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Middle East conflict

Hamas says 33 Israeli hostages killed since start of Gaza fighting, some still missing

Nine hostages died from October 9, 2023 through November 21, 2024 because of Israeli bombardments, Hamas said, warning Israel that it "may lose all the hostages who are still alive" if it "continues its aggression" in Gaza

CAIRO, December 2. /TASS/. Hamas says that 33 Israeli hostages held by various groups in the Gaza Strip have died over the period of Israel’s military operation in the enclave.

"Thirty-three Israeli hostages have been killed and some of them have gone missing" due to the Israeli army’s actions in the Gaza Strip, it said in a statement posted on its Telegram channel.

Nine hostages died from October 9, 2023 through November 21, 2024 because of Israeli bombardments, Hamas said, warning Israel that it "may lose all the hostages who are still alive" if it "continues its aggression" in Gaza.

Tensions flared up again in the Middle East on October 7 after militants from the Gaza Strip-based radical Palestinian group Hamas launched a surprise incursion on Israeli territory, killing many Israeli kibbutz residents living near the Gaza border and abducting more than 240 Israelis, including women, children and the elderly. Israel declared a total blockade of the Gaza Strip and launched bombardments of the enclave and some areas in Lebanon and Syria, as well as a ground operation against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Clashes are also reported in the West Bank.

During a week-long Egypt and Qatar-mediated humanitarian ceasefire in late November 2023, more than 100 hostages were released, but the ceasefire was violated by Hamas on December 1, 2023 and Israel resumed its operation against Hamas. Hostilities continue until now.

According to the latest data of the Israeli side, 101 hostages are still being held hostage in Gaza.

Syrian ministry says terrorists suffered heavy losses of troops, equipment in Hama

Syrian and Russian military aircraft acted in cooperation

Scholz during visit to Kiev declares commitment to decision not to supply Taurus

"This decision is related to the range of the missiles and the need to control the choice of targets," Olaf Scholz explained

US sanctions against Gazprombank jeopardize Central Europe’s energy security

"The security of energy supplies to the country is a matter of sovereignty," Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto added

Russia designs Titan rifle for commandos

The rifle is reliable with precise and dense fire

Novaya Zemlya facility prepared for resumption of nuclear tests — Russian general

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said in an interview with TASS that Russia was considering a resumption of nuclear tests amid the United State’s policy of escalating tensions

Syrian government army liberates several neighborhoods in Hama — agency

According to the news agency SANA, government forces regained control over the towns of Karnaz, Tal Meleh, Jalma, Jubbayn, Hayalin, and Sheikh Hadid

Pezeshkian tells Putin destabilization in Syria serves Israeli, US interests

The Iranian President highly praised the role that Russia and its leader play in maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East, for example in preserving the territorial integrity of Syria

Saudi Arabia and Russia are on the right track to stabilizing oil prices

No existing missile defense system can counter Oreshnik — US expert

Theodore Postol also vehemently rejected suggestions that the Oreshnik system represents previous outdated developments of Moscow

Israel fueling terrorism in Muslim world, Iran's president says

Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani pointed out that "the situation in Syria once again proves that stability and security in Syria can only be achieved through dialogue and a political solution"

Russian MFA accuses US justice system of covering up Biden-Ukraine corruption link

Maria Zakharova pointed out that "the US judiciary didn't dare address" the corruption network established during Barack Obama’s presidency, where millions of dollars changed hands

Russia offers world’s first hydrofoil cruise missile gunboat

The new Project 133RA gunboat has been named the Antares RA while Club missiles have been chosen as its main armament, the chief executive said

Russia has workforce shortage problem — Putin

The problem can be solved through implementation of new technologies, including the artificial intelligence sphere, the head of state noted

Western handlers beginning to dump Zelensky — Ukrainian politician

"Polls are now emerging where Zelensky is no longer at the top but in second or even third place," Viktor Medvedchuk noted

UN secretary-general calls for immediate end to hostilities in Syria

Antonio Guterres also called for the protection of civilian infrastructure and a safe passage of civilians that are fleeing hostilities

Bank of Russia lowers dollar rate to 107.18 rubles for December 3

The official euro rate was reduced by 1.51 rubles to 112.80 rubles

Dollar losing appeal as reserve currency, Kremlin reiterates

Dmitry Peskov stressed it’s not just with BRICS countries that this trend can be seen

IMF disenchanted with Ukraine’s unpreparedness to fight corruption, continues feeding it

Western sponsors are getting disenchanted with official Kiev’s unpreparedness to fight corruption but the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will continue "feeding" the Ukrainian government for political reasons, experts polled by TASS said on Thursday.

El Dabaa NPP will turn Egypt into regional tech leader — Rosatom executive

"The El Dabaa NPP will meet Egypt's growing needs for electricity and ensure its energy security," vice-president of JSC Atomstroyexport Alexey Kononenko noted

Russian forces maintain initiative, block Ukraine from gaining foothold in DPR — official

Denis Pushilin noted that Russian forces are also steadily advancing in the Krasny Liman area in the north of the region

Syrian army with Russian air support destroys terrorists’ 5 command centers, 7 warehouses

The command expressed the readiness of "the Syrian army to continue coping with its tasks"

US vs. China in South China Sea - tension more likely than full conflict

Romania, Poland, Germany, UK plan to divide Ukraine — Russia's foreign intel

"A total of 100,000 so-called peacekeepers are planned to be sent to Ukraine," the SVR noted

Chinese MFA warns Germany against manipulations related to Ukraine issue

Spokesperson Lin Jian pointed out that his country "has repeatedly said that it strongly opposes any accusations and attempts to shift the responsibility to China"

US to ship $725 mln worth of weapons to Ukraine, including anti-personnel landmines

According to the report, the aid package will also include anti-drone systems and HIMARS munitions

Mutual investments between Hungary, Russia gain 6% in first quarter of this year

Hungary remains an important European trade and economic partner of Russia, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said

Outlook for Georgia’s NATO accession remains hazy, but military aid keeps pouring in

The outlook for Georgia’s accession to NATO remains hazy. Far from all members of the alliance regard it expedient. The question of inviting Tbilisi to join the NATO Membership Action Plan remains suspended and may never materialize.

Scholz describes his phone call with Putin as important and detailed

"The conversation was detailed but revealed that little has changed in the Russia president’s views. This is not good news," Scholz said

Russian passengers on Antarctica cruise liner with engine failure go on hunger strike

The liner left Cape Town on November 13 for a 20-day cruise, and passengers say they paid between $9,000 and $12,000 for the trip

Russia ready to consider Ukraine proposals based on sincere desire for peace — Lavrov

According to the minister, Russia's position is based on the will of the people who found themselves in the area of hostilities "after the Kiev regime declared them terrorists"

Russian politician sees Stoltenberg’s statements as Western attempt to fool Russia

"The West only talks about negotiations, peace or truce when it smells defeat," Russian Civic Chamber member Vladimir Rogov noted

Ukrainians flee from Kiev regime to regions reunited with Russia — politician

The process, which can today be confidently called the reunification of the Ukrainian people with Russia, began after the 2014 coup, Viktor Medvedchuk stressed

Russian tech firm to modify latest RPL-20 hand-held machine-gun for new ammo

The RPL-20 hand-held machine-gun will be operational in the Army, the Airborne Force and special operations units

EU diplomacy chief sees Putin's global reach expanding

Kaja Kallas took up her post as the new EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on December 1

Recent Putin-Scholz conversation positive thing even as Berlin supports Kiev — Kremlin

On November 15, the two leaders spoke over the phone at Berlin’s initiative

Ukraine may make territorial concessions to achieve peace — former NATO secretary general

"However, actually we do not see that this can be realized in the near future," Jens Stoltenberg noted

Lawyers are working to solve problem with US sanctions against Gazprombank — Szijjarto

"Supplies of energy resources from Russia are playing an important role in providing for security of energy supplies to Hungary," the minister said

Georgian president calls on protesters in Batumi to exert pressure on Constitutional Court

Several thousand people have blocked traffic along Rustaveli Avenue in front of the building

Russian forces destroy Ukrainian temporary deployment site in Nikolayev Region

It was destroyed with an Iskander missile system, the Defense Ministry said

Putin, Iranian president discuss situation in Syria

According to the Kremlin, unconditional support was expressed for the actions of the legitimate government in Syria to restore constitutional order and the country’s territorial integrity

Peru refrains from supplying Ukraine with military equipment — Russian Ambassador

Igor Romanchenko admitted that Russian-Peruvian relations are currently going through difficult times

UN doesn’t encourage further escalation of Ukraine conflict — spokesman

Stephane Dujarric was commenting on a statement by EU diplomat Kaja Kallas, who said it was necessary to maintain unlimited European support for Kiev

Zelensky acknowledges Ukrainian army’s inability to reclaim lost territories

The Ukrainian president added that the conflict in Ukraine had entered "a difficult phase."

No plans to hold Putin-Erdogan call over developments in Syria — spokesman

The two leaders' previous phone call was held on November 24

Army aviation brigade in Urals gets four Mi-24P attack helicopters

The helicopter’s armament includes 23mm twin-barrel automatic guns placed in a nacelle under the wing

Trump wants to set 100% duties on BRICS goods if they create single currency

"There is no chance that the BRICS will replace the US dollar in international trade and any country that tries should wave goodbye to America," he added

Lukashenko tells Putin situation is "starting to get tense with Wagner"

The Belarusian leader noted that they want to go to Warsaw

Inter-Syrian talks as follow-up of Syria truce meet Russian, US interests

The ceasefire regime stipulating the cessation of combat operations in Syria from midnight of February 27 has not been observed everywhere over the past two days

Over 300,000 personnel undergo combat training for Ukraine operation — Russia’s top brass

Military instruction pays special attention to servicemen’s individual training

Ukrainian captives, losses: situation in Kursk Region

Over the past day, the Ukrainian army lost more than 250 troops, a tank, an infantry fighting vehicle, two armored combat vehicles, two cars and four mortars

Senior envoy sees Putin’s statement as signal of Russia’s readiness for military responses

Sergey Ryabkov stressed that Russia has its underlying security interests "that will be ensured by every means that we have at our disposal"

Takeaways from Putin’s Q&A session in Kazakhstan: Oreshnik missile, inflation, ruble

The Russian president also spoke about inflation and the ruble exchange rate, noting that the situation is under control

After Munich, world leaders strive to prevent crisis from spiraling out of control

The conference was a good chance for politicians to take a look at the world situation with the aim of devising common approaches to warding off the threats facing the whole of humanity

Militants bring containers with toxic chemicals to Syria’s Idlib - Russian military

According to the official, around 15 terrorists sustained chemical burns of skin and respiratory tract as a result

Russian ombudsman publishes list of 630 POWs Kiev refuses to take back

Tatyana Moskalkova pointed out that these POWs have been in Russian captivity for over one year

Netherlands may pause Ukraine’s association with EU, but only for a while

Forthcoming Dutch referendum may pause the implementation of Ukraine’s association agreement with the European Union

Slovakia starts investigating possible preparation of terrorist acts against pipelines

Minister of Interior Matus Sutaj Estok noted that an organized group of suspects in the possible preparation of terrorist acts is showing interest in the area where the Druzhba oil pipeline are running

IN BRIEF: How Russia responded to Kiev’s strikes deep into its territory

Here are the key points about the strikes on Ukrainian military-industrial facilities

Trump warns about ‘all hell to pay’ if Gaza hostages not released before his inauguration

US President-elect also regretted that all the talk about hostages are not followed by any action

Russian forces strike Ukrainian military airfields, UAV control posts over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted roughly 490 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four enemy ammunition depots in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Peace efforts in Ukraine must be ramped up amid escalation risks — top Hungarian diplomat

"The last 1,000 days have shown that this war cannot be resolved on the battlefield," Peter Szijjarto said

Russia blocks US-drafted UNSC agenda for December over meeting on Ukraine

The United States took over the UN Security Council presidency on December 1

Syrian ministry says terrorists suffered heavy losses of troops, equipment in Hama

Syrian and Russian military aircraft acted in cooperation

Russia’s first newly-built Tu-160M ‘White Swan’ strategic bomber performs debut flight

Russia’s newly-built Tu-160M strategic missile-carrying bomber has 80% of its equipment upgraded

US Navy amphibious assault ship enters Black Sea

It joined the guided-missile destroyer USS Porter, according to the Ukrainian web portal Dumskaya

Oil pipeline from Hungary to Serbia to be built by 2026 year-end — Transneft

The new branch pipeline will be connected to the Druzhba oil pipeline

Press review: Ukrainian trace behind militants in Syria as protests in Georgia radicalize

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, December 2nd

West may well just set money intended for Ukraine on fire — Russian diplomat

Politico reported earlier that US President Joe Biden had asked the Congress for another $24 bln to provide additional military aid to Kiev and replenish US stocks

NATO spies study damage from Oreshnik at Yuzhmash — expert

Alexander Stepanov emphasized that both Kiev and its Western allies are closely scrutinizing the consequences of the strike on the plant

Russian fishermen reel in record number of iwashi sardines in 2024 — Association

The iwashi sardine is Russia’s second-most fished product by volume, topped only by the Alaskan pollock

Russia’s Ufa submarine, Malaysian Navy ships complete drills in South China Sea

The vessels from both countries practiced joint maneuvering, communication, and other forms of cooperation

Export of Russian pipeline gas to Europe up 15% over 11 months

Total November gas deliveries from Russia to Europe equaled 2.75 bln cubic meters compared to 2.8 bln cubic meters in October, and 2.5 bln cubic meters in November 2023

Medvedev says Zelensky's fate won't be pretty if Ukraine faces second Maidan

The Russian senior official was indignant over the fact that the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry "condemned the crackdown on protests in Georgia"

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 senior diplomat, Syrian envoy discuss escalation in republic — MFA

The parties emphasized "a principled and unwavering position in favor of the need to respect the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Syria"

Hamas ready for ceasefire in Gaza following truce in Lebanon

Earlier, the Israeli war cabinet approved a plan for a ceasefire in Lebanon

European gas prices rise by 21% in November

The main reasons behind the price rise include record-breaking gas withdrawals from European storage facilities amid a temperature drop, statements about Russia ending gas supplies to Austria’s OMV and risks for Russian gas payments due to US sanctions on Gazprombank

About 85% of Russians plan to spend New Year holidays at home — poll

Those who decided to travel plan to visit Sochi, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yalta and Kazan

US president's son above the law with his father's pardon, celebrity entrepreneur believes

Earlier, Musk pointed out that Biden's pardon of his son coincided with the period of Hunter's work at the Ukrainian energy company Burisma and ironically called it a coincidence

Press review: Russia fires missile at Ukraine plant and Biden forgives Kiev $4.65 bln debt

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, November 22nd

Netanyahu condemns Hezbollah’s shelling attack as blatant ceasefire violation

The IDF reported that Hezbollah had fired two projectiles toward the area of Mout Dov in northern Israel

Oreshnik becomes serious problem for Ukraine — Polish general

According to Waldemar Skrzypczak, satellite reconnaissance failed to detect the launch and flight of this missile

Israel violates ceasefire 54 times in southern Lebanon — Lebanese parliament speaker

"Israeli bulldozers continue tearing down houses in border villages, artillery is shelling the area and aircraft are making flights inside Lebanon’s territory," Nabih Berri noted

Syria downed Russia's plane because Israeli F-16s used it as cover — Russian top brass

The bombing raid was not far from France’s frigate The Auvergne

Munich Security Conference to continue East-West blame game

There is no sign the Munich Security Conference may herald a positive turn in Russia-West relations. Either side will continue to blame each other for violating international law and for harboring malicious designs, polled experts have told TASS.

Top Hamas officials leave Qatar after mediation efforts stall — TV

Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al-Ansari said on November 9 that his country’s authorities had decided to suspend their mediatory efforts toward a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip because they didn’t see a desire to end the conflict on the part of the parties

Trump's threats to BRICS states if they ditch dollar are untenable, says Indian expert

The expert explained that, theoretically, a common BRICS currency could protect the group from the dangers of dollar dominance

Hamas says 33 Israeli hostages killed since start of Gaza fighting, some still missing

Nine hostages died from October 9, 2023 through November 21, 2024 because of Israeli bombardments, Hamas said, warning Israel that it "may lose all the hostages who are still alive" if it "continues its aggression" in Gaza

Syrian jets destroy terrorist headquarters in Idlib, kill dozens of militants — report

According to the report, "dozens of militants were killed and wounded," including one of their leaders of Arab descent

Press review: Russia to avenge Kiev's new strike as experts analyze US-EU trade risks

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, November 27th

Russian working on third generation of Ratnik combat gear

The third generation of the Ratnik combat gear may appear by 2022

German company Helsing launches production of AI-equipped drones for deliveries to Kiev

As the company notes, advanced on-board AI enables full electronic warfare and jamming resistance, capabilities developed and tested through Helsing’s extensive experience in Ukraine

Experts forecast Russian wheat exports to hit 3.6 mln tons this December

In the meantime, the preliminary figures for November 2024 say that Russia shipped 4.4 mln metric tons, including to member-countries of the Eurasian Economic Union

Putin praises pace of import substitution in scientific sector

The President stressed that Russia is not going to give up all imported scientific equipment, but key technologies must be domestic

US funds 'Nazis, maniacs' in Ukraine, Israel — American journalist

Jackson Hinkle also pointed out that the US authorities are no friend of "freedom-loving American patriots"

Ukrainian group of 22 servicemen surrenders in Kursk Region — law enforcement officials

Photos and videos of the surrender were also posted by military reporter and expert Boris Rozhin on his Telegram channel

Putin describes ban on Russia’s use of US dollars as ‘complete foolishness’

The Russian president pointed out that this desision damaged the US economy and undermined the power of the United States across the world

Georgian PM says forcing children to participate in rallies ‘immoral’

Earlier, representatives of opposition parties called on students as well as school teachers to go on strike, not to attend school and to take part in protests

Ceasefire in Syria is desirable but hardly achievable goal

A special group under two co-chairs - Russia and the United States - will oversee the efforts

Two-week NATO drills begin in Estonia — newspaper

The maneuvers will involve some 2,000 troops from Great Britain, Latvia, the United States, France, and Estonia, mostly taking place in the latter’s northern and northeastern areas

Transneft expects first oil deliveries by rail in Kozmino Port by end of year

Transneft - Kozmino Port de-mothballed two railroad discharge racks for four tracks with an option of emptying 144 railtank cars at a time