Interesting: Donald Trump reposted a video claiming Netanyahu orchestrated the wars in Iraq and Syria.

“Netanyahu is still trying to get us to fight Iran to this day. He is a deep dark son of a bitch because he's gotten us into endless wars.”

NEW: The ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon is coming under strain, with both sides accusing the other of violating it. Israel continues air strikes against Hezbollah targets. In a complaint to the UN Security Council, Lebanon accused Israel of some 800 land and air attacks since the ceasefire took effect on 27 November.

The US is working to ensure the ceasefire holds ahead of the 26 January deadline for Israeli withdrawal. Israel fears that the Lebanese military won't be able to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding near the border, with Defense Minister Israel Katz warning of increased action if the agreement isn't enforced.

Source: WSJ

NEW: Hostage deal must end Gaza war, Hamas says.

Hamas says any deal for the release of hostages must include a complete end to Israel's assault on Gaza.

Hamas criticised US President-elect Donald Trump for saying "there's hell to pay" if the hostages aren't released before Trump takes office on 20 January.

Qatari and Egyptian-brokered talks are underway, but both sides accuse the other of blocking a deal by insisting on conditions that derailed previous negotiations.

Hamas has said it will only release the hostages if Israel agrees to end the war and withdraw all its troops, while Israel has insisted that Hamas must first be dismantled.

Hamas official Osama Hamdan, who held a press conference in Algiers, said Israel was to blame for undermining all efforts to reach an agreement.

Source: Reuters

Former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Matthew Bryza evaluated Donald Trump’s stance on PKK/YPG terror grup & the possibility of the PKK disarming:

The PKK/YPG issue persists in Syria, and it must be acknowledged that the YPG is the Syrian branch of the PKK, which the U.S. designates as a terrorist organization.

Trump is likely to end U.S. support for the YPG, leaving them no option but to surrender their weapons and integrate into the Syrian army.

In Turkey, a new process has begun following MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli’s call. I believe PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan will eventually issue a call to disarm.

Source: gdh

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot:

The European Union will not let other nations attack its sovereign borders. We are a strong continent.

Before and after: Damascus International Airport.

Escalation of Baloch armed group activities in Pakistan

Baloch armed groups conducted 765 attacks, causing over 883 deaths.

Fatalities rose by 80%, while attacks surged 53% compared to 2023 in 2024.

• BLA: 224 attacks
• BLF: 201 attacks
• BRAS: 34 attacks
• Unidentified: 296 attacks

NEW: A draft law has been submitted to the Ukrainian Parliament to prohibit oil and gas transit through the territory of Ukraine during martial law.

Trump:

We have to find out about Hezbollah's participation in January 6 US Capitol attack.

Elon Musk's response to Trudeau:

Girl, you’re not the governor of Canada anymore, so doesn’t matter what you say.

France to Trump: EU won’t let you invade Greenland

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot says the EU would not tolerate any attacks on its sovereign borders, responding to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s remarks about using military force to take Greenland.

“It is unthinkable for the European Union to allow any country to attack its sovereign borders.”

While dismissing the likelihood of a U.S. invasion of Greenland, Barrot added, “Have we entered an era of survival of the fittest? My answer is yes.”

Source: Politico

Fox News Host Jesse Watters:

If I were a citizen of another country and a neighbor of the United States, I would consider it a privilege to be taken over by the United States of America.

That’s what everyone in the world wants—American citizenship.

I find this offensive.

Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko responds to Macron:

Without the African soldiers who fought for France in World War II, France might be part of Germany today.

NEW: Italian journalist Cecilia Sala, detained in Iran since December 19, has been released and is returning to Italy.

Her arrest, shortly after entering on a journalist visa, sparked concerns about a potential hostage situation.

Ukrainian soldier operates unmanned ground vehicle with Valve’s Steam Deck.

New angle of Mad Max/Hama.

Syrian Minister of Defense Marhaf Abu Qasra:

We will bridge the gap between the armed forces and the Syrian people.

Sudanese forces claim to have advanced into the country's second city of Omdurman, seizing some areas previously controlled by rival rebel group the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Fighting raged for a second day on Wednesday in the city, which lies just across the Nile from the capital, Khartoum. Former RSF areas of Mansoura, Murabaat and Elfitihab are now under army control.

Source: Al Jazeera

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani:

Our joy will not be complete until the unity of Syrian lands is completed and the displaced and refugees are returned to all their towns and cities.

Turkish FM Fidan:

I am hopeful for a two-state solution in Cyprus, There is no other option.