Many Arab, Islamic, African countries condemn, reject Israeli recognition of Somaliland

Representatives of 21 Arab, Islamic, and African countries have expressed their rejection and condemnation of Israel’s decision to recognize Somalia's breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent state, warning that the move violates international law and threatens regional stability.

Gazans suffer flooded tents, debris as cold and rain lash enclave

Tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, surrounded by tents and debris, are suffering through more winter rains after two years of Israeli bombardment destroyed much of the Strip.

Iran facing ‘all-out war’, remains stronger than before 12-day aggression: Pezeshkian

President Masoud Pezeshkian has stated that the United States, Israel, and Europe are waging an “all-out war” against Iran, adding that Tehran is now stronger, in both military capability and manpower, than it was before the June military aggression.

Iran’s headline inflation rises to 42.2% in December: SCI

Iran has recorded a modest increase in its year-on-year inflation rate during the calendar period ending in late December, according to the Statistical Center of Iran (SCI) .

Switzerland can’t defend itself from full-scale attack: Army chief

Switzerland cannot defend itself against a full-scale attack and must boost military spending given rising risks from Russia, the head of the country's armed forces has warned.

Kyiv attack shows Russia does ‘not want to end war’: Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated Saturday that a Russian drone and missile attack on Kyiv shows Russia does "not want to end the war".

Trump pours cold water on Zelensky’s ‘peace plan’ for Russia war

US President Donald Trump has expressed skepticism about Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky’s latest peace proposal to end the conflict with Moscow, arguing the discussions could move forward only with his "blessing".

Iranian daily warns against Taliban influence after killing of former Afghan police commander

An Iranian newspaper has warned that “leniency toward the Taliban” is undermining Iran’s internal security, following the killing of a former Afghan police commander in Tehran.

Trump could unveil Gaza ‘peace council’, ‘government’ soon: Report

The White House wants to move beyond phase one of the Gaza ceasefire process in January, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pushed back, creating friction with United States President Donald Trump’s senior team, according to a report.

Iran says US pursuing ‘law of jungle’ over diplomacy

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stressed that the United States pursues “the law of jungle” over diplomacy, resorting to force and sanctions to advance its interests.

China sanctions many US firms over Taiwan arms sales

China has announced fresh sanctions on 20 US defence firms, including a Boeing subsidiary, over Washington's latest weapons sales to Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own.

African Union refutes ‘any recognition of Somaliland’ after Israel declaration

The African Union has stressed it "rejects any recognition of Somaliland" after Israel declared it viewed the breakaway Somali territory as a sovereign state.

Militant group claims responsibility for Syria mosque bombing

A militant group has claimed responsibility for the bombing of a mosque in an Alawite-majority area of Syria's Homs on Friday, which killed at least eight people.

Zelensky to meet Trump over Russia war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is to meet US President Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday for negotiations on how to end the Russian invasion, Kyiv has announced.

Yemen official says around 15,000 Saudi-backed fighters amass near border

A Yemeni military official from the internationally recognised government told AFP Friday that around 15,000 Saudi-backed fighters had amassed in strategic areas bordering Saudi Arabia since separatists seized swathes of territory last month -- but they were not ordered to advance.

EU should not act as alternative to NATO: Chief

The European Union would only hurt itself if it decides to go its own way in the field of security, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has told dpa news agency. The European members of the bloc need to comply with Washington’s demands and spend more on their militaries instead, he stated on Friday.

Senior IS leader killed: Syria

Syrian authorities said on Thursday that they had killed a senior leader of the Islamic State group in coordination with the US-led coalition, hours after arresting another leader near Damascus.

Russia responds to Zelensky’s ‘unhinged’ Christmas address

President Volodymyr Zelensky’s “strange” Christmas address raises concerns over the Ukrainian leader’s ability to make any rational decisions, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has stated.

Iranian president extends Christmas wishes in message to Pope, all Christians

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has sent a message to Pope Leo XIV, leader of the Catholic Church, extending his best wishes on the birth anniversary of Jesus Christ and the arrival of the New Year.

Hezbollah calls on Lebanese government to refute Israeli threats amid fears of escalation

Hezbollah has urged the Lebanese government to reject Israel’s threats to disarm the group amid fears of Israeli escalation in Lebanon.

Hamas denies responsibility for Rafah explosion, calls for pressure on Israel to abide by ceasefire agreement

The Palestinian group Hamas has denied any responsibility for an explosion that hit an Israeli armored vehicle in Rafah in southern Gaza, urging pressure on Tel Aviv to abide by a ceasefire deal in the enclave.

Saudi Arabia calls on Yemen separatists to cede seized territory

Saudi Arabia, the main backer of Yemen's internationally recognised government, announced Thursday that Yemeni separatists should return territory seized recently, adding that it seeks to deescalate tensions within the government camp.

Turkey captures 115 IS members

Some 115 alleged members of the Islamic State group, suspected of planning attacks during the end of year holidays, have been arrested in Turkey, Istanbul's prosecutor general announced on Thursday.

Majority of Russians expect Ukraine war to end in 2026: Survey

A majority of Russians expect the war in Ukraine to end in 2026, a state-owned research centre announced, as Russian soldiers make advances on the battlefield and efforts intensify to reach a ceasefire deal between Kyiv and Moscow.

Poll finds most Ukrainians doubt elections would be fair

There is widespread skepticism over the prospect of online voting in Ukraine due to fears of electoral fraud, a recent survey has indicated.

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