The United Nations Security Council is expected to hold a vote on Algeria’s proposal for an urgent humanitarian ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The United States is hesitant due to ongoing sensitive negotiations. However, the US has previously supported resolutions targeted at increasing humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
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Foreign Minister S Jaishankar will travel to Iran amidst fears of escalation in the West Asia conflict. The US and UK launched air strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, resulting in concerns of a wider regional conflict. India has maintained diplomatic contacts with Tehran regarding the Israel-Hamas war and bilateral issues. Iran strongly condemned the air strikes in Yemen, while the Houthis expressed solidarity with the Palestinians. Jaishankar’s visit was planned prior to the conversation with the US counterpart Antony Blinken. India has refrained from commenting on the air strikes.
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Due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, Christmas Eve celebrations in Bethlehem have been cancelled, turning the normally bustling biblical birthplace of Jesus into a ghost town. The absence of festive lights and decorations, along with the lack of foreign tourists, has had a severe impact on the town’s economy, where tourism accounts for 70% of its income. With many airlines cancelling flights to Israel, local officials report over 70 hotels in Bethlehem have had to close, leaving thousands unemployed.
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Bethlehem, the historic biblical birthplace of Jesus, has turned into a ghost town this Christmas due to the Israel-Hamas war. The usual festive charm of Manger Square and the iconic Christmas tree are noticeably absent. The cancellation of flights to Israel and the decline in tourism have dealt a significant blow to the town’s economy. Amid muted celebrations, gift shops were slow to open and there were few visitors. The war has caused immense loss of life and displacement in Gaza.
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Dubai prepares to host COP28 climate talks as world leaders signal they won’t attend due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Over 70,000 attendees, including heads of state, are expected. King Charles and Pope Francis will be present. President Joe Biden, focused on the conflict, won’t attend, but a US climate team will be present.
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French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi meet in Beijing to address global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity. The visit aligns with a truce in the Israel-Hamas war and upcoming U.N. climate conference in Dubai.
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A senior Iranian envoy met with representatives from Hamas in Moscow, following talks with Russian diplomats. The meeting focused on calling for a ceasefire, lifting the blockade of Gaza Strip, and providing humanitarian assistance. Russia’s involvement in the Israel-Hamas war serves to expand its influence as a power broker. Israel condemned the meeting, while Russia defended the need for maintaining contacts with all parties. The discussions also addressed the release of hostages in the Gaza Strip and the evacuation of foreigners. The talks underscore Russia’s mediation efforts and its stance on Hamas as a liberation movement.
The Israel-Hamas war may lead to higher insurance premiums and shipping costs for Indian exporters, think tank Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) said Sunday. India-Israel bilateral trade has doubled to $10.77 billion in FY23 from $5.65 billion in the pre-pandemic period of 2021-22. While this may reduce exporters’ profits but it will not impact trade volumes unless the war escalates, it said.
