Malek Fouda
Lebanon
Israeli strikes target multiple Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon
At least one person was injured in Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon late on Monday and into the early hours of Tuesday. Officials say the strikes targeted multiple areas, including in the third-largest coastal city of Sidon.
Ukraine
Russian overnight strikes kill at least one in Ukraine's capital Kyiv
At least one person was killed after Russia launched an overnight barrage of drones and missiles targeting Kyiv and the northern Chernihiv region. Zelenskyy said the strikes on the capital targeted a civilian hospital and called on allies to ramp up military support.
Switzerland
Swiss authorities identify all 40 victims of Swiss Alps bar fire
The remaining 16 victims of a tragic New Year’s Eve blaze at a Swiss ski resort bar were identified on Sunday. A representative of Valais police confirmed that investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the fire, which killed 40 people and injured 119 others.
USA
Rubio: US to enforce oil blockade but not govern Venezuela post-Maduro
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested that Washington will seek to influence policy change in Venezuela through oil blockades, but not be involved in the day-to-day running of the country following a Saturday operation which overthrew and captured Nicolas Maduro.
Ukraine
Zelenskyy calls for increased support amid ongoing Russian attacks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that a series of high-level meetings are scheduled to take place in early January to discuss the situation on the ground, bolster support and coordinate strategy in ongoing peace efforts.
USA
Zohran Mamdani vows to 'reinvent' New York in first speech as mayor
Mamdani pledges to reel in a new era of New York in his first speech as mayor, vowing to govern “expansively and audaciously” to fulfil campaign promises and improve the lives of millions of New Yorkers “abandoned” by previous administrations.
Ukraine
11 people injured in Russian strikes targeting Sumy and Zaporizhzhia
Moscow launches daytime strikes targeting various settlements across Zaporizhzhia and Sumy, injuring at least 11 people. The attacks come as Zelenskyy meets with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Berlin, as Washington intensifies its efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
Australia
Bondi Beach shooters kill 15 in antisemitic attack on Hanukkah event
Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese denounced "evil antisemitism" after gunmen at Sydney's Bondi Beach killed at least 15 people during Hanukkah celebrations. Police investigations continue as authorities say the Jewish community was the intended target.
Hungary
Thousands march over alleged child abuse at Hungarian state facilities
Tens of thousands of Hungarians marched in the capital, Budapest, to decry a leaked video showing children in a juvenile correction facility being subjected to abuse. The march was organised by Viktor Orbán’s main challenger in the upcoming elections, Péter Magyar.
USA
Two US soldiers, one civilian killed in suspected ISIS attack in Syria
Two US service members and a civilian interpreter were killed in central Syria after a lone gunman, believed to be part of ISIS, opened fire at the gate of a military post. Three other US troops as well as members of the Syrian forces were injured. Trump has promised “serious retaliation”.
Ukraine
Three killed in major overnight Russian barrage targeting Ukraine
Volodymyr Zelenskyy blasted Russia after it launched a barrage of hundreds of drones and missiles targeting Ukraine overnight, stating that their expressed desire to end the war is insincere, as he called on allies to ramp up pressure on the Kremlin.
Myanmar
Myanmar's military says armed groups used hospital it bombed as base
Myanmar’s military junta says Wednesday’s airstrikes on a hospital in the western town of Mrauk-U that killed more than 30 people was part of a counter-terrorism operation targeting armed groups using the facility as a base for their operations.
USA
Democrats release photos of Trump and Clinton from Epstein's estate
Democrat lawmakers on the House Oversight Committee investigating the crimes of the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein released dozens of photos on Friday revealing his connection with figures including prominent lawmakers and entrepreneurs.
Thailand
Thailand disputes Trump's announcement of a renewed ceasefire deal
Trump says Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to restore peace and end hostilities after clashes flared up again this week, renewing their decades-old border disputes. Bangkok however stressed that it will continue to fight until Phnom Penh no longer poses a threat to its sovereignty.