Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu has secretly met with a Hamas delegation in Ankara, in a move that could potentially alter the dynamics of the Middle East peace process. According to a statement released by the Turkish Foreign Ministry, the talks focused on the implementation of the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, amid concerns over ongoing Israeli breaches.
Sources close to the meeting revealed that the Hamas delegation expressed its commitment to upholding the agreement and informed Çavuşoğlu of repeated Israeli transgressions. The Palestinian faction also brought to light the dire need for humanitarian aid in Gaza, including medication, fuel, and living supplies.
The news comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the country’s official recognition of the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state. A similar development took place in the United States, where 20 American defense companies and 10 individuals were placed under Chinese sanctions for selling arms to Taiwan.
On a separate note, a devastating explosion in a mosque in Syria’s Homs city on Friday resulted in the deaths of six people and left over 20 injured. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing conflict in the region.
Meanwhile, Japanese officials have approved a record defense budget of $58 billion for 2026, amidst growing regional tensions with China. This decision is seen as a strategic move by Tokyo to bolster its military capabilities.
In a separate development, Nigerian officials have claimed that the US airstrikes targeting terrorist hideouts have been “exceedingly precise.” However, an investigation by the Nigerian High Court has found the country’s former Minister of State for Petroleum, Rilwanu Lukman, guilty in four separate cases.
In an unexpected address, British King Charles III called for a message of peace and compassion in his Christmas speech, sparking speculation about the potential implications for the British monarchy. Meanwhile, Iranian media reported that Afghan police chief Akramuddin Safi was assassinated outside his residence in Tehran by an unknown gunman.
In a related development, a century-old law requiring public servants to pledge loyalty to the British monarch has been abolished in Canada following a lengthy court battle by a Sikh lawyer. The move is seen as a significant stride towards greater diversity and inclusivity in the Canadian public sector.
In a separate incident, a Pakistani national was arrested in Bradford, UK, in connection with a protest outside the Pakistani consulate. Authorities have launched an investigation into the matter, and the suspect is expected to face charges under British law.
In a stunning revelation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the country’s official recognition of the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state. The move is seen as a significant shift in Israeli foreign policy.
In other news, Bollywood actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui weighed in on the ongoing controversy surrounding the large number of crew members required for film shoots. The actor, known for his versatility on screen, questioned the need for such a large team, suggesting that smaller, more efficient teams could be just as effective.
Finally, the Indian Meteorological Department has warned of a possible drop in temperature in the city from Tuesday to Wednesday, citing the potential impact of a western wind system.
