Latest Updates From West Asia:
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.
His visit coincided with renewed criticism from Pope Francis about Israel라이브 바카라 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.
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