<description>*) Israeli air strike levels Gaza home, killing 10, mostly children

At least 10 Palestinians, including seven children, were killed and another eight wounded in an Israeli air strike on a home in northern Gaza as Tel Aviv's genocidal war on the besieged coastal enclave continues unabated.

The Palestinian Civil Defense said in a statement that seven of the 10 victims killed in the Israeli attack on evening were children.

A medical source in the al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza City said that the bodies of 10 people and eight others wounded were brought to the hospital after the Israeli airstrike on the home in the Jabalia Nazla neighbourhood.

*)  Israeli snipers 'authorised' to shoot civilians in Gaza — report

According to a media report, Israeli soldiers have revealed that the army killed Palestinian civilians who entered previously targeted buildings in Gaza, 

The Haaretz newspaper in Israel said the army "does not routinely update its list of targets in Gaza, nor does it indicate to forces on the ground which structures are no longer being used" by fighters.

"As a result, anyone – including noncombatants – who enters such a building risks being attacked," it said.

A discharged officer from the 252nd Division said snipers were authorised to consider civilians entering specific areas as fighters and that they were killing civilians there who are then counted as ‘terrorists’.

*) Car rams German Christmas market in suspected attack, killing two

A car has ploughed into a busy outdoor Christmas market in the eastern German city of Magdeburg, killing two people and wounding 50 in what authorities say was a suspected attack.

The car driver was arrested. 

Regional government spokesperson Matthias Schuppe and city spokesperson Michael Reif said they suspected it was deliberate.

Reif stated there were "numerous injured," though he did not provide an exact number. 

*)  US House approves bill to avert looming government shutdown

The US House of Representatives has voted to avert a government shutdown with just hours to spare, with Democrats joining Republicans to advance a funding bill keeping the lights on through mid-March.

Lawmakers sent a package to the Senate that would keep federal agencies running through mid-March.

Although the House is run by the Republicans, who introduced the bill, 34 of the party's backbenchers voted against it, while almost every Democrat was a yes.

*) Ukrainian missile attack kills six in Russia's Kursk

Six people, including one child, were killed in a Ukrainian missile attack on the town of Rylsk in Russia's Kursk region.

Ten wounded people, including a 13-year-old, were taken to a local hospital with minor injuries. 

Authorities said that those responsible for the attack would receive "well-deserved retribution".
</description>

*) Israeli air strike levels Gaza home, killing 1…

*) Israeli air strike levels Gaza home, killing 10, mostly children

At least 10 Palestinians, including seven children, were killed and another eight wounded in an Israeli air strike on a home in northern Gaza as Tel Aviv's genocidal war on the besieged coastal enclave continues unabated.

The Palestinian Civil Defense said in a statement that seven of the 10 victims killed in the Israeli attack on evening were children.

A medical source in the al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza City said that the bodies of 10 people and eight others wounded were brought to the hospital after the Israeli airstrike on the home in the Jabalia Nazla neighbourhood.

*)  Israeli snipers 'authorised' to shoot civilians in Gaza — report

According to a media report, Israeli soldiers have revealed that the army killed Palestinian civilians who entered previously targeted buildings in Gaza, 

The Haaretz newspaper in Israel said the army "does not routinely update its list of targets in Gaza, nor does it indicate to forces on the ground which structures are no longer being used" by fighters.

"As a result, anyone – including noncombatants – who enters such a building risks being attacked," it said.

A discharged officer from the 252nd Division said snipers were authorised to consider civilians entering specific areas as fighters and that they were killing civilians there who are then counted as ‘terrorists’.

*) Car rams German Christmas market in suspected attack, killing two

A car has ploughed into a busy outdoor Christmas market in the eastern German city of Magdeburg, killing two people and wounding 50 in what authorities say was a suspected attack.

The car driver was arrested. 

Regional government spokesperson Matthias Schuppe and city spokesperson Michael Reif said they suspected it was deliberate.

Reif stated there were "numerous injured," though he did not provide an exact number. 

*)  US House approves bill to avert looming government shutdown

The US House of Representatives has voted to avert a government shutdown with just hours to spare, with Democrats joining Republicans to advance a funding bill keeping the lights on through mid-March.

Lawmakers sent a package to the Senate that would keep federal agencies running through mid-March.

Although the House is run by the Republicans, who introduced the bill, 34 of the party's backbenchers voted against it, while almost every Democrat was a yes.

*) Ukrainian missile attack kills six in Russia's Kursk

Six people, including one child, were killed in a Ukrainian missile attack on the town of Rylsk in Russia's Kursk region.

Ten wounded people, including a 13-year-old, were taken to a local hospital with minor injuries. 

Authorities said that those responsible for the attack would receive "well-deserved retribution".


December 21, 2024

<description>*) 'Nowhere is safe, no one is spared' in Gaza — MSF report

A new report by Doctors Without Borders, titled "Gaza: Life in a Death Trap," has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza to save lives and ensure the flow of humanitarian aid.

The organisation has also demanded an end to Israel's targeted and indiscriminate attacks on civilians and called on its allies to act swiftly to protect Palestinian lives and uphold international law.

Highlighting the devastating impact of repeated Israeli military attacks on Palestinian civilians over the past 14 months, MSF has said people in Gaza are struggling to survive apocalyptic conditions, but nowhere is safe, no one is spared, and there is no exit from this shattered enclave.

*)  Israeli strikes on Gaza shelters kill at least 20 Palestinians

At least 20 Palestinians have been killed and over 30 others wounded in Israeli air strikes on two schools sheltering displaced people and a house in Gaza, yesterday evening.

Most of the victims were women and children in the attack that targeted the Dar al-Arqam and Shaaban al-Rayes schools and a house in the Tuffah neighbourhood.

The attack has caused massive destruction in the two schools and nearby residential buildings.

Israel has systematically targeted civilian facilities, including schools, hospitals, and places of worship, in its ongoing offensive on Gaza.

*) Türkiye urges swift, decisive action to tackle Sudan crisis at UN meeting

Türkiye's permanent representative to the UN has urged the international community to take swift action to address the escalating conflict and humanitarian crisis in Sudan.

Speaking at the Security Council Ahmet Yildiz highlighted the dire situation in Sudan, where "over 11 million people are displaced and hundreds of thousands have lost their lives."

The conflict has also led to the destruction of vital infrastructure, including health facilities.

Türkiye reiterated its commitment to Sudan's "unity, territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence from outside interference."

*) Pakistan developing missiles that could hit US — White House official

A senior White House official has claimed that Pakistan is developing long-range ballistic missile capabilities that eventually could allow it to strike targets outside of South Asia, including in the United States.

In his stunning revelation about the one time close US partner, Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer claimed Islamabad's conduct raised "real questions" about the aims of its ballistic missile programme.

Finer told the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace audience that candidly, it's hard for us to see Pakistan's actions as anything other than an emerging threat to the United States.

*) UNGA seeks ICJ opinion on Israel's obligations to aid Palestinians

The UN General Assembly has overwhelmingly approved a resolution asking the International Court of Justice to assess Israel's obligations to assist Palestinians, amid accusations the Israeli government systematically hinders Gaza aid.

The UN's full membership voted to request an ICJ advisory opinion, which, though not binding, can heighten pressure on countries.

Norway brought the resolution seeking an advisory opinion from the UN's top court, which was co-sponsored by Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, among others. It won backing from 137 countries, 12 of which objected, and 22 abstained.</description>

*) 'Nowhere is safe, no one is spared' in Gaza — …

*) 'Nowhere is safe, no one is spared' in Gaza — MSF report

A new report by Doctors Without Borders, titled "Gaza: Life in a Death Trap," has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza to save lives and ensure the flow of humanitarian aid.

The organisation has also demanded an end to Israel's targeted and indiscriminate attacks on civilians and called on its allies to act swiftly to protect Palestinian lives and uphold international law.

Highlighting the devastating impact of repeated Israeli military attacks on Palestinian civilians over the past 14 months, MSF has said people in Gaza are struggling to survive apocalyptic conditions, but nowhere is safe, no one is spared, and there is no exit from this shattered enclave.

*)  Israeli strikes on Gaza shelters kill at least 20 Palestinians

At least 20 Palestinians have been killed and over 30 others wounded in Israeli air strikes on two schools sheltering displaced people and a house in Gaza, yesterday evening.

Most of the victims were women and children in the attack that targeted the Dar al-Arqam and Shaaban al-Rayes schools and a house in the Tuffah neighbourhood.

The attack has caused massive destruction in the two schools and nearby residential buildings.

Israel has systematically targeted civilian facilities, including schools, hospitals, and places of worship, in its ongoing offensive on Gaza.

*) Türkiye urges swift, decisive action to tackle Sudan crisis at UN meeting

Türkiye's permanent representative to the UN has urged the international community to take swift action to address the escalating conflict and humanitarian crisis in Sudan.

Speaking at the Security Council Ahmet Yildiz highlighted the dire situation in Sudan, where "over 11 million people are displaced and hundreds of thousands have lost their lives."

The conflict has also led to the destruction of vital infrastructure, including health facilities.

Türkiye reiterated its commitment to Sudan's "unity, territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence from outside interference."

*) Pakistan developing missiles that could hit US — White House official

A senior White House official has claimed that Pakistan is developing long-range ballistic missile capabilities that eventually could allow it to strike targets outside of South Asia, including in the United States.

In his stunning revelation about the one time close US partner, Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer claimed Islamabad's conduct raised "real questions" about the aims of its ballistic missile programme.

Finer told the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace audience that candidly, it's hard for us to see Pakistan's actions as anything other than an emerging threat to the United States.

*) UNGA seeks ICJ opinion on Israel's obligations to aid Palestinians

The UN General Assembly has overwhelmingly approved a resolution asking the International Court of Justice to assess Israel's obligations to assist Palestinians, amid accusations the Israeli government systematically hinders Gaza aid.

The UN's full membership voted to request an ICJ advisory opinion, which, though not binding, can heighten pressure on countries.

Norway brought the resolution seeking an advisory opinion from the UN's top court, which was co-sponsored by Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, among others. It won backing from 137 countries, 12 of which objected, and 22 abstained.

December 20, 2024

<description>*) Gaza mediators intensify ceasefire efforts as Israel continues to kill Palestinians 

The United States and Arab mediators are working to finalise an agreement between Israel and Hamas to halt the 14-month-old war on Gaza.

A Palestinian official close to the negotiations said mediators have narrowed gaps on most terms of the proposed deal.

Sources in Cairo indicated that an agreement, including a ceasefire and prisoner exchange, could be finalised in the coming days.

*) US has no Palestine policy, follows Israel's lead — former official

A former senior State Department official accused the US of lacking a policy on Palestine, adding that its actions are largely based on Israeli preferences.

Mike Casey, who resigned as deputy political counsellor in Gaza in July, voiced criticisms in an interview with The Guardian newspaper.

"We don't have a policy on Palestine. We just do what the Israelis want us to do," he said.

*)  Israel strikes power plants, port, oil facility in Yemen
Israel has carried out air strikes on power plants, a port, and an oil facility in Yemen, escalating tensions with Houthi fighters, according to media reports.

Houthi-aligned Al-Masirah TV reported that the strikes targeted two power plants in the capital Sanaa, damaged an oil facility, and hit the port of Hodeidah.

“The enemy launched four aggressive raids targeting the port and two raids on the oil facility,” the channel stated, as quoted by Al Jazeera.

*) Türkiye vows continued support for Lebanon, Syria

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reiterated Türkiye’s support for Lebanon’s “unity and peace,” urging the international community to pressure Israel to comply with last month’s ceasefire agreement with Lebanon.

Speaking alongside Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Erdogan condemned efforts to destabilise Lebanon and called for Israel to compensate for damages caused during recent escalations, stressing Lebanon’s security as vital for regional stability.

Erdogan also emphasised the shared commitment of Türkiye and Lebanon to aiding Syria’s recovery, urging all stakeholders to contribute to ensuring stability in the war-torn nation.

*) US Fed cuts key rate, remains cautious over economic outlook next year

The US Federal Reserve has reduced its benchmark policy rate by 0.25 points to a range of 4.25–4.50 percent, citing inflation concerns and uncertainty over President-elect Donald Trump's economic agenda.

Announcing the decision, the Fed indicated a slower pace of rate cuts ahead, forecasting just two quarter-point reductions in 2025, down from an earlier projection of four.

Policymakers also raised their inflation outlook for 2024 from 2.1 percent to 2.5 percent, reflecting heightened caution about the economic landscape.</description>

*) Gaza mediators intensify ceasefire efforts as …

*) Gaza mediators intensify ceasefire efforts as Israel continues to kill Palestinians 

The United States and Arab mediators are working to finalise an agreement between Israel and Hamas to halt the 14-month-old war on Gaza.

A Palestinian official close to the negotiations said mediators have narrowed gaps on most terms of the proposed deal.

Sources in Cairo indicated that an agreement, including a ceasefire and prisoner exchange, could be finalised in the coming days.

*) US has no Palestine policy, follows Israel's lead — former official

A former senior State Department official accused the US of lacking a policy on Palestine, adding that its actions are largely based on Israeli preferences.

Mike Casey, who resigned as deputy political counsellor in Gaza in July, voiced criticisms in an interview with The Guardian newspaper.

"We don't have a policy on Palestine. We just do what the Israelis want us to do," he said.

*)  Israel strikes power plants, port, oil facility in Yemen
Israel has carried out air strikes on power plants, a port, and an oil facility in Yemen, escalating tensions with Houthi fighters, according to media reports.

Houthi-aligned Al-Masirah TV reported that the strikes targeted two power plants in the capital Sanaa, damaged an oil facility, and hit the port of Hodeidah.

“The enemy launched four aggressive raids targeting the port and two raids on the oil facility,” the channel stated, as quoted by Al Jazeera.

*) Türkiye vows continued support for Lebanon, Syria

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reiterated Türkiye’s support for Lebanon’s “unity and peace,” urging the international community to pressure Israel to comply with last month’s ceasefire agreement with Lebanon.

Speaking alongside Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Erdogan condemned efforts to destabilise Lebanon and called for Israel to compensate for damages caused during recent escalations, stressing Lebanon’s security as vital for regional stability.

Erdogan also emphasised the shared commitment of Türkiye and Lebanon to aiding Syria’s recovery, urging all stakeholders to contribute to ensuring stability in the war-torn nation.

*) US Fed cuts key rate, remains cautious over economic outlook next year

The US Federal Reserve has reduced its benchmark policy rate by 0.25 points to a range of 4.25–4.50 percent, citing inflation concerns and uncertainty over President-elect Donald Trump's economic agenda.

Announcing the decision, the Fed indicated a slower pace of rate cuts ahead, forecasting just two quarter-point reductions in 2025, down from an earlier projection of four.

Policymakers also raised their inflation outlook for 2024 from 2.1 percent to 2.5 percent, reflecting heightened caution about the economic landscape.

December 19, 2024

<description>Israeli strikes continue to pound Gaza, kill 8 Palestinians.
Hamas calls Gaza ceasefire talks 'positive'.
Türkiye condemns Israel's Syria actions.
Ukraine kills Russia's chemical weapons chief; Moscow vows revenge.
Russian bill could remove Taliban from 'terror' list.</description>

Israeli strikes continue to pound Gaza, kill 8 Pa…

Israeli strikes continue to pound Gaza, kill 8 Palestinians.
Hamas calls Gaza ceasefire talks 'positive'.
Türkiye condemns Israel's Syria actions.
Ukraine kills Russia's chemical weapons chief; Moscow vows revenge.
Russian bill could remove Taliban from 'terror' list.

December 18, 2024

<description>*) Türkiye holds the key for Syria's future: Trump

US President-elect Donald Trump has expressed uncertainty about post-Assad Syria but emphasised that Türkiye will “hold the key” to the nation.

Speaking at his Mar-a-Lago estate, Trump refrained from commenting directly on the withdrawal of US troops from northeastern Syria, but praised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. 

Trump also condemned ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad as a "butcher" for his actions against children and called Türkiye a "major force" in the region.

*) Israel committing genocide in Gaza, German rights group's analysis finds

A Berlin-based human rights group, the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights, has said Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.

In a statement, the group said its independent research and analysis of Israel’s actions in Gaza led to a "legally sound argument" that genocide is taking place.

The group highlighted that numerous reports, commentaries, and judgments support this conclusion, further underscoring the severity of the situation.

*) Gaza truce talks 'productive', 'small differences' remain — US

The US has described recent talks on a potential ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal between Israel and Hamas as "productive," while acknowledging that a few key differences remain.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said during a press briefing that negotiations have progressed in recent days but added "a very small number of differences" still need to be resolved.

"We have continued to try to work with the other mediators to narrow the differences," Miller stated, underscoring ongoing efforts to reach an agreement.

*) More than 12 mass graves discovered in Syria's Daraa

More than 12 mass graves have been discovered in Syria's Daraa Governorate, containing remains believed to be of civilians killed by the regime of ousted leader Bashar al Assad.

The graves were uncovered following the recent collapse of the Baath regime earlier this month, as search and survey operations continue across the country.

Efforts to locate and document mass graves are ongoing as Syria begins to confront the scale of atrocities committed under Assad's rule.

*) Mystery drones over 8 US states spark fear and calls for action

Mysterious drones spotted across at least eight US states are sparking unease and national debate, with sightings reported near critical sites, including an Air Force base.

At a press conference in Mar-a-Lago, President-elect Donald Trump claimed, "Something strange is going on" with the East Coast drones and accused the government of withholding information.

The buzzing crafts have been seen from Massachusetts to Ohio, leaving communities unsettled and prompting lawmakers to demand urgent action.
</description>

*) Türkiye holds the key for Syria's future: Trum…

*) Türkiye holds the key for Syria's future: Trump

US President-elect Donald Trump has expressed uncertainty about post-Assad Syria but emphasised that Türkiye will “hold the key” to the nation.

Speaking at his Mar-a-Lago estate, Trump refrained from commenting directly on the withdrawal of US troops from northeastern Syria, but praised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. 

Trump also condemned ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad as a "butcher" for his actions against children and called Türkiye a "major force" in the region.

*) Israel committing genocide in Gaza, German rights group's analysis finds

A Berlin-based human rights group, the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights, has said Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.

In a statement, the group said its independent research and analysis of Israel’s actions in Gaza led to a "legally sound argument" that genocide is taking place.

The group highlighted that numerous reports, commentaries, and judgments support this conclusion, further underscoring the severity of the situation.

*) Gaza truce talks 'productive', 'small differences' remain — US

The US has described recent talks on a potential ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal between Israel and Hamas as "productive," while acknowledging that a few key differences remain.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said during a press briefing that negotiations have progressed in recent days but added "a very small number of differences" still need to be resolved.

"We have continued to try to work with the other mediators to narrow the differences," Miller stated, underscoring ongoing efforts to reach an agreement.

*) More than 12 mass graves discovered in Syria's Daraa

More than 12 mass graves have been discovered in Syria's Daraa Governorate, containing remains believed to be of civilians killed by the regime of ousted leader Bashar al Assad.

The graves were uncovered following the recent collapse of the Baath regime earlier this month, as search and survey operations continue across the country.

Efforts to locate and document mass graves are ongoing as Syria begins to confront the scale of atrocities committed under Assad's rule.

*) Mystery drones over 8 US states spark fear and calls for action

Mysterious drones spotted across at least eight US states are sparking unease and national debate, with sightings reported near critical sites, including an Air Force base.

At a press conference in Mar-a-Lago, President-elect Donald Trump claimed, "Something strange is going on" with the East Coast drones and accused the government of withholding information.

The buzzing crafts have been seen from Massachusetts to Ohio, leaving communities unsettled and prompting lawmakers to demand urgent action.


December 17, 2024

A summary of today's impactful news stories from around the world hand-picked by our staff at TRT World.

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