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Middle East conflict

Nearly 70 Israeli hostages killed in Gaza, Hamas says

A day earlier, Abu Ubaidah, a spokesman for the Hamas' Izz ad-Din al-Qassam military wing, threatened that hostages held in the Gaza Strip could repeat the fate of Israeli pilot Ron Arad, who was kidnapped 36 years ago

CAIRO, April 24. /TASS/. About 70 Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip have been killed as a result of Israeli strikes on the Palestinian enclave, the Palestinian Hamas movement said.

On its official Telegram channel, Hamas published a video message from an alleged US citizen kidnapped on October 7, 2023, at a music festival in southern Israel. "About 70 hostages died as a result of [Israeli] air force bombings," the kidnapped man said. The young man added that while held captive by Hamas, he did not receive sufficient water and food, nor was he given proper medical care. No details on where or when the videotape may have been captured were given.

A day earlier, Abu Ubaidah, a spokesman for the Hamas' Izz ad-Din al-Qassam military wing, threatened that hostages held in the Gaza Strip could repeat the fate of Israeli pilot Ron Arad, who was kidnapped 36 years ago.

Tensions flared up again in the Middle East on October 7, 2023, when militants from the Gaza Strip-based radical Palestinian movement Hamas staged a surprise attack on Israeli territory from Gaza, killing residents of Israeli border settlements and taking over 240 hostages, including women, children and the elderly. Hamas described its attack as a response to the aggressive actions of Israeli authorities against the Al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem’s Old City. In response, Israel declared a total blockade of the Gaza Strip, home to 2.3 million Palestinians before the crisis, and has been delivering air strikes on Gaza as well as some parts of Lebanon and Syria. Clashes have also been reported on the West Bank. On December 1, 2023, the Israeli army accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire that had been in effect since November 24 and announced that it would resume fighting in the Gaza Strip. Palestinian officials blamed the United States for the renewed Israeli aggression.

Trump invites Chinese president to his inauguration in Washington — CBS News

It is unclear whether the Chinese leader accepted the invitation, CBS News reported

Russian economy expected to grow by 3.9% in 2024 — Novak

This is much above the average growth rates globally, the Russian deputy prime minister noted

Kiev says Hungarian premier’s ceasefire proposal makes no sense

Viktor Orban wants to play the role of a man "who can resolve something, to make comments on something," an adviser to the Ukrainian presidential office, Mikhail Podolyak, said

Bashar Assad's son graduates with honors from Moscow State University — newspaper

Hafez Assad was handed his diploma by the rector of the university, Viktor Sadovnichy, along with other Syrian students who also graduated from MSU

Two aerial targets shot down in Sevastopol — governor

The governor earlier said two fixed-wing drones were destroyed over the Black Sea

Putin says 'strong AI' may appear soon

"More and more experts and scientists say that the development of the ability to reason will lead to the emergence of strong artificial intelligence," the Russian leader noted

Russian forces strike Ukrainian army, equipment in 141 areas over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted roughly 515 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed an enemy ammunition depot in its area of responsibility over the past day

Russia should become world leader in adopting AI in all areas of life — Putin

According to the Russian leader, the government would do right to blaze a trail with daring examples

Russia completed its mission in Syria some time ago — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov added that "now, we need to proceed based on the realities on the ground"

Hungary, Russia find payment workaround for gas amid sanctions against Gazprombank

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto stressed that "there are no factors on either the Hungarian or Russian side that would prevent us from finding a way out of the current situation"

West could make ‘crazy’ move to hand over nuclear weapons to Ukraine — National Interest

The transfer of American-made B-61 nuclear bombs appears to be the most likely scenario, the report said

Delegation of Islamic Jihad movement arrives in Cairo for talks on Gaza

The delegation plans to discuss "the process of Gaza ceasefire and prisoner swap negotiations"

Over one million Syrians displaced by latest escalation — UN Human Rights Office

On November 27, armed opposition forces launched a large-scale offensive against government troops' positions in the Aleppo and Idlib provinces

Israeli actions in Syria escalate tensions instead of stabilizing — diplomat

Maria Zakharova stressed that under these challenging political conditions facing the Syrian people, "all members of the international community, particularly neighboring states, must exercise restraint, demonstrate maximum responsibility"

Syria’s Ba’ath party announces suspension of its work

The party’s ruling body said in a statement, published in its official newspaper, that "party work and activities in all forms and aspects should be paused until further notice"

OMV announces termination of contract with Gazprom Export due to suspension of supplies

Prior, OMV received approximately 7,400 MWh per hour, corresponding to approximately 5 TWh per month, at the Austrian Slovakian border, the company added

Russia helped Assad leave Syria as part of humanitarian gesture — diplomat

Maria Zakharova did not disclose any further details

Kiev to last only six months if US cuts aid under Trump — finance minister

According to Sergey Marchenko, Kiev can "allocate sufficient budgetary resources to afford the necessary ammunition and military equipment in 2025"

Analysts upgrade Russia’s key rate, inflation forecasts — Central Bank

Inflation outlook has been upgraded to 9.2% (+1.5 pp compared to October) for 2024, to 6% (+0.7 pp) for 2025, and to 4.5% (+0.4 pp) for 2026

Syrians to decide on US military presence in republic themselves — opposition

Mohammed Alloush expressed hope that "Syria will become a country of local and global peace, without the presence of foreign military bases of any party there"

Russian stocks close in the red on Wednesday

BCS World of Investment expects the MOEX Index at 2,500-2,600 points on December 12

Seven Ukrainian drones taken down and jammed in Sevastopol — governor

According to the city’s rescue service, no damage was reported in the city, and its airspace is being monitored for threats

Russian troops gradually eliminate Ukrainian forces in Kharkov frontline area — official

Vitaly Ganchev added that Russian troops were conducting active operations across the entire Kharkov frontline

Many US partners asking Russia `not to stop halfway’ on Ukraine — SVR chief

The global prestige of Washington is steadily declining, Sergey Naryshkin emphasized

Oreshnik launch serves as warning to certain political figures overseas — Ryabkov

"It was also a signal to their European clients, who have completely lost it as well, that Russia means business," the Russian deputy foreign minister added

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. seeks to prove CIA involved in his uncle’s assassination — Axios

According to the sources, to this end, RFK is advocating for his daughter-in-law Amaryllis Fox Kennedy to be appointed First Deputy Director of the CIA. Axios notes that Trump feels like he owes Kennedy Jr. for helping him win the election and wants to pay him back

US could facilitate peace by ordering Ukraine out of Donbass, says Russian diplomat

"Those who expect Russia to make concessions are either poorly informed or have a short memory," Maria Zakharova noted

Zelensky demands security guarantees for Ukraine at meeting with Trump — agency

According to the sources, Zelensky’s meeting with Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris lasted 35 minutes

Russia to look at steps by Syria’s HTS before removing it from list of terrorists — MFA

According to Maria Zakharova, Russia maintains communication with various political figures and forces in Syria

Kremlin declines to reveal number of Russian troops stationed in Syria

"Only our military can provide you with this information," Dmitry Peskov told reporters

Six countries on three continents to host centennial FIFA World Cup in 2030

The year 2030 will mark the 100th anniversary of the FIFA World Cup

Russia to retaliate to Kiev’s ATACMS missile attack on Taganrog airfield — top brass

The ATACMS missile fragments that fell on the Taganrog military airfield caused injuries among the personnel and no destruction on the ground, the Russian Defense Ministry said

Syria’s new leader says his forces had no outside support

The operation to capture Damascus had been prepared for a long time, Ahmad al-Sharaa said

Nuclear disarmament cooperation with unfriendly nations unacceptable — diplomat

These countries pursue anti-Russian policies, act aggressively, and supply our enemies with weapons, Sergey Ryabkov said

Rock-solid relations and Western machinations: What Medvedev said in China

Cross-party cooperation between the United Russia Party and the Communist Party of China is developing intensively, the Russian senior official pointed out

Musk becomes first person to reach $400 bln in net worth — report

According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, his net worth was most recently driven up by a share sale of his privately held SpaceX, which boosted his wealth by $50 billion to $439.2 billion

At least 12 killed in Israeli strike on humanitarian convoy in Gaza — portal

About 20 more weere injured, Quds reported

Zelensky wrong to think that Biden corruption link gives him impunity to do what he wants

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova pointed out that the scale of corruption between the US and Ukraine is truly astonishing

Lukashenko confirms Belarus has nuclear weapons

Commenting on plans to deploy the non-nuclear Russian Oreshnik missile system to Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko noted that using these types of high-powered weapons carries a great responsibility

New sports airplane Laros-31 to have Russian engine, composite materials

It is also planned to use Russian composite materials in the design of Laros-31

EU anti-Russia sanctions package includes extension for Prague to import oil products

Slovnaft, one of the largest oil refineries in Central European countries, is located in Bratislava

Kremlin spokesman says Hungarian PM did not relay any messages to Putin from Trump

"The focus was mostly on the energy sector and an exchange of views on Ukraine and Syrian affairs," Dmitry Peskov said

US commercial satellites surveyed Russia’s Engels airstrip ahead of Kiev’s strike attempt

Earlier, it was reported that, on Monday morning, Kiev attempted to strike the two airstrips with Soviet-made jet drones in order to disable Russian long-range aviation planes

Russian Su-35S fighters cover aircraft in air strikes on Ukrainian army in Kursk area

One of the fighter jets uncovered enemy air defense sites by its weapons suite, the statement added

Trump unlikely to keep US aid to Ukraine at current volumes — NYT

The report says that Kiev depends on foreign aid to keep its economy afloat

Kiev rejects peaceful solutions, Putin tells Orban

"Viktor Orban expressed his willingness to contribute to efforts aimed at jointly finding political and diplomatic solutions to the crisis, considering his contacts with several Western leaders," the statement reads

FACTBOX: What we know about Mohammed al-Bashir, head of Syria’s interim government

The interim government’s mandate is expected to last three months

Lavrov dismisses West's ceasefire idea: 'not a path to peace'

According to the top Russian diplomat, Moscow is ready for an honest discussion

Russian troops advance to better positions near Malaya Tokmachka in Zaporozhye Region

Russian servicemen struck Ukrainian artillery guns and their crews in the area of the town of Gulyaipole

US withdrawal from Afghanistan helped rededicate resources for Ukraine — Blinken

Blinken was then asked whether he saw any connection between the US withdrawal from Afghanistan and the start of Russia’s special military operation

Russian troops liberate Zhyoltoye community in Donbass region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted roughly 225 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed a US-made armored personnel carrier in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Putin orders Russian forces pullout from Syria

Russia is ready to deal a new blow to terrorists if they again try to break peace in Syria, the president said

Pentagon says Russia could fire Oreshnik missile at Ukraine again within days

According to Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh, the potential strike will not make a strategic impact on the conflict in Ukraine

Trump may unravel fresh loan to Kiev by lifting sanctions on frozen Russian assets — NYT

The move would not affect the European portion of the loan

EU envoys agree on 15th package of anti-Russia sanctions

The new package adds more persons and entities to the already existing sanctions list, as well as constrains the activity of additional vessels of third states operating to contribute or support actions or policies supporting Russia’s actions against Ukraine

Russia calls for adherence to international law regarding its facilities in Syria — MFA

"Our top priority remains the safety of all Russian citizens within Syrian territory and the protection of Russian facilities and missions, including diplomatic and military installations, as well as those connected to Russian companies and organizations," Maria Zakharova said

Australians disillusioned by Western values seek visas to move to Russia — Consul General

Zarina Gabiyeva emphasized that, while the number of visas issued to Australians relocating to Russia "may appear modest, for a nation as geographically distant from Russia as Australia, this represents a very encouraging outcome"

Russian sleeper agents open up about secret trip to 2018 World Cup

The married couple, Artyom Dultsev and Anna Dultseva, returned home as a result of an exchange

Syria's new authorities will deploy security patrols across the country — report

According to the source, the opposition's goal is to "establish a new state based on institutions and law"

Two fixed-wing drones downed over Black Sea

The military keeps the situation under control, Sevastopol Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev said

Syria’s new government set to disband security forces

Syrian armed opposition leader Ahmed al-Sharaa said he is working to "dissolve the security forces of the previous regime and close the notorious prisons"

Moldova following Ukraine’s path, Russian diplomat warns

Maria Zakharova commented on reports of Chisinau signing a defense and security partnership agreement with London

Russia’s Alliance for Artificial Intelligence joins international AI-alliance

The document was signed in the presence of Russian President Vladimir Putin

Oreshnik missiles to eliminate need for nuclear weapons, Putin says

This is why, in President Putin’s words, Russia behaves with caution and even restraint in all areas

Trump says he considers resolving Ukraine conflict as priority

The US President-elect believes that even though the situation in the Middle East is also important

New Syrian government to decide on fate of Russia’s military bases — opposition

"The issue of military bases is a sovereign decision of the Syrian state," Mohammed Alloush stated

Zelensky rejects Hungary's proposal to establish Christmas ceasefire with Russia — Orban

The Hungarian prime minister did not specify how the peace proposal was sent to Vladimir Zelensky and, accordingly, how the response was received

Conversation with Putin took place in most dangerous period of conflict in Ukraine — Orban

The Hungarian prime minister did not specify what issues he had discussed with the Russian president

Syrian caretaker government head says his predecessors left economy in ruins

Assad’s government has lost the support of its people, and, therefore, "fell faster than expected," Syria’s new transitional Prime Minister Mohammed al-Bashir said

Time magazine to give ‘Person of the Year’ status to Trump — Politico

To celebrate the unveiling of the cover, Trump will ring the opening bell of the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday morning, according to people familiar with the plans

Minsk blasts Warsaw for attempting to compromise Belarusian diplomat

According to the ministry, the Polish envoy was warned that "Belarus reserves the right to take any response measures it deems necessary."

Press review: Israel controls Golan Heights as Kiev plans aid summit before Trump’s term

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, December 11th

Just a few km of Lugansk People’s Republic territory remain to be liberated — lawmaker

"People from all regions of our huge country are taking part in battles to liberate the remaining tiny piece of the LPR territory," Yury Yurov said

Taliban MFA hails Duma's decision to consider removing organization from terrorist list

"This step will help strengthen bilateral relations," the statement reads

FACTBOX: Syria under President Bashar Assad

Bashar Assad took over as the leader of the Syrian Arab Republic in the summer of 2000 after the death of his father Hafez Assad, who had been at the helm of power since 1971

Tomb of Bashar Assad’s father set on fire in Syria, report says

Beside Hafez Assad, who ruled the country from 1971 to 2000, the mausoleum in the town of Qardaha in the Latakia region also holds the tombs of his wife and elder son

Tourism between Russia, China growing by leaps and bounds — Medvedev

The Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council noted that "we have to thank our Western 'friends' who spoiled the mood of our people and do not let them go anywhere or put spokes in their wheels"

Russia urges West to end support for Zelensky following attack on IAEA personnel — MFA

Russia also called on the US, the United Kingdom, and their allies to take measures to bring those responsible for the act of provocation to justice

Euroclear warns of risks in confiscating seized Russian assets — Bloomberg

According to the head of Euroclear, the use of the sanctioned Russian assets to provide aide to Ukraine, as proposed by the EU, could undermine confidence in the existing international financial system and create a dangerous precedent

Russia comes close to achieving special military operation's goals — intel chief

"Russia holds the initiative in all areas, while the Ukrainian armed forces are on the verge of collapse and the Zelensky regime has lost its legitimacy, along with the ability to make agreements," Sergey Naryshkin pointed out

Russian forces liberate Daryino, Plyokhovo: situation in Russia’s Kursk Region

Over the day, Ukraine lost more than 200 troops, a tank, three Bradley infantry fighting vehicles of US manufacture, seven motor vehicles and six mortars, with one Ukrainian serviceman surrendering as a prisoner of war

Revenues from West’s frozen assets allocated for support of Russian regions — ministry

The US Department of the Treasury said earlier that a $20 bln loan would be provided to Ukraine and paid in tranches

US may toughen sanctions on Russian oil exports — Bloomberg

Besides, the US administration is also looking into the possibility of imposing sanctions on "tanker fleet" allegedly transporting Russian oil, Bloomberg wrote

Syria’s new government to prevent attempts to split country — opposition

"We want to rebuild Syria, which is in line with its people’s wishes," spokesperson for the Syrian opposition’s political department told

Texas, California decolonization reflects global shifts, says Russian intel chief

"We are currently witnessing the true decolonization of the Global South, which has come to see itself as a full-fledged political actor rather than a subordinate ‘backyard,’" Sergey Naryshkin noted

Moscow slams decision to grant Kiev loan funded by Russian frozen assets

"Theft of Russian assets will ricochet the United States and its satellites," the Russian Foreign Ministry said

British intelligence suggests al-Nusra start cooperating with West - diplomatic source

Western intelligence agencies are seeking to directly establish contact with international terrorist groups active in Syria

Israeli tanks spotted 20 kilometers from Damascus — TV

The Israel Defense Forces has yet to comment on the information

FPV drones take out Ukrainian convoy in Kursk Region — Defense Ministry

The first drone successfully intercepted a fleeing pickup on the move, while the second drone struck another vehicle parked near a wooded area, neutralizing additional personnel," the ministry reported

Ex-EU official who oversaw seizure of Russian assets suspected of money laundering

According to the publication, Reynders and his wife purchased pre-paid cards to top up their National Lottery player's electronic account all in cash, spending 25,000 euros per year

Drone attacks IAEA vehicle en route to ZNPP

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi strongly condemned the incident, describing it as "unacceptable."

Russian athletes win gold in World Aquatics short medley relay race

The Russian team was represented by Miron Lifintsev (backstroke), Kirill Prigoda (breaststroke), Arina Surkova (butterfly) and Daria Trofimova (freestyle)

Israel openly acknowledges its role in recent events in Syria — diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, the United States has also exacerbated the situation in Syria, deliberately imposing sanctions against the country and its people for many years

Israel to retain control of entire Jerusalem forever — PM

Jerusalem's status is one of the key issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Poland shouldn’t send troops to Ukraine, senior security official says

According to the security official, Ukraine will not be able to retake territories from Russia, even if Kiev calls up more soldiers

West determined to dismember Russia, eliminate its peoples — Security Council’s secretary

According to Nikolay Patrushev, by fueling interethnic discord, the West is creating a real threat to democratic and universal values, security, social stability and the unity of society

Russia ready to talk Ukraine with US, no serious proposals yet — diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, the terms Russian President Vladimir Putin laid out earlier for a Ukraine resolution should be the groundwork for any deal

Erdogan says he and Putin are the only two leaders in world

Turkish President also said that he respects Germany’s former Chancellor Gerhard Schroder

Russia’s Lifintsev wins gold in 100m backstroke at 2024 World Swimming Championship

The junior world record holder in the 100-meter backstroke clocked the distance in 48.76 seconds to win the gold

Hungarian PM lays out his vision for Ukraine resolution in call with Putin — top diplomat

Peter Szijjarto added that the Russian president also clarified his position on the matter, pointing to "obstacles hindering the process" of a peaceful settlement

Russian prime minister approves list of countries imposing destructive attitudes

It includes the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Japan and other states