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Syria condemns Israeli aggression on Damascus countryside as ‘criminal onslaught’

By
IFP Media Wire
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A Foreign Ministry statement said an Israeli military patrol crossed into Syrian territory in Beit Jinn, where it confronted residents and “attacked civilians and their property,” triggering direct clashes that forced the patrol to withdraw.

Israeli forces then launched “deliberate and brutal” strikes on the town after the failed incursion, describing the attack as a “full-fledged war crime,” the statement added.

Syria announced it holds Israel “fully responsible” for the raid and its consequences, including casualties and destruction, warning that continued “criminal aggression” threatens regional stability and reflects a systematic effort to destabilize the area and impose “an aggressive reality by force.”

Syria’s information minister said Friday that Israeli military incursions into the country’s territory are “provocative,” stressing that Damascus will not be drawn into the escalation Israel seeks.

“Israel is trying, through its incursions, to provoke the Syrian state,” Hamza al-Mustafa, Syria’s information minister, told state-run Alikhbaria TV, adding that Syria is “in a position that does not allow us to move in the direction Israel wants through these provocations.”

Meanwhile, Syria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ibrahim Olabi, said there can be no security agreement with Israel before its attacks stop, emphasizing that Damascus is committed to exercising restraint in the face of Israeli actions, according to the private Syria TV.

Olabi noted that Damascus will submit a briefing to the Security Council on the latest Israeli assaults.

Responding to Israel’s continued escalation, Olabi stressed that “reacting to Israeli provocations would cost Syria important political gains,” and the government will not be lured into confrontation.

He rejected Israel’s “flimsy excuses” for its operations, saying Damascus “is not dealing with the baseless excuses Israel puts forward.”

He added that a Security Council delegation is expected to visit Syria soon and meet President Ahmad al-Sharaa, as part of a diplomatic engagement on the situation.

At least 13 people were killed, including women and children, and as many were wounded early Friday in the Israeli attack on the town of Beit Jinn and the road leading to Mazraat Beit Jinn in the Damascus countryside, according to official Syrian media.

The Israeli army announced in a statement that six Israeli soldiers were injured, including three in critical condition, during the operation.

It claimed that it detained members of “the Jamaa Islamiya,” alleging that they “operated in the area of Beit Jinn in southern Syria and advanced attacks against Israeli civilians.”

The Israeli army has staged 48 raids in southern Syria in November.

Government data showed that Israel has carried out over 1,000 airstrikes on Syria and more than 400 cross-border raids into the southern provinces since December 2024.

After the fall of the Bashar al-Assad government in late 2024, Israel expanded its occupation of the Syrian Golan Heights by seizing the demilitarized buffer zone, a move that violated the 1974 Disengagement Agreement with Syria.

 

 

NATO member states considering ‘cyber offensive’ against Russia: Politico

By
IFP Media Wire
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Western governments are assessing cyber and other options in response to alleged “hybrid attacks” by Moscow, according to the publication.

Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze told Politico that NATO must “be more proactive on the cyber offensive” and better coordinate their intelligence services.

“And it’s not talking that sends a signal – it’s doing,” she added.

In late 2024, NATO unveiled plans to establish a new integrated cyber defense center at its headquarters in Belgium, which is expected to go online by 2028. Stefano Piermarocchi, the head of cyber risk management within NATO’s chief information office, told Breaking Defense that the new hub would enhance situational awareness and help coordinate responses to threats.

NATO members previously accused Russia of hacking government servers, jamming GPS signals of airplanes, and flying drones in their airspace. Moscow has dismissed the allegations as warmongering, and described the West’s sanctions and aid to Ukraine as “hybrid aggression.”

Cyberattacks against Russia jumped 46% this year, according to RED Security. High-profile incidents included the hacking of the database of Russia’s largest airline, Aeroflot, in July, for which two pro-Ukraine groups claimed responsibility.

 

Hezbollah says reserves right to respond to Israel’s killing of senior commander

By
IFP Media Wire
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The comments marked Qassem’s first public reaction after Israel announced Sunday that it had killed Tabtabai, Hezbollah’s chief of staff, in an airstrike that targeted Beirut’s southern suburb.

Speaking at a memorial event for the slain commander, Qassem reiterated that “what happened is a blatant attack and a deliberate crime, and we have the right to respond –we will determine the timing ourselves.”

Sunday’s strike on the southern suburb left five people dead and 25 wounded. Hezbollah confirmed Tabtabai’s death in the attack.

He added that the ceasefire agreement reached Nov. 27, 2024, “represents a new phase in which the state has decided to assume responsibility for expelling the occupation and deploying the Lebanese army.”

Qassem attacked those he described as “servants of Israel” in Lebanon, saying that although they are few, they create problems by attempting to destabilize the country and following American orders.

He noted that the party is ready “to discuss the defensive strategy, but not under pressure, not in pursuit of a new agreement, not to give up our strength as part of any other arrangement, and not to evade the current agreement.”

He accused Israel of wanting Lebanon to be its backyard.

“We will not accept that the enemy decides how we live. We, our people, our allies, and our army will not accept being subservient to Israel,” he stated.

Qassem also commented on Israel’s Friday attack on Syria, stressing that the Beit Jinn attack “proves that the Syrian people will not accept surrendering to Israel.”

A ceasefire was reached between Tel Aviv and Beirut on Nov. 27, 2024, after more than a year of attacks against the backdrop of the war in the Gaza Strip. More than 4,000 people were killed and 17,000 injured.

The Israeli army was supposed to withdraw from southern Lebanon this January, under the ceasefire, but instead only partially pulled out and continues to maintain a military presence at five border outposts.

Ukraine says won’t cede territory to Russia

By
IFP Media Wire
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Russia Ukraine War
People react to the Russian missile strike in Chernihiv, Ukraine.

In an interview with The Atlantic’s Simon Shuster on Friday, Yermak noted that Zelensky had made it clear that any territorial concessions are out of the question in the next phase of peace talks.

“Not a single sane person today would sign a document to give up territory,” the aide said, adding, “As long as Zelensky is president, no one should count on us giving up territory. He will not sign away territory.”

The official cited the constitutional limitations, which he stated prohibited such concessions, adding that Ukraine was prepared only to discuss where to fix the current front line.

Earlier media reports said that the initial version of the US-drafted peace plan required Kiev to relinquish parts of Russia’s Donbass that it still controls, stay out of NATO, and limit the size of its armed forces.

Meanwhile, one source told Shuster that if there’s an election, the Donbass withdrawal clause would definitely be used by Zelensky’s political opponents who would “hammer him for it [concession] until he cracks.”

Any presidential election, however, remains a distant prospect as Zelensky refused to hold a new vote when his term expired last year, citing martial law. Russia subsequently declared him “illegitimate,” saying the legal power now lies with Ukraine’s parliament.

Greek media hails Iran striker Taremi as “a luxury option” in Olympiacos attack

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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According to the report, Taremi has delivered “remarkable efficiency” since joining the Greek club.

Across his first 13 appearances and only 466 minutes on the pitch, he has scored nine goals in all competitions.

The outlet highlighted that these goals came from just 11 shots on target, calling his finishing “exceptionally accurate and effective.”

Taremi’s goal against Real Madrid at Karaiskakis Stadium was cited as further evidence of his growing influence and his ability to perform decisively even in major matches.

The report also commended Olympiacos’ three-man attacking unit of Ayoub El Kaabi, Mehdi Taremi and Roman Yaremchuk, describing the trio as “an outstanding combination” that enhances both the team’s tactical flexibility and scoring threat.

Gavros added that Taremi remains impactful even when deployed as a supporting forward rather than the central striker, noting that his movement and intelligence constantly disrupt opposing defenses and give the coach “a powerful and luxurious attacking option.”

Iran director Majidi receives special honor at First Eurasia International Film Festival

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-

The festival’s top prize, Best Film and a statuette valued at the equivalent of one million dollars, was awarded to the Chinese film Against the Current directed by Xu Zheng.

The ceremony was held Thursday evening in Moscow with the attendance of Russia’s Culture Minister Olga Lyubimova, presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, and Iran’s ambassador Kazem Jalali.
Nikita Mikhalkov, founder of the Eurasia Film Academy, presented Majidi with the festival’s “Diamond Butterfly” honor, praising his body of work.

During his acceptance speech, Majidi highlighted his long-standing focus on children and paid tribute to the “innocent children of Gaza,” expressing hope for peace for all children affected by war.
The hall screened scenes from his films, including Muhammad (PBUH), accompanied by Iranian music, followed by a minutes-long standing ovation.

The festival’s main award went to China, while winners in other categories each received a prize valued at USD 250,000.

Seventeen countries submitted 34 films to the festival’s first edition, which organizers say aims to promote ethical values and showcase the cultural diversity of Eurasian cinema.
Iran participated with Call Me Ziba, In the Arms of the Tree, and My Daughter’s Hair.

Russia says any military cooperation with Iran follows framework of strategic partnership treaty

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-

Responding to a question on whether Moscow would provide military assistance to Iran if the US or its allies launched an attack, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that Russia’s cooperation with Tehran is governed by the terms of the bilateral treaty.
She said the document sets out “clear parameters” for military and technical collaboration.

The agreement was signed on January 17, 2025 during Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian’s visit to Moscow.
According to Russian officials, the treaty formally entered its implementation phase on October 1.

The agreement commits the two sides to maintaining economic and trade cooperation and to engaging in close coordination during joint military exercises.
It also includes a clause stating that if either country faces aggression, the other party must not assist the aggressor.

Additionally, the treaty obliges both states to prevent their territories from being used to support separatist movements that could threaten each other’s territorial integrity.

The agreement is valid for 20 years and will automatically renew for five-year periods thereafter unless either side objects.

Iran strongly blasts Zionist regime’s crimes in West Bank

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Esmael baghaei

The spokesperson pointed to the continuous attacks by Zionist forces and settlers on Palestinian camps in Nablus and Jenin, the assassination of Palestinians, arbitrary arrests of West Bank residents, and the destruction of homes and farmlands of Palestinian farmers, and called on the international community to pay attention to the brutal crimes currently taking place in this part of occupied Palestine.

Baqaei also pointed to reports from human rights organizations regarding the prolonged detention of hundreds of Palestinian children and the torture leading to the death of dozens of Palestinian prisoners in the detention centers and prisons of the Zionist regime.

He underlined the responsibility of the international community, especially the United Nations and the UN Human Rights Council, to address the gross violations of Palestinian human rights, stressing the necessity of recording each of these crimes as crimes against humanity and prosecuting and punishing the Zionist perpetrators.

13 killed, several wounded in Israeli attack on Beit Jinn town in Damascus countryside

By
IFP Media Wire
-

The state-run TV channel Alikhbaria reported that Israeli drones continued to fly over the area following the strikes, particularly along the road linking the two towns.

Many victims are still trapped under the rubble, it added, as the residents are still working to recover them.

Civil Defense teams and two ambulances from the Damascus countryside health directorate entered the area to transport the dead and treat the wounded following the Israeli attack, the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported.

The broadcaster said dozens of families fled Beit Jinn toward nearby safer areas after the attack.

Earlier, the channel reported that an Israeli patrol had entered the town and briefly clashed with local residents before withdrawing.

The Israeli army announced in a statement that six Israeli soldiers were injured, including three in critical condition, during the operation.

It claimed that it detained members of “the Jaama Islamiya,” alleging that they “operated in the area of Beit Jinn in southern Syria and advanced attacks against Israeli civilians.”

There have been no comments by the Syrian authorities on the Israeli strike and the claim.

The Israeli army has staged 47 raids in southern Syria in November.

Government data showed that the Israeli military has carried out over 1,000 airstrikes on Syria and more than 400 cross-border raids into the southern provinces since December 2024.

After the fall of the Bashar al-Assad government in late 2024, Israel expanded its occupation of the Syrian Golan Heights by seizing the demilitarized buffer zone, a move that violated the 1974 Disengagement Agreement with Syria.

Israel still committing genocide in Gaza: Amnesty International

By
IFP Media Wire
-

The fragile, US-brokered truce between Israel and Hamas came into effect on 10 October, after two years of war.

“The ceasefire risks creating a dangerous illusion that life in Gaza is returning to normal,” said Amnesty’s secretary general, Agnès Callamard.

“But while Israeli authorities and forces have reduced the scale of their attacks and allowed limited amounts of humanitarian aid into Gaza, the world must not be fooled. Israel’s genocide is not over.”

The 1948 UN genocide convention defines genocide as any of five “acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial or religious group”.

In December 2024, Amnesty concluded that Israel was committing genocide in Gaza by three of those acts – including deliberately inflicting on Palestinians conditions of life calculated to bring about their physical destruction.

In an update on Thursday, Amnesty announced: “Israel continues to severely restrict the entry of supplies and the restoration of services essential for the survival of the civilian population.

“Despite a reduction in scale of attacks, and some limited improvements, there has been no meaningful change in the conditions Israel is inflicting on Palestinians in Gaza and no evidence to indicate that Israel’s intent has changed.”

Gaza has been devastated by the war triggered by Hamas’s unprecedented attack on Israel on 7 October 2023.

Callamard added, “Israel’s pattern of conduct in Gaza, including the deliberate, unlawful denial of lifesaving aid to Palestinians, many of whom are injured, malnourished and at risk of serious disease, continues to threaten their survival.”

In September 2025, the independent international commission of inquiry set up by the UN concluded that “genocide is occurring in Gaza”. The investigation concluded that Israeli authorities and forces had since October 2023 committed “four of the five genocidal acts” listed in the 1948 genocide convention.

These five acts include killing members of the group, causing them serious bodily or mental harm, imposing living conditions intended to destroy the group, preventing births and forcibly transferring children out of the group.

The international court of justice last year ordered Israel “to prevent and punish the direct and public incitement to commit genocide” in Gaza.

The Gaza war was sparked by Hamas’s 7 October 2023 attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people. Israel’s retaliatory onslaught on Gaza has killed at least 69,799 people, according to figures from the territory’s health ministry that the UN considers reliable. The ministry reported that since the ceasefire came into effect, 352 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire.

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