Bethlehem held its first major Christmas celebration in two years, lighting a tree near the Church of the Nativity as thousands gathered in hope. The return of festivities signals resilience for a city deeply affected by war and economic hardship.

Sudan's war is increasingly shaped by foreign intervention, with Turkey and Saudi Arabia playing key roles in sustaining the conflict. Their military and financial support has deepened the crisis, making peace elusive. The article argues that resolving the war requires confronting these external influences.

A United Nations delegation in Lebanon has called for strict compliance with the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. Lebanon has pledged to disarm Hezbollah amid ongoing tensions and international pressure. The Security Council reiterated its support for Lebanon's sovereignty and the truce agreement.

Egypt's foreign minister urges swift deployment of international peacekeepers in Gaza, accusing Israel of daily ceasefire violations. He also rejects using the Rafah Crossing for Palestinian displacement, allowing exceptions only for medical cases.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended deadly strikes on alleged cartel boats, insisting President Trump has the authority to act. He compared the campaign to the war on terror and criticized previous Republican foreign policy. Hegseth also addressed new national security priorities and dismissed climate change as a military concern.

Turkey says Hamas is ready to hand over Gaza if a Palestinian-led police force is established. Israel opposes Turkish involvement, while Ankara expresses willingness to join an international stabilization mission.

Yisrael Beiteinu has issued a five-point pledge outlining strict conditions for joining any future government. The move challenges both Netanyahu's bloc and opposition parties due to their alliances with ultra-Orthodox factions.

Italian police stopped pro-Palestinian activists from disrupting the Olympic torch relay in Rome. The relay continues its journey across Italy amid heightened security due to recent protests at sporting events.

A retired officer has accused the defense minister of politicizing his blocked promotion, as disputes over military appointments and accountability continue. The officer will remain in his current role, while senior appointments in the army are frozen pending further investigations.

Lady Amelia Windsor is engaged to Ollie Lewis, marking a happy moment for the royal family. The article also covers celebrity news, including engagements, a mugging incident, and concerns over property prices in the Cotswolds.

A young man was critically wounded in a shooting in Segev Shalom, southern Israel, as violence continues in the region. Paramedics are fighting to save his life while local residents express frustration over ongoing police raids.

Prime Minister Netanyahu met secretly with Tony Blair to discuss a plan for the Palestinian Authority to oversee parts of Gaza. Israel has not dismissed the initiative, but no decisions have been reached.