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.

Bangladesh’s Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam announced that formal charges have been filed against retired Major General Ziaul Ahsan for alleged involvement in enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. The tribunal accepted the charges, issuing a production warrant for Ahsan and scheduling the next hearing for December 21. The case accuses him of orchestrating operations that led to the abduction and killing of over 100 people across multiple districts. According to the prosecution, the charges include three major incidents involving the abduction, torture, and killing of political dissidents and others between Dhaka, Gazipur, and coastal regions like Barguna and the Sundarbans. Victims were allegedly executed and their bodies disposed of in rivers to conceal evidence. The prosecutor claimed that the operations were conducted under the guise of anti-crime or anti-piracy missions. The tribunal’s move marks a rare legal step against a former senior security official. Human rights groups are expected to closely monitor the proceedings, which could set a precedent for accountability in cases of state-linked disappearances.

Fourteen government officials and employees have been temporarily suspended following a protest at Bangladesh’s Secretariat that violated administrative laws. The Ministry of Public Administration confirmed the suspensions through multiple circulars issued on Monday. The action follows a December 10 incident in which non-cadre officials confined Economic Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed for over six hours during a demonstration demanding a 'Secretariat allowance.' The officials were later placed on five-day remand under the Anti-Terrorism Act. According to ministry sources, those suspended include leaders of the Bangladesh Secretariat Officers and Employees United Council and staff from several ministries, including Health, Finance, and Information. Witnesses said protesters blocked the adviser’s exit and chanted slogans until police escorted him out around 8:12 p.m. The suspensions mark a strong administrative response to growing unrest among non-cadre employees over pay disparities. Officials indicated that further disciplinary measures could follow pending investigation outcomes, while unions have called the move excessive and politically motivated.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has projected that global coal consumption will reach an all-time high of approximately 8.85 billion tons in 2025, marking a 0.5% increase from the previous year. The agency’s annual report, released Wednesday, attributes the growth partly to U.S. policy decisions under the Trump administration aimed at revitalizing industrial sectors. According to the IEA, China and India remain the primary drivers of global coal use due to rising electricity demand and industrial expansion. While China’s consumption has stabilized, India’s demand has recently declined due to increased hydropower generation from early and intense monsoon seasons. In contrast, U.S. coal demand has risen as higher natural gas prices and federal support have kept coal-fired plants operational. The IEA warns that coal remains the largest source of human-induced carbon dioxide emissions, significantly contributing to global warming. However, it expects demand to gradually decline toward the end of the decade as renewable energy capacity expands worldwide.

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.

Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Inquilab Mancha, remains in a critical condition at Singapore General Hospital after being airlifted there earlier this week. His health deteriorated slightly during the air transfer but stabilized temporarily before worsening again on Wednesday afternoon. Doctors are now assessing whether he is fit enough to be moved to the UK for advanced neurological surgery. According to hospital and family sources, Hadi requires a complex brain operation that cannot be adequately performed in Singapore. The Singapore General Hospital has already contacted Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham to arrange his transfer, pending medical clearance. Interim government advisers have assured Hadi’s family of full cooperation, while supporters in Bangladesh and the UK continue to coordinate efforts. Medical experts warn that transporting Hadi without stabilization could be risky. His family and colleagues have requested prayers for his recovery, emphasizing that the immediate goal is to restore brain-body connectivity before any surgery can proceed.

The United Kingdom, long known for its cloudy and damp weather, experienced its sunniest year on record in 2025, according to the UK Met Office. By December 15, the country had recorded an average of 1,622 hours of sunshine, surpassing the previous record set in 2003. The agency attributed the unusual brightness to persistent high-pressure systems that reduced cloud cover and brought prolonged periods of clear skies, particularly during spring and summer. The Met Office also confirmed that 2025 marked the warmest summer in UK history, with average temperatures reaching 16.10°C, exceeding the 2018 record of 15.76°C. While scientists have long warned that human-induced climate change is intensifying extreme weather events, the Met Office stated there is no clear evidence linking climate change to long-term increases in sunshine duration. Officials noted that overall sunshine levels have been rising since the 1980s, though the exact cause remains uncertain. Possible explanations include natural variability and a reduction in atmospheric aerosols, which may have allowed more sunlight to reach the surface.

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.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is facing intense criticism after a video surfaced showing him pulling off the hijab of a Muslim woman doctor during a government event on December 15. The incident, which occurred while handing an appointment letter to an AYUSH medical officer, has sparked widespread condemnation across India. Opposition parties and civil society groups have demanded Kumar’s public apology and resignation. Leaders from multiple parties, including the Congress, PDP, and National Conference, denounced the act as an assault on personal dignity and religious freedom. Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti called the act “shocking,” questioning whether it reflected age-related issues or growing normalization of public humiliation of Muslims. National Conference MP Aga Ruhullah and spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar described the behavior as unconstitutional and unacceptable from a public official. The controversy has reignited debates over religious sensitivity and political accountability in India. Analysts warn that the incident could strain Nitish Kumar’s political standing and deepen communal tensions in Bihar, where Muslims constitute about 17% of the population.

Jamaat-e-Islami central executive member and Dhaka South Ameer, Md. Nurul Islam Bulbul, has officially collected his nomination papers to contest from Chapainawabganj-3 (Sadar) constituency in Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. Speaking to reporters after submitting his papers, Bulbul demanded that authorities ensure the safety of all candidates, party workers, and voters during the election process. He emphasized the need for a level playing field to guarantee a free, fair, and credible election, asserting that Jamaat-e-Islami seeks to build a humane and secure Bangladesh. Bulbul also pledged to make Chapainawabganj a safe haven for people of all political, religious, and ethnic backgrounds. Senior party leaders, including former mayor Mohammad Nazrul Islam and former MP Latifur Rahman, were present during the nomination submission. The call for security reflects growing concerns among opposition parties about election-time violence and intimidation. Election officials are expected to review nominations and finalize the candidate list in the coming weeks.

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.