The Pakistani military conducted air raids in Afghanistan’s Paktika province, targeting TTP hideouts, confirmed by security officials. The Afghan Taliban government reported civilian casualties, including women and children. Afghanistan’s Defense Ministry condemned the attacks, vowing a response. The raids occurred after Pakistan’s envoy met Afghan officials, amid strained relations. Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of harboring TTP fighters responsible for cross-border attacks, while the Taliban denies providing refuge. Tensions have escalated following recent deadly attacks on Pakistani soldiers by TTP fighters. Noah Prescott 25/12/2024 5:30 pm
Pope Francis, in his Christmas blessing, urged for peace in Ukraine, a Gaza ceasefire, and humanitarian aid in Sudan. Bethlehem’s Christmas was subdued due to Middle East conflicts. German President Steinmeier called for unity after a Christmas market attack. Ukraine celebrated Christmas in December for the second year. Meanwhile, a record 788 participants joined Belfast’s Christmas ‘Parkrun’ event, highlighting community spirit. Noah Prescott 25/12/2024 5:30 pm
On Christmas Day, Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Ukraine, targeting energy infrastructure, including a thermal power plant. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy condemned the timing as inhumane. Over 70 rockets and 100 drones were used, with Ukraine intercepting at least 50 missiles. Energy Minister Halushchenko reported attacks on Kharkiv, Dnipro, and Poltava. Preemptive power outages were implemented, affecting Kyiv. DTEK’s CEO criticized the attack as depraved. Fires and injuries were reported in Kharkiv. Ava Sinclair 25/12/2024 5:30 pm
In his Christmas message, King Charles III praised healthcare workers for their dedication, highlighting their support during his and the Princess of Wales’ cancer treatments. He emphasized the importance of helping one another through life’s challenges, reflecting on his gratitude for medical professionals. The message, filmed at a former hospital chapel, marked a departure from traditional royal estate recordings, underscoring the theme of medical support. Charles expressed heartfelt thanks to those who provided care and comfort, revealing his ongoing cancer treatment and the Princess of Wales’ recovery. Noah Prescott 25/12/2024 5:30 pm
A Kazakhstan Airlines plane made an emergency landing in Aktau after hitting birds, with 29 survivors hospitalized. The Embraer-190, rerouted due to Grozny fog, was exposed to GPS jamming. Unverified reports suggest drone activity in Chechnya, with Ukrainian drones targeting the area. Passengers included 37 Azerbaijanis, 16 Russians, six Kazakhs, and three Kyrgyz nationals. Penelope Kingsley 25/12/2024 5:30 pm
Pope Francis will inaugurate the 2025 Jubilee Year by opening the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica and, for the first time, a fifth door at Rebibbia prison. This unprecedented act symbolizes hope and renewal for prisoners. The Pope, known for his compassion towards inmates, emphasizes their dignity and potential for transformation, aligning with Catholic teachings on mercy and rehabilitation. His visit to Rebibbia, where he previously performed the Washing of the Feet, highlights his advocacy for prison reform and the humane treatment of detainees. Ava Sinclair 25/12/2024 5:30 pm
Hamas and Israel are blaming each other for the stalled ceasefire talks despite recent progress. Hamas accuses Israel of adding new conditions, while Israeli PM Netanyahu claims Hamas is reneging on prior agreements. Mediated by Qatar and Egypt, the negotiations face challenges, including troop deployment agreements. Israel continues military pressure in northern Gaza, aiming to end Hamas’ rule, while Hamas demands an end to the war. Israel insists on maintaining security control, and efforts to secure a hostage deal are ongoing. Ava Sinclair 25/12/2024 5:30 pm
Pakistan’s airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan killed 46 people, mostly women and children, according to a Taliban official, straining relations between the neighbors. The strikes targeted refugees in Paktika, following Pakistan’s operation against insurgents. The Pakistani Taliban claimed 50 deaths, including 27 women and children. Pakistan has not commented, but its military reported killing 13 insurgents in South Waziristan. The Taliban Defense Ministry condemned the attacks, promising retaliation, while security analysts warn of potential retaliatory attacks by the TTP in Pakistan. Noah Prescott 25/12/2024 2:00 pm
The Taliban congratulated Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) on toppling Syria’s Assad, hoping for a sovereign Islamic government. However, HTS leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly Abu Muhammad al-Jolani, aims to differentiate from the Taliban by adopting moderate policies. He pledged to support women’s education, noting that over 60% of university students in Idlib are women, and stated Christian women wouldn’t be forced to wear veils. This contrasts with the Taliban’s restrictions on women’s education and rights in Afghanistan. Noah Prescott 25/12/2024 2:00 pm
Russia launched an attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure on Christmas Day, marking the 13th major assault on the power grid this year. Explosions were reported across Ukraine, with casualties in Dnipropetrovsk and Kharkiv. The attack left half a million households without heating in Kharkiv. Ukraine responded by targeting a Russian command post in Kursk. The attack coincided with Ukraine’s shift to celebrating Christmas on December 25, distancing from Russian Orthodox traditions. President Zelensky emphasized the premeditated nature of Russia’s strikes. Penelope Kingsley 25/12/2024 2:00 pm
