A girl watches as people inspect the site of Israeli bombardment on tents sheltering Palestinians displaced from Beit Lahia.

Hamas says ‘new’ Israeli conditions delaying agreement on Gaza ceasefire

  • “Occupation has set new conditions concerning withdrawal (of troops), the ceasefire, prisoners, and the return of displaced people,” Hamas said
By AFP ·

Pope Francis waves as he delivers his traditional Christmas Day Urbi et Orbi speech to the city and the world.

Pope calls for ‘arms to be silenced’ across world

  • “I think of the Christian communities in Israel and Palestine, particularly in Gaza, where the humanitarian situation is extremely grave,” Pope Francis said
By AFP ·

Syria authorities say torched 1 million captagon pills

Syria authorities say torched 1 million captagon pills

  • Captagon is a banned amphetamine-like stimulant that became Syria’s largest export during the country’s more than 13-year civil war
  • Stimulant has flooded the black market across the region in recent years
By AFP ·

Saudi Arabia expresses condolences to Azerbaijan after deadly plane crash

Saudi Arabia expresses condolences to Azerbaijan after deadly plane crash

  • Kingdom extends sympathies to victims’ families
By Arab News ·

Britain's King Charles speaks with Reverend Canon Dr Paul Williams as the Royals take residence at the Sandringham estate.

Cancer-hit UK king hails doctors in Christmas speech

  • “We cannot help but think of those for whom the devastating effects of conflict in the Middle East … pose a daily threat to so many people’s lives,” king said
By AFP ·

Special Kashmir’s ‘bee queen’ sets out to empower women, inspire youth

Kashmir’s ‘bee queen’ sets out to empower women, inspire youth

  • Sania Zehra manages about 600 bee colonies, sells products across India
  • She created an empowerment group to help aspiring women entrepreneurs
By Sanjay Kumar ·

Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to close at 11,892

Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to close at 11,892

  • Parallel market Nomu gained 86.66 points, or 0.28%, to close at 31,007.06
  • MSCI Tadawul Index lost 3.16 points, or 0.21%, to close at 1,493.74
By REEM WALID  ·

Palestinian Authority clashes with Al Jazeera over Jenin coverage

Palestinian Authority clashes with Al Jazeera over Jenin coverage

  • Palestinian Authority security forces have battled Islamist fighters in Jenin, as they try to control one of the historic centers of militancy in the West Bank ahead of a likely shakeout in Palestinian politics after the Gaza war
By Reuters ·

Palestinian Authority clashes with Al Jazeera over Jenin coverage

Palestinian Authority clashes with Al Jazeera over Jenin coverage

  • Palestinian Authority security forces have battled Islamist fighters in Jenin, as they try to control one of the historic centers of militancy in the West Bank ahead of a likely shakeout in Palestinian politics after the Gaza war
By Reuters ·