Israel military says controls 40 percent of Gaza City, the largest urban centre in the Palestinian territory
In a televised briefing, Israeli military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin said that "we hold 40 percent of the territory...Geostrategy
With Kim, Putin at his side, Xi says world “faced with a choice of peace or war”
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russia's Vladimir Putin flanked Xi Jinping at a massive parade of military might...Geostrategy
Hamas talks down discovery of Gaza tunnel by Israel
Dubai, UAE--A Hamas official on Monday said one of the group's tunnels revealed by the Israeli army in Gaza had...Israel army claimed to have uncovered the biggest Hamas tunnel on Sunday in Gaza, near the Erez crossing between the Palestinian territory and Israel
A senior Hamas official speaking in Beirut said that owing to the tunnel the mission that Hamas set out to achieve has been "carried out successfully"
At least 118 dead in northwest China earthquake
US Geological Survey said Monday night's magnitude-5.9 quake struck at a shallow depth with an epicenter around 100 kilometers from...Officials said the shallow tremor had caused the deaths of at least 105 in Gansu province
A further 13 died, 182 were injured and 20 were missing in the city of Haidong
US forms coalition to combat Houthi attacks in Red Sea
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement that countries seeking to defend "the foundational principle of freedom of...Austin said the security coalition will ensure freedom of navigation for all countries
Houthi attacks have forced insurance companies to increase premiums on ships
MENA faces economic turbulence due to Gaza conflict
The Israel-Hamas conflict not only threatens regional stability but also poses significant economic challenges for MENA nations, says Fitch Ratings.The Israel-Hamas conflict not only threatens regional stability but also poses significant economic challenges for MENA nations, says Fitch Ratings.
Egypt, Lebanon and Jordan remain the most affected countries as the conflict will potentially disrupt oil markets and economic growth, it adds.
Nearly 100 MPs barred from Indian parliament session
Nearly 100 opposition lawmakers have been temporarily barred from India's parliament for demanding a debate into last week's protest when...Six people were arrested after the December 13 protest, when one man jumped onto the floor of the lower house of parliament.
Official footage from the session showed one man shouting slogans and vaulting over tables between stunned lawmakers.
Oil prices rise following Red Sea attacks
Oil prices shot up three percent as more companies suspended shipping through the Red Sea following attacks on vessels by...Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels said on Monday that they had attacked two "Israeli-linked" vessels in the Red Sea..
Ships must travel through the Red Sea to use the Suez Canal, a key transit route for cargo and oil..
UAE issues federal decree on regulating electronic, digital media
ABU DHABI, UAE - The UAE Government has issued a federal decree which aims to regulate and organize media in...The decree aims to promote the UAE as a global media hub and establish an enabling environment for the growth and prosperity of the sector.
The provisions of the decree apply to individuals, organizations, media outlets, and free zones dedicated to the media in the UAE.
South Africa threatens citizens fighting for Israel with prosecution
"Such action can potentially contribute to the violation of international law and the commission of further international crimes, thus making...The government has previously said the State Security Agency (SSA) was tracking them down. South Africans need prior government approval to legally fight in Israel.
South Africa has long been a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause, with the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party often linking it to its own struggle against apartheid.
Egypt’s Sisi wins third term despite painful economic crisis
The outcome of the December 10-12 poll was widely expected after the former army chief with a fondness for infrastructure...His victory comes despite a painful economic crisis, marked by a currency plunge and runaway household prices
Sisi, a retired army field marshal, was first voted in as president after leading the overthrow of elected president Mohamed Morsi in 2013
Taiwan shipping giant Evergreen suspends Israel cargo services
Due to "escalation of war situation in recent days, Evergreen will temporary suspend Israel import and export service due to rising...Several of the world's largest shipping companies, including Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, and energy giant BP have already suspended passage through the Red Sea.
Yemeni rebels have said they were targeting vessels near the strait to pressure Israel over its devastating onslaught on Gaza.
