Syria’s opposition forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), negotiated in the second week of December a transition of power after ousting President Bashar al-Assad in a sweeping offensive that captured Damascus and other territories. Opposition leader Ahmed al-Sharaa met outgoing Prime Minister Mohammed al-Jalali, who agreed to transfer power to the HTS-backed Syrian Salvation Government (SSG). Mohammed al-Bashir has been appointed as the country’s caretaker prime minister on 10 December. Al-Bashir, formerly head of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)-linked Syrian Salvation Government (SSG) in Idlib, will lead the transitional government until March 1, 2025. In a televised statement on Tuesday, al-Bashir said his cabinet had met with former government members and administrators to facilitate services during the transition. On 21 December, Asaad Hassan al-Shibani was appointed as Foreign Minister and Murhaf Abu Qasra, an HTS leader, as Defence Minister. The appointments aim to establish international relations for peace and stability. Reports suggest close ties between the new ministers and HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, raising questions about HTS’s influence.
Syria's new administration cracked down on remnants of former President Bashar al-Assad's regime, with security operations underway in Latakia, Homs, Aleppo, and the outskirts of Damascus. The official news agency SANA reported a "large-scale sweep operation" near Latakia, targeting individuals linked to Assad’s militias. The crackdown follows the killing of 14 police officers in an ambush by pro-Assad forces in Tartous. Interior Minister Mohammed Abdul Rahman pledged to combat any threats to Syria’s security. The new administration, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa (Abu Mohammed al-Julani), insists the operation is not targeting the Alawite community but focuses on officials tied to Assad and his brother, Maher.
Al-Sharaa, held talks with Arab and Western diplomats, emphasizing minority protection and regional stability. Bahrain and Libya have expressed support for the transitional phase, discussing cooperation on security and trade. Meanwhile, Lebanon expelled 70 Syrian officers who had fled after Assad’s ouster, returning them via informal routes. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported the returnees were detained by Syrian authorities, highlighting ongoing tensions in the region.
Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on 22 December met Syria's new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, in Damascus, promising support for Syria's political transition and rebuilding after Bashar al-Assad's fall. Fidan emphasized the need to lift international sanctions on Syria and mobilize international help for the country's recovery. Al-Sharaa also called for the immediate removal of sanctions, citing their historical origins and the need for swift action. The two officials discussed drafting a new constitution to protect Syria's minorities, including Kurds, Christians, Alawites, and Druze. Al-Sharaa also hosted Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt, stressing Syria's commitment to safeguarding its diverse religious communities. The visit came amid ongoing fighting in northeast Syria and concerns about minority protections under the new government.
Jordan’s Foreign Minister, Ayman Safadi, visited Damascus on 23 December for talks with Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, following President Bashar al-Assad's ousting. Safadi emphasized Jordan’s support for Syria’s rebuilding and stability, crucial for regional security, particularly along their shared border. Jordan also reopened the Jaber border crossing, resuming trade between Syria and Jordan. Meanwhile, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), now leading the country’s transitional government, sought to stabilize Syria’s economy and protect its diverse communities. HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa and UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen discussed the need for free and fair elections, with Pedersen expressing hope for a political solution in the Kurdish-held northeast.
Qatar also sent delegations to Syria, signaling broader regional engagement. Al-Sharaa, seeking international recognition, hosted Arab and Western diplomats, including a U.S. official. Regional leaders, excluding Iran, have welcomed Syria’s regime change, with Saudi Arabia expected to send a delegation soon. Safadi condemned Israel’s recent attacks on Syria, calling them violations of sovereignty.
Ahmad Al Sharaa, Commander of Syria's Military Coordination Division, met Shaikh Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al Khalifa, Chairman of Bahrain's Strategic Security Bureau, in Damascus on 28 December. They discussed mutual interests, with Shaikh Ahmed emphasizing Bahrain's support for Syria's transitional process, national reconciliation, and economic recovery. The two parties also highlighted Bahrain's December 25 statement supporting the voluntary return of Syrian citizens to help rebuild and stabilize Syria.
Libya's Minister of State for Communication, Walid Ellafi, met Syria's new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, in Damascus on 28 December to discuss diplomatic relations, security, military cooperation, energy, trade, and illegal immigration. Ellafi expressed full support for Syria's transitional phase and emphasized the importance of enhancing diplomatic ties. They also discussed appointing a permanent ambassador, following Libya's resumed diplomatic representation after the 2011 fall of Moamer Kadhafi.
In his first public remarks since leaving Syria, deposed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad defended his rule and denied planning his departure as opposition forces closed in on Damascus earlier this month. A statement attributed to al-Assad, released on the Syrian presidency’s Telegram channel on 16 December, clarified that his exit was not pre-planned. He claimed to have stayed in Damascus until December 8, 2024, overseeing operations until rebel fighters, whom he called "terrorist forces," entered the capital. He then moved to a Russian base in Latakia but the base was attacked by drones, prompting Moscow to arrange his evacuation to Russia after the fall of Damascus. The statement has not been independently verified, and al-Assad has not appeared in media since seeking asylum with his family in Russia. Opposition forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), launched an offensive in November, capturing cities with little resistance and reaching Damascus in December, marking the end of the al-Assad family’s rule.
The first commercial flight in Syria since the fall of Assad took off from Damascus airport on 18 December, landing in Aleppo with 43 passengers, including journalists. This flight marked the resumption of air travel after opposition fighters seized control of the capital’s airport on December 8. Staff had replaced the Syrian government flag with the opposition’s three-star flag. International flights were expected to resume by December 24 after maintenance work.
Israel's government on 15 December approved a plan to double the number of settlers in the Golan Heights, a territory it has occupied since 1967. The plan, which includes a budget of 40 million shekels ($11 million), aims to increase the Israeli settler population in the Golan, which already has around 31,000 settlers. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the plan, emphasizing its importance for strengthening Israel. The plan only applies to the Golan Heights occupied since 1967 and does not include newly seized Syrian land after the recent overthrow of Bashar al-Assad.
While Israel's occupation of the Golan Heights is illegal under international law, the US under President Donald Trump recognized Israeli sovereignty over the area in 2019. Netanyahu's announcement comes at a time of heightened tensions and is seen as an effort to further entrench Israel's control over the region. Saudi Arabia condemned the plan, accusing Israel of attempting to undermine Syria’s transition. Netanyahu’s office also stated that Israel had no interest in further conflict with Syria, focusing instead on preventing threats from Syria and terrorist groups near its border.
Israel’s military on 28 December detained Hussam Abu Safia, the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, during a raid that forced the facility’s closure. The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed the hospital is now empty after Israeli forces evacuated 15 critical patients, 50 caregivers, and 20 medical staff to the Indonesian Hospital, which lacks adequate resources. The raid is part of Israel’s ongoing offensive in northern Gaza. The Israeli military accused the hospital of being a Hamas stronghold but provided no evidence. Hamas denied the claim, urging the UN to investigate what it called “war crimes.”
The Palestinian Health Ministry reported that Israeli soldiers set fire to the hospital’s surgery departments, resulting in injuries among staff. Abu Safia’s whereabouts remain unknown. The WHO criticized escalating restrictions and attacks on health facilities in Gaza and reiterated its call to protect hospitals and restore functionality in the war-torn region.
Palestinian journalist Shatha al-Sabbagh, 21, was killed in Jenin on 28 December by a gunshot to the head, her family said, accusing Palestinian Authority (PA) security snipers. The incident occurred as the PA intensified a crackdown on anti-Israel armed groups. Sabbagh was reportedly with her mother and young children near their home when she was shot, despite no clashes or threats in the area. Her brother, Musab, stated she was targeted while carrying sweets for the children, with gunfire continuing for 15 minutes. The PA denied responsibility, with security spokesperson Anwar Rajab blaming “outlaws” and claiming no PA forces were present. However, residents reported PA snipers stationed in the area since December 14. Sabbagh is the sixth Jenin resident killed in the crackdown, which also claimed five PA security personnel. Her death has sparked outrage, with her family calling the PA security forces “repressive tools.” The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate demanded an independent investigation, while Hamas condemned the killing as a “criminal act.” Sabbagh had actively documented Jenin’s hardships, continuing her work after the killing of her brother, Moatasem, by Israeli forces in March 2023.
In the second week of December, fighting erupted in the Jenin refugee camp between Palestinian security forces and the Jenin Brigades, resulting in the death of a commander from the armed group and several injuries. The clashes followed the PA’s "Operation Protect the Homeland," aimed at eliminating "sedition and chaos" in the West Bank. PA forces surrounded the Jenin camp and hospitals, including Ibn Sina Hospital, while searching ambulances. Sources confirmed the death of Commander Yazid Ja’ayseh, which was condemned by Hamas and the Popular Resistance Committees as a violation of national norms. The PA’s actions have raised tensions, as Jenin is a stronghold for armed factions like the Jenin Brigades, which resist Israeli occupation. This escalated after the PA arrested several fighters earlier in December. The PA also admitted responsibility for the death of 19-year-old Rahbi Shalabi during clashes with fighters in Jenin, initially claiming he was beaten by "lawbreakers" before acknowledging its forces' involvement. Hamas, a political rival of the PA’s Fatah, condemned these actions, fuelling internal disputes.
Israeli forces conducted multiple raids across the occupied West Bank, arresting at least 18 Palestinians, including a wounded person, during a series of operations on 23-24 December. The raids, spanning Nablus, Hebron, Tubas, Tulkarem, Qalqilya, Bethlehem, Salfit, and Ramallah, involved extensive searches, house demolitions, and detentions without charge. A young Palestinian man was killed by Israeli forces during a raid on the Tulkarem refugee camp, with snipers preventing medical teams from reaching him. Fierce clashes occurred between Palestinian fighters and Israeli forces, particularly in Tulkarem and Nablus, where three Palestinians were injured. Israeli bulldozers demolished homes and infrastructure, and Palestinian fighters used automatic weapons and explosives in response. In Hizma, Israeli forces demolished a house and uprooted olive trees. Since January 2023, Israeli forces and settlers have killed 968 Palestinians in the West Bank, including 210 children, according to the UN. Violence has intensified since the October 2023 war in Gaza began.
Al Jazeera Media Network on 24 December condemned a campaign initiated by Fatah in the occupied West Bank against the network and its journalists, particularly correspondent Mohamad Atrash. The campaign follows Al Jazeera's coverage of clashes between the Palestinian National Security Forces and Palestinian resistance fighters in Jenin. Fatah, which controls the PA, banned Al Jazeera's operations in the Jenin governorate, accusing the network of playing a “dangerous role” in spreading discord between Palestinian factions. The network expressed concern that such campaigns could endanger its journalists, holding Fatah, the Palestinian National Security Forces, and relevant PA institutions accountable for any harm to its reporters. Fatah's statement also urged Palestinians to avoid dealing with the network, accusing it of exacerbating internal divisions.
Yemen's Houthi group on 16 December claimed responsibility for a missile attack targeting central Israel, using a hypersonic missile called "Palestine 2." The Houthis said the attack was in response to Israel’s actions in Gaza. Israel's military intercepted the missile before it reached the country, triggering sirens in Tel Aviv. On 19 December, Israeli airstrikes on Sanaa, and the port city of Hodeidah have killed at least nine people, according to Houthi-controlled media. The Israeli military targeted Houthi military sites, including ports and energy infrastructure, after intercepting a missile fired by the Houthis toward Israel. The air raids hit the Ras Isa oil facility and power stations, causing casualties. In retaliation, the Houthis claimed responsibility for a missile attack on Israel’s Yaffa area. They vowed to continue their military operations until Israel ends its Gaza campaign, which has killed over 45,000 Palestinians. Houthi leaders criticized the US for supporting Israeli actions, calling it hypocrisy, and vowed to escalate their attacks.
Israel's Defence Minister warned the Houthis of retaliation, while President Isaac Herzog praised the Israeli Air Force for its actions. Iran condemned Israel’s strikes as violations of international law, accusing the US of complicity. Houthi spokesman Mohammed al-Bukhaiti emphasized that Yemen's attacks aim to disrupt Israel's economy, including targeting ships linked to Israel in the Red Sea. He stated Yemen will cease attacks only if Israel stops its Gaza campaign and lifts the blockade.
The Israeli military reported failing to intercept a missile launched by Yemen's Houthi rebels that hit the Tel Aviv-Jaffa area, injuring 16 people with glass shards on 21 December. The attack followed Israeli airstrikes on Sanaa and Hodeidah, which killed at least nine. The Houthis claimed responsibility for targeting two military sites in Jaffa with ballistic missiles, stating it was in retaliation for Israel’s strikes on Yemen.
On 26 December, Israel’s military struck several targets in Yemen, including Sanaa International Airport and ports along the western coast, in response to Houthi attacks. The strikes on Thursday hit power stations in Hezyaz and Ras Kanatib and military sites in Hodeidah, Salif, and Ras Kanatib, according to Israeli sources. Yemeni media reported three deaths and 11 injuries, with significant damage to the airport’s control tower and runway. The attacks follow a ballistic missile and drone strike by Houthi forces toward Israel, which injured 16 people in Tel Aviv last weekend. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed continued action against Houthi infrastructure, describing it as part of Iran’s “axis of evil.”
On 26 December, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus narrowly escaped an Israeli airstrike on Sanaa airport in Yemen, which killed at least six people. Tedros and UN staff were leaving Yemen on Thursday after a humanitarian mission when the airport, a civilian facility, was struck. Israel's military claimed the airport was used by Iran-backed Houthi rebels to smuggle weapons and host senior Iranian officials. Tedros described the scene as "chaotic," with no shelter and people fleeing in panic, adding that his survival was "a matter of luck." While emphasizing the equal value of all lives, he criticized the targeting of civilian infrastructure. A Houthi missile targeting Nevatim airbase in Israel was intercepted. The Houthis, backed by Iran, have controlled large parts of western Yemen, including Sanaa, since 2015.
On 11 December, three U.S.-flagged commercial vessels were attacked by "uncrewed aerial systems" and an anti-ship cruise missile while heading toward Djibouti. In response, U.S. Navy ships USS Stockdale and USS O'Kane, along with a U.S. Navy helicopter and French Air Force aircraft, intercepted and shot down four drones and the missile. The attack occurred despite months of U.S. efforts, including strikes on Yemen, to halt Houthi assaults on military and shipping vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on 10 December testified for the first time in his long-running corruption trial, rejecting the charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust as “absurd.” Speaking in a Tel Aviv courtroom on Tuesday, Netanyahu criticized the media, accusing it of targeting him for opposing a Palestinian state, and said, “I have been waiting eight years for this moment to tell the truth.” He maintained his innocence, labelling the allegations as baseless.
The trial, which began in 2020, includes three cases: Case 1000, involving allegations of accepting luxury gifts in exchange for business favours; Case 2000, concerning regulatory benefits for media tycoons in return for favourable coverage; and Case 4000, which accuses him of advancing media-related benefits for personal gain. The court heard testimony from prosecution witnesses, including former aides who turned state witnesses. Netanyahu's defence argues he acted within legal bounds. His appearance comes as Israel wages a deadly offensive in Gaza, with critics accusing him of prolonging the war to maintain power. Netanyahu is expected to testify for weeks, raising questions about his ability to manage Israel’s ongoing conflicts. A verdict is unlikely before 2026, with options for appeal.
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced the closure of its embassy in Ireland on 15 December, accusing the country of “extreme anti-Israel policies.” He cited Ireland's actions, including recognizing a Palestinian state and supporting South Africa’s legal action against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), as evidence of delegitimizing and demonizing Israel. Sa’ar emphasized that Israel would prioritize relations with countries based on their actions toward the Jewish state.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized the closure, calling it a “victory for anti-Semitism” and urging Israel to confront criticism rather than retreat. Sa’ar responded, accusing Lapid of supporting anti-Semitism.
Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris rejected the accusation, calling it "deeply regrettable." He stressed that Ireland is committed to peace, human rights, and international law. Ireland had announced in May its formal recognition of Palestine and intervened in the ICJ case against Israel concerning alleged genocidal acts in Gaza, a case originally filed by South Africa. The ICJ ordered Israel to take measures to prevent genocidal actions but did not accuse it of genocide.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Baghdad on 13 December to meet Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and discuss the future of Syria following the toppling of President Bashar al-Assad’s government. They discussed the importance of a peaceful, inclusive, nonsectarian Syrian government that protects minorities and does not become a platform for terrorism. Blinken emphasized the need for Iraq’s sovereignty and stability, reflecting on the success of Iraq and the US in defeating the ISIS territorial caliphate.
Blinken also visited Turkey, where he met President Erdogan to discuss efforts against ISIS. Erdogan assured that Turkey would continue its fight against ISIS in Syria, despite operations against Kurdish fighters allied with the US. Blinken also addressed the situation in Gaza, expressing optimism about the potential for a ceasefire and urging Turkey to use its influence to encourage Hamas to agree to a proposed deal.
Somalia and Ethiopia have reached a joint declaration to resolve their dispute over the breakaway Somaliland region and Ethiopia's quest for sea access. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on 11 December announced the agreement after talks in Ankara with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Erdogan hailed the deal as a historic step toward peace and cooperation, emphasizing that Ethiopia, the world’s most populous landlocked country, will eventually gain sea access through Somalia’s sovereign authority. The declaration focuses on future cooperation, including commercial arrangements to ensure Ethiopia’s reliable and sustainable sea access. Both countries will engage in technical talks, expected to conclude within four months. This agreement aims to leave behind past tensions, including Ethiopia’s 2023 deal with Somaliland over port and military base access, which Somalia viewed as a violation of its sovereignty.
Ethiopia’s Abiy and Somalia’s Mohamud expressed their commitment to cooperation, with Abiy describing Ethiopia’s sea access as a peaceful venture. The agreement was facilitated by Turkey, which has been mediating between the two nations since July. The deal signals a potential new chapter in their relations, focusing on mutual prosperity and resolving contentious issues through dialogue.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on 25 December reached a staff-level agreement with Egypt to unlock $1.2 billion in funding, pending Executive Board approval. The agreement follows Egypt’s commitment to raise its tax-to-revenue ratio by 2% of GDP over two years and accelerate privatization of state-owned companies. Ivanna Vladkova Hollar, head of the IMF’s discussions with Egypt, emphasized the need for a comprehensive reform package to reduce debt vulnerabilities, rebuild fiscal buffers, and expand social spending in health, education, and social protection. Reforms to improve the business environment were also agreed upon. This follows an $8 billion IMF loan deal struck in March 2024 and a $3 billion, 46-month agreement in December 2022. As part of these deals, Egypt agreed to let its currency depreciate and allow market-driven exchange rates. Egypt faces severe economic challenges, including double-digit inflation, foreign currency shortages, and revenue declines from the Suez Canal, exacerbated by the war in Ukraine and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The United States State Department on 20 December approved the potential sale of over $5 billion in arms to Egypt. The deal includes $4.69 billion for 555 M1A1 Abrams tanks, $630 million for Hellfire missiles, and $30 million for precision-guided munitions. This sale is aimed at supporting U.S. foreign policy and national security, strengthening Egypt's role as a key strategic partner in the Middle East, particularly after its involvement in ceasefire negotiations during the Gaza war. Despite concerns over Egypt's human rights record, with around 60,000 political prisoners, the U.S. has continued to approve arms deals, including a 2022 sale of C-130 transport aircraft. The deal does not alter the regional military balance and will take up to a decade to implement. The U.S. Congress can block the sale, but such attempts are typically unsuccessful. Egypt, a major recipient of U.S. security aid since its 1979 peace treaty with Israel, follows Israel as the largest recipient of U.S. aid in the region.
Iranian authorities voted to lift the ban on WhatsApp and Google Play, marking a step to ease internet restrictions. The decision, announced by state media on 24 December, follows a meeting led by President Masoud Pezeshkian and aims to improve access to foreign platforms. Minister of Information and Communications Technology Sattar Hashemi called it the first step in removing internet limitations. However, the timing of the lift remains unclear. The ban on social media platforms had been a point of contention, especially after widespread protests in 2022. Critics argued that the restrictions were costly and ineffective, while some lawmakers warned against lifting the bans, fearing it would benefit Iran's adversaries. Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube remain blocked in Iran. Instagram and WhatsApp were added to the list after protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022. Iran's government had restricted internet access to curb anti-government protests, but the recent move reflects growing debate about the costs and benefits of such measures.
FIFA has officially selected Saudi Arabia as the host nation for the 2034 World Cup. The decision was made during an Extraordinary FIFA Congress meeting, with no competing bids. Saudi Arabia will become the second Middle Eastern country to host the tournament, following Qatar in 2022. The 2034 World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams in a single host country, with matches held in five cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha, and Neom. FIFA President Gianni Infantino highlighted the expansion of the tournament, emphasizing that increasing the number of teams has enhanced opportunities without compromising quality. In addition, Morocco, Spain, and Portugal were confirmed as co-hosts for the 2030 World Cup, which will span three continents and six nations. The tournament will include celebratory matches in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay to mark the World Cup’s centenary. Saudi Arabia’s sports minister, Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal Al Saud, expressed pride in the selection, promising an extraordinary World Cup experience. Riyadh’s King Salman Stadium, with a 92,000-seat capacity, is expected to host the opening and final matches once completed.
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