In his Christmas message, Pope Francis urged global unity and reconciliation during the 2025 Holy Year, emphasizing the need to silence arms and overcome divisions worldwide. He highlighted conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and humanitarian crises in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Myanmar. The pope called for the release of hostages in Israel and addressed issues like measles in Congo and the plight of displaced people. He emphasized hope, mercy, and reconciliation, urging all to become “pilgrims of hope” and to embrace peace and understanding. Ava Sinclair 26/12/2024 4:00 am
Seventeen people were killed in Tartus province, Syria, during clashes as security forces attempted to arrest Mohammed Kanjo Hassan, a former officer linked to the notorious Saydnaya prison. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that 14 security personnel and three armed men died. The clashes erupted when residents resisted house searches. The new Interior Minister blamed remnants of Assad’s regime for the ambush. The incident highlights ongoing tensions following Assad’s ousting by rebels, with the fate of many prisoners still unresolved. Ava Sinclair 26/12/2024 4:00 am
The monarch’s Christmas broadcast followed a traditional family appearance at Sandringham. King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Kate, and their children attended, while Prince Andrew was notably absent amid scandals involving a Chinese businessman and past controversies. Andrew’s absence suggests further retreat from public life, as the king faces pressure to distance him from the royal family. The king’s efforts to rebrand the monarchy are challenged by Andrew’s actions, overshadowing positive developments despite a difficult year marked by cancer diagnoses within the family. Noah Prescott 26/12/2024 12:30 am
Indirect negotiations mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. in Doha aim to reach an agreement between warring parties. Israeli President Isaac Herzog urged leadership to pursue a deal, emphasizing the hostages’ danger. Fighting continues in Gaza, with Israeli strikes killing at least 20. Hamas claims Israel’s new conditions delay a ceasefire and prisoner exchange, while Israel accuses Hamas of creating obstacles. Previous indirect talks have failed due to key issues. Penelope Kingsley 26/12/2024 12:30 am
Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, hitting a thermal power plant and causing Ukrainians to seek shelter on Christmas morning. Ukraine’s air force reported intercepting 59 missiles and 54 drones. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy criticized the timing of the attack. In Russia, debris from a downed drone caused a fatal fire in Vladikavkaz. The attack disrupted heating for 155 buildings in Ukraine’s Dnipro region and left 500,000 people in Kharkiv without heat. A Russian missile reportedly crossed Moldovan and Romanian airspace. Noah Prescott 26/12/2024 12:30 am
Two reporters and a police officer were killed, and seven reporters wounded in a gang attack during the reopening of Port-au-Prince’s General Hospital in Haiti. The attack, blamed on the Viv Ansanm gang coalition, occurred as journalists gathered to cover the event. Haiti’s interim president, Leslie Voltaire, expressed condolences and the government vowed a firm response. The violence highlights Haiti’s ongoing crisis with coordinated gang attacks on key institutions. Ava Sinclair 26/12/2024 12:30 am
Over 1,500 prisoners escaped from a Mozambique prison amid political unrest following disputed election results. Clashes with guards left 33 dead and 15 injured. Police recaptured about 150 fugitives. Protests erupted after the constitutional court confirmed Frelimo’s Daniel Chapo as president, revising his victory margin. Unrest has led to looting and violence, with 21 more deaths reported. Opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane, claiming election rigging, fled the country. Maputo resembles a ghost town as businesses close to avoid the chaos. Ava Sinclair 26/12/2024 12:30 am
Pope Francis, in his Christmas Day message, urged for negotiations to end the Ukraine war and called for global disarmament and reconciliation. His appeal followed a significant Russian attack on Ukraine, emphasizing the need for dialogue to achieve lasting peace. The pope has previously suggested Ukraine consider peace talks, a stance that initially drew criticism but has since seen improved Vatican-Ukraine relations. Additionally, Francis called for peace in the Middle East, highlighting the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and condemning recent violence there. Penelope Kingsley 25/12/2024 9:00 pm
Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, targeting a thermal power plant and causing widespread blackouts. The strikes left half a million people in the Kharkiv region without heat and caused blackouts in Kyiv. At least six were wounded in Kharkiv, and one was killed in Dnipropetrovsk. Ukraine’s military reported shooting down 59 of 78 missiles and 54 of 102 drones. President Zelenskyy condemned the attack, highlighting its timing on Christmas. Ava Sinclair 25/12/2024 9:00 pm
An Azerbaijan Airlines plane crashed near Kazakhstan’s Aktau Airport, killing 38 and injuring 29. The flight, rerouted due to fog, carried 69 people. Preliminary reports suggest a bird strike caused engine failure. Emergency teams, including canine units, are conducting search operations. Among the passengers were citizens from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia. Some survivors are critically injured. An investigation is underway with assistance from Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Emergency Situations. Ava Sinclair 25/12/2024 9:00 pm
