The Israeli military is reportedly facing the worst manpower crisis in its history, according to reserve general and military analyst Itzhak Brik. Writing in the daily Maariv, Brik stated that thousands of officers and non-commissioned officers have refused to respond to call-ups or renew their service contracts in recent months. The ongoing Gaza conflict, which has lasted nearly two years, has resulted in 923 Israeli soldiers killed and around 6,500 wounded, with about 20,000 troops suffering from post-traumatic stress. Brik warned that the shortage of personnel is now affecting equipment maintenance and operational readiness, potentially rendering the army 'paralyzed.' He blamed previous chiefs of staff for reducing manpower and shortening service terms, which pushed experienced soldiers out and left unqualified personnel in critical roles. Brik also criticized the army’s human resources management and outdated information systems, describing the situation as one of 'information blindness.'

The United States and Syrian joint forces have destroyed 15 Islamic State (IS) weapons depots in southern Syria, according to a statement from the US Central Command (CENTCOM) released on Friday, November 28. The operations, conducted between November 24 and 27, targeted IS stockpiles containing over 130 mortars and rockets, as well as numerous assault rifles, machine guns, anti-tank mines, and bomb-making materials. The campaign is part of ongoing efforts to eliminate IS remnants that once controlled vast territories across Syria and Iraq following its rise in 2013. Although the group has lost most of its territory, it continues to maintain limited presence in remote areas. The latest operation comes amid political changes in Syria, where interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa recently met US President Donald Trump, who pledged full American support to the new transitional government following the December 2024 coup that ousted Bashar al-Assad.

Turkey and Iran have pledged to strengthen cooperation in trade, energy, and regional security following a meeting in Tehran between Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi. Fidan emphasized that trade and energy remain top priorities but noted the need for broader collaboration in other sectors. Both sides agreed to enhance border security, increase the number of border gates, and advance supply and transport projects. The ministers also discussed joint efforts to combat illegal migration, expressing a shared commitment to address the issue collectively. On regional security, Fidan stated that both nations view Israel as the greatest threat to Middle East stability and urged the international community to act against Israeli aggression and occupation. The meeting underscored a mutual desire to deepen bilateral relations amid growing regional tensions.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has appealed to the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) for support against what he described as 'growing and illegal threats' from the United States and former President Donald Trump. In a letter sent to OPEC members, Maduro accused Washington of attempting to seize Venezuela’s vast oil resources, the largest in the world. Citing the letter published by state broadcaster Telesur, Maduro urged OPEC and OPEC+ members to act to prevent further aggression, warning that the situation poses a serious threat to global energy market stability. Despite holding an estimated 303 billion barrels of oil reserves, Venezuela exported only $4.05 billion worth of crude in 2023, largely due to US sanctions imposed during Trump’s first term. Venezuela, a founding member of OPEC since 1960, has historically worked with other major producers such as Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia to manage oil supply and influence global prices.

More than 40 Hamas fighters were killed in an Israeli military operation targeting tunnels near Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, according to a statement from the Israeli army on Sunday. The operation, conducted last week, focused on destroying underground routes used by Hamas militants. The Israeli military said it has concentrated its efforts around eastern Rafah for the past 40 days, aiming to eliminate militants hiding in the tunnel network. Earlier, the army reported killing four Hamas members who emerged from tunnels. Several Hamas infrastructures were also destroyed during the raids. Sources told AFP that discussions are ongoing about Hamas fighters hiding within the southern Gaza tunnel network. Meanwhile, Hamas has urged mediating countries to pressure Israel to allow safe passage, marking the first time the group publicly acknowledged the situation.

The United Nations Committee Against Torture has expressed grave concern over Israel’s actions in Gaza, describing them as excessive and potentially constituting systematic abuse against Palestinians. In its latest observations, the committee acknowledged and condemned the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel but criticized Israel’s response as disproportionate, leading to widespread civilian suffering and deaths. The committee alleged that Israel’s treatment of detainees and the deteriorating conditions in detention centers amount to collective punishment under a deliberate state policy. It urged Israel to establish an independent and impartial investigation into all allegations of torture and ill-treatment during the ongoing conflict, ensuring accountability for senior officials. The committee also called for unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza and recommended that Israel criminalize torture explicitly in its domestic law, disclose details of its special interrogation methods, and reaffirm that no exceptional circumstances can justify torture or abuse.

Finland has announced plans to close its embassies in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Myanmar by 2026 as part of a broader restructuring of its foreign mission network. The Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs stated that the decision was driven by operational and strategic considerations, including shifting political conditions in the respective countries and limited trade and economic ties with Finland. The closures will be enacted through a presidential decree, according to an official government notice issued on November 29. The ministry emphasized that the move aims to concentrate Finland’s diplomatic resources in countries deemed strategically more significant. No immediate responses were reported from the governments of Pakistan, Afghanistan, or Myanmar regarding Finland’s decision. The restructuring reflects Finland’s ongoing efforts to optimize its diplomatic presence globally amid evolving geopolitical and economic priorities.

Iran has denied reports that its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched missile attacks on separatist groups in Iraq’s Kurdistan region. Several media outlets and social media users had claimed that the IRGC fired ballistic missiles from Iran’s western provinces of Khorramabad, Ilam, and Kermanshah targeting areas inside Iraqi Kurdistan. However, a source familiar with the matter told Iran’s Mehr News Agency that these claims were baseless and incorrect. The source emphasized that no missiles were launched from Iranian territory toward Iraq. The denial comes amid heightened regional tensions and recent statements from Iran’s navy asserting readiness to respond to any aggression. The conflicting reports highlight ongoing sensitivities along the Iran-Iraq border, where Tehran has previously targeted Kurdish militant groups it accuses of destabilizing security in western Iran.

A mid-air collision between two light aircraft near Sydney, Australia, has left one pilot dead, according to New South Wales Police. The incident occurred near Wedderburn Airport in the city’s southwest, where one aircraft crashed into nearby bushland. The pilot’s body was later recovered by emergency responders. The other aircraft involved in the collision managed to land safely, and its pilot was unharmed. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has launched an immediate investigation into the cause of the crash. Investigators are collecting evidence from the site, mapping the wreckage, and analyzing damage to determine what led to the collision. Authorities have urged the public to avoid the crash area while the investigation continues. The cause of the accident remains unknown as of now, and preliminary findings are expected after the ATSB completes its initial analysis.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has accused Israel of repeatedly violating the ceasefire in Gaza under what he described as 'false pretexts.' Speaking at a science awards ceremony in Istanbul on November 29, Erdogan said that despite difficult conditions, Hamas has continued to uphold the ceasefire. He criticized international media for failing to report the deaths of more than 270 journalists in Gaza. Erdogan also highlighted the devastating impact of Israeli attacks on the education sector, stating that over 13,500 students, 830 teachers, and 193 scientists or researchers have been killed, while more than 785,000 students have been deprived of their right to education. He described these actions as part of a deliberate and planned genocide. Erdogan reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to raising these issues and seeking solutions, noting that he discussed them during the recent G20 summit in South Africa. According to reports, nearly 70,000 people, mostly women and children, have been killed in Gaza since October 2023.

Amid deteriorating relations between the United States and Venezuela, President Donald Trump and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro reportedly held a phone conversation about a week ago, according to The New York Times. While the exact topics remain unclear, sources suggest the two leaders may have discussed a potential meeting, though no formal plans exist. The call occurred as Washington was preparing to label Maduro a foreign terrorist leader, and US forces increased their presence in the Caribbean, citing anti-narcotics operations. However, officials have also indicated their intent to remove Maduro from power, if necessary by force. Previous attempts at negotiation failed after Maduro insisted on remaining in office despite offering US companies greater access to Venezuelan oil fields. Both the White House and the Venezuelan government declined to comment on the call, while Trump later posted on Truth Social urging airlines to consider closing airspace around Venezuela, further heightening uncertainty.

Two Palestinian brothers, Juma and Fadi Tamer Abu Asi, were killed in an Israeli drone strike near Al-Farabi School in Bani Suhaila, east of Khan Younis, southern Gaza, on Saturday, according to Al Jazeera. The attack occurred despite a ceasefire agreement that has been in effect since October 10. Witnesses reported that the drone targeted a group of civilians, and the injured children were later pronounced dead at Nasser Medical Complex. Israeli forces also carried out ground, naval, and air strikes in several parts of Gaza, injuring at least three others in Al-Qarara. Hamas condemned the attack, calling it further evidence of ongoing aggression against Gaza’s population. The group urged Qatar, Turkey, Egypt, and the United States to take concrete steps to ensure Israel’s compliance with the ceasefire terms.

Ukraine’s navy launched drone attacks on two oil tankers belonging to Russia’s so-called ‘shadow fleet’ in the Black Sea, according to Ukrainian officials. Verified BBC footage showed high-speed drones striking the vessels, causing large explosions and fires. The attacks targeted the Gambian-flagged tankers MT Kairos and Virat near Turkey’s coast on November 28, with a second strike on Virat the following day. No casualties have been reported so far. Turkey’s coast guard rescued 25 crew members from MT Kairos, including four Bangladeshi sailors, all of whom are safe. Ukrainian security sources said the operation used ‘Sea Baby’ naval drones developed by the SBU, part of Kyiv’s strategy to weaken Russia’s oil-dependent war financing. Since the 2022 invasion, Moscow has built a ‘shadow fleet’ of older, obscurely owned ships to evade Western sanctions. Both tankers were reportedly under international sanctions, according to the London Stock Exchange.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has called on all airlines and related entities to consider Venezuelan airspace and its surrounding areas as 'completely closed.' Posting on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump did not clarify the intent behind his statement. The appeal comes as the United States has recently deployed military assets, including the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, to the Caribbean region, officially to combat drug trafficking. However, Venezuela accuses Washington of seeking to overthrow President Nicolás Maduro’s government. The U.S. has conducted over 20 operations against alleged drug-carrying vessels since September, resulting in more than 80 deaths. Following U.S. aviation warnings about deteriorating security, several major airlines, including Iberia, TAP, Avianca, LATAM, GOL, and Turkish Airlines, have suspended flights to Venezuela. In response, Caracas banned these carriers, accusing them of participating in 'state-sponsored terrorism' under U.S. influence. The situation has significantly heightened regional tensions.

Despite a declared ceasefire, Israeli forces have continued air, drone, and artillery strikes across the Gaza Strip, resulting in mounting civilian casualties. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, more than 70,100 Palestinians have been killed and over 170,900 injured since Israel’s offensive began on October 7, 2023. The latest attacks, reported by Al Jazeera, included drone strikes in Bani Suhaila near Khan Younis that killed two children, Juma and Fadi Tamer Abu Asi. Witnesses said bombs were dropped near Al-Farabi School, hitting civilians. Israeli forces also launched new assaults from land, sea, and air in various parts of Gaza, including Khan Younis, Rafah, and Gaza City. Gaza’s media office director, Ismail al-Thawabta, stated that Israel has violated the ceasefire 535 times since it began, raising concerns over the sustainability of the truce and the worsening humanitarian crisis in the besieged enclave.