★ SYRIA
France Strikes Islamic State Targets in Syria
France carried out airstrikes on Islamic State positions in Syria on Sunday, confirmed by French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu on Tuesday via X. Although specific locations were undisclosed, the strikes follow multiple recent U.S. operations against Islamic State militants. The group, which seized vast areas of eastern Syria and western Iraq in 2014, prompted international military action, including a U.S.-led coalition aimed at its defeat. Despite losing most of its controlled territory, the group remains active in Syria, maintaining a significant threat.
US Officials Meet Syrian Interim Government in Damascus
Three weeks after Bashar al-Assad’s regime collapsed, US officials met Syria’s interim government in Damascus to discuss political representation, the fight against Islamic State, and reducing Iranian influence. Talks included resolving the cases of missing Americans, journalist Austin Tice and aid worker Majd Kamalmaz, and supporting Syria’s economic recovery. Washington emphasized the need for Hayat al-Tahrir al-Sham’s leadership to ensure an inclusive political process representing all Syrians.
Syria’s New Leader Engages Kurdish and Christian Leaders, Promises Reforms
leader of Syria’s transitional administration held landmark talks with Kurdish-led SDF representatives and Christian leaders in Damascus. Discussions with the SDF were “positive,” focusing on resolving clashes with Turkish-backed factions in northern Syria. In meetings with Christian leaders, Al-Sharaa addressed minority concerns, pledged justice for Assad-era crimes, and emphasized dismantling armed factions like HTS. Following Assad’s December ousting, U.S. forces doubled to 2,000 in Syria, targeting ISIS during concerns over its resurgence. fighters and Turkish-backed armed factions in northern Syria.
Israel Criticizes Syrian Interim Government’s Election Delay
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar criticized Syria’s interim government for “undemocratic practices” and neglecting minority rights. His concerns arose after Ahmed al-Sharaa, leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, announced that elections in Syria could take up to four years. During a meeting with Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis, Sa’ar condemned the delay as “deeply troubling” and inconsistent with democratic values.
Syria Appoints Murhaf Abu Qasra as Defense Minister
Syria’s interim government appointed Murhaf Abu Qasra as defense minister on Tuesday, according to state news agency SANA. The appointment is part of ongoing efforts to restructure state institutions following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime on December 8. Assad, who ruled for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia after anti-regime forces seized control of Damascus, ending the Baath Party’s rule since 1963.
New Documents Confirm Atrocities in Assad’s Prisons Post-Regime Fall
The Syrian Observatory documented 786 new torture-related deaths, raising prison fatalities to 63,411 under Assad’s regime. Following Assad’s December 2024 ouster and escape to Russia, new authorities initiated security operations against war criminals. Challenges remain in rebuilding a multi-ethnic state after 13 years of conflict.
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★ ISRAEL
Netanyahu Secures Budget Vote Despite Health Concerns
Prime Minister Netanyahu left the hospital post-surgery to vote on Israel’s 2024 budget, securing a narrow coalition victory. Accompanied by his physician, he returned to the hospital after the vote. Another mourning coalition member also attended. The budget allocated 5 billion shekels, prioritizing Haredi institutions and West Bank settlements, while cutting funds for reserve soldiers, sparking opposition backlash. These last-minute changes highlighted tensions within the coalition and raised concerns about budgetary priorities and transparency.
U.S. Provides $22 Billion in Military Aid to Israel
Since October 2023, the U.S. delivered $22 billion in military aid for Israeli operations in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. By August 2024, 50,000 tons of advanced weaponry, including Iron Dome missiles, Apache helicopters, and artillery shells, were supplied. This complements a $38 billion aid deal, granting $3.8 billion annually. Emergency packages in 2024 added $16.6 billion, sparking concerns over civilian impact due to limited oversight of over 100 arms deals supporting Israeli defense systems.
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★ LEBANON
IDF Discovers and Destroys Hezbollah Weapons in South Lebanon
The IDF uncovered Hezbollah weapons in Wadi Saluki, including rockets, missiles, and explosives, alongside rifles and grenades from additional raids. These actions align with a ceasefire agreement requiring IDF withdrawal by late January, replaced by Lebanese forces and UNIFIL, while Hezbollah retreats north of the Litani River. France’s defense and foreign ministers discussed implementing the deal with Lebanese officials, aiming to ensure compliance and maintain stability in the region during ongoing tensions.
Israel Prepares Lebanon Withdrawal Under U.S.-French Ceasefire Agreement
The Israeli military is set to withdraw from western Lebanon within 60 days under a U.S.-French-monitored ceasefire agreement, ensuring security near settlements. The Lebanese Army and UNIFIL will replace Israeli forces in southern Lebanon. French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu, visiting UN peacekeepers in Deir Kifa, emphasized preserving the fragile truce. The mechanism has processed 300 complaints, reflecting its role in managing disputes and maintaining stability during this transitional period.
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★ ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR
Israel Rejects Hamas Truce Proposal During Hostage Talks Standoff
Hamas proposed a week-long truce to compile a list of living hostages, offering to release 22 captives and 12 bodies. The list would be delivered by the fourth day, with no releases during the truce. Israel rejected the proposal, demanding all 34 hostages be freed alive in the first ceasefire phase. The disagreement has stalled progress on reaching a ceasefire agreement, reflecting deep divisions as negotiations mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. remain unresolved.
Hamas and Islamic Jihad Intensify Strikes on Southern and Central Israel
Hamas’ Al-Qassam Brigades launched rockets at Netivot and southern Israel as 2025 began, forcing thousands into shelters. Israeli defenses intercepted one rocket while another landed in an open area. Concurrently, Islamic Jihad’s Al-Quds Brigades shared images of missile attacks on Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Sderot, and Gaza border settlements, retaliating for Israeli incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque. Both groups utilized advanced tactics, including drones and hidden tunnels, escalating hostilities and raising concerns over their missile capabilities targeting key Israeli cities.
Shin Bet Foils 1,040 Terror Attacks, Disrupts Espionage in 2024
The Shin Bet thwarted 1,040 terror attacks in the West Bank and Jerusalem, dismantled 20 Arab Israeli terror cells, and stopped 13 Iranian espionage plots. It assisted IDF missions, killing Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar and Muhammad Deif, and conducted hostage rescues in Gaza, freeing eight captives. The agency also prevented 700 cyberattacks targeting Israeli infrastructure. These efforts highlight Israel’s extensive counterterrorism operations, ensuring national security in the face of persistent threats from Palestinian groups and Iranian-backed entities.
Israel Eliminates Hamas Elite Commander in Targeted Drone Strike
Israel killed Abdel Hadi Sabah, a Hamas elite unit leader, in a drone strike in Khan Younis. Sabah led the October 7 Nir Oz attack, resulting in deaths and kidnappings, and directed assaults on Israeli forces during the Gaza war. The operation targeted a designated humanitarian zone, with Israel claiming measures to minimize civilian harm. His elimination underscores Israel’s continued precision efforts against key Hamas figures during the ongoing conflict.
Israeli Strikes on Gaza Cause Casualties During Rising Tensions
Israeli airstrikes on northern Gaza killed eight, destroyed homes, and targeted areas near Khan Younis. Artillery and naval shelling hit Al-Nuseirat and coastal regions. The Israeli army urged Al-Bureij camp residents to evacuate due to imminent attacks on rocket sites.
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★ TURKIYE
Erdogan Pledges Support for Syrian Peace and Palestinian State
President Erdogan vowed full support for Syrian peace, following December’s regime collapse and transitional leadership appointments. He linked stability to voluntary refugee returns and reaffirmed Turkey’s strong stance against Israel’s Gaza attacks, advocating for a sovereign Palestinian state within 1967 borders. Erdogan also emphasized Turkey’s commitment to peace in Ukraine, fostering regional security, and pursuing a terror-free region by 2025. These efforts reflect Turkey’s focus on regional cooperation and addressing humanitarian crises effectively.
Turkey’s External Debt Totals $525.8 Billion, Reflecting Economic Challenges
Turkey’s external debt reached $525.8 billion, 41.7% of GDP, while net debt totaled $265.4 billion, 21.1% of national income. Treasury-guaranteed external debt was $17.2 billion. Public net debt hit ₺6.706 trillion, and EU-defined government debt reached ₺10.022 trillion, 25.6% of income. These figures underscore Turkey’s reliance on external borrowing and the need for effective fiscal management to ensure economic sustainability and address financial risks.
Turkey’s Trade Deficit Increases to $7.459 Billion in November
Turkey’s trade deficit rose by 24.9% year-on-year in November to $7.459 billion. Exports dropped 3.1% to $22.289 billion, while imports increased 2.7% to $29.748 billion. From January to November, the deficit narrowed by 26.8% to $73.336 billion. These figures reflect Turkey’s ongoing trade challenges, driven by declining exports and rising imports, emphasizing the need for stronger economic strategies to balance trade performance.
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★ IRAN
Iranian Official Threatens Israel with “New Resistance”
Iran’s Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Ali Akbar Ahmadian, stated that a “new resistance” would emerge in Syria to confront Israel following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad, according to Iranian news agency IRNA. Ahmadian said, “With the occupation of Syrian land by the Zionist entity, a new resistance has been born and will appear in the coming years.”
US Imposes Sanctions on Entities in Russia and Iran for Election Interference
The United States imposed sanctions on two entities in Iran and Russia on Tuesday, accusing them of attempting to interfere in the 2024 U.S. elections, according to Reuters. The U.S. Treasury Department stated that the entities, one linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the other to Russia’s military intelligence agency, aimed to “stir social and political unrest and influence U.S. voters in the 2024 elections.” The department noted that the IRGC’s Knowledge Production Design Center had been planning influence operations since at least 2023.
British Efforts to “Abolish” the Death Penalty in Iran
Members of the British Parliament are mobilizing the international community to halt the death penalty in Iran, viewing it as a “violation” of human rights. On Monday, the “British Committee for the Freedom of Iran” announced that more than 250 lawmakers from the two main parties in the UK Parliament have called for global consensus to end the death penalty in Iran. The committee, a non-governmental group comprising MPs and members of both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, emphasized the need for international pressure to achieve this goal.
Iranian President Admits 30 Million Liters of Gasoline Smuggled Daily, Experts Warn of Growing Energy Crisis
Iranian President Massoud Bezhkian acknowledged that fuel smuggling in Iran ranges between 20 to 30 million liters daily, describing it as a “disaster.” Experts have warned that the country’s energy crisis will continue to escalate, especially during the winter. Bezhkian added, “This level of smuggling, occurring within the manufacturing and distribution sectors under our responsibility, is completely unacceptable. With this level of fuel smuggling, can we expect people to accept cutting off gas and electricity from industries to manage energy consumption?”
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★ IRAQ
Turkish Intelligence Neutralizes PKK/KCK Leader in Iraq’s Gara Region
Turkish intelligence forces conducted an operation in Iraq’s Gara region, neutralizing Nusrettin Demir, known as “Kurtay Batman,” along with other PKK/KCK members. Demir was reportedly behind numerous attacks on security forces in the Pence-Kilit operation area since 2021.
Iraq Confirms Full Security of Shared Border with Iran
Iraq announced that its border with Iran is “fully secured,” according to Border Guard Commander Lt. Gen. Mohammed Abdul Wahab Sukka. Speaking during a meeting with Iranian counterparts, he emphasized efforts to prevent smuggling and border violations while ensuring readiness to cooperate with Iranian border forces for security and facilitating pilgrim movement. Iranian Border Guard Commander Ahmad Ali Goudarz highlighted joint efforts to enhance the safety of both nations.
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★ YEMEN
Houthi Accuses US-UK of Twelve Airstrikes on Sana’a
The Houthi group reported twelve US-UK airstrikes on Sana’a, targeting the 22 May Complex housing media facilities and al-Aradhi Complex hosting Yemen’s defense ministry. These strikes followed Houthi missile attacks on Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport and the US carrier “USS Harry Truman.” The US Central Command confirmed targeting Houthi-controlled drone facilities, advanced missiles, and weapons storage sites. Houthi leaders condemned the strikes as violations of Yemeni sovereignty and support for Israeli actions in Gaza.
Houthi Report 27 Attacks Against Israel During December
The Houthi group claimed 27 December attacks on Israel, striking military and sensitive sites with advanced missiles and drones, including Ben Gurion Airport and a power station in Jerusalem. They enforced a naval blockade targeting Israeli-linked ships. US-UK retaliated with airstrikes on Yemen. Since October 2023, Israeli operations in Gaza caused 154,000 casualties, widespread destruction, and severe humanitarian crises. Houthi actions escalated tensions, leaving millions of Israelis seeking shelter during frequent missile alerts.
Yemeni Government Plans Military Operation Against Houthi Forces
Saudi- and UAE-backed Yemeni forces plan a short-ground offensive in early 2025 to counter Houthi threats. Yemeni factions in western Yemen and Ma’rib are coordinating after a U.S.-backed proposal for swift action. The operation aims to end the Houthi coup, secure Red Sea shipping, and address treaty violations and rising maritime threats. Preparations are supported internationally to restore stability following escalations jeopardizing regional and global security.
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★ GULF NATIONS
Kuwait and Turkey Discuss Regional and International Developments
Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan discussed regional and international developments during a phone call on Tuesday. Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry stated that the conversation also addressed the close bilateral relations between the two nations and ways to enhance cooperation across various sectors.
Pakistan Sells 15% of Reko Diq Mine to Saudi Arabia
Pakistan approved selling 15% of the Reko Diq mine to Saudi Arabia for $540 million. Saudi Arabia will pay $330 million for 10% equity upfront, followed by $210 million for the remaining 5%. The mine holds 5.9 billion tons of copper and 41.5 million ounces of gold. Saudi Arabia will also invest $150 million in Balochistan’s mineral development, driving economic growth, infrastructure, and long-term revenues for Pakistan through one of the world’s largest reserves.
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★ EGYPT & NOETH AFRICA
Egyptian Foreign Ministry Reveals Details of First Official Contact with New Syrian Administration
The Egyptian Foreign Ministry announced the first official contact between Egypt and Syria’s new administration, with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani receiving a call from his Egyptian counterpart, Sameh Shoukry. The call emphasized the importance of both countries’ roles in achieving stability and prosperity in the region. In a tweet on the X platform, the Syrian Foreign Minister stated that Egypt and Syria share a common history and a promising future.
Egypt’s Economy Grows 3.5% in First Quarter of Fiscal Year
The Egyptian Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation announced on Tuesday that the GDP grew by 3.5% in the first quarter of the fiscal year 2024-2025, compared to 2.7% in the same quarter of the previous year. The fiscal year in Egypt begins on July 1. The ministry attributed this growth to the reform policies implemented by the government to restore macroeconomic stability and enhance the governance of public investments.
Morocco’s Trade Deficit Widened by 6.5% in 11 Months
Morocco’s annual trade deficit increased by 6.5% to 275 billion dirhams (around $27.2 billion) from January to November this year, according to the Office of Foreign Exchange. The office reported that imports rose by 5.7% from the previous year to 689 billion dirhams, surpassing exports, which totaled 413 billion dirhams, a 5.2% increase. Energy imports dropped by 5.9% to 104 billion dirhams, while wheat imports fell by 8.7% to 16.3 billion dirhams.
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