysts warn that halting oil exports could devastate Venezuela’s fragile economy, already strained by years of sanctions and hyperinflation.

Experts predict the blockade may trigger severe shortages of food and medicine, worsening the humanitarian crisis. With over 303 billion barrels of proven reserves, Venezuela holds the world’s largest oil supply, but its access to global markets now faces unprecedented constraints.

Israel has barred a Canadian delegation from entering the occupied West Bank, labeling the group a potential threat to public security. The delegation included six Canadian Members of Parliament and representatives from the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM). The group had previously received entry approval, which was later revoked by Israeli authorities.

Israeli officials stated that the visit was organized by Canadian Muslim Vote, which they claim receives significant funding from Islamic Relief Canada — an affiliate of an organization Israel designates as a terrorist entity. NCCM head Stephen Brown criticized the decision as deeply troubling and disappointing, arguing that it restricts independent observation of conditions in the occupied territories. Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand confirmed that Ottawa had contacted the delegation and expressed concern over the treatment of Canadian citizens.

Islamic Relief Canada is not listed as a terrorist organization in Canada and has received government grants for humanitarian work abroad. The diplomatic tension may strain Canada-Israel relations as both sides defend their positions on security and human rights oversight.

A two-week-old Palestinian infant has died from hypothermia in Gaza as freezing temperatures sweep through the war-torn enclave. The Gaza Health Ministry confirmed the death of Mohammad Khalil Abu al-Khair, citing a lack of heating, electricity, and shelter. Al Jazeera’s correspondent Tareq Abu Azzoum reported that the baby’s death reflects the collapse of Gaza’s basic infrastructure following prolonged Israeli bombardments.

Families are living in makeshift tents on wet ground without adequate clothing or heating. Humanitarian agencies say Israel’s restrictions on fuel, food, and aid deliveries have worsened the crisis. A displaced mother told Al Jazeera that residents are drying children’s clothes over open fires to survive. Recent storms have killed at least 11 others as heavy rain and wind destroyed fragile shelters.

The ongoing blockade and destruction have left over 80% of Gaza’s infrastructure in ruins, forcing millions into overcrowded camps. Aid groups warn that without immediate humanitarian access, more deaths from cold and disease are likely in the coming weeks.

Amnesty International has called on Pakistan, Iran, and several European countries to immediately stop the forced deportation of Afghan refugees, warning that such actions violate international law. The organization stated that many Afghans are being returned unlawfully to a country facing severe economic, climate, and humanitarian crises. According to UN Special Representative Georgette Gagnon, around 2.5 million Afghans have returned so far this year, intensifying the strain on Afghanistan’s fragile infrastructure.

Amnesty emphasized that deported individuals face heightened risks of human rights abuses, particularly under the Taliban’s restrictive governance, which continues to impose harsh limitations on women and minorities. The group urged all governments to respect the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning anyone to a place where they face serious threats to their life or freedom.

Observers warn that continued deportations could worsen Afghanistan’s humanitarian situation, leaving returnees without jobs, shelter, or safety. International agencies are calling for coordinated action to ensure protection and support for displaced Afghans.

United Nations Special Rapporteur for the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Francesca Albanese, and several Gaza-based doctors have been nominated for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize. The announcement was made by European Parliament member Matjaž Nemec after the formal submission of the nomination to the Norwegian Nobel Committee on December 16, 2025.

Nemec stated that nearly 300 qualified nominators from 33 countries, including Brazil, South Africa, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, endorsed the proposal. He described the nomination as a tribute to courage and resilience in defending humanitarian values under extreme conditions. Albanese was praised for upholding international law and human rights despite political pressure from Israel and the United States. Gaza doctors such as Dr. Husam Abu Safiya and Dr. Sara Al-Saqqa were recognized for their work saving lives amid collapsing health infrastructure and severe shortages.

The nomination calls on global leaders to respect international law and human dignity. It comes as Gaza continues to face devastating humanitarian conditions, with over 70,000 Palestinians reported killed since October 2023 despite ceasefire agreements.

Two Rohingya men were seriously injured in a landmine explosion on Totar Island in Myanmar’s Arakan State, near the Naf River bordering Bangladesh. The victims reportedly crossed into Bangladesh through the Hwaikong border in Teknaf after the blast and were initially treated at the Kutupalong MSF hospital before being transferred to Chittagong Medical College Hospital due to worsening conditions.

Local sources said the explosion occurred during a routine patrol by the Arakan Rohingya Army (ARA), which has been active in the conflict zone. The area has long been suspected of being mined by Myanmar’s military junta, though no clear warnings were in place. Witnesses confirmed that several injured individuals were seen crossing the border by boat with the help of local intermediaries.

The incident follows recent heavy clashes between the Arakan Army and the ARA over control of several islands along the Naf River. The fighting has heightened security concerns on both sides of the border, with stray bullets previously landing inside Bangladeshi territory.

Pakistan has accused India of sponsoring terrorist attacks within its territory, claiming to possess credible evidence of New Delhi’s involvement. Speaking before the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday, Gul Kaisar Sarwani, Counselor and Political Coordinator of Pakistan’s UN Mission, alleged that India supports groups such as the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), and others operating against Islamabad.

Sarwani argued that India uses unfounded terrorism allegations to divert global attention from its own record of cross-border aggression and state-backed violence in Jammu and Kashmir. He further criticized India for rejecting Pakistan’s proposal for an independent investigation into the Pahalgam attack, calling New Delhi’s actions a violation of international law.

The Pakistani diplomat also warned that India’s unilateral actions, including threats to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, amount to weaponizing water resources for political gain. The remarks underscore deepening diplomatic tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, with no immediate sign of de-escalation.

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new advisory for civilian aircraft operating in or near Venezuelan airspace, citing heightened military activity and deteriorating security conditions. The warning urges airlines and pilots to exercise extreme caution when flying in the region. The move follows a recent near-miss incident involving a JetBlue aircraft and a US Air Force refueling plane near Venezuelan territory.

According to AFP, this is the second such warning in a month, reflecting growing instability in the Caribbean region. Several international carriers have already rerouted flights to avoid Venezuelan airspace. Panama’s Copa Airlines announced an extension of its suspension of flights to Caracas until January 15. The advisory comes as Washington intensifies pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, deploying warships in the Caribbean and accusing him of leading a narcotics-linked criminal network.

Analysts warn that the renewed airspace restrictions could further isolate Venezuela and complicate regional air travel. The situation underscores escalating geopolitical and security tensions between the United States and the Maduro government.