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Middle East conflict

Progress made on Gaza deal, no agreements yet — Netanyahu’s office

"Israel hopes that efforts by international mediators will be successful resulting in the release of hostages taking place in the near future," Dmitry Gendelman said

TEL AVIV, December 18. /TASS/. There is some progress in talks on the Gaza deal but no agreements have yet been reached on the release of hostages held by Hamas, Dmitry Gendelman, an adviser to the prime minister’s office, told a TASS correspondent.

"Certain progress can be noted in talks, however, final agreements have not yet been reached," he said, replying to a question on the matter.

"Israel hopes that efforts by international mediators will be successful resulting in the release of hostages taking place in the near future," Gendelman added.

Tensions flared up again in the Middle East on October 7, 2023, when militants from the Gaza-based Palestinian radical group Hamas staged a surprise incursion into Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip, killing residents of border settlements and seizing more than 240 hostages. 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 has declared a state of war readiness; announced a total blockade of the Gaza Strip, home to 2.3 million Palestinians; and began delivering air strikes on the enclave and certain parts of Lebanon and Syria, followed by a ground operation in the enclave. Clashes are underway in the West Bank as well.

At the end of November 2023, Hamas reported reaching an agreement with Israel, mediated by Qatar and Egypt, on a humanitarian truce which lasted a week. Israel managed to liberate 110 hostages during this time. On December 1, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire and announced renewed fighting in the Gaza Strip, which continues to this day.

According to the latest data by the Israeli side, 100 hostages still remain in Gaza.

Azerbaijani president denies reports about plans to fix Turkish military bases in country

Ilham Aliyev noted that Azerbaijan and Turkey now hold more than ten joint military exercises annually

Over half of Polish citizens believe that Kiev should accept territorial losses — survey

During a similar survey in September, 39% of respondents supported this opinion

Russia to raise topic of terror attack on Kirillov at UNSC meeting on December 20

"Those responsible for this crime must be duly punished and be unequivocally condemned by international community," Russian First Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Dmitry Polyansky stressed

Ukrainian commander-in-chief describes situation on frontline as ‘tough’

In his words, situation in the south of the country was also "tense"

US to high-tail it out of Syria a la Afghanistan, Iraq — Iranian MP

According to Esmail Kosari, the Syrian people will soon oust both the United States and Israel and "the resistance front will continue its work more resolutely"

Russia’s Medvedev threatens punishment over attack on senior general Kirillov

The politician condemned the attack by what he called the collapsing Kiev regime

Finnish president says too early to talk of any peacekeepers in Ukraine

Alexander Stubb urged to approach the issue of a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine with caution without rushing into it

Ukraine loses most of its forces while trying to break out of encirclement near Kurakhovo

According to the security services, Ukraine has been losing dozens of servicemen in this area every day for the past two weeks

UN refrains from condemning terror attack on Russia’s nuclear defense chief Kirillov

Russian First Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Dmitry Polyansky said earlier in the day that Russia will raise this issue at a UN Security Council meeting on Western weapons supplies to Ukraine on December 20

Moscow sees no reason to exclude Hungary, Slovakia from list of unfriendly nations

The Russian government approved the list of unfriendly countries in March 2022

Ukrainian forces have no chance to stop Russian offensive on Kurakhovo — Polish general

According to Waldemar Skrzypczak, "it is clear that the Russians have the potential to break through the Ukrainian defenses in several areas simultaneously"

Pentagon says US does not support activities similar to Russian general’s killing

Pentagon Press Secretary Patrick Ryder refrained from further comments

No place out of Russia’s ICBMs’ reach — Strategic Missile Forces commander

Colonel General Sergey Karakayev, the commander of Russia's Strategic Missile Forces also announced that missile launches at maximum range are planned as part of state flight tests of advanced missile systems

Pentagon says US does not support activities similar to Russian general’s killing

Pentagon Press Secretary Patrick Ryder said that US was not aware of this operation in advance

Poland may scale back military aid to Ukraine amid dwindling resources — prime minister

Donald Tusk announced that in January, Ukraine would receive a 46th aid package, without specifying what kind of weapons it would include

Ukraine won’t accept Hungary’s mediation in conflict resolution — Zelensky

The Ukrainian president said he hopes for direct communication with the US after Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20, 2025

Erdogan calls for eliminating all terrorist groups in Syria

Erdogan told Nehammer that Syrian refugees begin to return to their homeland

Video camera used to surveil Russian general found inside car sharing vehicle — source

Items of interest to the investigation were seized from the car

Russia's economic indicators steady over the year despite sanctions — Finance Minister

As Anton Siluanov reported, the session discussed a number of measures to create "long money" in the economy

Kirillov's killers to be tracked down, Western link clear — politician

Vladimir Rogov noted that Igor Kirillov’s assassination was "another case of Kiev's state terrorism, which spans the entirety of Russia"

Press review: EU imposes new anti-Russian sanctions and Russia braces for NATO conflict

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, December 17th

Fall of Damascus and hopes for free Syria: Assad makes first statement after stepping down

Bashar Assad insists that he remained in Damascus until the early hours of December 8 and did not leave the country until late on that day

Ukraine would have been admitted to NATO in no time if it depended on Poland – Tusk

Discussions around a potential invitation to NATO has invigorated in Ukraine in recent time

Killing of Russian general may complicate Trump’s peace effort in Ukraine — US expert

"While it's uncertain whether or not the President-elect will directly address this incident, he has been clear in his recent comments on ATACMS strikes inside Russia that he opposes actions that may lead to a heightening of tensions between Russia and Ukraine in the run-up to potential peace talks," the analyst said

Analyst blames NATO special services for bomb attack on Russian general

According to Alexander Stepanov, this is a "planned operation" and evidence that an all-out hybrid war of annihilation is being waged on Russia

Diplomat says UN reaction to murder of chemical weapons chief evidence of venality

Earlier, the UN refused to condemn the terrorist attack against Igor Kirillov, merely calling for a halt to further escalation

Press review: Who benefits from Russian general's murder as Trump lacks Kremlin strategy

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, December 18th

South Korea's president fails to show up for police questioning in mutiny case

CIO head Oh Dong-woon said the day before that the summonses were not accepted intentionally and that the law enforcement agencies would act according to the law

Power of IED that killed senior general in Moscow was equivalent to over one kg of TNT

Work is underway to establish all those involved in the crime

Erdogan calls for preventing Syria from turning into hotbed of terrorism

"Turkey is the only country and ally that defeated both of these terrorist organizations," the Turkish leader stressed

US keeps silent its money turns Zelensky regime into terrorist cell — Russian MFA

According to Maria Zakharova, the State Department "did not hesitate to include blatant falsehoods in its report"

Scholz expects US position on long-range weapons for Ukraine to change under Trump

The German chancellor has repeatedly refused to send Taurus missiles to Ukraine, saying that this move would trigger serious escalation risks

Russia urges Israel to abandon use of force in relations with Syria

Vasily Nebenzya underlined that such actions infringe on the Arab republic’s sovereignty and territorial integrity

Many countries mull response to US’ withdrawal from arms control agreements — Gerasimov

"Overall, the issue of arms control is now a thing of the past, because the return to even a minimum level of trust is impossible due to the West’s double standard policy," Valery Gerasimov said

Flight of Japan’s first commercial Kairos-2 rocket aborted minutes after takeoff

The flight was terminated "after judging that the achievement of its mission would be difficult"

FSB detains Uzbek national for carrying out terrorist attack that killed Russian general

It is reported that the security forces identified and detained a citizen of Uzbekistan, born in 1995, who detonated a homemade explosive device near a residential building on Ryazansky Avenue in Moscow

EC not interested in continuation of Russian gas transit via Ukraine

"The Commission does not support any discussions on the contract extension nor other solutions to maintain transit flows and has not been involved in any kind of negotiations on this," the statement reads

Russia-Japan trade down by 15.9%, to $650 mln in November — TASS calculations

Russian exports grew by 11.3%, while imports declined by 22.2%

Serbian leader wants to contact Putin over gas contract with Russia, US sanctions

Aleksandar Vucic earlier stated that the US decision to impose sanctions on NIS starting January 1, 2025, would not alter Belgrade's refusal to join the anti-Russian sanctions

Over 12 tons of oil collected in South Russia in past day after tanker accident

Around 700 people and 60 vehicles are involved in the effort, which is hampered by strong winds and precipitation

Russian nuclear defense chief's aide Ilya Polikarpov killed in Moscow explosion

Ilya Polikarpov had been involved in humanitarian activities with TASS and the Russian Heritage Foundation

NATO takes over coordination of military aid to Ukraine from US — report

The source said the move is an attempt to safeguard the supply of armaments to Ukraine from a potential shift in sentiment in Washington under incoming President Donald Trump

BRICS’ own payment system is feasible, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister believes

According to Sergey Ryabkov, the group also needs clearing mechanisms and transaction insurance systems, including insurance for the movement of goods and cargoes

Ukrainian army’s losses exceed 41,660 troops: Situation in Russia’s Kursk Region

Russian tactical and army aircraft and artillery forces struck enemy troops and equipment in the Kursk and Sumy regions

Russia to cut electricity supplies to China by 2 bln kWh to 0.9 bln kWh in 2024

The decrease in supplies to China is due to restrictions in the Far Eastern energy system

Iran’s foreign minister doesn’t see events in Syria as unexpected

According to the minister, Israel over the past 14 months regularly carried out strikes at Syria’s defense infrastructure in order to weaken the Syrian government

Senior Russian general, his aide killed in Moscow blast — investigators

According to Svetlana Petrenko, the Committee’s Moscow department has launched a criminal probe into the attack

Ukrainian forces execute over 100 civilians in Selidovo

According to Maxim Grigoriev, all Ukrainian units participated in the shooting of civilians in Selidovo

Russian troops advance deep into northern Chasov Yar neighborhood

It is reported that the neighborhood is mainly composed of private residences, most of which have been burned or destroyed

Oslo by its actions may involve Spitsbergen in Ukrainian conflict — diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, loud statements about alleged hybrid attacks plotted by Russia on the territory of Spitsbergen, capable of undermining Norwegian sovereignty, are unfounded, baseless speculation, rumors, and fabrications

Trump blasts Biden’s permission to use US weapons for strikes inside Russia as 'stupid'

The US President-elect said that nobody asked him to weigh in on the decision

Syria’s new leader seeks to 'gain voice' in UN Security Council

Ahmad al-Sharaa didn’t say exactly what role the new Syrian government sees for itself in the UNSC

With Annovka liberated, Russia can reinforce troops in Kurakhovo in DPR

The Russian defense ministry reported earlier on Tuesday that units of Russia’s Battlegroup South had liberated the settlement of Annovka in the DPR

Donbass, Novorossiya not subject to exchange, it cannot be condition for peace — governor

Vladimir Saldo noted that the reunification of Donbass and Novorossiya with Russia is simply a restoration of historical justice

Russia remains among EU’s main liquefied natural gas suppliers in October

LNG imports from Russia in value terms were the highest since November 2023

Russian forces setting up fire pocket for Ukrainian troops in Kharkov area — expert

Andrey Marochko noted that if the Ukrainian command "does not react to these risks in time," up to a battalion of Ukrainian soldiers will be pushed against the Lozovaya River, cut off from any routes of retreat

Russia in contact with Turkey on bank transfer issue — diplomat

Andrey Buravov said that sanctions against Gazprombank negatively influences the development of Russia-Turkey trade and economic cooperation

Assad allegedly hands list of military targets over to Israel before leaving Syria — media

According to the Turkish newspaper, the former Syrian president did it to ensure his own safety

General Kirillov knew he was being 'hunted' — Kostroma governor

"There was a clear understanding that the combat personnel he had trained and the combat efforts by his troops were a powerful weapon," Sergey Sitnikov said

Resistance movement in Kherson facilitates elimination of over 120 Ukrainian troops

The movement’s activists helped to eliminate 38 Ukrainian army vehicles and three mortars

Press review: South Korean president impeached as Ukraine turns to foreign mercenaries

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, December 16th

What is known about apprehension of perpetrator of terror attack on Russian general

The suspect admitted to being recruited by Ukrainian intelligence services

Russian MFA sees attack on general as consequence of West’s connivance of Kiev’s crimes

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova also noted a lack of reaction from the West to the crime

Polish premier calls for stop to speculation about Polish troops being sent to Ukraine

Donald Tusk also warned against offering Kiev security guarantees that may ultimately prove to be unenforceable

Union State secretary describes Oreshnik deployment in Belarus as forced measure

State Secretary of the Union State of Russia and Belarus Dmitry Mezentsev described the move as "logical and justified" in an interview with the Zvezda TV channel

UN ready to back Ukraine peace proposals in line with organization’s mandate — spokesman

Stephane Dujarric made the statement in response to a request to comment on a recent statement by Italy’s Defense Minister Guido Crosetto

London’s opposition to Washington aimed at preserving Zelensky, politician says

According to Viktor Medvedchuk, Britain does not hide its intention to "ruin the European Union with the Ukrainian conflict, and then traditionally hide behind the US as soon as things get tense"

FACTBOX: Key details about the attack on Russia’s nuclear defense chief in Moscow

Senior officials from the Russian Interior Ministry’s Moscow department have arrived, along with investigators, medical personnel, and emergency services

Russian forces clear some seven hectares of forest near Kremennaya of Ukrainian troops

Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov announced on Monday that 99.3% of the LPR territory had been liberated

Crimean air assault regiment destroys Abrams tank in Russia’s Kursk Region

The statement highlighted that advanced FPV drones, equipped with munitions and operated via fiber optics, take off for daily missions

Suspect in Russian general’s murder carried out attack for money, European passport

"I was offered $100,000 and a European passport," he said

Trump gets required number of electoral votes — CNN

The decisive moment was when Texas electors awarded him with 40 electoral votes during their meeting on Tuesday.

Russian cancer vaccine to be free of charge — top oncologist

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

Former Ukrainian president says frontline situation more difficult than ever

Pyotr Poroshenko specified that Ukrainian troops stationed in the Krasnoarmeisk and Kupyansk areas "are desperately calling out" about the lack of drones

Kiev redeploys troops from Kharkov area to Krasnoarmeysk — security forces

In addition, according to the security forces, the Ukrainian military is also transferring equipment and weapons to this section of the line of engagement

Russian troops liberate Annovka community in Donbass region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted roughly 425 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed six enemy artillery guns in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Department of State denies US had hand in attack on Russian nuclear defense chief

Matthew Miller said that he don’t have any assessment

Putin expresses deep condolences over Russian general Kirillov's death — Kremlin

According to investigators, on the morning of December 17, an explosive device planted in a scooter standing near the entrance of an apartment building on Ryazansky Avenue in Moscow was detonated

Loss of Krasnoarmeysk to mark 'largest setback' for Ukraine in months — TV channel

Krasnoarmeysk is a key logistical hub for the Ukrainian group in the Donetsk People’s Republic

Russian MFA sees attack on general as consequence of West’s connivance of Kiev’s crimes

Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stressed that "general Igor Kirillov and his aide were killed in a planned manner"

Russia, Brazil need to create direct air service bypassing unfriendly nations – ambassador

He added that the two nations need to "create maritime transport routes

IN BRIEF: Russian defense minister speaks out on confrontation with West, Ukrainian losses

According to the minister, Ukrainian losses exceeded 560,000 servicemen killed and wounded in 2024

Russia to display battle-tested Supercam drone at Vietnam show

The fixed-wing drone with protected communication channels and high jam-resistance confirmed effectiveness in Syria and Ukraine

Results of Russian cancer vaccine’s preclinical studies due in late 2024 — minister

The research "is financed by the state as part of the governmental order," Mikhail Murashko said

US may deploy tactical nuclear weapons in UK in coming years — newspaper

According to the newspaper’s sources, the United States has been creating a storage facility for tactical nuclear weapons at Lakenheath

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

Russia's Embassy in Tunisia talking to authorities about arrest of Russians

Russian diplomats have already met "with the local authorities to clarify the circumstances of the case"

Russian defense ministry notes slain general’s contribution into Russia’s security

He became a true mentor for many young specialists, inspiring their research, the Russian Defense Ministry said in an obituary

Use of several Oreshnik missiles comparable to nuclear weapons — Putin

It is reported that the Oreshnik system, which has already proven itself well, is very powerful

Zelensky admits the impossibility of reclaiming Donbass, Crimea

Vladimir Zelensky responded negatively when asked whether Kiev could temporarily abandon its claims to Crimea or Donbass

US bounty on Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham leader’s head remains in force

At the same time, US Department of State Spokesperson Matthew Miller did not speculate on what the US administration will do if al-Sharaa is handed over to the US

Merkel's memoirs confirm Russia sought to avoid conflict — reporter

Thomas Fazi said that, according to the former German chancellor, Russian President Vladimir Putin was committed to peace

Electoral college concludes session, awarding 312 votes to Trump — CNN

Trump’s electoral rival Kamala Harris got 226 votes

UK adds 20 tankers, two companies to its sanctions list for Russia

The sanctions target Dubai-based companies 2Rivers DMCC and 2Rivers PTE, which specialize in energy trading

Trump's special envoy on Ukraine may visit Russia — news agency

It is indicated that the trip to Moscow will be aimed at gathering information, and not for the implementation of any specific political goal

UN General Assembly adopts Russian-backed resolution on fight against neo-Nazism

The document was supported by 119 countries, 53 were against

Ukrainian expert doubts existence of ‘laser trident’ in Kiev’s arsenal

Ukrainian expert on defense technologies Sergey Zgurets explained that, according to his information, work in this field in Ukraine has remained at the level of scientific research

Massacre staged by retreating Ukrainian troops in Selidovo — report

According to Maxim Grigoryev, videos of interviews with witnesses and preliminary forensic examination of the bodies indicate that most of the victims are elderly women

Russia to continue its military operation, as West only offers fake peace plans — UN envoy

The permanent representative added that Russia would respond to actions taken by the Ukrainian authorities appropriately

Trump’s call to Putin may put an end to Ukrainian conflict – US expert

In his opinion, the core reason behind the conflict needs to be addressed in order to resolve it