Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/12/28/live-israeli-soldiers-storm-set-fire-to-last-hospital-in-northern-gaza

Fighting: Politics and diplomacy: Regional security: Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/12/27/russia-ukraine-war-list-of-key-events-day-1037

An army officer embraced martyrdom while 13 terrorists were neutralised during three separate operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s districts, said the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Thursday.  According to the military’s media wing, an intelligence-based operation (IBO) was conducted on the reported presence of terrorists in the general area of Jani Khel in Bannu district. During the operation, the ISPR said the security forces troops effectively engaged the terrorists’ location and resultantly killed two of them. Meanwhile, another IBO was conducted in the North Waziristan district where five terrorists were effectively neutralised by security forces during the exchange of fire while eight got injured. “However, during the intense exchange of fire, Major Muhammad Awais (age: 31 years, resident of District Narowal), who was leading his troops from the front, paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced Shahadat,” said the statement. The ISPR added that in a third encounter that took place in the South Waziristan district, the security forces successfully neutralised six terrorists while injuring eight others. Sanitisation operations were being carried out to eliminate any other terrorists found in the area as security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism, said the statement. Pakistan has been reeling from increased terrorist attacks since the return of Taliban government in neighbouring Afghanistan and the two adjoining provinces are the worst-hit The third quarter of 2024 (July-September) witnessed a sharp uptick in fatalities in terrorist violence and counter-terrorism campaigns with a 90% surge in violence, according to a report issued by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS). A total of 722 people were killed, including civilians, security personnel, and outlaws, while 615 others were wounded in as many as 328 incidents recorded during the period under review. Nearly 97% of these fatalities occurred in KP and Balochistan — marking the highest percentage in a decade, and over 92% of these incidents of terror attacks and security forces’ operations were recorded in the same provinces. The total fatalities from three quarters of this year have now surpassed the total fatalities recorded for the entire 2023; the number of fatalities rose to at least 1,534 in the first three quarters compared to 1,523 in 2023.Source: https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1265674-army-officer-martyred-13-militants-neutralised-in-three-kp-operations

Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/12/27/live-israel-bombs-yemen-kills-about-50-people-near-northern-gaza-hospital

Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/12/26/live-israel-pounds-gaza-as-three-babies-freeze-to-death-in-tent-camps

 An improvised explosive device (IED) went off in the Dasht area of Balochistan’s Turbat district on Wednesday, claiming the lives of at least two people and injuring four others. According to the police, the remote-controlled explosion occurred when the victims were travelling inside a vehicle. Meanwhile, the bodies and the wounded were shifted to a hospital. Those killed in the blast have been identified as Zaman and Umer Zahoor, whereas the injured include Naeem, Javed, Ameen and Waheed. The incident comes amid a surge in terrorist incidents in the country, which has affected Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa the most. Earlier this month, two people were killed in a bomb explosion behind Levies station in Killa Abdullah. However, Assistant Commissioner Shehak Baloch said that the deceased were carrying a bomb to attack the station but before reaching their target the bomb exploded and both of them were killed. The month of November was also marred by violence in the province with two soldiers being martyred in an IED blast during an operation in Harnai. The martyred soldiers were identified as Major Muhammad Haseeb and Havildar Noor Ahmed. Before that at least 27 people, including security personnel, were killed and 62 others were wounded in a suicide attack at the Quetta railway station. It is pertinent to mention that the increase in terrorist attacks coincides with the return of the Taliban government in neighbouring Afghanistan. The third quarter of 2024 (July-September) witnessed a sharp uptick in fatalities in terrorist violence and counter-terrorism campaigns with a 90% surge in violence, according to a report issued by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS). A total of 722 people were killed, including civilians, security personnel, and outlaws, while 615 others were wounded in as many as 328 incidents recorded during the period under review. Nearly 97% of these fatalities occurred in KP and Balochistan — marking the highest percentage in a decade, and over 92% of these incidents of terror attacks and security forces’ operations were recorded in the same provinces. The total fatalities from three quarters of this year have now surpassed the total fatalities recorded for the entire 2023; the number of fatalities rose to at least 1,534 in the first three quarters compared to 1,523 in 2023. Source: https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1265285-turbat-blast-kills-at-least-two-injures-four

Members of the Syrian police have been killed in an “ambush” by forces loyal to the ousted President Bashar al-Assad in Tartous governorate in the latest security challenge for the new administration that came to power a fortnight ago. Syria’s new Interior Minister Mohammed Abdul Rahman said on Thursday that “remnants” of the Assad government in Tartous had killed 14 police members and wounded 10 others, vowing to crack down on “anyone who dares to undermine Syria’s security or endanger the lives of its citizens”. The attack came as protests took place several cities after a video showing vandalising of an Alawite shrine in the city of Aleppo circulated online on Wednesday. Police had imposed curfews in Homs, Latakia, Jableh and Tartous until 8am (05:00 GMT). Al Jazeera could not confirm if the curfew has been lifted. The interior ministry said on its official Telegram account that the video, which showed armed men walking inside the shrine and posing near human bodies, dated back to the rebel offensive on Aleppo in late November. The ministry said that the violence was carried out by unknown groups, adding whoever was circulating the video now appeared to be seeking to incite sectarian strife. State media reported that residents of Homs said that demonstrations in the city were led by members of the minority Alawite and Shia Muslim religious communities. Some residents said the demonstrations were linked to pressure and violence in recent days aimed at members of the Alawite minority, a sect long seen as loyal to al-Assad, who was toppled by opposition fighters led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group earlier this month. Al Jazeera’s Hashem Ahelbarra, reporting from Damascus, described the situation in Syria as extremely delicate now, with flashpoints over the last 48 hours particularly in the Alawite heartland of Latakia and Tartous, as well as Homs and Aleppo. Hashem said the new administration has brought huge reinforcements to security forces to try to reduce tension in the areas. “Yesterday, late at night, there were high-level meetings of the new administration about how to move forward, and one of the options is a crackdown on what they describe to be remnants of the old regime, members of the Fourth Division, [which] was the elite presidential guard loyal to Maher al-Assad, brother of the former president,” he said. “But the new administration is little bit concerned about the potential of a bloody confrontation.” Assad, who took over as president after his father’s death in 2000, fled to Russia after opposition fighters captured Damascus on December 8, ending more than five decades of Baath Party rule. The country’s new leaders have repeatedly promised to protect minority religious groups, who fear for their rights under the new administration. A number of people are believed to be killed and wounded in a separate attack by the former regime forces in the coastal region, according to the interior ministry. Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/12/26/syrian-security-personnel-killed-in-ambush-by-former-regime-forces

Fighting: Society: Regional security: Moldova’s President Maia Sandu – sworn in for a second term on Tuesday – praised Moldovan voters’ pro-Europe choice, “despite the pressures”, after Russia was accused of interfering in last month’s election in the former Soviet republic that borders Ukraine.Here are the key developments on the 1,035th day of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The United States government’s Global Engagement Center (GEC), which tracks foreign disinformation, has terminated its operations, the State Department said, after Congress failed to extend its funding. In June, James Rubin, the coordinator for the GEC, announced the launch of a multinational group based in Warsaw to counter Russian disinformation on the war in Ukraine. Zelenskyy has blasted Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico over his reluctance to end his country’s dependency on Russian gas, calling it a “big security issue” for Europe. Source : https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/12/25/russia-ukraine-war-list-of-key-events-day-1035

The nation is observing the 148th birth anniversary of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah today with profound enthusiasm and patriotic fervour. The day began with special prayers at mosques across the country for the progress, prosperity, and unity of Pakistan. The day dawned with a 21-gun salute in all provincial capitals, while the national flag has been hoisted at major government and private buildings, reflecting reverence for the Father of the Nation. An elegant change of guard ceremony was also held at the Mazar-e-Quaid mausoleum in Karachi today. Change of guard at Quaid’s mausoleumPlay Video Special ceremonies and activities are being organised nationwide, including seminars, conferences, debates, cultural events, and exhibitions. These events aim to shed light on the life, struggles, and achievements of Quaid-i-Azam, while also promoting his vision for Pakistan as a progressive, inclusive, and democratic state. Schools and colleges will hold debates, art competitions, and essay writing contests focusing on his leadership and principles of unity, faith, and discipline. Television and radio channels will air special programmes and documentaries throughout the day, highlighting Quaid-i-Azam’s pivotal role in the creation of Pakistan. Newspapers will publish special supplements, recounting his enduring legacy and unparalleled contribution to the nation. Paying tribute to the nation’s founder, President Asif Ali Zardari called for upholding the values of social justice, economic equity, and the rule of law and the need to invest in the education of our youth, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to lead Pakistan into a brighter future. “On this day, we honour the contributions of the Father of the Nation, who changed the course of history through a political struggle. Quaid-i-Azam’s vision, determination, and unwavering resolve led to the creation of an independent homeland for Muslims of the subcontinent,” read the press release issued by the President’s Secretariat Press Wing. President Zardari further urged the renewal of the pledge to embody his ideals. Meanwhile, in his message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded the Quaid, terming him a leader of “rare caliber who believed deeply in unity, justice and equality”. “Today, as we celebrate the 148th birth anniversary of our founding father, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, we are reminded of his extraordinary vision, unwavering courage, and unparalleled determination. He achieved what many thought impossible and gifted us our homeland — Pakistan,” said the PM. Noting that Quaid’s vision for Pakistan was one of inclusivity, unity, and prosperity, the premier remarked: “As we commemorate this special day, let us draw strength from Quaid-i-Azam’s legacy and reaffirm our commitment to the values he stood for. It is our duty as Pakistanis to work tirelessly for the progress, prosperity, and unity of our nation.” Furthermore, as part of activities to mark Quaid Day, an exhibition was held at the Information Service Academy (ISA) on Tuesday, featuring rare photographs and portraits of the founder of Pakistan, aiming to educate the younger generation about his monumental struggle and sacrifices for a separate homeland. A documentary showcasing Quaid-i-Azam’s life and achievements was also screened during the exhibition. The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has also organised a ceremony to celebrate Christmas and the birthday of Quaid at its headquarters on Friday. The Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) has planned to organise an on-the-spot Painting and Drawing Competition on Wednesday to mark Quaid-i-Azam Day, providing a platform for young artists to pay tribute to the Father of the Nation through their creativity. Lok Virsa will host a series of events to celebrate the 148th birth anniversary of the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-i-Azam on Wednesday. The celebrations will include an exhibition of artisans-at-work, showcasing traditional craftsmanship while a cake-cutting ceremony will also be held to mark the occasion, followed by a tribute to Quaid and a Milli Naghmas Show at the same time, featuring patriotic songs. Additionally, documentaries on Quaid-i-Azam will be screened throughout the day, offering insights into his life and vision. People will also participate in the Quaid Day Safari Cycling Rally which will be held from Safari Club to Mini Gold Club today. On this momentous occasion, citizens from all walks of life are urged to reflect on Quaid-i-Azam’s timeless message and work collectively to overcome challenges, ensuring that Pakistan stays on the path envisioned by its great leader. The younger generation, in particular, is encouraged to make Jinnah their role model and embody his ideals of hard work, integrity, and patriotism to build a brighter future for the nation. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made during the struggle for independence and reinforces the need to uphold Quaid-i-Azam’s principles to steer the country toward progress, harmony, and peace. Jinnah, a distinguished barrister and politician, led the All-India Muslim League from 1913 until Pakistan’s independence on August 14, 1947. Known for his unwavering determination, integrity, and commitment to justice, Jinnah became Pakistan’s first governor-general, serving until his death on September 11, 1948. His leadership not only secured a homeland for the Muslims of the subcontinent but also laid the foundation for a nation built on equality, freedom, and tolerance. His vision of a united and prosperous Pakistan continues to serve as a guiding light for the country. Source: https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1265131-nation-commemorates-quaid-e-azams-148th-birth-anniversary-with-patriotic-fervour

Source:https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/12/25/live-christians-in-gaza-pray-for-an-end-to-israels-death-and-destruction