Hamas confirmed that its armed wing spokesperson Abu Ubaida and Gaza chief Mohammed Sinwar were killed earlier this year during the Gaza war, with Sinwar being the brother of former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. The Israeli military had previously announced their deaths in 2023.
Bethlehem's annual Christmas Eve tree lighting ceremony took place with thousands attending, marking the first since the Gaza war began in 2023, amid a significant decline in tourism and economic hardship, but also a hopeful call for peace and return of pilgrims.
Israel's parliament has extended a law allowing the government to shut down foreign broadcasters and is planning to shut down Army Radio, citing national security concerns, raising concerns about press freedom and democratic rights in the country.
The US has imposed sanctions on two ICC judges involved in investigating Israeli officials for potential war crimes in Gaza, citing concerns over politicized actions against Israel. The ICC condemned the sanctions, asserting they undermine judicial independence, while Israel and its officials rejected warrants issued by the ICC.
Support for Israel among U.S. conservatives, especially young evangelicals, is declining due to recent conflicts in Gaza and the influence of controversial figures questioning Israel's policies, which could impact U.S. aid and political support for Israel.
Kazakhstan is set to become the first nation to join the Abraham Accords since the start of the Gaza war, marking a significant development in Middle Eastern diplomacy.
A Palestinian author, Nasser Abu Srour, who was imprisoned for over 32 years, reports a sharp increase in torture and harsh conditions in Israeli prisons during the Gaza war, highlighting the brutal treatment of Palestinian prisoners and his personal journey from incarceration to freedom and adaptation in Egypt.
Israel has achieved military victories against its enemies but faces significant international criticism and diplomatic challenges, especially following the recent Gaza conflict, which has strained its global standing and its relationship with the U.S., despite ongoing regional agreements like the Abraham Accords.
President Trump announced the end of the Gaza war and predicted regional normalization, as Israel prepares to release hostages and rebuild after months of conflict, with ongoing negotiations and international mediation to secure peace and address devastation in Gaza.
Egypt is hosting an international summit in Sharm el-Sheikh with over 20 leaders, including Donald Trump, to finalize an agreement aimed at ending the Gaza war.
Leaked U.S. documents reveal that despite public condemnations, Arab states have quietly expanded military cooperation with Israel during the Gaza conflict, driven by concerns over Iran, with plans for joint security efforts and training, even as political tensions and public condemnations persist.
A heated TV interview on Al Ghad channel saw Hamas official Mousa Abu Marzouk walk out after being questioned about the October 7 attacks and Gaza war, revealing internal tensions within Hamas and growing frustration among Arab audiences over Gaza's devastation.
US President Donald Trump expressed optimism about ending the Gaza war, highlighting ongoing indirect negotiations involving US mediators and a 20-point plan proposed by Trump, amid Israel's vow to achieve all war objectives and remember victims of the October 7 attacks.
Israel and Hamas officials initiated indirect peace talks in Egypt, focusing on a ceasefire, hostage releases, and disarmament amid ongoing violence and U.S. diplomatic efforts, with hopes of ending the Gaza conflict on its second anniversary.