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Middle East conflict

Hamas approves proposal to set up committee to run Gaza

"The Hamas delegation concluded meetings in Cairo, where it held a dialogue with representatives of the Fatah movement on the establishment of a committee to run Gaza, which will facilitate the implementation of agreements at the national level to achieve full unity and end the division of Palestinian ranks," the group said in a statement

CAIRO, December 5. /TASS/. Hamas accepted Egypt's proposal to set up a community support committee to run the Gaza Strip.

"The Hamas delegation concluded meetings in Cairo, where it held a dialogue with representatives of the Fatah movement (the leading Palestinian force in the West Bank - TASS) on the establishment of a committee to run Gaza, which will facilitate the implementation of agreements at the national level to achieve full unity and end the division of Palestinian ranks," the group said in a statement posted to Telegram. "The Hamas delegation approved the Egyptian proposal to form a community support committee through national mechanisms."

In late November, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aaty detailed the principles for the establishment and functioning of the committee. According to the official, it would include 10-15 natives of the Palestinian enclave who do not belong to any faction. Members of the committee, as proposed by Cairo, would deal with the enclave's immediate needs, such as the delivery and distribution of humanitarian aid, but only for a transitional period. Afterward, Gaza would have to return under the control of the Palestinian National Authority, which is headquartered in the West Bank.

"The unity of the Palestinian territories in Gaza and the West Bank is extremely important, as only together they form the State of Palestine," Abdel Aaty said.

According to the minister, PNA is "the only legitimate political force capable of governing the future Palestine".

Earlier, Riyad al-Maliki, the Palestinian president's special envoy for international relations, said Hamas "will have to return under the authority of the PNA and recognize it as the only legitimate political force not only in the West Bank but also in the Gaza Strip."

In 2005, as part of the unilateral disengagement plan, Israel withdrew completely from Gaza and evacuated Jewish settlements. Afterward, control over Gaza was transferred to the Mahmoud Abbas-led PNA, which also governed the West Bank. However, the first elections to the Palestinian parliament were won by Hamas, which confronted the more moderate Fatah movement, causing a split between the factions. The radicals took full control of the Strip, while their opponents retained power in the West Bank.

EU Council approves inviting Switzerland to ‘Military Schengen’

This decision will make it possible to invite Switzerland to this project, for the participation in which it applied in September 2024

Putin to meet with Iranian president on January 17

According to the Kremlin, the plan is "to discuss the prospects for further expansion of bilateral cooperation, including in trade, investment, transport, logistics, and culture"

After Trump's call for greater defense spending Scholz wonders where to get money from

The chancellor vowed that Germany would continue to spend no less than the NATO target of 2% of GDP on defense

Russian cancer vaccine to be free of charge — top oncologist

It is planned to launch it in general circulation in early 2025

Kiev puts thought of recovering lost territory 'on indefinite hold' — media

According to the analytical article, Kiev "waits and watches the signals from Moscow and Washington and reiterates almost daily its desire for a 'just peace'"

Censoring alternative points of view new norm in West — top senator

As Valentina Matviyenko stressed, this can be described as "an aggressive special operation by Western regimes to maintain their hegemony"

Six EU countries call for partially lifting Syria sanctions now that Assad out — Reuters

If Brussels’ expectations about respecting human rights and minorities "are not met," the EU will reinstitute the sanctions, the paper signed by the six European nations said.

Kiev fails to disrupt gas supplies: attack on Russkaya station

On January 11, 2025, the Kiev regime attempted to attack the infrastructure of the Russkaya compressor station in the village of Gaikodzor in Russia's Krasnodar Region, which supplies gas to the TurkStream gas pipeline in order to cut off gas supplies to European countries, using nine fixed-wing UAVs

Kherson Region prepared to take in fire-hit refugees from California — governor

Vladimir Saldo noted that "this applies only to those who have not financed the Ukrainian army or supported the current Kiev regime"

Crimean air defenses shoot down about 90% of enemy targets — regional head

The regional authorities and territorial defense forces have established close interaction with the Russian armed forces and law-enforcement agencies, Sergey Aksyonov stressed

Temporary restrictions imposed in several Russian airports — agency

Temporary restrictions have also been imposed in the airport of Izhevsk

Infrastructure facilities suffer damage in Kiev-controlled areas of Zaporozhye Region

Air raid sirens went off in the Kiev-controlled part of the Zaporozhye Region in the early hours of Monday

Russian Foreign Ministry notes US hypocrisy in regard to California wildfires

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova pointed out that in recent years, US officials have repeatedly criticized China for allegedly using forced labor, and at the same time US authorities had sent 395 prisoners to fight forest fires

US tries to gain foothold in CAR using PMCs, replace France, expert says

Alexander Ivanov clarified what goals Washington and Paris are pursuing in the African country

Fires, fatalities linked to energy crisis in Transnistria

Nearly a thousand incidents were recorded in January involving the use of recommissioned stoves and gas burners due to the energy crisis and increased electricity demand

Hamas makes no notes to draft ceasefire deal for Gaza — report

Hamas reportedly gave the mediators its final response to the deal that had been passed along to its representatives earlier

Russian forces wipe out Ukrainian equipment in Kursk Region using FPV drones

Means of objective control recorded a direct strike on an enemy motor vehicle, as well as two strikes on armored vehicles

Press review: Trump plans Putin meeting while Israel-Hamas eye ceasefire

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, January 13th

Bitcoin rate drops below $90,000 but regains decline — Binance

By 02:50 p.m. GMT, the cryptocurrency was trading at $91,566

Over half of Greenlanders support joining the US — survey

US President-elect Donald Trump said on January 7 that Greenland should join the United States in order to ensure national security and protection against the Chinese and Russian threats

Press review: Russia notes Japan's militarization while allies expect Ukrainian assault

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, January 9th

Pentagon acknowledges Russia’s 'incremental gains' in combat operations in Ukraine

The Russian Defense Ministry reported on January 6 that Russian forces had liberated the city of Kurakhovo in the Donetsk People’s Republic

Expert questions Trump's ability to convince Russia to side with US against China

Wang Jisi did not rule out that Trump could introduce certain changes in relations between the US and Russia

Russian military starts evacuation of civilians from liberated Kurakhovo in Donbass region

"Motor rifle units from the Battlegroup South have started evacuating residents from the town of Kurakhovo that was liberated by Russian troops last week," the ministry said

Switzerland ready to serve as host for Putin-Trump meeting on Ukraine

According to Le Temps, the confederation is just one the countries on the list that are ready to host the meeting of the Russian and US leaders

Ukraine's manpower issues could precipitate ceasefire request — Polish general

Waldemar Skrzypczak warned against believing Ukrainian propaganda outlets’ reports of Russia’s alleged troop losses, which, in his words, were highly exaggerated

Russian forces liberate two communities in DPR, Kharkov Region over past day — top brass

According to Defense Ministry, Russian forces struck Ukrainian military airfields, amassed enemy manpower and military hardware in up to 140 areas over the past day

Gerasimov says international security deteriorates as West wants to keep dominating

It is reported that the Russian forces keep the initiative and advance in the whole front despite colossal aid to Kiev from the West

Ukraine plunges into terrorism facing military defeat — politician

Unable to succeed on the battlefield, Zelensky's Ukraine is becoming the center of world terrorism, Viktor Medvedchuk pointed out

China’s coal imports up 14.4% in 2024 to 542.69 mln tons

In December, China purchased 52.34 mln tons of coal, down by 4.8% month-on-month

Fire in military hospital in Tula causes partial roof collapse

According to the governor of the Tula Region, Dmitry Milyayev, vehicles and 65 personnel of the Emergencies Ministry are involved in extinguishing the fire

India considers impact of US sanctions on Vostok Oil project

On January 10, US introduced sanctions against the Russian fuel and energy sector, the tanker fleet and the financial sector

Russian MFA lists nine countries set to become BRICS partners from January 1

It is reported that Brazil’s BRICS chairmanship will announce the countries’ acquisition of the partner status as soon as it receives their confirmation

Expert does not see Putin, Trump meeting in Europe, but developing country possible

According to Oleg Barabanov, the meeting between the leaders of Russia and the United States will be a good start to ending the conflict in Ukraine, but people shouldn't expect it to be the end-all-be-all

Liberating Chasov Yar to deliver blow on Ukrainian logistics in nearby DPR towns — expert

Vitaly Kiselev said that in that area, Ukrainian troops ended up in a serious encirclement

Ukrainian captive confesses to killing civilians near DPR’s Selidovo

Mikhail Dyachenko surrendered two days ago in the Selidovo direction

Russian athletes win 82 medals at Russia-China Youth Winter Games

The 2025 Russia-China Youth Winter Games were held in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk between January 9 and 13

Thousands of recruits join Hamas in recent months — WSJ

Sinwar advocates for a lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip instead of short-term truces, the newspaper highlighted

Turkish intelligence chief, Hamas leaders discuss Gaza ceasefire talks

According to the A haber, the sides agreed to continue efforts on this track

Share of settlements in national currencies between Russia and Central Asia reaches 80%

In particular, Mikhail Galuzin noted that the share of settlements between Russia and Uzbekistan in national currencies is 55%, and with Turkmenistan - 24%

Ukraine's Kursk counteroffensives flounder as losses mount — expert

According to Alexander Mikhailov, Vladimir Zelensky is currently pouring all available resources into Kursk

Russia to take measures to minimize risks of new Western sanctions — Kremlin

Earlier, a high-ranking representative of the outgoing US administration said that on January 10 Joe Biden imposed the most significant sanctions to date against the Russian energy sector, specifying that they are aimed, in particular, at the oil sector and the liquefied natural gas production and transportation industry

No big change in Croatia’s attitude to Russia after election — expert

Alexander Pivovarenko noted that Croatia’s parliament was controlled by a party that supported the idea of Euro-Atlantic loyalism, and it would be unreasonable for the president to spoil relations with the legislators

Russia concerned about Trump's statement on Greenland — Russian top senator

"The international law exists, as the Arctic states do, and there are rules of the game," Valentina Matviyenko stressed

Russian stock indices in the green on Monday — market data

The ruble-denominated MOEX Russia Index edged up by 1.47% to 2,886.11 points, while the dollar-denominated RTS Index gained 0.69% to 879.08 points

6.9-magnitude earthquake rocks Japan, tsunami warning issued

The epicenter was located at a depth of 30 kilometers near the southeastern coast of Kyushu

NATO, countries, Ukraine plan to ramp up joint production of weapons — Polish minister

he five NATO member countries are going to set up large-scale military exercises in 2026

Hamas set to sign tentative Gaza ceasefire deal in coming days — report

It is noted that as the first phase of the proposed deal, Hamas could free 34 Israeli hostages in exchange for a month-and-a-half ceasefire in Gaza and the release of prisoners

Kiev loses over 350 troops in Russia’s borderline Kursk area over past day — top brass

In addition, the Ukrainian armed forces also lost 92 electronic warfare stations, 13 counterbattery radars, four air defense radars

Ukrainian army recognizes it failed in attempts to counterattack Kursk Region — media

The sources reported incessant attacks by Russian drones, noting that the country's army has started using new fiber-optic controlled FPV drones with a range of over 16 kilometers

Flights between Russia, China sufficient to meet demand — aviation authority

According to Russian Federal Air Transport Agency, during the season of transportation with the relatively low demand, such frequency is sufficient to meet needs of citizens

'German scenario' implausible for Ukraine settlement — Medvedev

In the historical sense, the "Germanic scenario" of settlement is only feasible in terms of integrating the territories of Malorossiya into Russia, the politician noted

Yemen’s Houthis say they fired ‘hypersonic ballistic missile’ at site in Tel Aviv

Earlier on Monday, the Israeli military said it intercepted a missile, which was launched from Yemen, before it entered Israeli airspace

FACTBOX: International status of the Arctic

Fire erupts in military hospital in Russian city of Tula — officials

According to the statement, no fatalities or injuries were reported

Opponents of Russian, Iranian influence on Syria seek control themselves — Turkish party

According to Omer Celik, it is necessary to continue the process of lifting sanctions on Syria

Russian PM arrives on a visit in Vietnam

Mikhail Mishustin is expected to meet President of Vietnam Luong Kuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Chairman of National Assembly Tran Thanh Man and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam

Iran-Russia partnership agreement covers all areas, Tehran’s envoy says

The accord includes a preamble and 47 articles

Liberation of Peschanoye kills off another Ukrainian supply line — security services

The Dnepropetrovsk - Krasnoarmeysk highway is a major route for supplying Ukrainian forces in this area

Foreign car brands could return to Russian market, says AEB

The situation today could change, and the Association has lines of communication open with the majority of foreign vehicle brands, Alexey Kalitsev stressed

Russian Guardsmen destroy Ukrainian army radar in borderline Kursk area

It is specified that the radar destroyed by the Russian National Guard was a US-made portable counterbattery radar station designed to detect, identify and determine the location of enemy artillery guns, mainly mortars and rocket launchers

Russian oil transit via Ukraine declines to its minimum — news outlet

According to the report, transit volumes declined by 16% against 2023, which is the lowest figure since 2014 at the least

Russia not going to attack NATO countries, senior diplomat says

"Russia has never sought to sour relations with NATO," Vladislav Maslennikov said

EU Council approves inviting Switzerland to ‘Military Schengen’

This decision will make it possible to invite Switzerland to this project, for the participation in which it applied in September 2024

Expert rules out anti-Russian sentiments in Transnistria because of energy crisis

According to Igor Shornikov, the energy crisis that has emerged in the country now is the result of the unfriendly policies of Moldova and Ukraine towards Russia

Targeted attacks on war correspondents reveal Kiev's fear of truth — Russian top senator

Targeted attacks against Russian war correspondents in the special military operation zone occur with the endorsement of Western countries and their tacit approval, Valentina Matviyenko emphasized

Fire in Russian military hospital brought under control

The work required 22 fire vehicles and 65 firefighters, according to the statement

PREVIEW: Russian PM Mishustin begins two-day visit to Vietnam

During the visit, the prime minister will meet with President of Vietnam Luong Cuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and Secretary General of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam

Attack on TurkStream threatens sovereignty of European countries — top Hungarian diplomat

Brussels also expressed concern over reports about the Ukrainian attack on the compressor station ensuring the operations of the TurkStream pipeline

Russian forces broaden bridgehead for advancing towards Krasny Liman, expert says

Russian forces are also advancing in the Kupyansk area, approaching the city of Kupyansk

Damaged Russian cargo ships in Kerch Strait cause oil spill emergency

Two rescue tugboats and two helicopters have been dispatched, the Federal Agency for Sea and Inland Water Transport reported

Lawmaker highlights Greenland’s aspirations to become sovereign state

According to the paper, the lawmaker believes that the first step is "weaning Greenland off its reliance on Denmark, which provides more than half of the local government’s budget"

Musk accuses British PM of trying to interfere in US election

The entrepreneur suggested that Keir Starmer had sent operatives to America

Attack of Russkaya Station is energy terrorism — Kremlin

Kiev attacked the Russkaya compressor station in the Krasnodar Region, which provides for gas supply over the TurkStream gas pipeline, by nine fixed-wing type drones in order to stop gas deliveries to Europe, the Russian Defense Ministry said earlier

Russian MFA says Biden knew his support of Ukraine nudged world toward nuclear conflict

Biden's statement today is an admission of a deliberate provocation, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said

Europe risks failing to meet gas storage targets for next winter — Bloomberg

It is reported that while Europe has enough gas reserves to get through this winter and prices have eased since the start of the year, inventories are being eroded by cold weather

Attempted attack of TurkStream pipeline very dangerous for European consumers — Kremlin

Kiev attacked the Russkaya compressor station in the Krasnodar Region, which provides for gas supply along the TurkStream gas pipeline, by nine fixed-wing type drones, the Russian Defense Ministry said earlier

Ukraine will not halt Russian oil transit — PM

Transit of Russian oil is also in line with the regime of EU sanctions against Russia, which has a carveout for oil supplies to Hungary and Slovakia, Denis Shmygal said

Ukrainian drone attack in borderline Kursk Region injures retired couple

Acting head Alexander Khinshtein clarified that the victims were treated at the scene, and are now being transported to the Kursk Regional Clinical Hospital for further medical treatment

Russia’s Malka heavy artillery gun can wipe out enemy armor with one shot — Rostec

"Each projectile scatters a mass of fragments over a considerable radius," the state tech corporation added

Sullivan sees Ukraine reducing military mobilization age to 18 in future

According to the US national security advisor, the outgoing administration briefed the team of President-elect Donald Trump on the manpower issue in Ukraine

Lavrov, Gazprom CEO discuss attack against Russkaya station with Turkish counterparts

The compressor station continues normal supplies of gas to the gas pipeline

Trump plans to turn Greenland into militarized zone — expert

"Danish politicians have already said in a statement that they have sent a message to Trump, in which they offered to shake hands on a security deal, in fact, on the placement of American weapons," Alexander Mikhailov said

Russian troops liberate Peschanoye community in Donbass region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted roughly 515 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed 12 enemy artillery guns in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Mohammed Sinwar becomes new Hamas leader in Gaza Strip — WSJ

He "is working to build the militant group back up," because its combat ability has been severely crippled since the onset of Israel’s military operation in the Palestinian enclave

US diplomats can't take unlimited short-term business trips to Russia anymore, says Lavrov

Lavrov explained that in addition to its regular diplomatic employees stationed in Russia, the US sends several hundred people annually "for short-term business trips"

Russian Foreign Ministry vows response to new US sanctions

"Of course, Washington’s hostile actions will not be left without response and will be taken into consideration during the calculation of our external economic strategy," the ministry said

Russian Railways reports record number of transported containers in 2024

According to Russian Railways, 82.6 million tons of various goods (+8.5%) were transported in containers in 202

Trump to intensify economic deglobalization — Chinese expert

Airplanes assembled in the US cannot be used by the whole world, Yan Xuetong said

Russia bans entry to Estonian foreign ministry’s undersecretary for global affairs

The 31st meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council, the organization’s decision-making and governing body, was held in Malta on December 5 and 6, 2024

Russian Su-35S fighter jets uncover Ukrainian air defense sites in Kursk area

Russia’s Defense Ministry said that "the crews of Su-35S multirole fighter jets practiced air cover in the designated area of sorties by bombers and attack aircraft"

Russia’s Energy System of East sets power consumption record

The power consumption reached 7,891 MW, which is 8 MW higher than the previous record high indicator of December 2023

China Southern cancels flights from Moscow to Beijing from late January

According to information on the air carrier’s website and in booking systems, this airline has no direct flights from January 20 to March 30

Humanity has fed AI with all its knowledge — Musk

The businessman believes there’s a good chance that artificial intelligence will surpass human capabilities as early as by the end of this year

Slovakia notes development of Russian economy — lawmaker

The Slovak parliamentary delegation arrived in Moscow on January 12 and will spend three days here

PREVIEW: Lavrov to sum up Russia’s foreign policy during big press conference

The event’s format implies answers to a wide array of question from Russian and foreign reporters

Israel prepared to receive potential released hostages — prime minister’s office

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said earlier in the day that progress had been reached at the hostage release talks

Biden says he sought to avoid war between two nuclear powers as he speaks about Ukraine

Biden spoke a week before transferring power to his successor Donald Trump

Russia to launch mass production of world’s heaviest transport helicopter in 2022

There are a few flights remaining to wrap up the Mi-26T2V’s flight tests, CEO of the Russian Helicopters rotorcraft manufacturer Andrei Boginsky revealed

NATO base in Romania to be used for war against Russia — presidential candidate

"We don’t need war; this is my point," Calin Georgescu said

Record $1.3 trillion invested in defense sector in US in past four years — Biden

"That's more than America did in any four-year period, during the Cold War," he stressed