Daily News Brief

*) Israel, Hezbollah claim victory as Gaza genocide continues

Both Israel and Hezbollah are declaring themselves victors after their recent clashes ended with a ceasefire.

The Israeli army boasted about crippling Hezbollah’s capabilities and eliminating its senior leaders. Meanwhile, Hezbollah framed the conflict as a strong defence against Israel’s ground incursion, asserting it stood firm “in support of the steadfast Palestinian people”.

Hezbollah also claimed “victory” in the conflict and warned it remains “fully ready” to respond to any future Israeli moves.

*) Israel didn’t win in Lebanon, truce agreed ‘under duress’ — Netanyahu ally

A far-right Israeli minister has blasted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, accusing it of being forced into a ceasefire in Lebanon and failing to defeat Hezbollah.

Speaking to Maariv, Israeli Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu didn’t mince words, calling the ceasefire terms “terrible” and criticising Israel’s dependence on US backing.

Eliyahu, from the far-right Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) Party, was particularly critical of the deal, which his party leader, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, opposed in the security cabinet vote.

*) Mexico warns Trump’s tariffs could destroy 400,000 US jobs

Mexico has fired back at President-elect Donald Trump’s tariff threats, warning they could boomerang badly on the US economy.

Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard cautioned that imposing 25 percent tariffs on Mexican imports would be a costly mistake for US businesses.

Citing figures from American car manufacturers with operations in Mexico, Ebrard said “about 400,000 jobs in the US would be lost”.

*) Volkswagen to sell operations in China’s Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region

Volkswagen is cutting ties with its operations in China’s Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region amid ongoing allegations of human rights abuses, including forced labour.

The German auto giant announced plans to sell its factory in Urumqi, the region’s capital, along with a test track in Turpan, to a Chinese firm.

A company spokesperson confirmed the sale to Shanghai Motor Vehicle Inspection Center (SMVIC) in a press release issued Wednesday.

*) UK counter-terrorism police arrest six over ‘PKK activity’

British police said they arrested six suspects and were conducting raids in London as part of a counter-terrorism investigation into links with the banned terrorist PKK organisation.

Acting Commander Helen Flanagan said the arrests came after a detailed investigation into activities the British police believed were connected to terrorist activity tied to the PKK.

Officers searched eight locations across the city, including a community centre in north London, which has been ordered to close for two weeks.

*) Ceasefire in Israel’s war on Lebanon takes effect

The ceasefire in Israel’s war on Lebanon has begun as a region on edge wonders whether it will hold.

The truce began at 0200 GMT on Wednesday, hours after Israel carried out its most intense wave of air strikes in capital Beirut since the start of its war in the region in October 2023.

There were signs of apparent celebration in Beirut and no reported violations shortly after ceasefire took effect.

*) US to lead new ‘push’ for Gaza ceasefire with Türkiye, others

US President Joe Biden has said the United States would lead a fresh effort to secure a truce in Gaza, as he welcomed a ceasefire to end hostilities between Israel and Lebanon.

The US president said Hamas, now, has a “choice to make”. He said “their only way out is to release the hostages, including American citizens, which they hold, and, in the process, bring an end to the fighting”.

Biden said the US will make another push with Türkiye, Egypt, Qatar and Israel among others to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza.

*) Pakistani authorities begin crackdown against Imran Khan’s supporters

The party of Pakistan’s jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan has announced it is calling off its protest after security forces launched a massive operation to dislodge Khan’s supporters who had stormed the capital Islamabad to demand his release.

This comes after thousands of Khan supporters, defying government warnings, broke through a barrier of shipping containers blocking off Islamabad and entered a high-security zone, where they clashed with security forces, facing tear gas shelling, mass detentions and live gunfire.

Tension has been high in Islamabad since Sunday when Khan’s supporters began a “long march” to demand the former premier’s release.

*) Russia expels UK diplomat over spying in a fresh diplomatic spat

Russia has expelled a British diplomat it accused of spying, telling London it would not tolerate “undeclared” intelligence officers operating on its territory, accusations that have ignited a fresh diplomatic feud with London.

Britain has rejected the claims one of its embassy employees was a spy, the latest in a string of espionage allegations that come with relations between the two countries running at an all-time low.

The spat comes a week after Ukraine was given permission to start firing UK-supplied long-range missiles at Russia — drawing scorn and threats of direct military retaliation from President Vladimir Putin.

*) Impressed by KAAN, US keen to make F-35 sales to Türkiye — Yasar Guler

The US has revised its position on the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Türkiye after witnessing Ankara’s progress with its domestically developed KAAN fighter jet, Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler said.

When the Americans saw that we could build and fly the KAAN, the Turkish defence minister said, they changed their minds a bit about the F-35.

Guler, however, added that no progress has yet been made and insisted on reclaiming Türkiye’s production share and maintaining its request to acquire F-35s

*) Imran Khan supporters enter Islamabad in a major show of force

Thousands of protesters defied tear gas and roadblocks to demand the release of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad.

Police fired rubber bullets and tear gas at demonstrators clashing near the city’s western entry.

The cricketer-turned-politician has been jailed since August 2023, facing a procession of legal accusations ranging from illegal marriage to graft and inciting riots.

*) Lebanon lawmaker says ceasefire deal with Israel close

A ceasefire deal between Lebanon and Israel could be announced within 36 hours, according to a Lebanese parliamentarian.

Negotiations are reportedly in advanced stages, with optimism for a positive outcome.

Israel's security cabinet is set to meet to approve the deal.

*) NATO chief meets Turkish President Erdogan

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hosted NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Ankara for key talks.

Their discussions tackled global security challenges, including the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Rutte highlighted Türkiye's crucial role in NATO, praising its military strength and contributions to regional security.

*) Scores of Somalis die as two boats drift for weeks off Madagascar

Madagascar has rescued 48 Somali nationals from two boats found drifting off its coast, officials say.

At least 22 others from the same group tragically died at sea.

Fishermen discovered the survivors and brought them to Nosy Be island.

The boats, carrying 70 people in total, suffered engine failures and were left stranded.

*) Elon Musk says drones must replace jets, calls them future of warfare

Elon Musk lashed out at modern fighter jets, saying drones are the future of air combat.

He called manned jets like the F-35 obsolete, warning they only put pilots at risk.

Musk criticised those still building these jets, labeling them "idiots," and shared a video of hundreds of drones in formation.

*) US threatens to withdraw from Lebanon ceasefire mediation

US envoy Amos Hochstein threatened to withdraw from mediation efforts aimed at brokering a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon if Tel Aviv does not accept a US proposal.

According to Israel’s Channel 13, Hochstein informed Israel's ambassador to the US, Michael Herzog, that if Tel Aviv fails to respond positively to the US ceasefire proposal with Lebanon, the US will pull out of the mediation process it is leading between the two sides.

*) Uruguay elects Yamandu Orsi as its president

Left-wing candidate Yamandu Orsi was elected president of Uruguay, official results showed, as he prevailed over centre-right rival Alvaro Delgado in a tightly-contested election.

With 94.4 percent of ballots counted, Orsi won 1,123,420 votes compared to Delgado's 1,042,001, the country's Electoral Court said.

Delgado has conceded defeat in the closely-fought poll that saw voters turn away from five years of conservative rule.

*) Seoul’s possible arms supply to Kiev will 'destroy' bilateral ties — Russia

Russia has warned South Korea that supplying weapons to Ukraine would “destroy” relations between Moscow and Seoul.

Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko said using South Korean arms against Russian citizens would have dire consequences, state media reported.

Rudenko criticised linking South Korean arms supplies to Ukraine with alleged cooperation between Russia and North Korea, accusing South Korea of exaggerating reports about North Korean troops in Russia.

*) Several dead as bus rolls into ravine in Brazil

Twenty-three people died when a bus on a remote mountain road in Brazil's Alagoas state dived into a ravine.

Rescue services confirmed that 16 died at the scene and another person -- a pregnant woman -- succumbed after being taken to hospital Sunday, the Alagoas state government said in a statement.

Brazilian media said "dozens" of people were injured, and that the bus had been carrying 40 passengers.

*) Traditional clay pottery sees resurgence in war-ravaged Gaza

Clay pottery is back in Gaza, helping residents cope with a severe shortage of crockery amid the ongoing Israeli war on the tiny enclave.

Potter Jafar Atallah says demand for plates has skyrocketed as supply routes are cut off due to tight Israeli siege.

Many of Gaza’s 2.4 million displaced residents have lost or abandoned basic household items while fleeing Israeli air strikes.

With imports limited, locals are turning to resourceful methods like pottery to meet their daily needs.

*) Death toll from Israeli attacks soars to 3,670 in Lebanon

The human toll in Lebanon keeps climbing.

Over the past 24 hours, at least 25 more people have been killed in Israeli attacks, pushing the death count to a staggering 3,670 since October last year, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry.

The ministry said 58 more people were injured, adding to the total of 15,413 wounded since the conflict began.

*) Russia’s new legislation: Sign up to fight in Ukraine, write off bad loans

Join the war, erase your debts — that’s the new deal in Russia. President Vladimir Putin has signed off on a law allowing those who enlist to fight in Ukraine to cancel unpaid debts of up to $96,000.

This incentive targets new recruits, with the promise extending to contracts signed after December 1. The relief isn’t just for the fighters — their spouses are also covered.

Analysts say this move aims to boost enlistment for a conflict that’s now nearing its third year and straining Russia’s manpower.

*) Türkiye warns of escalating threats if Syria fails to progress: Fidan

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has said Türkiye has no intention of aggression and regime change in Syria.

The Turkish foreign minister said the lack of tangible steps on terrorism and refugees is creating a more substantial threat within Syria.

Fidan told reporters in Ankara that if diplomatic and constructive approaches fail, then Türkiye will inevitably evaluate other measures when the time comes.

*) Sudanese army recaptures key city from Rapid Support Forces

A victory for the Sudanese army — they’ve announced the recapture of Sinja, the capital of Sennar State, from the Rapid Support Forces, or RSF.

In a short but triumphant statement, the army declared its victory and released videos showing soldiers reclaiming the 17th Infantry Division’s headquarters.

The RSF, so far, has remained silent on the army’s claim.

*) Wealthy polluters to pay poor: COP29 negotiates $300B climate deal

A deal hammered out under intense pressure: wealthy nations have agreed to contribute $300 billion a year to help poorer, vulnerable countries tackle the climate crisis.

The agreement, finalised in the early hours under a stadium roof in Azerbaijan, follows two gruelling weeks of negotiations.

As nearly 200 nations debated climate finance, last-minute edits were still being made on the floor before the pact was finally approved.

*) Latest Israeli strike kills four, wounds dozens in Lebanon’s Beirut

Israel has launched at least four missiles targeting central Beirut, leaving a devastating impact. According to local reports, four people were killed, and at least 33 others injured, with fears that the death toll could climb further.

The attack focused on Beirut’s Basta neighbourhood, where residents say many buildings were reduced to rubble.

Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported that Israeli warplanes unleashed five missiles, completely flattening an eight-story residential building.

*) Cost of Gaza genocide: Israeli troops afflicted with mental illness

The Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth reports that at least six Israeli soldiers have died by suicide in recent months. The cause? Severe psychological strain from what’s being described as prolonged genocide in Gaza and the ongoing war in southern Lebanon.

The investigation hints that the actual numbers could be even higher. Despite earlier promises, the Israeli military has yet to release official figures.

This report shines a light on a growing mental health crisis within the Israeli army, which has been carrying out mass killings and widespread destruction in Gaza for the past 414 days.

*) North Korean troops in Russia might ‘soon’ join fray in Ukraine: Pentagon

Thousands of North Korean troops stationed in Russia could soon take up arms in the ongoing Ukraine conflict, according to US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin.

Speaking from Fiji, Austin shared that around 10,000 North Korean soldiers are reportedly stationed in Russia’s Kursk region, being actively “integrated into Russian formations”.

“Based on their training and deployment, I fully expect them to engage in combat soon,” Austin said. However, he added that there hasn’t yet been significant evidence of their involvement in active fighting.

*) Russia will do more tests of hypersonic Oreshnik missile: Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin says his country isn’t slowing down when it comes to its new Oreshnik hypersonic missile. Speaking on Friday, he confirmed that Russia would conduct more combat tests of the missile and ensure stocks are ready for use.

This announcement came just a day after Russia fired the Oreshnik into Ukraine for the first time — a move Putin says was in response to Ukraine using US ballistic missiles and British cruise missiles against Russia.

Calling the missile’s debut test “successful”, Putin made it clear that more trials are on the horizon.

*) UN climate cash deal proposes $250B aid for poorer nations annually

In a bid to break a deadlock at the UN climate talks, a new draft deal proposes that wealthy nations commit $250 billion a year to help poorer countries fight global warming.

Delegates from nearly 200 nations, gathered in Azerbaijan for COP29, had been waiting anxiously for this proposal after two weeks of tough negotiations.

The draft sets an ambitious target: $1.3 trillion annually by 2035. The plan relies heavily on contributions from rich governments, supplemented by private-sector funding.

*) At least 90 Palestinians killed in latest Israeli strikes on north Gaza

At least two Palestinians were killed and several others injured when Israeli warplanes bombed a house south of Gaza City, raising the death toll in the besieged territory since Thursday morning to 90, according to medical sources.

The Israeli bombing targeted the Al-Dayah family home in the Al-Sabra neighbourhood, south of Gaza City, a Palestinian newspaper WAFA reported, adding that ambulance and rescue crews were still searching for missing people under the rubble.

A number of medical staff were also injured inside the Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza as a result of Israeli drones dropping bombs at the hospital yard.

*) World hails ICC’s Netanyahu, Galant decisions

The International Criminal Court’s arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and ex-defence minister Yoav Gallant spark global reactions.

Palestine hails it as justice for "Israeli war criminals," while Israel brands it a "dark moment" for the ICC.

Global leaders, from Türkiye to South Africa, praise the move, urging accountability.

The US opposes the court's actions, calling them "a dangerous joke."

*) Russia's Putin threatens strikes on countries arming Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a stark warning to the West, asserting Moscow's right to target nations supplying weapons to Ukraine.

Calling the conflict "global," Putin vowed readiness for "any scenario."

Earlier, Ukraine accused Russia of firing an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Dnipro.

The strike reportedly hit critical infrastructure, with local officials assessing widespread damage.

*) Trump taps Pam Bondi as attorney general after Matt Gaetz bows out

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi to lead the Justice Department, after his first choice, Matt Gaetz, withdrew his name from consideration amid scrutiny over sex trafficking allegations.

Bondi, who leads the legal arm of the America First Policy Institute think tank, is known as a staunch Trump ally and served on the president-elect’s legal team during his first impeachment.

*) COP29 talks stall over climate finance

Talks at COP29 in Baku remain gridlocked as rich and poor nations clash over climate finance.

A fresh draft text recognises the $1 trillion annual need for developing countries but lacks a clear funding figure.

With just a day left, negotiators scramble for consensus, while activists decry the absence of concrete commitments.

*) Israel kills 66 Palestinians, wounds 100 in new Gaza massacre

Israel unleashed another deadly attack in northern Gaza, killing at least 66 Palestinians and injuring 100 more in a devastating air strike near Kamal Adwan Hospital, witnesses and local journalists report.

Palestinian journalist Hossam Shabat described the scene as “horrific”, revealing that the bombing targeted displaced people and “wiped out entire families”.

Hussam Abu Safiya, the hospital’s director, painted an even grimmer picture, saying that “there were about 200 people at the site when it was bombed. Many are dead, others are injured, and so many are still buried under the rubble”.

*) Senate scuttles Sanders’ shot at stopping sale of US arms to Israel

The US Senate has rejected Senator Bernie Sanders’ attempt to halt arms sales to Israel, even as concerns grow over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Out of 100 senators, a striking majority — 79 — voted against blocking sales of tank rounds to Israel, while 18 supported the measure. Similar resistance met Sanders’ second proposal to stop mortar shipments, with 78 senators voting “no”.

The votes broke largely along party lines, with all “yes” votes coming from Sanders’ Democratic caucus allies. A third proposal, targeting the sale of bomb-guidance systems, was also on the table but faced dim prospects.

*) Ukraine said to have fired UK Storm Shadow missiles into Russia

For the first time, Ukraine has used British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles against Russia, British media reports, with London reportedly giving the green light.

Several of the long-range missiles were fired at a Russian military target, according to the Financial Times, which cited a Western official.

The Times confirmed the move, noting it’s the first deployment of these missiles since Britain handed them over.

*) Paramilitary rampage in central Sudan kills at least 40 people — medic

Violence erupted in central Sudan as paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched an assault on a village north of Wad Madani, leaving at least 40 people dead, according to a medic from Wad Rawah Hospital.

“All the victims suffered direct gunshot wounds,” said the medic, who spoke anonymously due to repeated attacks on healthcare workers. Eyewitnesses said the attack began Tuesday night, with the paramilitary RSF launching a deadly assault on the village.

This bloodshed comes amid months of clashes between the RSF and Sudan’s military, pushing Al-Jazira state deeper into chaos and turning once-safe areas into battlegrounds.

And finally…

*) US charges Indian tycoon Gautam Adani with duping investors, bribery plot

Gautam Adani, the billionaire behind India’s Adani Group, is now facing US federal charges for an alleged bribery scheme involving hundreds of millions of dollars.

Prosecutors in Brooklyn claim that between 2020 and 2024, Adani, along with two associates, paid $250 million in bribes to Indian officials to secure lucrative solar energy contracts projected to yield $2 billion in profits.

The accused executives allegedly covered their tracks with false and misleading financial statements, raising over $3 billion in loans and bonds.

*) Ballistic missile attack on Russia will trigger nuclear retaliation — Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin approved an updated nuclear doctrine, signalling Moscow might use nuclear weapons in response to conventional missile strikes supported by nuclear powers.

The revision, prompted by US approval for Ukraine to use long-range missiles against Russia, comes on the 1,000th day of the Russia-Ukraine war.

The updated policy considers attacks with conventional weapons, drones, or aircraft as potential triggers for a nuclear response.

Additionally, aggression by a coalition member state would be treated as aggression by the entire coalition.

*) Israel bombs Gaza home, leaving a dozen Palestinians dead

Israeli air strikes hit a Joudeh family home in Gaza’s Jabalia al-Balad, killing at least 12 Palestinians and leaving 10 missing, witnesses report.

Journalist Hossam Shabat, named on an Israeli hit list, was injured in another attack.

“I was deliberately targeted,” Shabat shared, recalling chaos and carnage as he responded to survivors before another bomb struck.

*) Biden failed Gaza, stood by Israel blindly: White House staff

White House staffers criticise President Joe Biden over Palestine’s Gaza, citing his failure to enforce an ultimatum requiring Israel to ease the humanitarian crisis or face arms restrictions, according to a report by Politico.

A letter from Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had set a 30-day deadline for measures like allowing 350 aid trucks into Gaza daily.

Despite the deadline passing, Biden reaffirmed the US's "ironclad" support for Israel.

Meanwhile, the Senate is set to vote on blocking $20B in arms sales amid global criticism of civilian harm.

*) Pakistan launches anti-terror operation amid rising attacks

Pakistan has launched a major military operation against separatist groups in the southwest region, including the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).

This comes after a recent surge in attacks, including a deadly suicide bombing at a train station.

The operation aims to target groups responsible for targeting civilians and disrupting the country's economic progress.

*) Türkiye aims to double down on African trade

Türkiye is setting its sights on a significant boost in trade with Africa, aiming to reach a staggering $50 billion.

This ambitious goal, nearly ten times the 2003 figure, is a testament to the growing economic ties between the two regions.

Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz emphasised Türkiye's commitment to supporting Africa's development, highlighting Turkish investments and projects across the continent.

With increased diplomatic efforts and a focus on key sectors like agriculture, energy, and technology, Türkiye is poised to strengthen its partnership with African nations.

*) G20 calls for 'comprehensive' ceasefires in Gaza, Lebanon

G20 leaders called for "comprehensive" ceasefires in Israel’s brutal wars on both Palestine’s Gaza and Lebanon in a joint statement at a summit in Brazil.

The leaders of the world's biggest economies called for a US-proposed permanent ceasefire in Palestine's Gaza in return for the release of all hostages, as well as a Lebanon ceasefire “that enables citizens to return safely to their homes on both sides of the Blue Line.”

*) Amsterdam mayor backtracks on 'pogrom' remark after post-match violence

Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema has backtracked on calling the November 7 clashes between Israeli fans and pro-Palestinian demonstrators a "pogrom."

Speaking to Dutch broadcaster NPO, she said, "If I had known it would be weaponised this way, I wouldn’t have used that word," expressing regret over its impact.

The violence erupted as Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters stormed through Amsterdam, tearing down Palestinian flags and chanting inflammatory slogans.

Halsema also criticised Israel’s quick response to the incident, saying her administration was caught off guard by the global attention.

*) Russia vetoes UNSC's Sudan move, reminds members of carte blanche to Israel

Russia vetoed a United Nations Security Council draft resolution that called on Sudan's warring parties to cease hostilities immediately and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid.

All other countries of the 15-member council, including China, voted in favour of the measure drafted by Britain and Sierra Leone.

Russia was the sole member to vote against while the Sudanese Foreign Ministry, aligned with the main military, supported the decision.

*) Ukraine marks 1,000 days of war with Russia as US backs missile use

Ukraine is marking 1,000 days since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war, with weary troops battling on numerous fronts and Kiev besieged by frequent drone and missile strikes.

In a boost for the beleaguered country, US President Joe Biden gave the green light for US missiles to be used against targets deeper inside Russia, potentially limiting its options to launch attacks and supply the front.

Biden's decision could be a "game changer" for Kiev, the country's Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, said.

*) UNESCO 'enhanced protection' for 34 Lebanon heritage sites

Dozens of heritage sites in Lebanon were granted "provisional enhanced protection" by UNESCO, offering a higher level of legal shielding as Israel's war on the country continues.

The 34 cultural properties affected "now benefit from the highest level of immunity against attack and use for military purposes", the United Nations cultural body said in a statement.

UNESCO said the decision "helps send a signal to the entire international community of the urgent need to protect these sites".