Mossad Director David Barnea declared that Israel bears the responsibility to ensure Iran cannot revive its nuclear program, speaking at a Jerusalem ceremony honoring agency operatives. His remarks came six months after Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities during a 12-day conflict that also saw U.S. involvement. Barnea emphasized continued cooperation with Washington to prevent Tehran from rebuilding its damaged nuclear infrastructure.

Barnea, whose term ends in June 2026, praised Israel’s surprise attacks for exposing deep intelligence penetration inside Iran. He warned that Iran still harbors ambitions for nuclear weapons and criticized diplomatic efforts, claiming Tehran seeks to deceive the international community into accepting another flawed nuclear deal. Western nations have long accused Iran of pursuing nuclear arms, though Tehran denies the allegations.

The comments follow the collapse of U.S.-Iran negotiations mediated by Oman after June’s Israeli strikes. While former U.S. President Donald Trump asserted that the attacks destroyed Iran’s nuclear program, Pentagon assessments suggest only a temporary setback of one to two years, leaving uncertainty over Iran’s future nuclear capabilities.

Israeli airstrikes and ground operations have persisted across Gaza despite the October 10 ceasefire agreement brokered under U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace plan. Nearly 400 Palestinians have been killed since the truce began, as winter storms and flooding worsen the humanitarian crisis. Hundreds of temporary shelters have been submerged, and aid deliveries remain blocked by Israeli forces, leaving displaced families to rebuild makeshift camps from debris.

In the occupied West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked a Palestinian family near Jericho, injuring five, including a child. Meanwhile, Israeli authorities plan to demolish 25 residential buildings in the Nur Shams refugee camp. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has rejected Israel’s latest appeal to halt investigations into alleged war crimes in Gaza, reaffirming that incidents following the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack fall within its jurisdiction.

The ruling clears the way for continued ICC scrutiny of Israeli actions, including prior arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Analysts warn that renewed violence and the killing of Hamas official Raad Saad could further complicate ceasefire efforts.

A torch procession allegedly organized by the banned Awami League in Shahjahanpur, Bogura, has drawn attention amid the ongoing nationwide Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2. The event’s video was posted late on December 16 by Sohrab Hossain Channu, former upazila chairman and local Awami League president, on his verified Facebook account. He claimed the march protested against what he called an illegal election schedule and arbitrary arrests.

Local police, however, denied that any such procession took place recently. Shahjahanpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Touhidul Islam stated that after reviewing the video, investigators suspected it might have been recorded earlier and only uploaded now. The timing of the post, during a period of heightened security operations, has raised questions about political messaging and enforcement consistency.

The incident underscores tensions between authorities and banned political groups during the ongoing crackdown. Observers note that such digital postings could complicate law enforcement efforts and fuel further political polarization in the pre-election climate.

The conflict between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continues to devastate the country, with no sign of resolution. Reports indicate that as violence intensifies, Britain’s arms exports to the United Arab Emirates (UAE)—a key RSF backer—have increased. Observers and rights groups allege that British-made components are being used in RSF vehicles, indirectly supporting atrocities in Darfur and Khartoum. The UK government has denied any direct role, while refusing to condemn the UAE’s involvement.

Sudanese officials, including Lieutenant General Yasser al-Atta, have accused the RSF of ethnic cleansing and mass killings, calling the UAE’s financial influence a factor behind global silence. The United Nations has labeled Sudan’s crisis one of the world’s worst humanitarian disasters, with over 150,000 killed and 12 million displaced. Activists argue that Britain’s reluctance to act stems from its deep economic ties with the UAE, one of its largest Middle Eastern trade partners.

Analysts warn that continued arms flows and diplomatic inaction could entrench Sudan’s proxy war, undermining international accountability and prolonging civilian suffering.

India’s Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai informed Parliament that between 2014 and 2024, Indian security forces arrested 23,926 individuals for illegal border crossings along India’s borders with Bangladesh, Myanmar, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bhutan. Of these, more than 21,000 were detained along the Bangladesh-India frontier, making it the most active route for cross-border infiltration.

The data, presented in response to questions from two Trinamool Congress MPs, showed that 18,851 arrests occurred on the Bangladesh border, followed by 1,165 on the Myanmar border, 556 on the Pakistan border, and 234 along the Nepal-Bhutan border. No infiltration incidents were reported along the India-China border during the same period. Additionally, 3,120 more individuals were detained between January and November 2025.

The figures highlight persistent challenges in managing India’s eastern border security and migration control. Analysts note that economic disparities and porous terrain continue to drive unauthorized movement, prompting calls for enhanced surveillance and bilateral cooperation between India and Bangladesh.

Bangladesh has witnessed a wave of public emotion and political reaction following the shooting of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Mancha and an independent candidate for Dhaka-8 in the upcoming parliamentary election. Hadi was shot last Friday during a campaign event in Paltan and later transferred to Singapore General Hospital for advanced treatment after his condition worsened.

The attack has sparked protests, prayer gatherings, and widespread condemnation across political and social lines. Thousands joined a unity rally at the Central Shaheed Minar, while mosques and madrasas nationwide offered prayers for Hadi’s recovery. Social media has been flooded with messages of solidarity, with student leaders and cultural figures calling the incident a threat to electoral fairness and candidate safety. Dhaka University and Rajshahi University academics also voiced concern over the growing political violence.

Observers warn that the attack, coming just after the election schedule announcement, raises serious questions about security and the credibility of the upcoming polls. Authorities are under pressure to identify the assailants and ensure protection for all candidates.

European leaders have announced their readiness to lead a U.S.-backed multinational force in Ukraine as part of a proposed peace framework aimed at ending the ongoing war with Russia. The coalition, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and eight other European nations, would assist in rebuilding Ukraine’s military and securing its air and sea routes. The initiative forms part of a new U.S. security guarantee package designed to bring Moscow and Kyiv closer to a peace agreement.

U.S. President Donald Trump said he has held extensive discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, NATO leaders, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, claiming the parties are now “closer than ever” to a deal. However, the fate of Russian-occupied territories in eastern Ukraine remains a key sticking point. Trump suggested Ukraine might need to concede parts of the Donbas region in exchange for lasting security assurances, though Zelensky has previously rejected such terms.

Analysts view the European-led force as a potential turning point, but warn that any territorial concessions could spark domestic and regional backlash, complicating the fragile peace process.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the end of the Ukraine war is nearer than at any previous point, following two days of discussions in Berlin with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and several European leaders. Speaking later at the White House, Trump described the talks as highly positive and said the current situation offers the most promising opportunity yet for a ceasefire agreement.

According to a senior U.S. official, around 90 percent of issues between Russia and Ukraine have been agreed upon, though territorial concessions remain unresolved. Washington has reportedly offered Kyiv a NATO-style security guarantee under an Article 5-like framework, which Russia may not oppose. However, the guarantee would not be permanent, officials cautioned.

Zelensky welcomed the U.S. proposal but reiterated his refusal to cede territory to Russia. Observers say the coming weeks will be crucial as Washington seeks to broker a compromise that could finally bring an end to the nearly three-year conflict.

India’s opposition parties have warned that the government’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists across nine states and three union territories threatens the country’s democratic integrity. They allege the process could disenfranchise poor and minority voters, particularly Muslims, while consolidating Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s political power. The issue triggered heated debate in Parliament last week, with opposition leaders accusing the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of manipulating electoral rolls under the guise of administrative reform.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi claimed the SIR is part of a broader plan to undermine India’s electoral continuity, likening it to the controversial National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam that left millions of Muslims stateless. The BJP, however, insists the revision aims to remove “illegal infiltrators” and protect democratic integrity. Home Minister Amit Shah defended the policy, saying it ensures that only legitimate citizens determine India’s leadership.

Analysts warn the move could deepen communal polarization and strain India’s secular framework ahead of upcoming state elections. Human rights groups have urged transparency and independent oversight of the revision process.

Eight Islamist-oriented political parties, led by Jamaat-e-Islami, are finalizing a single-candidate strategy for each constituency in Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th parliamentary election. Liaison committee leaders from the alliance have been holding multiple rounds of meetings to reach consensus on seat-sharing and candidate selection, guided by agreed principles. Party insiders expect the final list of unified candidates to be announced soon.

The coalition—comprising Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolon Bangladesh, Khelafat Majlish, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, Nezame Islam Party, Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (JAGPA), and Bangladesh Development Party (BDP)—plans to contest under a cooperative framework without forming a formal alliance name. Leaders such as Dr. Ahmad Abdul Kader and Dr. Hamidur Rahman Azad emphasized that each seat will have one joint nominee, aiming to maximize electoral strength while maintaining discipline under election regulations.

While public campaigning remains suspended due to the election code of conduct, internal preparations and grassroots coordination are ongoing. Analysts note that the seat-sharing outcome will test the coalition’s ability to balance influence among partners and maintain unity ahead of the polls.

Gaza’s Civil Defense teams have recovered the bodies of 30 members of the same family from the rubble of a destroyed home in western Gaza City. Officials said all the victims belonged to the Salem family, who were killed during an Israeli airstrike on their house in the Al-Rimal neighborhood on December 19, 2023. Authorities believe that as many as 60 family members may have died in that single strike.

The recovery marks the first operation under a broader effort by Gaza’s Civil Defense to locate thousands of Palestinians still trapped beneath collapsed buildings across the enclave. Despite operating with limited equipment, including only one excavator, rescue teams have vowed to continue their search.

Palestinian officials stated that Israeli forces still control more than half of Gaza’s territory despite a declared ceasefire, with continued attacks reported in several areas. The discovery highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the immense challenges facing recovery operations amid widespread destruction.

After nearly eight months of inactivity, the dry fish hubs of Asharchar and Nidrarchar in Barguna’s Taltali upazila have regained vitality as thousands of fishermen, traders, and workers return for the new season. Using natural, chemical-free drying methods, the communities are producing and supplying dried fish across Bangladesh, with some exports abroad. However, poor roads, inadequate sanitation, and lack of permanent facilities continue to hinder progress.

Local traders and union leaders warn that without government intervention, the once-thriving industry could decline further. They cite pollution from the nearby Payra thermal power plant as a major threat to marine life and fish yields. Despite these challenges, officials from the Department of Fisheries and local administration have promised to take steps to improve infrastructure and ensure sustainable livelihoods.

The dry fish sector, employing thousands and supporting coastal economies, remains a vital yet vulnerable part of Bangladesh’s fisheries industry. Stakeholders urge coordinated planning and investment to preserve this traditional trade and protect the environment.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday expanded Washington’s travel ban to include citizens from seven additional countries, notably Syria, Laos, and several African states such as Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, and South Sudan. The order also blocks entry for holders of Palestinian Authority passports, marking a significant escalation in Trump’s long-standing campaign to restrict immigration on security grounds. The White House said the move targets individuals deemed potential threats to U.S. institutions or values.

The decision follows the killing of two U.S. soldiers and a civilian in Syria, an event that renewed scrutiny of regional security. Critics view the expansion as politically charged and discriminatory, particularly as Trump has recently intensified rhetoric against African and Muslim-majority nations. Several Western allies, including France and Britain, have expressed concern over the humanitarian and diplomatic fallout.

The new restrictions add to an already extensive list of countries facing full or partial bans. Analysts warn that the policy could strain U.S. relations with African and Middle Eastern partners and complicate refugee resettlement programs previously supported by Washington.

As Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election approaches, political activity in Naogaon district has intensified, with candidates from the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and smaller parties campaigning vigorously. However, the BNP faces growing internal strife after announcing its nominees for all six constituencies. Many long-time leaders, denied nominations, have expressed anger and disappointment, leading to factional divisions among grassroots activists and weakening the party’s traditional vote base.

Jamaat-e-Islami, which announced its candidates nearly a year earlier, has gained momentum through consistent field activities, while the National Citizen Party (NCP) and Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party have also entered the race in several constituencies. Local BNP supporters have staged protests and torch processions demanding candidate changes, creating embarrassment for official nominees. Political observers note that Jamaat is capitalizing on BNP’s internal discord to strengthen its position.

Analysts warn that unless BNP resolves its internal disputes soon, its divided support base could benefit rival parties in key Naogaon seats. The situation underscores broader challenges for the opposition in presenting a unified front against the ruling Awami League.

A newly released report by Bangladesh’s National Independent Investigation Commission has reignited debate over the 2009 BDR mutiny, asserting that the massacre of army officers at Pilkhana might have been averted if the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) had acted promptly. The report, submitted on November 30 to the Chief Adviser, claims RAB’s forward units were ready to intervene but were denied permission to enter or open fire.

According to the findings, then RAB Director General Hasan Mahmud Khandker and Additional DG Major General Rezanur Khan withheld authorization, despite early opportunities to neutralize the mutiny. Rezanur later blamed senior security officials Major General Tarique Siddique and Major General Zainul Abedin for the delay. The commission also criticized police and RAB officers for remaining passive, allowing mutineers to escape and failing to protect victims.

The report’s revelations have renewed scrutiny of command decisions and coordination failures during one of Bangladesh’s deadliest security crises. Analysts expect calls for accountability and possible legal review of the implicated officials’ actions.