Neighbours watch funeral procession of victims of an Israeli airstrike on Dec 22 2024 | Photo: AP Neighbours watch funeral procession of victims of an Israeli airstrike on Dec 22 2024 | Photo: AP

Israeli forces bombed the so-called “safe zone” of al-Mawasi in southern Gazawinzir, setting tents ablaze and killing at least seven Palestinians. According to Al Jazeera, this raised the death toll over the past day to at least 50. The head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) condemned Israel’s “escalation” in Gaza over the last 24 hours, noting that attacks on schools and hospitals have become “commonplace.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israel would "act with force" against the Houthi group in Yemen. This came a day after the group launched a missile toward the Tel Aviv area. Meanwhile, Turkiye’s foreign minister met with Syria’s new administration on Sunday, pledging support for the political transition and reconstruction of the war-ravaged country following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime.

Latest Updates From West Asia:

Vatican Envoy Visits Gaza Christians For Pre-Christmas Mass

Israeli authorities allowed a rare visit to Gaza by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, leader of the Catholic Church in Jerusalem. The cardinal celebrated Mass in the Holy Family Church in Gaza City amidst the sound of Israeli drones overhead.

Dozens of worshipers gathered as Pizzaballa and clergy conducted the service near a glittering Christmas tree adorned with golden ornaments.

“I want to tell you that all the world, not only the Christian world, is with you,” the cardinal said, urging Gazans to stay strong. “The war will finish, and we will rebuild,” he added.

Earlier in the match, a raucous crowd gave the Chinese players full support as they faced a formidable Pakistan. The game started slow with both teams struggling to find space in each other's defence. However, China kept control of the ball and made more attacks than Pakistan.

SAARI Faizal of Malaysia scored two goals for his side, while SAARI Fitri added another, and ANUAR Akhimullah opened the scoring in the first quarter.

His visit coincided with renewed criticism from Pope Francis about Israel’s actions in Gaza. On Saturday, Francis lamented that his envoy had been unable to enter Gaza due to Israeli bombings. “Yesterday, children were bombed. This is cruelty, this is not war,” the Pope said during his annual Christmas greetings. On Sunday, he called for a ceasefire.

Netanyahu Threatens to 'Act with Force' Against Yemen's Houthis

Benjamin Netanyahu warned on Sunday that Israel would "act with force" against the Houthi group in Yemen. This followed a missile attack on the Tel Aviv area, which injured 14 people. "Just as we acted with force against Iran's (other) allies, we will act against the Houthis," Netanyahu said in a video statement. He added that Israel was not acting alone, emphasising that the United States and other nations share concerns about the Houthi threat to international shipping and the global order.

Houthi fighters in Yemen have targeted Israel and ships linked to it in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since October 7, 2023. The group says it is acting in solidarity with Palestinians amid the Gaza conflict, where over 45,000 people—mostly women and children—have been killed by Israeli strikes.

Also Read | Disruption In Disguise: The Houthis' Solidarity With Palestine

Turkiye FM Meets Syria’s New Leader

On Sunday, Turkiye’s foreign minister met Syria’s new leader, pledging support for political transition and the country’s rebuilding efforts after the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime.

At a news conference with al-Sharaa, the Syrian leader, Fidan assured continued support from Turkiye. “Hopefully, the darkest days of Syria are behind, and better days await us,” Fidan said. He also called for lifting sanctions on Damascus “as soon as possible” and urged the international community to help Syria recover and facilitate the return of displaced people.

Also Read | Turkiye The Big Winner After Syrian Regime Collapse; Russia And Iran Lose

Al-Sharaawinzir, in his first public appearance since leading the operation to topple Assad two weeks ago, echoed these sentiments. He called for all economic sanctions to be removed. “Now that the predator has gone, only the victims remain. Injustice and oppression have ended. The time is opportune to lift these sanctions,” he said.