In his first Christmas message as Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer expresses optimism for the year ahead. Acknowledging the difficult times, particularly regarding the economy, Starmer urges people to focus on family, friendship, and caring for one another. He also emphasized the importance of peace, especially in the Middle East. Starmer’s message comes almost six months into his leadership, with ongoing criticism of his party's handling of the economy. He thanked essential workers and wished a Merry Christmas to everyone across the UK, encouraging unity and hope for a brighter 2025.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed Israel's assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran in July. Haniyeh, a key figure in Gaza ceasefire talks, was killed amidst rising regional tensions involving Iran, Hezbollah, and the Houthis in Yemen. Katz declared Israel's intent to "damage strategic infrastructure" and "behead leaders" of Houthi forces, citing their missile attacks and Red Sea naval blockade in solidarity with Palestinians. The admission comes months after Haniyeh’s death, which Iran previously blamed on Israel. Haniyeh’s successor, Yahya Sinwar, was also killed during Gaza operations, intensifying the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced "some progress" in talks to release Gaza hostages, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. This comes as Hamas and allied groups hinted at a ceasefire deal, pending conditions. Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel's goal to dismantle Hamas and ensure regional security, citing recent military gains. Meanwhile, Yemen's Huthi rebels and Hamas escalated hostilities, prompting Israeli and allied counterstrikes. Netanyahu emphasized peace with Arab nations through expanded Abraham Accords, calling it a "historic opportunity." The ongoing conflict continues to test Israel's diplomacy and security strategies in the Middle East.

Health officials in Gaza reported 58 fatalities in 24 hours from Israeli strikes. An attack on a tent camp in al-Mawasi, designated as a humanitarian zone, claimed 8 lives, including 2 children. Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis confirmed 6 more deaths from a strike on an aid convoy and 2 from a vehicle attack in al-Mawasi. Meanwhile, al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah received 3 bodies after an airstrike on a school-turned-shelter in Nuseirat refugee camp. The escalating violence continues to devastate Gaza's civilian population amidst ongoing hostilities.

Cadbury, a beloved chocolate brand, lost its royal warrant for the first time in 170 years after King Charles III's review. The Royal Warrant Holders Association published a list of 386 holders, excluding 100 firms, including Cadbury and Unilever. Campaign group B4Ukraine had earlier called for the removal of companies operating in Russia, like Mondelez, which owns Cadbury. Cadbury, awarded a warrant by Queen Victoria in 1854, expressed disappointment but respected the decision. Warrant holders display royal arms as a mark of quality. Buckingham Palace did not comment on individual decisions regarding the warrants.

A man was arrested Sunday for allegedly setting a woman on fire aboard an New York City subway train at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station in US. Surveillance footage showed the suspect igniting the victim’s clothing before sitting on a bench as she burned. The woman, believed to be asleep, died at the scene. High school students identified the man, leading to his arrest on the same subway line. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch called the act “depraved.” The suspect and victim were strangers, with no prior interaction. Investigations are ongoing as charges are yet to be filed.

US President-elect  Donald Trump pledged to end what he called "transgender lunacy" and reaffirmed his stance on gender during a speech at AmericaFest 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. He vowed to make it official policy to recognize only two genders, male and female, once he takes office. Trump promised executive orders to remove transgender individuals from the military and schools, and to ban them from participating in women’s sports. He also discussed his plans for mass deportations and addressed global issues like the Ukraine war, promising to bring peace and prosperity to the U.S. under his leadership.

Luigi Mangione, 26, pleaded not guilty to murder charges in the killing of UnitedHealth Group CEO Brian Thompson on December 4 in New York, US. Mangione faces 11 charges, including murder and terrorism, after allegedly gunning down Thompson outside a hotel in Manhattan. The murder is described as an act of terrorism. Mangione was transferred from Pennsylvania to New York last week and appeared in court with handcuffs and shackles. His lawyer argued that Mangione was being treated unfairly. Mangione also faces federal charges and could face the death penalty if convicted.

South Korea’s military says at least 1,100 North Korean soldiers have been killed or injured while fighting for Russia in Ukraine. The casualties occurred in the Kursk region, where Russia is battling a Ukrainian ground incursion. Around 12,000 North Korean soldiers are reportedly involved in the conflict. North Korea has also been supplying Russia with weapons, including rockets and howitzers, and plans to send kamikaze drones. The U.S. and other nations have condemned North Korea’s support for Russia’s war effort, calling it a dangerous escalation of the conflict.

A woman died after being set on fire on a stationary subway train at Brooklyn’s Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station, New York, US. Police said a man used a lighter to ignite her clothing, engulfing her in flames within seconds. Officers extinguished the fire, but the woman died at the scene. The suspect, who had stayed near the crime scene, was later arrested at Herald Square station. Police credited three teenagers who recognized the suspect and called 911. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch called the attack "one of the most depraved crimes possible." Authorities are investigating the motive.