President Erdogan warns against targeting ships in the Black Sea

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned that attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea are detrimental to all parties, undermining maritime safety. Speaking in Ankara, he emphasized Türkiye's regional role, citing aid to Gaza and efforts in Syria while urging strength to protect national interests.

Trump absolves Syrian leader after Daesh attack kills three Americans

President Donald Trump has publicly stated that a deadly Daesh ambush in central Syria, which killed two US troops and a civilian, is not connected to the Syrian government. He expressed confidence in President Ahmad al-Sharaa, describing him as a "strong man" who is addressing security threats.

UN Assembly backs Palestinian statehood in overwhelming majority vote

The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution reaffirming the Palestinian right to self-determination and statehood with 164 votes in favor. Only eight nations, including Israel and the United States, opposed the measure, highlighting significant international consensus on the issue.

PM Albanese hails Bondi Beach hero in hospital after terror attack

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has visited and praised Ahmed Al Ahmed, the man who disarmed a shooter during the Sydney beach terror attack. Albanese called him an Australian hero and vowed national unity while announcing a review of gun laws in the wake of the incident that killed 15 people.

US military strikes three vessels in eastern Pacific, eight killed

The US Southern Command reported conducting strikes on three suspected drug trafficking vessels in international waters of the eastern Pacific Ocean on Monday. The operation resulted in eight fatalities, according to an official statement.

Turkish military shoots down out-of-control drone over Black Sea

Türkiye's Defense Ministry says it intercepted and destroyed an unmanned aerial vehicle that was approaching its airspace over the Black Sea after assessing it had lost control. NATO-assigned F-16s were scrambled, and the drone was downed in a secure area away from population centers.

Trump files multibillion defamation suit against BBC over Jan. 6

US President Donald Trump has launched a sweeping defamation lawsuit against the BBC, demanding billions of dollars in damages over a documentary edit of his Jan. 6 speech. His legal team argues the British broadcaster distorted his words, while the case has renewed debate over media accountability, political influence and public broadcasting standards.

Türkiye’s Fidan drives Gaza diplomacy in talks with Arab ministers

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held separate phone consultations with the foreign ministers of Qatar, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia on Monday. The high-level diplomatic talks focused on coordinating efforts and advancing the implementation of a peace plan for Gaza.

Haredi parties threaten coalition as Netanyahu Israel crisis

Ultra-Orthodox Haredi parties in Israel have warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that they may back dissolving parliament unless legislation exempting yeshiva students from military service is fast-tracked. The ultimatum deepens Israel’s coalition tensions and revives the prospect of early elections, highlighting a long-running dispute that has also drawn scrutiny from Israel’s top court.

President Erdoğan extends Hanukkah greetings to Jewish citizens

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has issued a message congratulating Türkiye's Jewish community on the occasion of Hanukkah. In his statement, he conveyed wishes for peace, well-being, and happiness during the festival of lights.

Türkiye sets $60B, then $100B trade goals with Turkic world

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced ambitious economic targets for trade among Turkic states, aiming for $60 billion in the medium term and $100 billion long-term. He framed this within a broader vision of integration through energy, logistics, and cultural ties.

Netanyahu visits Al-Aqsa Mosque complex during Hanukkah, draws condemnation

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem on Tuesday for a Hanukkah event. The visit, which included the US ambassador, was swiftly condemned by Palestinian authorities as a provocative act. The site is sacred to both Muslims and Jews and is a frequent flashpoint for tensions.

Storm floods Gaza hospital and displaces thousands living in tents

Torrential rains and strong winds have flooded sections of Gaza's largest hospital, Al-Shifa, and swept away thousands of tents housing displaced Palestinians. The storm compounds a severe humanitarian crisis, with damaged buildings at risk of collapse and aid access still restricted despite a ceasefire.

European leaders endorse Trump-led Ukraine peace framework

Key European leaders have issued a joint statement welcoming progress on a Ukraine peace initiative driven by US President Donald Trump. The Berlin statement outlines proposed security guarantees and reconstruction support, contingent on a final agreement.

Türkiye’s Zero Waste Foundation charts sustainable path for COP31

The Zero Waste Foundation, under the honorary presidency of First Lady Emine Erdoğan, has developed a comprehensive framework to ensure the 2026 UN climate summit in Türkiye is sustainable. The plan focuses on cutting carbon emissions and optimizing resource use for the event.

Türkiye condemns drone strike on UN base in Sudan killing peacekeepers

Türkiye has strongly condemned a drone attack on a United Nations base in Sudan that killed six Bangladeshi peacekeepers and wounded eight others. The Foreign Ministry reiterated Ankara's support for Sudan's unity and for peaceful conflict resolution.

Erdogan accuses Israel of trampling UN human rights declaration in Gaza

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has declared that the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights is being "trampled on" in regional conflicts, citing Israel's actions in Gaza as the clearest evidence of war crimes and genocide committed over two years.

Israeli diplomat labels Türkiye an 'enemy' over Gaza and Syria stances

Tensions between Türkiye and Israel have escalated after Israel's New York Consul General Ofir Akunis declared Ankara an "enemy." The official stated Israel opposes any Turkish role in post-war Gaza and outlined security demands for Syria, citing President Erdoğan's criticism of Israel.

Siemens Türkiye aims to position nation as global tech export hub

Siemens Türkiye views the nation as a strategic hub for exporting global technologies in production, engineering, and R&D. The company's chair outlined plans to deepen involvement in Türkiye's industrial digital transformation through AI, automation, and smart infrastructure solutions.

EU commissioner calls for aid to 'flood Gaza,' not enter 'drop by drop'

EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib has called for humanitarian aid to "flood Gaza" as the winter season approaches, criticizing the slow and restricted flow of supplies. She described witnessing hundreds of aid trucks waiting at the Rafah crossing and frustrated aid workers during a recent visit.

Israeli settlers enter Al-Aqsa Mosque compound under police guard for Hanukkah

Dozens of Israeli settlers entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem under police protection to mark the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. The incident occurred at the flashpoint holy site, which is sacred to both Muslims and Jews.

Report details turmoil in US science under Trump's funding, policy shifts

A report in the journal Nature details a turbulent year for US science as the Trump administration enacted sweeping funding cuts and policy changes at major research agencies. The moves have triggered lawsuits, criticism from scientists, and efforts by other nations to recruit affected researchers.

Pakistan condemns deadly drone attack on UN base in Sudan

Pakistan has strongly condemned a drone attack on a United Nations base in Sudan that killed six Bangladeshi peacekeepers. Islamabad called for a swift investigation to identify and hold the perpetrators accountable while offering condolences to Bangladesh.

Kremlin calls Ukraine's NATO non-accession a key issue for peace talks

The Kremlin has stated that a guarantee of Ukraine's non-accession to NATO is a "key" issue requiring special discussion in peace negotiations. The remarks follow President Zelenskyy's indication that bilateral security guarantees could serve as an alternative to NATO membership.

67% of Belgians oppose using frozen Russian assets for Ukraine loan

A new survey indicates 67% of Belgians oppose an EU plan to use frozen Russian sovereign assets to finance a loan for Ukraine, primarily due to concerns over systemic risks to Belgium. Only 22% of respondents support the controversial proposal.