★ SYRIA
Israeli Forces Extend Operations in Quneitra, Syria
Amid rapid political and field developments in Damascus, “Al-Arabiya” and “Al-Hadath” reported new incursions by Israeli forces in the Al-Mantara Dam area of Quneitra, southern Syria. Correspondents confirmed that Israeli forces have established a military position in the area, with cameras documenting their presence at the site.
Italian Delegation Meets Syrian Foreign Minister in Damascus
Syria’s state news agency reported that caretaker Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shibani hosted a high-ranking Italian Foreign Ministry delegation in Damascus on Tuesday. The meeting focused on Syria’s future and avenues for bilateral cooperation. The Italian delegation expressed its government’s support for the new administration and its continued engagement in Syria.
Protests Erupt in Syria Over Christmas Tree Burning
Protests broke out in Suqaylabiyah, a Christian-majority town in central Syria after a Christmas tree was set on fire in the main square. A video of the incident shared on social media raised widespread concern over minority rights. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the leading Islamist group that played a central role in the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad, announced the detention of foreign fighters allegedly involved in the act. HTS officials reiterated their commitment to protecting religious and ethnic minorities, as public pressure mounts for actionable steps to ensure minority safety in Syria.
Russian Ship URSA MAJOR Sinks Near Algeria and Spain
The Russian cargo ship URSA MAJOR, under U.S. sanctions since 2022, sank near Algeria and Spain in the Mediterranean Sea after an engine room explosion. The ship, reportedly transporting military equipment to Russian forces in Syria, had departed St. Petersburg two weeks ago. Fourteen of its 16 crew members were rescued, according to Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova. The vessel sent its final signal last night at approximately 8 p.m.
Syria Merges Rebel Factions Under Ministry of Defense
Syria’s interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa and rebel leaders agreed to merge all factions under the Ministry of Defense, as announced by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist group that led the rebellion against Bashar al-Assad. While the statement did not list specific factions, an HTS spokesman confirmed unanimous agreement. This move aims to prevent internal conflicts among armed groups and avoid the instability seen in states like Libya, fulfilling a pledge made by Sharma, who also leads HTS.
SDF Ready to Join New Syrian Army During Turkish Tensions
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced their readiness to join the new Syrian army, pending further discussions, according to Media Center Director Farhad Shami. Speaking to Sky News Arabia, Shami affirmed the SDF’s preparedness for both military and diplomatic options. He highlighted ongoing battles against Ankara-backed factions for the past 20 days and accused Turkey of pursuing additional territorial expansion in Syria. Shami underscored the SDF’s role as a key obstacle to Turkish ambitions in the region.
Syria Declares December 25-26 Public Holidays for Christmas
The Syrian government announced December 25 and 26, 2024, as official holidays for government institutions in celebration of Christmas. A statement from the Syrian Cabinet, published on Facebook, confirmed the holiday for all government employees, except for ministries and entities requiring continued operations due to their nature or circumstances.
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★ ISRAEL
Israeli Army: Sirens Sound in Central Israel and Jerusalem Area, A Missile from Yemen Intercepted
On Wednesday morning, sirens went off in the Sharon, Dan, Shefela, Judah, Yarkon, and Lachish regions of Israel following the launch of a missile from Yemen. Explosions were heard in the Greater Tel Aviv area as air defenses intercepted the missile before it entered Israeli airspace. The sirens were activated as a precaution against potential debris from the interception, though no direct impact was reported.
Israel Signs Billion-Dollar Deal to Purchase More Arrow-3 Missiles to Counter Houthi Threat
Israel’s Ministry of Defense has purchased a new stock purchased a new stock of Arrow-3 interceptors from Israeli Aerospace Industries to enhance protection against ballistic missile threats. Each interceptor missile costs approximately $4 million. This move follows an increase in missile attacks launched by the Houthis from Yemen.
Military Exemptions for Haredim: Economic Crisis Costing Israel $8 Billion Annually
A recent report from Israel’s Ministry of Finance, as reported by The Times of Israel, warned of the heavy economic costs resulting from the proposed law to exempt Haredim from military service. The report indicates that the current exemptions impose an economic burden of 30 billion shekels annually (approximately $8.2 billion), a cost that could be reduced by integrating more Haredi men into combat military service.
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★ LEBANON
Lebanon Files Complaint to UN Security Council Over Israeli Violations of Ceasefire
Lebanon’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, through the country’s permanent mission to the United Nations in New York, submitted a complaint to the UN Security Council, strongly protesting Israel’s repeated violations of the ceasefire. The complaint stated that Israel has “repeatedly violated the ceasefire declaration and the related enhanced security arrangements in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1701,” which includes more than 816 land and air violations between November 27 and December 22, 2024.
International Bonds Signal Potential Lawsuit Against Lebanon in U.S. Courts
Lebanese sovereign bonds had surged nearly 100% from their lowest levels in international financial markets since the economic collapse in 2019 when the country ceased debt payments for a year. Market trading prices have surpassed 13 cents per dollar, compared to about 6.5 cents before the military confrontations on the southern border. These “suspended” Lebanese debt bonds, which have not been repaid in terms of principal or interest, gained exceptional momentum and strong demand from foreign investment institutions.
Report Reveals Hezbollah Plans to Smuggle Assad Regime Followers Out of Syria
Following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria, Hezbollah played a role in assisting loyalists of the former Syrian president by helping them obtain legitimate Lebanese passports under false names to facilitate their escape from Syria. According to Nidaa al-Watan newspaper, this issue resurfaced in Lebanon after Hezbollah exerted pressure on Lebanese officials to secure the release of 20 military members from the execution brigade, currently detained in Lebanon.
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★ ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR
Israel Says Hostage Who Died After Release Was ‘Victim of Hamas Terror’
The Israeli government stated on Tuesday that a hostage who died from illness after being released following her abduction in Gaza is a victim of the October 7 attack. According to a statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, “Hanna Katzir, 76, who was kidnapped from her home in Kibbutz Nirim during the Hamas attack and was released during a ceasefire on November 24, 2023, passed away on December 24, 2024, after suffering from a complicated medical condition following her release. She has been recognized as a victim of terrorism,” as reported by AFP.
Two Senior Israeli Officers Injured During Operation in Tulkarm
The Israeli military confirmed that a commander was moderately injured after a bomb targeted his vehicle during an “anti-terrorism” operation in the Tulkarm area of the occupied West Bank. The military acknowledged that the blast injured Colonel Yaki Dolf, commander of the “Judea and Samaria” division, and Colonel Kiof, commander of the “Northern West Bank” brigade when the explosive device detonated near their vehicle in Tulkarm.
Israeli Forces Raid Hospital in Jabaliya, Eliminate and Arrest Militants
For the first time since December, Israeli Defense Forces carried out an operation at the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza. According to the Israeli military, “Over the past month, militants launched attacks against Israeli Defense Forces from the hospital area.” Patients and staff were evacuated in coordination with the IDF. Israeli forces, along with Shin Bet (Israeli Security Agency), killed five militants and arrested dozens more in the vicinity of the Indonesian Hospital in Jabaliya, northern Gaza, as part of a targeted counter-terrorism operation that began overnight.
14 Palestinians Killed in Israeli Airstrikes on Gaza
The Gaza Civil Defense reported that at least 14 Palestinians, including several women and children, were killed in Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip since early Tuesday. Spokesman Mahmoud Bassal told AFP, “At least 14 people were martyred, including two women, three children, one Civil Defense member, and dozens were injured due to Israeli air and artillery bombardment on Gaza.” Bassal clarified that “Israeli forces targeted the Holst Civil Defense Center in the al-Daraj area in central Gaza City, resulting in the martyrdom of Assistant Najeeb Naji Saker and his only child, Mohammad (10 years old).”
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★ TURKIYE
Turkey Seeks Agreement with Syria on Mediterranean Maritime Border Demarcation
Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, stated that Turkey intends to begin negotiations with Syria to demarcate maritime borders in the Mediterranean Sea. Speaking to journalists in Ankara on Tuesday, Uraloğlu told Bloomberg that such an agreement would allow both countries to “expand their influence zones” in energy exploration. He added, “Of course, authority must be established there first… it will definitely be on our agenda, but it’s difficult to say it is part of the current agenda.”
Ceasefire Between SDF and Ankara Collapses as Turkish Artillery Strikes
Two weeks after its announcement, the ceasefire between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Turkey has collapsed. Turkish artillery shelled SDF positions near the Tishrin Dam in the Manbij area, according to Al Arabiya/Al Hadath’s correspondent. The correspondent also reported heavy clashes in the countryside of Manbij between SDF and armed factions. It was noted that SDF forces reached the town of Qalqal, but did not enter, indicating they are about 15 kilometers away from Manbij.
Turkey’s Plan Includes Syrian Hejaz Railway, One Country Objects
Turkish Minister of Transport, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, announced on Tuesday that Turkey will implement a five-phase plan to assist in the reconstruction of Syria. The plan includes the repair and rehabilitation of land and maritime transportation facilities, as well as airports. Local media reported Uraloğlu stating that an assessment of Aleppo and Damascus airports has been completed, with the aim of rehabilitating them with direct assistance from Turkey’s General Directorate of Airports.
Coalition Seeks Ceasefire Between Ankara and SDF
The U.S.-led International Coalition against ISIS conducted a patrol in the northeastern Syrian city of Kobani (Ain al-Arab) and established a center to oversee ceasefire negotiations between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Turkish forces, along with allied Syrian National Army factions aiming to control the city. Meanwhile, the SDF advanced toward Manbij in Aleppo Governorate, capturing several villages during clashes with Syrian National Army factions as part of efforts to regain control of the city.
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★ IRAN
Iran Holds Diplomatic Talks to Open Embassy in Damascus
Iran’s government spokesperson, Fatima Mohajerani, announced on Tuesday that Iran is holding diplomatic talks to open its embassy in Damascus following the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Last week, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baqaei stated that reopening the embassy requires ensuring the safety of diplomats. He added, “If the necessary security and political conditions are met, we will proceed with reopening our embassy.” However, Baqaei also mentioned on Monday that there is no direct communication between Iran and the Syrian militant factions that overthrew Assad earlier this month.
Iran Suspends Flights to Syria, Warns Citizens Against Traveling
IraniSyria will remain suspended until late January, and media reported on Tuesday that Iranian flights to following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, a key Tehran ally. The head of the Civil Aviation Organization, Hussein Bourfarzaneh, stated, “For travel to a country, the destination country must grant entry and acceptance permits.” He added, “Currently, flights to Syria will not be allowed until January 22, after the New Year’s holiday.” It remains unclear when Iran officially suspended its flights to Syria.
Iran Files Complaint to UN Security Council Over Haniya Assassination
Iran announced on Tuesday that it had sent a letter to the United Nations Security Council in response to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s recent threats. The statement included an acknowledgment of Israel’s responsibility for the assassination of former Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniya. The letter, dated the 23rd of this month, stated that “the brazen and disgraceful admission of the assassination of a political leader in the territory of a sovereign UN member state” is a violation of international norms and laws.
Iranian ‘Hector of Oil’ Ships Weapons to Russia During War
Western officials and informed sources have revealed the involvement of a company managed by the son of Ali Shamkhani, Iran’s Supreme Leader’s advisor, in transporting missiles, drone components, and dual-use materials from Iran to Russia via the Caspian Sea, as reported by Bloomberg. According to sources, this operation, carried out by Hussein Shamkhani, known as the “Iranian Hector of Oil,” took place using at least two ships last year to support Russia in its ongoing war with Ukraine.
Iran’s Natural Gas Production Reaches 865 Million Cubic Meters Daily
Iran has increased its daily production of sweet gas to 865 million cubic meters, surpassing the Ministry of Oil’s target of 845 million cubic meters, according to Mohammad Reza Julaei, Director of Production Coordination and Supervision at the National Iranian Gas Company. The country also produces over one billion cubic meters of rich gas daily. Julaei emphasized the vital role of the South Pars Gas Complex, which currently provides 70% of Iran’s gas supply.
Petrochemical Revenues to Reach $25 Billion Amid Investment Surge
Iran’s petrochemical sector is expected to increase its foreign currency revenues to over $25 billion, driven by new investments in natural gas production, according to Ahmad Mahdavi, Secretary-General of the Iranian Petrochemical Employers Association. In a statement to local media, Mahdavi revealed that 10 agreements have been signed to address natural gas supply imbalances and invest in gas fields. These agreements, with a total investment of $8 billion, are projected to boost daily gas production by approximately 200 million cubic meters.
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★ IRAQ
Iraq Reassesses Coalition Withdrawal, Considers Extension
Iraqi leadership is reconsidering the withdrawal of coalition forces, including U.S. troops, amid regional tensions. Initially postponed due to events in Gaza and southern Lebanon, the withdrawal timeline is now under review. With Syria’s evolving security risks potentially impacting Iraq, the government is considering a formal request to extend the coalition’s presence indefinitely.
Iraqi Leader Warns of ISIS Escapees Linked to Turkey
Ammar Al-Tamimi, head of the Diyala Popular Movement, revealed that over 400 terrorism suspects, including senior ISIS figures, fled Diyala to Turkey following the province’s liberation in 2015. Many later moved to Syria, with some assuming leadership roles in groups closely tied to Turkish security decision-makers. Al-Tamimi warned that returning these individuals to Iraq under the pretext of addressing Turkey’s PKK concerns could create proxy war zones, involving foreign mercenaries and Iraqi ISIS members. He urged immediate attention to this critical issue to prevent further regional destabilization.
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★ YEMEN
Houthis Claim Missile Launch at Tel Aviv, Intercepted by Israel
Yemen’s Houthi group launched a “hypersonic ballistic missile” at Tel Aviv, citing support for Palestinians in Gaza, according to Houthi spokesperson Yahya Sarea on Al-Masirah TV. The missile, targeting a military site, was intercepted by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Sarea vowed more attacks on Israel and declared readiness to confront “Israeli-American-British aggression” despite US-led airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen. The IDF confirmed the successful interception earlier on Tuesday.
Israel Vows Strikes Against Houthi Leaders in Yemen
Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz announced plans to target leaders of Yemen’s Houthi rebel group, stating that Israel “will not allow the continued uncontrolled firing” of rockets and drones into its territory, as reported by the Times of Israel. This marks a potential escalation in Israel’s response, which has so far focused on striking port infrastructure and military facilities in Yemen. The move follows repeated drone and ballistic missile attacks launched from Yemen, signaling heightened regional tensions.
Israel Urges Global Terror Designation for Yemen’s Houthis
Israel is urging European nations to designate Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi group as a terrorist organization. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar warned that the Houthis pose threats to Israel, the region, and global stability. Recent Houthi drone and missile attacks, launched in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, have disrupted international shipping, causing costly rerouting and raising inflation concerns. Israel seeks international consensus to counter these threats.
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★ GULF NATIONS
Saudi Arabia Executes Record 330 People in 2023 Despite Reform Promises
Saudi Arabia carried out 330 executions in 2023, a record-breaking number contradicting Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s 2022 pledge to limit capital punishment to murder cases. The figure, verified by the human rights organization Reprieve and Reuters, marks a significant rise from 172 executions in 2022 to 196 in 2021. Over 150 individuals were executed for non-lethal offenses, a practice that contravenes international law.
GCC Ministers to Address Syrian Crisis in Kuwait Meeting
GCC foreign ministers will meet on Thursday in Kuwait to discuss the Syrian crisis following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime on December 8. Gulf states have reaffirmed support for the Syrian people, urging the international community to back Syrians without interfering in their internal affairs. Saudi Arabia emphasized efforts to preserve Syria’s unity, prevent chaos and division, and ensure its security, stability, and sovereignty.
Qatar Calls for Immediate Lifting of Sanctions on Syria
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Majed Al-Ansari, urged the swift removal of international sanctions on Syria, stressing they should not obstruct humanitarian aid. He emphasized Qatar’s plan to expand its airbridge operations to more Syrian airports to improve aid delivery. Al-Ansari reiterated Qatar’s stance that sanctions should be lifted, particularly after the fall of the previous regime, and called on the international community to act promptly to support the Syrian people.
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★ EGYPT & North Africa
Egyptian Defense Minister Affirms Country’s Ability to Achieve Regional Balance
Egyptian Defense Minister, General Abdel Meguid Saker, confirmed that his country possesses the capability to achieve “regional balance” in a region experiencing rapid changes impacting Egypt’s national security. Saker visited one of the air defense formations, accompanied by Lieutenant General Ahmed Khalifa, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, and other senior military leaders. The visit was part of a field follow-up to assess the operational readiness and combat preparedness of Egypt’s armed forces, according to a statement posted on the military spokesperson’s Facebook page on Tuesday.
$3 Billion Trade Volume Between Egypt and Nile Basin Countries
The Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) issued its annual bulletin on Tuesday, titled “Trade Between Egypt and Nile Basin Countries in 2023.” The report covers the volume of trade, including exports and imports, between Egypt and Nile Basin countries, including Sudan, Ethiopia, Uganda, Congo, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Eritrea, and South Sudan.
Newsweek: Putin Faces Double Blow from Sudan and Libya After Setback in Syria
Newsweek reported that two of President Vladimir Putin’s major allies in Africa have refused to host Russian forces on their soil, threatening Moscow’s foothold in the continent following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria. The magazine highlighted that, on December 18, Sudan officially rejected Russia’s request to build a naval base on the Red Sea coast, according to a Sudanese intelligence official quoted by Moscow Times.
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