Thursday, December 25, 2025

World

US approves possible sale of F-16 training, sustainment for Ukraine

The U.S. State Department approved the potential sale of F-16 training and sustainment, along with related equipment, to Ukraine for $310 million, the Pentagon has announced.

US, Israel near agreement on aid delivery to Gaza: Axios

The United States, Israel and representatives of a new international foundation are close to a deal on how to resume the delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip without it being controlled by Hamas, Axios reported on Friday, citing two Israeli officials and one U.S. source.

Gaza Children ‘face growing risk of starvation, illness, death’ as Israeli aid blockade continues: UNICEF

The head of United Nations children's fund UNICEF has raised alarm over the deteriorating conditions for children in the besieged Gaza Strip.

US prepares economic options against Russia: Bloomberg

American officials prepared a number of options for U.S. President Donald Trump to increase economic pressure on Moscow in response to Russian President Vladimir Putin continued reluctance to end the war against Ukraine, Bloomberg has reported, citing undisclosed sources.

Red Cross warns Gaza aid endeavour on ‘verge of collapse’ amid Israel blockade

The humanitarian response in the Gaza Strip is on the verge of “total collapse”, with Palestinians facing a “daily struggle to survive” amid Israel’s war and blockade of the Palestinian enclave, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

Palestine world’s most dangerous place for journalists amid Gaza war: Report

Palestine has become the world’s most dangerous state for journalists amid Israel’s war on the Gaza Strip, with dozens of reporters likely killed specifically due to their work, a media freedom watchdog has announced.

US threatens sanctions against buyers of Iranian oil

U.S. President Donald Trump has stated all purchases of Iranian oil or petrochemical products must stop and any country or person buying any from the country would be immediately subject to secondary sanctions.

EU says will not recognize Crimea as part of Russia

The European Union will not recognize Russia's annexation of Crimea under any circumstances, EU’s top diplomat Kaja Kallas has stated in an interview with the Financial Times.

Jerusalem wildfires flare for a second day

Israeli firefighting teams have been tackling wildfires near Jerusalem for a second day. Police have also reported the reopening of several major roads that had been closed.

Saudi Arabia signals can live with lower oil prices: Reuters

Riyadh briefing allies and industry experts to say the kingdom is unwilling to prop up the oil market with further supply cuts and can handle a prolonged period of low prices, five sources with knowledge of the talks told Reuters news agency.

US claims Ukraine willing to ‘de facto give up’ land to Russia

Kiev has agreed to acknowledge Russia’s control over Crimea and four other regions – without formally recognizing Moscow’s sovereignty over them – US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Keith Kellogg, has claimed.

Iranian official calls for ‘serious dialogue’ with Persian Gulf states amid regional tensions

Kamal Kharrazi, head of Iran's Strategic Council on Foreign Relations, has emphasized the urgent need for substantive dialogue between Iran and Persian Gulf Arab states, citing shifting geopolitical dynamics and shared regional challenges.

Syria rejects ‘foreign intervention’ after Israeli aerial attack

Syrian authorities have decried “foreign intervention” in the country's affairs after Israel launched air attacks on a town near Damascus where government forces and several other groups had taken part in deadly clashes.

India closes airspace to Pakistan airlines as tensions between nuclear-armed neighbours rise

New Delhi shut its airspace to Pakistani airlines, the government has announced, days after its nuclear-armed neighbour banned Indian airlines from flying over its territory following the killing of 26 men in an attack on tourists in Kashmir.

Pentagon chief warns Iran of “consequences” over Houthis support

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has threatened Iran over its support for Yemen’s Houthi fighters, saying it “will pay the consequence.” Tehran says the Houthis act independently.

US seeking to eliminate security office coordinating with Palestinian Authority: Report

The administration of President Donald Trump plans to eliminate the position of US security coordinator for the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip, according to several media reports.

US and Ukraine ink minerals deal

The United States and Ukraine have signed an “economic partnership agreement” that will give Washington access to Kyiv’s rare earth minerals in exchange for establishing an investment fund in the European state.

Wildfires rage near Jerusalem, forcing evacuations and road closures

Wildfires raging near Jerusalem forced evacuations in several areas and led to several major road closures on Wednesday. Firefighters struggle to contain the flames amid dry conditions and high winds.

Europe unlikely to gather 25,000 troops for Ukraine: Times

Europe would struggle to collectively muster 25,000 soldiers to be part of a "deterrence" force in Ukraine because its armies are undermanned and underfunded, The Times reported quoting sources.

Muslim groups urge UK PM to recognise Palestine, cease arms exports to Israel

Hundreds of prominent Muslim organisations and individuals have signed a letter, urging UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to recognise a Palestinian state and cease all military support to Israel.

Poll shows most Ukrainians don’t trust Trump

Nearly 90% of Ukrainians don’t trust Donald Trump, according to a new poll released to mark the US president’s first 100 days back in office.

Iran observes Persian Gulf Day amid sovereignty reaffirmation

Iran commemorated National Persian Gulf Day on Wednesday with ceremonies emphasizing the historical and legal name of the strategic waterway.

Pakistan warns of possible Indian military attack in 24-36 hours

Pakistan’s minister for information and broadcasting has stated Islamabad has “credible intelligence” that India intends to launch a military strike against Pakistan within the next 24 to 36 hours, as tensions between the two countries escalate following a deadly raid in Indian-administered Kashmir.

US jet rolls off aircraft carrier as ship reportedly swerves Houthi fire: Report

US sailors had to leap for their lives when a warplane fell off a navy aircraft carrier that was reportedly making evasive maneuvers to avoid Houthi militant fire in the Red Sea.

Gaza siege silent killer of children, elderly: UN

Juliette Touma, communications director for the UN Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), has stated that "the siege on the Gaza Strip is the silent killer of children, of older people."

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