*) 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.
