Al-Burhan Receives Letter from South Sudan President to Boost Cooperation

By Al Mayadeen English

14 Dec 2025 22:58

Sudan’s Sovereign Council chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, received a message from South Sudan’s president on boosting cooperation in oil, energy, and trade.

Chairman of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereign Council, Lt. Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, received a written message on Sunday from South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit concerning bilateral relations and prospects for expanding cooperation between the two countries across various sectors.

The message was delivered during al-Burhan’s meeting with a high-level South Sudanese delegation headed by Salva Kiir’s security affairs adviser, Tut Kewlwak.

Sudan’s Foreign Ministry Undersecretary, Ambassador Muawiya Othman Khalid, said the meeting addressed the close ties linking the two nations, noting that al-Burhan directed all state institutions at ministerial and technical levels to engage with their South Sudanese counterparts on issues of mutual interest.

He added that discussions focused in particular on cooperation in the energy and oil sectors, as well as trade, the economy, and political relations between Sudan and South Sudan.

South Sudan’s Foreign Minister, Monday Semaya, said President Salva Kiir’s message was sent within the framework of fraternal relations, stressing the strength and durability of ties between the two countries.

Semaya said the talks included an exchange of views on economic and investment issues, including the oil industry and trade, adding that both sides agreed on the need to hold bilateral and technical meetings to address shared concerns and enhance cooperation.

Sudan facing worst humanitarian crisis

This comes after the World Food Programme (WFP) warned on Friday that conditions in Sudan’s besieged city of El Fasher have deteriorated to levels “beyond horrific,” with between 70,000 and 100,000 people believed to remain trapped amid mass killings, famine, and the collapse of basic services.

Speaking to journalists in Geneva, Ross Smith, WFP’s director of emergency preparedness and response, said widespread network outages have largely cut off communications with the North Darfur city, leaving humanitarian agencies with only limited information about the situation on the ground.

Smith said satellite imagery and survivor testimonies describe El Fasher as “a crime scene,” citing reports of mass killings, burned bodies, abandoned markets, and the complete absence of commercial activity. He added that there are no signs of trade routes reopening or supplies reaching the city, and confirmed that the WFP no longer has humanitarian partners operating inside El Fasher.

“There are no confirmed reports of any community kitchens functioning,” Smith said, underscoring the scale of food insecurity facing civilians still trapped in the city.

Aid access blocked as food supplies run out

The WFP renewed calls for unrestricted humanitarian access to El Fasher in order to assess urgent needs. Smith said Rapid Support Forces authorities have given preliminary approval to minimum UN conditions for entry, stressing that the agency is ready to move immediately if a safe corridor is secured.

“Food supplies and trucks are available to reach all civilians without delay if safe passage is guaranteed,” he said.

Smith also highlighted the situation in Tawila, where more than 650,000 displaced people are living in overcrowded, temporary conditions amid a cholera outbreak and severe shortages of basic services. He warned that without urgent funding, the WFP will be forced to reduce food rations in 2026, further worsening the humanitarian crisis.

To maintain current assistance levels, Smith said the agency has already begun rationing supplies. Starting in January, food rations will be reduced to 70% for communities experiencing famine and 50% for those at risk, which he described as “the absolute minimum needed to survive.”

Even with these measures, Smith warned that WFP resources are sufficient to sustain current operations for only four months. “If another mass displacement occurs, the WFP will have no choice but to cut assistance elsewhere in Sudan,” he said, calling the situation “catastrophic” as the agency struggles to respond to what it describes as the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. 

Six UN Peacekeepers Killed in Drone Attack in South Kordofan

By Al Mayadeen English

14 Dec 2025 00:04

A drone strike on a UN camp in Sudan’s South Kordofan killed six Bangladeshi peacekeepers, highlighting the escalating conflict, expanding RSF advances, and deepening humanitarian crisis as diplomatic efforts remain stalled.

Six United Nations peacekeepers from Bangladesh were killed on Saturday after a drone strike hit a UN camp in the city of Kadugli, the capital of Sudan’s South Kordofan state, according to the United Nations mission operating in the area. The attack comes amid an intensifying phase of the war, marked by expanding drone warfare, territorial advances by paramilitary forces, and mounting international pressure.

The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) said in a statement that "six troops were killed and six injured", including four critically, when a drone struck their camp. The mission confirmed that all those killed were Bangladeshi nationals serving as peacekeepers.

Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus said he was "deeply saddened" by the incident, putting the toll at six dead and eight wounded. He urged the United Nations to ensure that Bangladeshi personnel receive "any necessary emergency support".

"The government of Bangladesh will stand by the families in this difficult moment," Yunus said.

Dhaka’s foreign ministry said it "strongly condemned" the attack.

A medical source in Kadugli earlier told AFP that at least six people were killed when a United Nations facility was struck, with witnesses reporting that those inside the building were UN employees. "Six people were killed in a bombing of the UN headquarters while they were inside the building," the source said. Eyewitnesses added that the strike was carried out by a drone.

Sudan’s army-aligned authorities, based in Port Sudan, accused the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of carrying out the attack. In a statement, the Sovereignty Council headed by army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan described the incident as a "dangerous escalation".

Siege Deepens

Kadugli has been besieged by the RSF for around a year and a half, and famine was declared in the area in early November. The city lies in South Kordofan, a region that has become a focal point of the conflict as the RSF pushes eastward following its late-October capture of El-Fasher, the Sudanese army’s last major stronghold in Darfur.

The broader Kordofan region occupies a strategic position between RSF-controlled Darfur in the west and army-held territory across northern, eastern, and central Sudan. Analysts say control of the area is crucial for maintaining supply routes and troop movements, and that recent RSF advances are aimed at breaching army defenses in central Sudan as part of a longer-term effort to retake Khartoum.

The attack on UN peacekeepers comes as drone strikes increasingly shape the conflict. In recent weeks, multiple strikes have hit civilian infrastructure in South Kordofan, including a kindergarten and a hospital in the town of Kalogi. According to the World Health Organization, those attacks killed 114 people, including 63 children, underscoring the growing toll on civilians.

International pressure on the RSF has also intensified. The United States recently imposed sanctions on networks it says are financing and recruiting fighters for the paramilitary group, while Britain sanctioned senior RSF commanders over alleged links to mass killings, sexual violence, and attacks on civilians. Despite these measures, fighting has continued to spread across central Sudan.

Mass Displacement

The UN refugee agency has warned that the RSF’s advances in Kordofan and Darfur could trigger a new wave of displacement, compounding what is already one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. Tens of thousands have been killed since the war erupted in April 2023, millions have been forced from their homes, and large parts of the country face acute food insecurity.

Diplomatic efforts to halt the fighting remain stalled. While US President Donald Trump said last month that he would move to end the conflict following talks in Washington with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, no concrete ceasefire or political breakthrough has so far emerged.

Far-right Jose Antonio Kast Elected Chile’s Next President

By Al Mayadeen English

Ultra-conservative Jose Antonio Kast wins Chile’s presidential runoff with 58.16% of the vote, pledging hardline security and migration policies.

Ultra-conservative former congressman Jose Antonio Kast has been elected Chile’s next president after securing a decisive victory in Sunday’s runoff election.

With more than 99% of polling stations counted, Kast won 58.16% of the vote, defeating leftist candidate Jeannette Jara, a former labor minister under outgoing President Gabriel Boric, who garnered 41.84%, according to official results.

Kast’s victory marks a significant rightward turn in Chilean politics and follows years of mounting public concern over security, crime, and migration, despite Chile remaining among the safest countries in Latin America.

Campaign centred on security and migration

The president-elect, a staunch social conservative and vocal admirer of former dictator Augusto Pinochet, built his campaign around promises to restore order and expel undocumented migrants. The son of a former Nazi party member, Kast is also known for his opposition to abortion, even in rape cases, and same-sex marriage.

Addressing supporters after a lengthy wait on election night, Kast declared, "Here, no individual won, no party won – Chile won, and hope won."

"The hope of living without fear, that fear that torments families," he explained.

Over the past decade, Chile’s migrant population has doubled, driven largely by an influx of around 700,000 Venezuelans. Kast repeatedly framed migration as the main driver of rising insecurity, issuing an ultimatum during the campaign to roughly 330,000 undocumented migrants to leave the country before he takes office on March 11, or face expulsion “with only the clothes on their backs.”

In his victory speech, Kast vowed his government would show “great firmness” in confronting crime and disorder. “When we tell an irregular migrant that they are breaking the law and must leave our country if they ever want the chance to return, we mean it,” he stated.

Hardline policies and regional reactions

Kast’s platform includes Trump-inspired proposals to construct detention centres, fortified border barriers, and expanded military deployments along Chile’s northern borders with Peru and Bolivia.

This was Kast’s third presidential bid, after losing to Boric in the 2021 runoff. In a televised phone call, Boric congratulated Kast on "a clear victory" and invited him to La Moneda Palace to begin the transition. Boric remarked that Kast would come to understand "the loneliness of power" and the difficulty of governing.

Jara conceded the race, pledging to lead a "constructive" opposition while condemning "any hint of violence, wherever it comes from."

International reactions were swift. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated Kast, saying Washington was confident Chile would advance shared priorities, including "strengthening public security" and "ending illegal immigration."

Argentina’s far-right President Javier Milei hailed Kast as a “friend,” celebrating the result as a victory against “21st-century socialism.” Additionally, Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva offered congratulations, emphasizing cooperation and Latin America’s status as a “zone of peace.”

Challenges ahead in Congress

Despite his sweeping presidential win, Kast will not command an outright majority in either chamber of Congress, even with support from all rightwing parties, potentially complicating his legislative agenda.

He has pledged to cut $6 billion in public spending within 18 months, though details remain unclear. Political scientist Rossana Castiglioni of Universidad Diego Portales said uncertainty surrounds Kast’s economic plans, while his security agenda is far more defined.

“Where there is far less uncertainty is on security policy, because that has been his workhorse throughout the campaign,” she noted.

Israeli Forces Kill Palestinian Youth Near West Bank's al-Khalil

By Al Mayadeen English

14 Dec 2025 21:28

A 23-year-old Palestinian was killed by Israeli occupation forces near al-Khalil, as raids, clashes, and demolition orders escalate across the West Bank.

A Palestinian youth was killed on Sunday evening after being shot by Israeli occupation forces north of the city of al-Khalil of the occupied West Bank, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.

The ministry said Mohammad Wael al-Sharouf, 23, succumbed to a gunshot wound to the head after Israeli soldiers opened fire on him at the northern entrance of al-Khalil. Witnesses said the soldiers left him bleeding at the scene, prevented ambulance crews from reaching him, and later withheld his body, while occupation forces sealed all main entrances to the city.

Israeli forces also raided the home of the slain youth in the town of Nuba, west of al-Khalil, amid heightened military deployment in the area.

In parallel incidents, confrontations erupted between Palestinian residents and Israeli occupation forces in the village of Aboud, northwest of Ramallah, without reports of injuries or arrests. Occupation forces also stormed the village of Deir Jarir, northeast of Ramallah, though no arrests or home raids were reported.

Separately, an Israeli military order was issued for the demolition of 25 residential buildings in Nur Shams refugee camp, east of the city of Tulkarm in the northern occupied West Bank, marking another escalation in ongoing Israeli measures across the territory.

Israeli forces kill teen in Jenin

Since dawn on Sunday, Israeli occupation forces have carried out extensive raids and arrests across various areas of the West Bank, raiding Palestinian homes and assaulting residents.

In al-Khalil, the IOF arrested several former detainees and university students, turning the home of detainee Mazen al-Natsheh into a field investigation site. Some of those detained were released after interrogation.

Additionally, three brothers from Halhul were briefly detained following a home raid in which their belongings were destroyed before being released later.

In Nablus, Israeli forces arrested Mohammad Ramadan after raiding his home in Tal village, southwest of the city, and detained several youths in the town of al-Zawiya, west of Salfit.

In Tulkarm, former detainee Saad Qasim and several other young men were detained during a raid on Yamon village, west of Jenin.

Israeli occupation forces also raided al-Mughayir village, northeast of Ramallah, closing the entrances of Attara and Ruwabi, while setting up a checkpoint near Nabi Saleh, north of Ramallah. Raids and detentions continued in Salem village, east of Nablus, and in the Umm al-Sharayet neighborhood in al-Bireh.

Administrative detainee killed in custody

Moreover, Administrative detainee Sakhr Ahmad Khalil Zaoul, 26, from the town of Husan, west of Beit Lahm, was killed while in Israeli custody.

The Prisoners’ Media Office mourned the death of Zaoul, which was announced on Sunday by the Civil Affairs Authority, the Commission of Detainees’ Affairs, and the Palestinian Prisoners’ Society.

Zaoul had been held in administrative detention since June 11, 2025, in Ofer Prison. According to his family, he did not suffer from any chronic illnesses. His brother, Khalil Zaoul, remains imprisoned in Israeli detention facilities.

The Prisoners’ Media Office attributed Zaoul’s death to what it described as the occupation’s ongoing policy of “slow execution” against Palestinian detainees. It said detainees are subjected to harsh conditions, deprived of the most basic necessities of life, and exposed to torture, starvation, medical neglect, and physical and psychological abuse, leading to an increasing number of deaths inside Israeli prisons.

‘Al-Aqsa Flood a Milestone’: Hamas Marks 38 Years of Resistance

By Al Mayadeen English`

14 Dec 2025 12:30

On its 38th anniversary, Hamas hails the Al-Aqsa Flood as a milestone in the struggle for Palestinian freedom amid the ongoing Israeli aggression on Gaza.

The Islamic Resistance group, Hamas, has priorities that include ending the war, completing the delivery of aid, implementing the ceasefire, and upholding the right to Resistance for liberation, Khalil al-Hayya, head of the Hamas movement in the Gaza Strip, stated.

In a speech commemorating the 38th anniversary of the founding of Hamas, al-Hayya highlighted that Hamas’ focus in the coming period is to address the challenges and risks the Palestinian cause is facing. He emphasized the importance of continuing efforts to halt hostilities, particularly by completing the delivery of humanitarian aid and reopening the Rafah crossing.

He also stressed the need to implement the ceasefire agreement, calling on the US administration, and specifically President Donald Trump, to pressure the occupation into compliance.

Al-Hayya invoked the memory of those martyred during Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, foremost among them the martyred leader of Hezbollah, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, and the martyred commander Saeed Izadi, "Hajj Ramadan", the commander of the Palestine Corps of the IRGC’s Quds Force.

Al-Hayya noted that the anniversary comes amid a different reality for the Palestinian cause, as the Palestinian people endure difficult days and severe suffering due to Israeli aggression and a campaign of collective extermination.

He praised the freedom-fighting leader Raed Saad, “Abu Muadh,” "who dedicated his life to his religion and homeland, fought in the path of God, and lived pursued by the occupation." Al-Hayya also emphasized the suffering of Palestinians in the West Bank, who face a systematic campaign of terror, and those in the territories occupied in 1948, who endure occupation and racism under ongoing oppression and land grabs.

He also confirmed that Palestinians in exile and the diaspora continue to face hardships and deprivation, along with attempts to erase their identity.

Despite these challenges, the Resistance leader maintained, the longstanding Israeli narrative has collapsed, new convictions have emerged among rising Palestinian elites, and the Palestinian people and Resistance have achieved a series of strategic victories, such as breaking the myth of strategic deterrence, exposing Israeli claims, taking its leaders and soldiers to international courts, and revealing its grim image to the world.

Resistance, weapons are a legally recognized right

Al-Hayya noted that the Resistance has succeeded in restoring the natural status of the Palestinian cause, which had declined over the past decades, and in raising the project of resistance as a hope for Arab and Islamic peoples on the path to liberation and return.

He confirmed that the Resistance and its weapons are a legitimate right guaranteed under international law, pointing out that the movement is open to considering any proposals that preserve this right while ensuring the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

In his closing remarks, al-Hayya stressed the importance of strengthening national unity, restoring the Palestinian Liberation Organization’s standing, and pursuing legal accountability against the occupation and politically isolating it. He called for action at the regional and international levels to expand support for the Palestinian cause.

He also expressed gratitude to all who have supported the Palestinian people and stood with their cause, especially mediators in Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye, affirming that Hamas “will remain loyal to its goals of liberating Palestine.”

Hamas affirms its adherence to ceasefire, while 'Israel' violates it

Meanwhile, the Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, on the 38th anniversary of its founding, described the Al-Aqsa Flood as a “prominent milestone in the Palestinian people’s journey toward freedom and independence, leaving the occupation unable to achieve its goals despite its war machinery.”

Hamas commemorated its anniversary amid the ongoing aggression on the Gaza Strip, which has affected more than two million Palestinians, and continues alongside Israeli crimes in the occupied West Bank and occupied al-Quds.

The movement emphasized that it has adhered to all the terms of the ceasefire agreement, while the occupation continues to violate it daily, highlighting "Israel's" failure to respect ceasefire agreements. Hamas called on mediators and the US administration to pressure the occupation into implementing the agreement and to condemn its ongoing systematic breaches.

It also stressed its categorical rejection of any form of trusteeship or mandate over the Gaza Strip or any part of the occupied Palestinian territories, warning against acquiescing to attempts at displacement or the restructuring of the sector according to enemy plans.

The movement affirmed that the Palestinian people decide their own leadership, are capable of managing their affairs independently, and have the legitimate right to defend themselves, liberate their land, and establish their fully sovereign state with al-Quds as its capital.

Hamas calls on Arab, Islamic nations to pressure 'Israel'

Hamas called on the Arab and Islamic nations, including leaders, governments, peoples, and organizations, to take urgent action and exert all possible efforts to pressure the occupation to end its aggression, reopen crossings, deliver aid, and immediately implement relief, shelter, and reconstruction plans to provide natural living needs for more than two million Palestinians.

The movement pointed out that Israeli crimes during the two years of extermination and starvation in Gaza, the West Bank, and al-Quds are systematic and documented, and they do not lapse with time. Hamas urged the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court to continue pursuing and prosecuting the occupation and its criminal leaders, so as to prevent them from evading accountability.

Hamas affirmed that it will remain steadfast in its principles, loyal to the blood and sacrifices of its people and prisoners, maintaining its values and identity, and defending the aspirations of the Palestinian people across all areas of the homeland and in refugee camps and the diaspora, until liberation and return are achieved.

The rights of Palestinian detainees

Regarding Israeli plans targeting al-Quds and the al-Aqsa Mosque, Hamas described them as “illegitimate", asserting that they “will not succeed in imposing Judaization, settlement expansion, or erasing the city and mosque’s features, as al-Quds will remain the eternal capital of Palestine, and the al-Aqsa Mosque will remain purely Islamic.”

Hamas also highlighted the rights of Palestinian detainees, stating that the occupation government’s crimes against them constitute a "sadistic and systematic policy of revenge, turning prisons into direct killing fields." The movement stressed that the liberation of Palestinian detainees remains a top national priority and expressed concern over the international silence on their just cause, calling on the international community and human rights organizations to pressure the occupation to stop its crimes against them.

Regarding Palestinian national unity, Hamas called for a reorganization of the Palestinian house under a unified strategy of resistance, as it is the only way to confront occupation schemes and their supporters.

'Israel' poses a threat to regional stability

Hamas noted that the ongoing war of extermination, starvation, and sovereignty violations by the Israeli occupation in Palestine and some Arab countries demonstrates that the Israeli entity has become a "rogue state", posing a real threat to the security and stability of the region and international peace, necessitating international action to curb its actions, stop its terrorism, isolate it, and end its occupation.

The movement praised the efforts and sacrifices of all Resistance forces and free peoples worldwide who supported the Palestinian people and Resistance. Hamas called for unifying the nation’s efforts and resources in all fields toward liberating Palestine and ending the occupation.

Hamas also welcomed the global grassroots solidarity movement with Palestine and appreciated all official and popular positions supporting the Palestinian cause, calling for the escalation of popular and solidarity campaigns against the occupation until achieving legitimate rights to freedom and independence.

Hamas Says Reserves Right to Retaliate for Commander Assassination, Blames Israel for Sabotaging Ceasefire

Monday, 15 December 2025 1:06 AM 

Hamas official Osama Hamdan

Senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan says the movement reserves the right to respond to the Zionist occupation’s violations of the ceasefire agreement, notably the assassination of commander Raed Saad.

Speaking to Al Jazeera on Sunday, the Hamas leader paid tribute to the martyred commander, stating that he “dedicated himself to the Palestinian cause and the defense of his land and homeland.”

Hamdan accused the occupation forces of actively attempting to derail ongoing negotiations for the second phase of the truce.

He confirmed that intensive talks are underway with regional mediators, including Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, regarding the next stages of the ceasefire agreement.

However, he warned that the occupation’s actions are creating insurmountable obstacles.

“We are speaking with our brothers in Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey regarding negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire agreement, but the occupation insists on sabotaging the agreement,” Hamdan said.

The Palestinian group has strongly condemned an Israeli plan on legalizing at least 19 Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.

He asserted the movement’s stance on its military capabilities and mandate.

“We adhere to our right to resistance, especially armed resistance.”

Hamdan stressed the need for any international force monitoring the second phase of the ceasefire to respect Palestinian sovereignty.

“Palestinian factions see an international force as a guarantor for implementing the ceasefire agreement, without powers or interaction with the Palestinian people in Gaza.”

‘Resistance decision of all Palestinians’

He emphasized that the decision to resist is a unified Palestinian stance, not solely a factional one.

“Resistance is a purely popular Palestinian decision, not a decision of the Hamas movement.”

Hamdan reiterated that Hamas is an extension of a century‑long struggle, noting that the movement “came as an extension of a long history of Palestinian struggle and has maintained the path of resistance against the occupation for four decades.”

He defended the decision to launch the Al‑Aqsa Flood in 2023, stating that “there is not a single leader from the Hamas movement against the October 7 decision.”

He pointed out that “international recognition of the Palestinian state is one of the fruits of Al‑Aqsa Flood.”

Hamdan asserted that the Palestinian resistance values life, despite the occupation’s campaign of destruction.

“We value the sanctity of blood and do not dare to shed it, no matter who it belongs to.”

He then called for global redress for the atrocities committed by the occupation.

“The world must apologize to the Palestinian people for the crimes of genocide that Israel has committed against them.”

The official acknowledged the losses suffered by the movement but affirmed its resilience.

“We are rearranging our affairs and reorganizing our ranks after the martyrdom of many of the movement’s leaders, and the world will see the cohesion of our movement.”

Civilizations Must Unite Against Unilateralism, Warmongering: Iran’s Deputy FM

Sunday, 14 December 2025 11:58 PM 

Iran’s Deputy FM Kazem Gharibabadi attends the UN Alliance of Civilizations Forum in Riyadh, December 14, 2025. (Photo: Tasnim)

Iran’s deputy foreign minister for legal and international affairs says unity among civilizations should be embraced as a strategic principle to address global crises, stressing that an alliance of civilizations must stand as a bulwark against warmongering.

Speaking at the 11th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) in Riyadh, Kazem Gharibabadi emphasized the critical need for cohesion in confronting global issues, including counter‑terrorism, establishing sustainable peace and security, promoting social and economic justice, and advancing shared science and technology.

He identified the primary culprits behind international instability, pointing to Western hegemonic policies.

“The formation of domineering coalitions, recourse to force and illegal actions, instrumental exploitation of multilateral mechanisms, and the promotion of the logic of supremacy, exceptionalism, and interventionism are among the common roots of the current global crises,” he said.

Gharibabadi reaffirmed Iran’s foundational role as the originator of the “Dialogue Among Civilizations” initiative in 2001 and pledged the nation’s full commitment to cooperation.

“We believe that civilizations must interact with each other, not confront each other. Only through dialogue and the exchange of experiences can we find common solutions to global challenges,” he said. “Iran has always taken steps toward promoting global peace, security, and solidarity, and is ready to cooperate with all countries of the world in this path.”

Call for Israel, U.S. accountability

Gharibabadi addressed the aggressions orchestrated by the United States and the Zionist regime, describing them as one of the most serious threats to global peace.

He noted that recent years have witnessed an “escalation of crises and military aggressions in some regions of the world, especially in the West Asia region.”

He condemned the Zionist regime for its repeated attacks against the Palestinian people and regional countries, including Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Iran, and Qatar, with the “full support of the United States.”

“These actions, especially in the context of the widespread violation of human rights and international laws, are a clear example of warmongering and unilateralist policies that oppose not only the oppressed nations of the region but also regional and global peace and stability.”

Iran’s foreign minister has hailed the country’s resilience in the face of recent 12-day US-Israeli aggression, saying this resilience forced an enemy who demanded unconditional surrender to plead for an unconditional ceasefire.

Gharibabadi declared that in the face of this reality, the alliance of civilizations must function as a bulwark of defiance.

“We believe that the alliance of civilizations should be a resistance against warmongering and hegemony.”

He called for immediate global accountability, urging nations and the UN to act decisively.

“We call on all countries of the world and the United Nations to react firmly to the aggressions of the Israeli regime and the unreserved support of the United States for this regime, and to take greater responsibility for human rights and world peace.”

Gharibabadi concluded with a message of national resolve.

“The people of Iran will never surrender to threats and aggression and will stand united and coherent against the aggressor.”

15 Dead, Dozens Injured in Mass Shooting at Jewish Event in Australia

Monday, 15 December 2025 12:30 AM 

At least 15 people have been killed and dozens of others injured when two gunmen opened fire at a Jewish event in the Australian city of Sydney on Sunday.

Authorities said police fatally shot one gunman, and the second was arrested and is in critical condition.

At least 29 people were confirmed wounded, including two police officers, said Mal Lanyon, the police commissioner for New South Wales state, to which Sydney is the capital.

Lanyon said police had found what they believed to be several improvised explosive devices in a nearby vehicle linked to the suspect who was killed.

He said police are continuing to investigate the shooting, while emergency services remain on high alert in the area.

Witnesses to the shooting described scenes of chaos as the gunmen opened fire on crowds gathered at Bondi Beach. One witness said he heard 40 to 50 shots.

The mass shooting came as hundreds of people had gathered at Sydney’s Bondi Beach for an event called Chanukah by the Sea, celebrating the start of the Jewish festival.

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the scenes at Bondi “shocking and distressing,” adding, “There is no place for this hate, violence, and terrorism in our nation.”

He said authorities were working to identify everyone involved in the attack.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attack on social media, calling it “heinous” and expressing solidarity with the Jewish community.

“My heart is with the Jewish community worldwide on this first day of Hanukkah,” he wrote.

Israeli leaders “loudly blamed” the Australian government for ignoring warnings of what they called antisemitic threats.

In a speech at an event in al-Quds, Israeli President Isaac Herzog described the shooting as a “very cruel attack on Jews who went to light the first candle of Hanukkah on Bondi Beach.”

Emergency services workers gather at the scene after a shooting incident at Bondi Beach in Sydney on December 14, 2025. (AFP)

He called on Australia to “fight against the enormous wave of antisemitism which is plaguing Australian society.”

Tel Aviv, however, has offered little condolence to Australia’s Jewish community.

Australia, a country of 28 million people, is home to about 117,000 Jews, according to official figures.

French President Emmanuel Macron also condemned the shooting in an English message on X, saying that France “extends its thoughts to the victims, the injured and their loved ones.”

Australia has seen widespread outrage over Israel’s two-year genocide against the Palestinian people, with major protests in cities across the country since October 2023.

Demonstrators have voiced anger over civilian casualties, destruction of homes, and the regime’s ongoing war crimes in the Gaza Strip.

Social media and local reports indicate that public sentiment has increasingly reflected outrage over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with protesters demanding that the Australian government condemn the Israeli regime’s genocide and halt arms sales to Tel Aviv.

Australia Hails Muslim ‘Hero’ Ahmed al Ahmed Who Disarmed Gunman in Sydney Attack

Monday, 15 December 2025 6:16 AM 

Video footage shows a Muslim bystander, identified as Ahmed al-Ahmed, tackling a shooter on Bondi Beach Hanukkah attack on Dec. 14, 2025, in Sydney. (Screenshot)

Australian authorities and media have praised a Muslim bystander who intervened during a deadly shooting at a Jewish holiday event in Sydney, disarming one of the attackers and potentially saving numerous lives.

Australian media have identified the man as Ahmed al Ahmed, a 43-year-old Sydney local and father of two who owns a fruit shop in the suburb of Sutherland.

Video footage widely circulated on social media shows a man approaching an armed attacker from behind in a car park, tackling him, wrestling a rifle or shotgun from his hands, and neutralizing the threat.

The footage later shows the disarmed assailant retreating while the bystander places the weapon on the ground.

The shooting occurred during a Jewish holiday event on Sunday and resulted in at least 15 fatalities, according to initial reports.

One suspected attacker was killed at the scene, while another was left in critical condition. Police said they were investigating whether a third gunman may have been involved.

According to Ahmed’s cousin, Mustafa, who spoke to 7News from the hospital, Ahmed was shot twice during the incident and was scheduled to undergo surgery on Sunday night.

Mustafa said Ahmed had no experience with firearms and described his condition as stable.

“He’s in hospital, and we don’t know exactly what’s going on inside,” Mustafa said. “We do hope he will be fine. He’s a hero 100 percent.”

Mustafa also confirmed to Al Araby TV that Ahmed is a Muslim of Syrian origin from the city of Idlib. He said that he spoke to Ahmed after the incident, who told him, “Allah Almighty gave me the courage."

The mass shooting came as hundreds of people had gathered at Sydney’s Bondi Beach for a Jewish event on Sunday.

Australian leaders from across the political spectrum commended the bystander’s actions. 

“It’s the most unbelievable scene I’ve ever seen,” Chris Minns, the premier of New South Wales state, said. “A man walking up to a gunman who had fired on the community and single-handedly disarming him, putting his own life at risk to save the lives of countless other people.”

“That man is a genuine hero, and I’ve got no doubt that there are many, many people alive tonight as a result of his bravery,” he added.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also praised the civilian response during the attack.

“These Australians are heroes and their bravery has saved lives,” Albanese said, noting that some people had “run towards danger in order to help others.”

The Sydney Morning Herald referred to Ahmed as “a hero who saved many lives,” while social media users echoed similar sentiments, with many describing his actions as selfless and courageous.

Al-Ahmed’s actions have even gained international plaudits.

New York City comptroller Brad Lander praised al-Ahmed’s “extraordinary courage.”

“A Muslim, 43-year-old father of two, who bravely risked his life to save his neighbors celebrating Hanukkah,” Lander wrote on social media. “Praying for his full and speedy recovery. And so deeply inspired by his example.”

At Least 3 Killed in New Israeli Strikes Across South Lebanon Amid Ceasefire Violations

Sunday, 14 December 2025 6:29 PM

Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted the southern Lebanese village of El Mahmoudiyeh on November 27, 2025. (Photo by AFP)

The Israeli military has killed at least three people in southern Lebanon during separate airstrikes after threatening to resume “wide-scale” aggression against the country.

In a statement released on Sunday,  the Lebanese health ministry said that an "Israeli enemy strike" on a motorcycle in Yater, south Lebanon, killed one person and wounded another.

Separately, an Israeli attack targeting a car also killed another person between the towns of Safad al-Batikh and Barashit.

At the same time, a member of the municipal council in Jouaya, Tyre, was killed after an Israeli strike targeted the town.

Israel’s war minister, Israel Katz, late last month, warned that Tel Aviv is prepared to launch a new war on Lebanon if the Hezbollah resistance movement does not surrender its weapons by the end of 2025.

Lebanon has received warnings from Arab and international parties that Israel is preparing to launch a wide-scale attack against the country, Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi said Friday.

Raggi said Beirut had intensified its diplomatic contacts with regional countries to “protect Lebanon and its facilities from any potential strike.”

Beirut is intensifying its diplomatic contacts “to protect Lebanon and its facilities from any potential strike,” Raggi said in statements carried by Lebanon’s National News Agency NNA.

The continued bombardment has drawn sharp criticism from the United Nations, which reported in November that at least 127 civilians, including children, have been killed in Lebanon since the ceasefire took effect in late 2024. UN officials have warned that the attacks amount to “war crimes.”

In light of the substantial losses during months of war and the inability to fulfil its military objectives in the aggression against Lebanon, Israel had no choice but to accept a ceasefire with Hezbollah, which came into effect on November 27, 2024.

Ever since the agreement was enacted, the occupying forces have conducted numerous assaults on Lebanon, including airstrikes throughout the Arab country, in blatant disregard of the ceasefire.

Israel remains in control of five important regions in southern Lebanon, which include Labbouneh, Mount Blat, Owayda Hill, Aaziyyeh, and Hammamis Hill, all located close to the border.

Lebanon has denounced the ongoing presence of Israeli military personnel, perceiving it as a breach of the ceasefire agreement and the predetermined schedule for withdrawal.

Hezbollah’s Secretary General, Sheikh Naim Qassem, in a recent address, vowed the resistance movement will never lay down its weapons, criticising the Lebanese government’s plan to establish a state monopoly on arms and arguing that the issue is exploited by the United States and Israel to press for the group’s disarmament.

Israel Lebanon escalation

This episode centers on whether Israeli violations represent a breakdown of international commitments, how they impact the security decisions of Lebanese actors, and whether guarantors of the ceasefire can still be trusted to uphold peace.

He added that Hezbollah will not budge from such a position, as it is the most honourable national stance, requiring no validation from those with a dark and criminal background, and a history of sedition and corruption.

The Hezbollah leader said the plan is within the context of the Tel Aviv regime’s “Greater Israel” project, warning that surrender would lead to Lebanon ceasing to exist.

He also called on the Beirut government to “reconsider its positions and recalculate, and not make any further concessions.”

Abayomi Azikiwe, PANW Editor, Featured on 1+1 with Youri Smouter Discussing the History and Contemporary Affairs of Tunisia

Well hello everyone. Welcome to another edition of 1+1, your place for inconvenient truth telling and myth busting. 

To watch this entire episode go to the following link: 1+1 E355 Youri speaks to Abayomi Azikiwe of Pan-African Newswire & Black Agenda Report on Tunisia

This is another one of our all-things Africa editions. We continue our series looking at the history of the continent and its regions. 

We are still exploring North Africa, and we now turn our attention to Tunisia. And who better to teach us about this country and or any African country than our returning champion and tour guide, Abayomi Azikiwe of Pan-African News Wire. 

Abayomi Azikiwe is a historian, journalist, longtime leftist activist and more.  

And as always before we start a reminder to our audience to please share widely all of 1+1’s content, past and present episodes, our playlists and help us overcome the far-right algorithms and the dominant monopoly Western corporate/state media and pseudo-Leftists websites have in the social media by sharing our content. 

Share us across social media and e-mail, and please donate if you can to 1+1 at our PayPal and if people are having trouble and would prefer an alternative form to donate then do please get in touch with me at yourismouter@gmail.com.

Abayomi Azikiwe, PANW Editor, on Coup Attempt in Benin and Neo-Colonialism in West Africa

Abayomi Azikiwe, Editor of Pan-African News Wire, joins us from Detroit to discuss the recent coup attempt in the West African nation of Benin. 

To listen to this segment just click on the following URL: Coup Attempt in Benin and Neo-Colonialism in West Africa by Black Agenda Radio

The coup ended with assistance from neighboring Nigeria and from France. 

Abayomi Azikiwe provides analysis on events in Benin, Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria, the Alliance of Sahel States, other West African nations and on the enduring impact of colonialism and neo-colonialism in the region.

Ethiopia Advances AI, Telehealth Initiatives to Enhance Health Care Quality – Ministry of Health

Addis Ababa, December 12, 2025 (ENA) — Ethiopia is rapidly advancing its digital health transformation, with the Ministry of Health announcing significant nationwide progress in the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and telehealth technologies.

The Ministry of Health convened stakeholders to discuss the future role of artificial intelligence and telehealth technology in the health sector.

On the occasion, State Minister of Health Seharela Abdulahi highlighted that strong legal and policy frameworks are being put in place to ensure that AI-driven health services remain secure, private, and high-quality. 

Already, AI is showing promising results—enhancing data accuracy, supporting better clinical decisions, and improving early disease detection and health forecasting.

Reports show that telehealth coverage is growing at an accelerated pace across the Ethiopia recently.

Ethio telecom has connected more than 60 hospitals and is preparing 200 additional facilities to join integrated digital health networks and cloud platforms, marking a major leap in healthcare accessibility.

The state minister emphasized that the revised national health policy recognizes AI and telehealth as central pillars of future healthcare improvement. 

She noted, however, that continued progress will require ongoing investment in infrastructure, governance, and capacity-building for health workers.

Digital Ethiopia 2025 remains a key driver of youth empowerment and innovation, supported by global partners such as the World Health Organization, which actively encourages the use of AI for early warning systems and emergency health detection.

Health Innovation and Quality Lead Executive Officer Dr. Abas Hassen confirmed the nationwide rollout of telehealth to address growing healthcare demands driven by urbanization, lifestyle changes, and rising non-communicable diseases. He called for strengthened collaboration among public institutions, private sector partners, academia, and development organizations.

Ethio telecom’s Enterprise Solutions Chief Officer Yohannes Getahun reaffirmed the company’s commitment to accelerating digital healthcare through expanded connectivity and advanced technologies, noting that AI is emerging as a powerful engine for Ethiopia’s broader development goals.

Officials added that efforts to enhance data privacy, security, and public trust are progressing in tandem with the country’s expanding digital health systems.

Ethiopia, Congo Sign Military Cooperation Agreement to Tackle Regional Security Threats

Addis Ababa, December 13, 2025 (ENA)— Ethiopia and the Republic of the Congo (Congo-Brazzaville) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on military cooperation, marking a significant step toward strengthening joint efforts to address regional security challenges, including cross-border crime and terrorism.

The agreement was signed in Addis Ababa following high-level talks between Ethiopia’s Minister of Defense, Engineer Aisha Mohammed, and Congo’s Minister of National Defense, Lieutenant General Charles Richard Monjo.

​​​​​​Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister Aisha underscored the importance of the MoU in enhancing collaboration amid an increasingly complex global and regional security environment. 

She stressed that closer defense cooperation is essential for effectively responding to shared security threats.

Under the agreement, both countries committed to cooperation in military industrial production, weapons maintenance, education and training, and peacekeeping operations. 

The MoU is also expected to enable the joint utilization of military capabilities, strengthening operational effectiveness.

Minister Aisha highlighted the long-standing diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and Congo, dating back to the early 1960s, noting that bilateral ties have been reinforced through multilateral engagement within the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and the African Union (AU), headquartered in Addis Ababa.

Lt. Gen. Monjo described the agreement as a key milestone for advancing peace and security between the two nations, stating that practical implementation of the MoU would begin in the near future. 

He also extended an invitation to Minister Aisha Mohammed to visit Congo-Brazzaville.

Ethiopia reaffirmed its commitment to deepening diplomatic and defense partnerships with African countries in support of regional stability.

Ethiopia’s Influence Gaining Strength on Global Stage

Addis Ababa, December 12, 2025 (ENA) —Ethiopia's influence within the major international forums it participates has been growing, according to Fethi Mahdi, Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs Standing Committee Deputy Chairman at the House of People’s Representatives.

The Deputy Chairman recalled that the country's influence was clearly visible at the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, where Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed delivered a forward-looking message on Africa’s future and Ethiopia’s role in shaping it. 

He explained that the Prime Minister’s emphasis on the Ethiopian philosophy of “Medemer” was central to the address and helped frame Ethiopia as a constructive voice in continental affairs.

In an interview with ENA, Fethi stated that the Prime Minister’s speeches and bilateral engagements throughout the summit lifted Ethiopia’s diplomatic profile to a new level. 

He pointed at a series of side discussions with world leaders that focused on pressing African priorities while firmly upholding Ethiopia’s national interests. 

The core message presented by the Prime Minister was a success and showed that Ethiopia is now contributing to the agenda for Africa, Fethi said.

Diplomacy and International Relations instructor, Endale Niguse, noted that Ethiopia’s approach, grounded in its indigenous ideas, is emerging as a model for other African nations. 

 He said the country’s performance at the G20 Summit reflected the broader progress made in social, economic, and political spheres in recent years.

According to Endale, the value of Medemer not only benefits Ethiopia but also the wider continent, calling it a starting point for Africa to rise above the thoughts of colonialism.

Eritrea Withdraws From Regional Bloc as UN Expresses Concern Over Tensions With Ethiopia

2:29 AM EST, December 13, 2025

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Eritrea on Friday withdrew from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, accusing the East African regional bloc of nations of acting against the country’s interests.

At the same time, the United Nations expressed concern over renewed tensions between Eritrea and neighboring Ethiopia, which signed a peace agreement 25 years ago.

Eritrea’s foreign ministry said in a statement Friday it was withdrawing “from an organization that has forfeited its legal mandate and authority; offering no discernible strategic benefit to all its constituencies and failing to contribute substantively to the stability of the region.”

Eritrea quit IGAD in 2003 and rejoined two years ago, but said Friday that the bloc had failed to contribute to regional stability. IGAD responded by saying Eritrea had not participated in regional activities since it rejoined.

In addition to Eritrea and Ethiopia, IGAD includes Djibouti, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda. The organization works on regional policies concerning trade, customs, transport, communications, agriculture, natural resources and the environment, according to its website.

Eritrea and Ethiopia have in recent months accused each other of interference, sparking concerns over the possibility of a return to hostilities.

Ethiopia said it wants to peacefully gain Red Sea access through Eritrea, which it relied on heavily for trade before the secession. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said in September it was a “mistake” to lose access to the sea when Eritrea gained independence in 1993 by seceding from Ethiopia to form a separate nation. Abiy’s rhetoric has been seen as provocative by Eritrea.

The office of U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday urged the two countries to “recommit to the vision of lasting peace and the respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

The U.N. cited the Algiers Agreement signed in 2000, which ended nearly three decades of border war between Eritrea and Ethiopia. The U.N. called for a recommitment to the agreement, which it described as a “crucial framework” for peace.

Eritrea accused Ethiopia in June of having a “long-brewing war agenda” aimed at seizing its Red Sea ports. Ethiopia recently claimed Eritrea was “actively preparing to wage war against it,” as well as supporting Ethiopian rebel groups.

Two US Soldiers, Interpreter Killed in Surprise Militant Attack in Syria’s Palmyra: CENTCOM

Saturday, 13 December 2025 7:21 PM

US soldiers patrol in Syria's northeastern city Qamishli, in the Hasakeh province, mostly controlled by Kurdish-led and so-called Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), on January 9, 2025. (Photo by AFP)

Two American troops and an interpreter have been killed and three other people wounded in Syria’s central province of Homs, after a suspected member of the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group opened fire on a joint patrol by the US military and forces from the ruling Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) regime in the area.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the casualties in a post on the social media platform X on Saturday.

“An ambush by a lone ISIS (Daesh) gunman” resulted in the deaths and injuries to three additional troops, CENTCOM said. “The gunman was engaged and killed.”

US War Secretary Pete Hegseth wrote on X that “the savage who perpetrated this attack was killed by partner forces.”

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the attack occurred as the soldiers “were conducting a key leader engagement” in support of what he described as counter-terrorism operations.

American occupation forces have brought in new military reinforcements to their base in Syria’s northeastern province of Hasakah despite repeated announcements about plans for the troop drawdown and base closures.

A Pentagon official said the attack took place in an area where HTS forces do not have control.

Earlier, the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported that an attack in the city of Palmyra had wounded American troops and HTS forces.

The soldiers were taking part in a “joint field tour” in Palmyra, which was once under the control of Daesh, SANA reported.

A Syrian source, who requested anonymity, said that the shots were fired “during a meeting” between American officers and HTS forces at a Syrian base in Palmyra.

A witness, who asked to remain anonymous, said he heard the shots coming from inside the base.

SANA said helicopters evacuated the wounded to the al-Tanf garrison near the border with Iraq and Jordan, where American troops are deployed.

According to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the meeting came as part of an “American strategy to strengthen its presence and foothold in the Syrian desert.”

Former Syrian authorities consistently said that the deployment of US forces and equipment in the northeastern flank of the country was meant to plunder natural resources.

In recent years, footage has emerged showing US occupation forces using tankers to transfer Syrian crude oil from the country’s northern provinces to bases in northern Iraq.

US President Donald Trump has acknowledged multiple times that American troops were present in the Arab nation for its oil resources.

Trump Vows 'Very Serious Retaliation' After Deadly Ambush on U.S. Military Convoy in Syria

Dec 13, 2025 1:51 PM EST

Soldiers are seen standing together inside a desert compound.

Three U.S. military personnel — two army soldiers and a civilian interpreter — were killed on Saturday after an attacker targeted a convoy of American and Syrian forces before being shot dead, the U.S. military said.

The attack came barely a month after Syria announced it had signed a political co-operation agreement with the U.S.-led coalition against ISIS, which coincided with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa's visit to the White House.

The attacker was a member of the Syrian security forces, three local officials told Reuters. A Syrian interior ministry spokesperson told a state-run television channel that the man did not have a leadership role in the security forces.

"On December 10, an evaluation was issued indicating that this attacker might hold extremist ideas, and a decision regarding him was due to be issued tomorrow, on Sunday," the spokesperson, Noureddine el-Baba, told Syrian television channel Al-Ikhbariya.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, U.S. President Donald Trump vowed "very serious retaliation," mourning the loss of "three great patriots." He described the incident in remarks to reporters as a "terrible" attack.

Three other U.S. soldiers were wounded, the military's Central Command said.

In a statement, Central Command said the attack by a lone gunman occurred "as the soldiers were conducting a key leader engagement" in the central Syrian town of Palmyra. "Partner forces" killed the attacker, U.S. Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth wrote in a social media post.

The soldiers' names will be withheld until 24 hours after the next-of-kin notification, the U.S. military said.

Syrian state news agency SANA quoted a security source as saying two Syrian service personnel were injured, without providing further details. The source told SANA that American helicopters evacuated the injured to a U.S. base in Syria's Al-Tanf region, near the Iraqi border.

Tom Barrack, the U.S. ambassador to Turkey and special envoy to Syria, condemned the attack.

"We mourn the loss of three brave U.S. service members and civilian personnel and wish a speedy recovery to the Syrian troops wounded in the attack," Barrack said in a statement. "We remain committed to defeating terrorism with our Syrian partners."

ISIS suspected

A senior U.S. official said initial assessments indicate that ISIS militants probably carried out the attack, noting it took place in an area not controlled by the Syrian government.

Baba said Syria had warned about the possibility of an ISIS attack in that region but that "coalition forces did not take the Syrian warnings into account."

He said Syria would determine whether the attacker was linked to ISIS or merely subscribed to the group's ideology.

The U.S.-led coalition has carried out airstrikes and ground operations in Syria targeting ISIS suspects in recent months, often with the involvement of Syria's security forces. Syria last month also carried out a nationwide campaign arresting more than 70 people accused of links to the group.

The U.S. has troops stationed in northeastern Syria as part of a decade-long effort to help a Kurdish-led force there.

Gunfire Wounds Syrian, US Forces During Joint Patrol Near Palmyra

By Al Mayadeen English

Source: SANA

Syrian and US forces were wounded in a shooting during a joint patrol near Palmyra.

Syrian interim government forces and US military personnel were wounded on Friday after coming under gunfire during a joint patrol near the city of Palmyra in central Syria, according to Syrian state media and US officials.

A source cited by the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) said the attack occurred while the joint force was conducting a field patrol in the area. Two members of the Syrian interim forces and several US personnel were injured, while the assailant was killed during the incident.

Following the shooting, traffic on the Deir ez-Zor–Damascus international highway was temporarily halted, and heavy aerial activity was reported over the area as interim forces moved to secure the site.

The source added that US helicopters evacuated the wounded to the al-Tanf military base in southeastern Syria, where US forces maintain a presence near the Syrian-Iraqi-Jordanian border.

Strategic Realignment

The incident comes amid a broader shift in Syria’s political landscape following the rise of a new administration under Ahmad al-Sharaa, which has pursued closer coordination with Washington. This marks a significant departure from the previous government’s position, which had formally rejected the US military presence as an illegal occupation.

Despite this political realignment, regional observers continue to argue that the US deployment in Syria extends beyond the stated objective of countering ISIS. They contend that Washington’s sustained military footprint, particularly around al-Tanf and in eastern Syria, is tied to control over key transit corridors and oil- and gas-rich areas, as well as leverage over Syria’s post-war economic and security arrangements.

Entrenched Occupation

Although ISIS was defeated as a territorial entity years ago, US forces have remained in place, even consolidating their presence at select strategic locations. Critics argue that the normalization of US military activity under the new administration risks legitimizing a presence that has coincided with prolonged economic pressure, restricted access to national resources, and the continued erosion of Syrian sovereignty.

Recent developments confirm these concerns, as Washington has signaled no intention to withdraw its forces from Syria. Instead, US troops have consolidated their presence around strategic nodes such as al-Tanf and parts of eastern Syria, while expanding coordination with the new authorities and maintaining influence over key border crossings and energy-rich areas.

These moves come amid discussions in Washington over easing certain sanctions, a shift that critics argue is designed less to restore Syrian sovereignty than to reshape post-war Syria under US strategic and economic priorities.

Hezbollah Issues Warning Amid Rising Israeli Attacks Across Lebanon

December 13, 2025

Hezbollah Secretary-General, Naim Qassem. (Photo: video grab)

By Palestine Chronicle Staff  

Qassem stressed that the resistance is prepared to cooperate with the Lebanese army, but not under conditions that would amount to surrender to Israel.

Israeli occupation forces shelled the outskirts of the town of Dhahira in southern Lebanon’s Tyre district with mortar fire, while an Israeli drone dropped a sonic bomb on the coastal town of Ras al-Naqoura, Al-Jazeera reported. 

The incidents coincided with intensified Israeli drone activity over Beirut’s southern suburbs. The attacks are part of a continuing series of Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement that came into effect in late November 2024.

The escalation follows statements by Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raji, who said he had received Arab and international warnings indicating Israel’s readiness to launch a large-scale military operation. 

The Israeli Broadcasting Authority later reported that an attack plan had already been finalized should Hezbollah’s disarmament not be achieved by the end of 2025.

In August, the Lebanese government approved a proposal aimed at limiting weapons possession to state institutions. Hezbollah has rejected the plan, insisting that any such discussion must be preceded by a full Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory.

Speaking on Saturday, Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem warned that the proposed formula to restrict weapons amounts to “the execution of Lebanon’s power.” 

He stressed that the resistance is prepared to cooperate with the Lebanese army, but not under conditions that would amount to surrender to Israel.

In recent weeks, Israel has intensified military operations against Lebanon, including heavy bombardment in eastern and southern regions, as well as targeted assassinations of individuals it claims are affiliated with Hezbollah.

Since October 2023, Israeli attacks on Lebanon have killed more than 4,000 people and injured approximately 17,000 others. The escalation expanded into a full-scale war in September 2024. 

Israel has violated the ceasefire more than 4,500 times, resulting in hundreds of additional casualties, while continuing to occupy five strategic hills seized during the last war, along with other Lebanese territories it has held for decades. 

Israel Claims Assassination of Senior Hamas Commander in Gaza City

December 13, 2025 News

Hamas leader Raed Saad. (Photo: via social media)

By Palestine Chronicle Staff  

Israel claims it carried out a targeted assassination of senior Qassam Brigades commander Raed Saad in Gaza City, while Hamas denounced the strike as a deliberate violation of the ceasefire agreement.

The Israeli army announced that it carried out an operation in Gaza City in coordination with the Israel Security Agency Shin Bet, targeting what it described as a senior leader of the Palestinian Resistance Movement, Hamas.

Israeli Army Radio said the target was Qassam Brigades commander Raed Saad, whom it claimed was responsible for planning the October 7 operation that overwhelmed the army’s Gaza Division.

Israeli security sources reportedly identified Saad as a senior figure within the Qassam Brigades, referring to him as the group’s “second man,” and asserted that the operation was successful.

According to Army Radio, the targeted commander was allegedly involved in efforts to rebuild Hamas’ military capabilities, including the rehabilitation and production of weapons.

The broadcaster added that Israeli forces had previously attempted to assassinate Saad and that he had survived multiple attempts during the war.

Army Radio further reported that the operation was approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and carried out without prior coordination with Washington. In a related report, Israel Hayom quoted a security source as saying that the assassination was conducted without informing the US administration.

In response, Hamas said that the Israeli strike on a vehicle in Gaza City constituted a new and serious violation of the ceasefire agreement. The movement said the action demonstrated Israel’s deliberate efforts to undermine and sabotage the ceasefire.

Hamas called on mediators and guarantor states to assume their responsibilities, address Israel’s violations, and take concrete steps to restrain the occupation government.

DR Congo Warns US-led Peace Effort in Jeopardy After M23 Seizes Uvira

By Al Mayadeen English

11 Dec 2025 14:58

Congo is warning that the US-mediated peace initiative with Rwanda is at risk after M23 captured the strategic town of Uvira, triggering mass displacement and exposing major gaps in the current negotiations.

The armed rebel movement M23 tightened its grip on eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on Thursday, taking control of the strategic town of Uvira and deepening fears that the conflict is sliding further out of Kinshasa’s hands. Residents said the group entered the town overnight, prompting yet another wave of panic among civilians already living through months of instability.

Gunfire rang out intermittently on the outskirts early in the day, though many people carefully emerged to look for food after spending hours in hiding or escaping toward rural areas. Uvira had functioned as a temporary base for the government-installed provincial leadership since February, when rebels captured Bukavu, the provincial capital.

Locals expressed anger at earlier assurances from authorities. "The government told us that Uvira would never fall and that the situation was under their control," Godefroid Shengezi, a teacher, told Reuters. "The reality today is quite the opposite." He added that he had yet to find his three children and feared they may have crossed into Burundi, where officials say the number of refugees has surged in recent days.

The rebel coalition known as the Alliance Fleuve Congo, which includes M23, issued its own statement claiming that civilians in Uvira remained safe and could continue their daily activities.

US-Mediated Peace Talks at Risk

Uvira’s fall comes only a week after Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame met in Washington for talks hosted by US President Donald Trump, who has been attempting to engineer a regional peace agreement. Kinshasa said in a late-Wednesday communiqué that the latest developments demand "urgent measures" from the international community to ensure that the terms of the agreement are respected, accusing Rwanda of aggression that could unravel the fragile process.

Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner told Reuters that Washington should examine whether broader sanctions against Rwandan military figures are warranted. Rwanda maintains it is not supporting M23 and instead blames Congolese and Burundian troops for fueling the fighting.

M23 is not involved in the talks mediated by Washington. The group has been engaged separately with Kinshasa in Qatar-hosted negotiations.  Speaking to Reuters, Jervin Naidoo of Oxford Economics said the latest developments reveal the shortcomings of the US-brokered effort. "The (US-brokered) DRC-Rwanda deal fails to address the structural drivers of the conflict and crucially excludes M23, highlighting a fundamental flaw: lasting peace cannot be achieved without including the armed group at the negotiation table," he stated.

Displacement Soars as Aid Halts

The humanitarian fallout is growing rapidly. The United Nations estimates that about 200,000 people have fled over the past several days, and dozens of civilians have been killed. Nearly 25,000 people crossed into Burundi between December 5 and 8, Un deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq said on Wednesday.

The World Food Programme has been forced to suspend its operations in South Kivu, leaving 25,000 people without essential assistance. At least 32 schools have suspended classes to shelter displaced families, creating overcrowded conditions that UN officials say heighten the risk of disease outbreaks.

ICG Calls to End M23 Offensive, RDF Presence in DR Eastern Congo

By Al Mayadeen English

10 Dec 2025 12:19

The International Contact Group warns of destabilization amid the M23 offensive in eastern Congo, urging RDF withdrawal and adherence to UN Resolution 2773

The International Contact Group for the Great Lakes (ICG), chaired by Germany and comprising the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, and several European nations, issued a statement Tuesday expressing “profound concern” over renewed violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The statement highlighted a new offensive by the March 23 Movement (M23) near Uvira, South Kivu, warning that the fighting carries a “destabilizing potential” for the wider region. The group also raised alarms over the increased use of attack and suicide drones, describing it as a “significant escalation” that poses an “acute risk to civilian populations.”

The ICG called on both the M23 and the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) to immediately halt offensive operations in eastern Congo, urging the RDF to withdraw from the region. It also demanded that the M23 return to its previous positions and honor commitments outlined in the Declaration of Principles signed in Doha on July 19, 2025.

The statement emphasized that all parties must protect civilians, comply with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2773, which calls for the M23 to cease offensives and for Rwanda to end support for the group, respect the territorial integrity of the DRC, and uphold the Washington Accords signed on December 4.

74 killed days after ceasefire

At least 74 people, mostly civilians, have been killed and 83 others wounded in clashes between Congolese forces and M23 militants in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the United Nations reported Monday.

The fighting, which occurred between December 2 and 7, involved heavy weapons and shelling in populated areas across South Kivu province, including the territories of Uvira, Walungu, Mwenga, Shabunda, Kabare, Fizi, and Kalehe.

According to new UN data, the violence has displaced more than 200,000 people since December 2, with thousands more fleeing across borders into neighboring Burundi and Rwanda. South Kivu already hosted 1.2 million internally displaced people before the latest escalation.

Bruno Lemarquis, the UN humanitarian coordinator in Congo, called for immediate protection of civilians, condemning the use of explosive weapons in populated areas and attacks on schools. He also noted that ongoing clashes have severely hampered medical evacuations.

Trump's ceasefires imitate his business ventures

Late last week, on December 4, 2025, the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the M23 movement, under a broader agreement involving Rwanda, ratified a new ceasefire pact in Washington, mediated by the United States. The accord aimed to stabilize conflict-torn eastern provinces, enforce troop withdrawals, and end hostilities following a peace agreement signed in June 2025.

Almost immediately, the ceasefire unraveled. On December 5, violence flared across South Kivu, with heavy weapons reportedly used, civilian casualties rising, and fresh displacement as towns came under attack. Within 24 hours, the Congolese government accused Rwanda of violating the deal, claiming Rwandan forces fired heavy weapons from across the border.

This breakdown adds to a series of ceasefires brokered under President Trump’s administration that have repeatedly collapsed. Even an earlier truce reached in October 2025 during Doha talks, initially hailed as a hopeful step, failed to prevent subsequent escalation.

US Accuses Rwanda of Violating the Peace deal as M23 Rebels Seize a Key Eastern Congo City

By EDITH M. LEDERER and MARK BANCHEREAU

6:24 PM EST, December 12, 2025

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The United States accused Rwanda on Friday of violating a U.S.-brokered peace agreement by backing a deadly new rebel offensive in the mineral-rich eastern Congo, and warned that the Trump administration will take action against “spoilers” of the deal.

The remarks by U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz came as more than 400 civilians have been killed since the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels escalated their offensive in eastern Congo’s South Kivu province, according to regional officials who also say that Rwandan special forces were in the strategic city of Uvira.

Waltz told the U.N. Security Council that the U.S. is “profoundly concerned and incredibly disappointed with the renewed outbreak of violence” by M23.

“Rwanda is leading the region towards increased instability and war,” Waltz warned. “We will use the tools at our disposal to hold to account spoilers to peace.”

He called on Rwanda to respect Congo’s right to defend its territory and invite friendly forces from neighboring Burundi to fight alongside Congolese forces. He also said the U.S. is engaging with all sides “to urge restraint and to avoid further escalation.”

M23’s latest push

The rebels’ latest offensive comes despite a U.S.-mediated peace agreement signed last week by the Congolese and Rwandan presidents in Washington.

The accord didn’t include the rebel group, which is negotiating separately with Congo and agreed earlier this year to a ceasefire that both sides accuse the other of violating. However, it obliges Rwanda to halt support for armed groups like M23 and work to end hostilities.

The rebels’ advance pushed the conflict to the doorstep of neighboring Burundi, which has maintained troops in eastern Congo for years, heightening fears of a broader regional spillover.

Congo’s ministry of communication confirmed in a statement Friday that M23 has seized the strategic port city of Uvira in eastern Congo, on the northern tip of Lake Tanganyika and directly across from Burundi’s largest city, Bujumbura.

Uvira was Congo’s government’s last major foothold in South Kivu after the provincial capital of Bukavu fell to the rebels in February. Its capture allows the rebels to consolidate a broad corridor of influence across the east.

M23 said it had taken control of Uvira on Wednesday afternoon, following a rapid offensive since the start of the month. Along with the more than 400 killed, about 200,000 have been displaced, regional officials say.

Concerns over an escalation

Civilians fleeing eastern Congo have also crossed into Burundi, and there have been reports of shells falling in the town of Rugombo, on the Burundian side of the border, raising concerns about the conflict spilling over into Burundian territory.

More than 100 armed groups are vying for a foothold in mineral-rich eastern Congo, near the border with Rwanda, most prominently M23. The conflict has created one of the world’s most significant humanitarian crises, with more than 7 million people displaced, according to the U.N. agency for refugees.

Congo, the U.S. and U.N. experts accuse Rwanda of backing M23, which has grown from hundreds of members in 2021 to around 6,500 fighters, according to the U.N.

Waltz said Rwandan forces have provided “logistics and training support to M23” and are fighting alongside the rebels in eastern Congo, with “roughly 5,000 to 7,000 troops as of early December.”

Congo calls for more pressure on Rwanda

Congo’s Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner accused Rwanda of trampling on the peace agreement, which she described as bringing “hope of a historic turning point.”

She warned, however, that the “entire process … is at stake,” and urged the Security Council to impose sanctions against military and political leaders responsible for the attacks, ban mineral exports from Rwanda and prohibit it from contributing troops to U.N. peacekeeping missions.

“Rwanda continues to benefit, especially financially but also in terms of reputation, from its status as a troop-contributing country to peacekeeping missions,” Wagner told The Associated Press.

Rwanda currently is one of the largest contributors of U.N. peacekeepers, with nearly 6,000 Rwandan troops.

Wagner also said economic agreements signed with the Trump administration as part of the peace deal will hinge on stability. “We have told our American partners that we cannot envision any path toward shared economic prosperity without peace,” she told the AP.

Eastern Congo, rich in critical minerals, has been of interest to Trump as Washington looks for ways to circumvent China to acquire rare earths, essential to manufacturing fighter jets, cell phones and more.

Wagner said the economic partnership is still at an early stage.

“Everything will start to take shape and become much more tangible once the joint governance mechanisms are put in place,” she said. “What we want is a win-win partnership ... far beyond the single issue of minerals and their transfer,” she added.

Rwanda accuses Congo of ceasefire violations

Rwanda’s Ambassador to the U.N. Karoli Martin Ngoga accused Congo of repeatedly breaking the ceasefire. He also accused the Congolese government of supporting the mostly Hutu Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, which “threatens the very existence of Rwanda and its people.”

Nearly 2 million Hutus from Rwanda fled to Congo after the 1994 Rwandan genocide that killed 800,000 Tutsi, moderate Hutus and others. Rwandan authorities have accused Hutus who fled of participating in the genocide, alleging that the Congolese army protected them.

“Rwanda reiterates its full commitment to implement its part of the agreement,” Ngoga told the Security Council.

While Rwanda denies the claim that it backs M23, it acknowledged last year that it has troops and missile systems in eastern Congo, allegedly to safeguard its security. U.N. experts estimate there are up to 4,000 Rwandan forces in Congo.

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Banchereau reported from Dakar, Senegal. Associated Press writer Jean-Yves Kamale in Kinshasa, Congo, contributed to this report.