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Middle East conflict

Israeli army kills nearly 30 Palestinians in Gaza Strip over past day — Health Ministry

Tensions flared up again in the Middle East on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants staged a surprise attack on Israeli territory from Gaza, killing residents of Israeli border settlements and taking over 250 hostages, including women, children and the elderly

CAIRO, December 4. /TASS/. At least 30 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip as a result of Israeli actions in the enclave, the Gaza Health Ministry reported.

According to it, "during the past 24 hours, 80 Palestinians were injured as a result of the Israeli aggression in the Gaza Strip." The ministry also said that "44,532 Palestinians were killed and 105,538 injured since the start of the Israeli operation in the Gaza Strip until now."

Tensions flared up again in the Middle East on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants staged a surprise attack on Israeli territory from Gaza, killing residents of Israeli border settlements and taking over 250 hostages, including women, children and the elderly. Hamas described its attack as retaliation for the aggressive actions taken by Israeli authorities against the Al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem’s Old City. In response, Israel declared a total blockade of the Gaza Strip, home to 2.3 million Palestinians before the crisis, launching air strikes on Gaza as well as some parts of Lebanon and Syria before starting a ground operation in the Palestinian enclave.

Around 150,000 people came to rally in Seoul calling for president's resignation

Organizers, including the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, put the number of participants at one million

Nearing resolution, Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

Over the day, Ukraine lost more than 250 troops, an infantry fighting vehicle, two armored combat vehicles and five motor vehicles

VTB chief predicts Russia could lower key rate in late 2025

The Bank of Russia lifted the key rate to a whopping 21% per annum at its Board meeting on October 25, the highest in the history of Russia

Russia’s production of passenger cars rises by 41.4% to 599,000 in January-October

Over 9 months of 2024, 161,000 trucks were produced in Russia, which is 11.4% more than the figure for the same period last year

Russia informed US about Oreshnik missile test, Washington mishandled information — Lavrov

The message was sent to the United States 30 minutes in advance

Press review: Putin declares Russian economy's recovery as US reevaluates BRICS stance

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, December 5th

Western Europe wants to come to Russia's borders through Ukraine — Lavrov

And there were plans that were discussed almost openly to put British naval bases on the Sea of Azov, Russian Foreign Minister said

Russia remains responsible actor in international diplomacy — US human rights activist

"So I think it's clear that Russia is necessary for peace, for diplomacy," Christopher Helali said

Russia displays readiness for dialogue with West — expert on Sergey Lavrov’s interview

Daniel Kovalik, American lawyer also underscored that the Biden Administration’s recent decision to approve shipment of long-range missiles to Ukraine and the discussion of shipping nuclear weapons may lead to an escalation of the conflict

Steven Seagal expects Trump to help improve relations with Russia

US-born actor also said that the majority of Americans like Russia, respect it and want peaceful relations with it

South Korean lawmakers to vote on impeachment motion against president

If 200 lawmakers vote to impeach Yoon, he will be immediately suspended from exercising his powers, with the prime minister taking over in an acting capacity

None of post-conflict scenarios envisages territorial integrity of Ukraine — daily

Under one of the scenarios, Ukraine could be transformed into a "European Israel," or a country outside NATO that would enjoy the commitment from members of the Western military alliance to supply weapons

Russia open to honest dialogue with US, not sure if Trump will seize chance — diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov pointed out that "by throwing shade at the current [US] administration, Trump and his camp send mixed signals, adhering to the principles of 'America first' and ‘peace through strength'"

Shoigu arrives in Minsk to attend Supreme State Council of Union State

The Russian Security Council press office specified that Shoigu is to brief attendees of the meeting on the concept for the security of the Union State

French judge questions Pavel Durov on substance of Telegram case for first time — AFP

According to the report, Durov arrived at the court at about 10 a.m. (local time)

West escalating situation in Ukraine, pushing world toward global conflict — Putin

According to the Russian president, Western countries "are responsible for the present-day tragedy"

Absence without leave in Ukrainian army grows — Bloomberg

According to experts interviewed by Bloomberg, the number of AWOL cases may surpass 100,000, but the Ukrainian authorities do not officially disclose such data

Zelensky serves interests of other countries, not Ukraine — Georgian authorities

Earlier, the Ukrainian president signed a decree to impose sanctions against the Georgian authorities

Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris to reopen five years after devastating fire

The cathedral will open to the public on Monday, December 9

Ukraine's mistake to abandon peace talks under US, UK pressure — Orban

The Hungarian prime minister has repeatedly stated that the Ukrainian conflict cannot be resolved on the battlefield and should be settled at the negotiation table

Clinton acknowledged that Russia had legitimate concerns over NATO expansion — archive

Bill Clinton also wondered "whether or not we should try to be more candid with the Russians" about the US vision on expansion and its timetable, the memo reads

Russia committed to preventing Ukraine from acquiring nuclear weapons — MFA

Maria Zakharova pointed to alarming statements by Kiev officials, "which not only question the viability of the Budapest Memorandum but could also be interpreted as an outright attempt to review Ukraine's non-nuclear status"

Russia's Oreshnik missile test made Europe 'nervous,' ex-Pentagon official says

Jim Townsend suggested that with US President-elect Donald Trump soon to take office again, some in Europe would be "secretly pleased" to see a peace deal get done

Terrorism in Syria must be snuffed out to prevent further spread — top Iranian diplomat

According to Abbas Araghchi, the current outbreak of terrorist activities in Syria is a result of an "American-Israeli plot" and called for holding any "countries that keep silent or support these terrorist attacks" accountable

Russian woman who flew from New York to Paris without ticket released from US custody

According to the broadcaster, Svetlana Dali, 57, is charged with one count of being a stowaway on an aircraft and faces up to five years in prison

Astana format ministerial negotiations begin in Doha

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan are attending the meeting

Situation in Ukraine, Russia's relations with US: Lavrov's interview to Carlson

TASS has compiled the key statements of the Russian foreign minister

Ukrainian soldiers in Velikaya Novosyolka surrender when possible — captive

According to him, his company had only 30 people left, "some of whom died, and some surrendered"

Minsk should pick Oreshnik’s targets if it is deployed in Belarus — president

Alexander Lukashenko also believes that if the Oreshnik is placed in the republic, Russia should initially be in charge of any launches and maintenance

Over 800 mercenaries accused of fighting for Kiev regime — Russia’s investigative agency

During the week, the Investigative Committee will complete the investigation of the criminal case against British mercenary James Scott Rhys Anderson who participated in the Ukrainian army’s incursion in Russia’s borderline Kursk Region, it said

Russian gunners carry out over 100 strikes on Kiev forces near Kupyansk in 24 hours

Military expert Andrey Marochko noted that the "hottest spots" in terms of the number of strikes carried out by Russian artillerymen were the areas of the settlements of Kucherovka, Petrovpavlovka, Lozovaya and Glushkovka

Settlement in Ukraine must ensure lasting peace in Europe — Szijjarto

The Hungarian foreign minister reiterated that Budapest has great faith in US President-elect Donald Trump who has stated his intent to end the crisis even before his inauguration on January 20

Lukashenko says alarmed over situation on Belarus’ western borders

According to the Belarusian leader, the situation is worrying, given Poland's massive investments to strengthen its military

EU envoys once again fail to finalize 15th package of sanctions on Russia — media

According to the media outlet, Latvia and Lithuania refused to back the package because it extended a provision allowing Western firms to keep working in Russia

Lavrov says at summits Europeans run away from him and behave like kids

According to Russian Foreighn Minister, It's becoming 'contagious' when somebody sees an American or a European talking to him

Gold could become dollar's main competitor in world trade — Sechin

Rosneft CEO added that the US has lost its leadership in science, industry, and finance and has failed to maintain a fair world order

Russia in talks with Chinese automaker on production localization — minister

Negotiations are being held proactively

Press review: Ukrainian trace behind militants in Syria as protests in Georgia radicalize

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, December 2nd

Zelensky not thinking straight wanting to bring back people of Russian culture — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister recalled Vladimir Zelensky's interview in September 2021, where the Ukrainian leader advised people feeling associated with the Russian culture to "get out to Russia"

Oreshnik missile is Russia’s potential response to deployment of US missiles — diplomat

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on November 21 that the United States and its NATO allies had earlier announced that they would authorize Ukraine’s use of long-range weapons to hit inside Russia

Iran begins to evacuate diplomats, military officials from Syria — newspaper

The sources told the New York Times that Guards personnel, some Iranian diplomatic staff, their families, and Iranian civilians were also being evacuated

Top diplomats from countries engaged in Astana process on Syria to meet in Qatar

The meeting will also involve Geir Pedersen, the United Nations secretary general’s special envoy for Syria

Russia to add ten more countries to e-visa list — ministry

According to the ministry, the number of tourists using this mechanism totals 30,000 each month on average

Lavrov says US attacked Russia by proxy of Ukraine

"President [of Russia Vladimir] Putin has repeatedly said that we were left with no other option but to start the special military operation," the Russian foreign minister stressed

Ukrainian forces lost over 38,800 servicemen in Kursk direction — Defense Ministry

The daily losses of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the region amounted to over 380 servicemen, while three surrendered, the Ministry added

Russia, Belarus moving on integration path as quickly as possible

"It is not so easy because there are plenty of various issues, nuances, that is, regulations require changes," Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov noted

Russia’s new ambassador to US should start with reinvigorating staled bilateral dialogue

"If speaking in general terms, the prime task considering the arrival of the new administration, should be regarding the restoration of at least a minimum level of the interstate dialogue, which Washington had almost zeroed," Sergey Ryabkov said

Shipbuilders to deliver latest nuclear-powered sub to Russian Navy next summer

The nuclear-powered submarine Arkhangelsk deployed to the sea for the first time in June 2024 for shipbuilders’ sea trials

Versatile system for various scenarios: foreign media about close-up shots of Tsirkon

The launch in question took place on December 3, 2024, during joint exercises by the Russian Navy and Aerospace Forces in the eastern Mediterranean Sea

Syrian army backed by Russia attacks militants in Hama, inflicting losses on terrorists

The attacks also destroyed military hardware and vehicles belonging to the terrorists

Syrian defense ministry refutes reports about troops withdrawal from Homs

The Sham FM radio station reported earlier that militants had infiltrated the cities of al-Rastan and Tell Bisa in Homs’ northern part

Iraq, Iran, Syria call for global push to reach peace in Syria

Units of the Jabhat al-Nusra extremist group (outlawed in Russia) staged a large-scale attack on Syria’s northern governorates early on November 27

FACTBOX: Oreshnik may soon be deployed in Belarus

TASS has gathered the key facts around the situation

Russia ready to deploy Oreshnik in Belarus in 2025 — Putin

The Russian president added that this will become possible in the second half of next year as the serial production of these systems in Russia increases

Syrian troops gain foothold in northern part of Homs province

According to the ministry, government troops "have eliminated dozens of terrorists who fled in panic, and destroyed large amounts of weapons and equipment"

South Korean president apologizes for declaring martial law

Yoon also promised that he would take responsibility for his actions and would not try to avoid potential punishment

EU urges to soften sanctions on Gazprombank

Gazprombank remains the sole authorized bank to process payments for Russian gas

Russia would like normal relations with US — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister emphasized that the countries were not at war

Kurdish militias take control of cities near Syria’s border with Iraq

According to the SDF command, this decision was made after government forces and National Defense Forces (NDF), which support them, withdrew from the cities of Dei ez-Zor, Mayadin, and Albu Kamal on the border with Iraq

Ex-Turkish Foreign Minister Feridun Sinirlioglu appointed as OSCE Secretary General

"After months of intense negotiations, we have reached consensus on the top posts of the OSCE for the next three years," Malta’s Foreign Minister Ian Borg said

Russian troops liberate six communities in Donbass area, Zaporozhye Region over week

Russian troops delivered six strikes by precision weapons and unmanned aerial vehicles at Ukrainian military-industrial enterprises, army deployment areas and weapons arsenals over the week, the ministry reported

Carlson’s interview with Lavrov viewed 5 mln times on X

As many as 62,000 users liked it

Kiev claims it has new domestically produced drone missile, tested it in combat

Meanwhile, Minister of Strategic Industries German Smetanin said that the missile is being mass-produced

West alarmed by impending Moscow-Minsk security pact — Lukashenko

According to the Belarusian leader, the security concept for the Union State will help prevent any violations of the two countries’ territorial integrity, preserve their sovereignty and, most importantly, guarantee that citizens can live in peace

Russian forces liberate Berestki in Donetsk People’s Republic — Defense Ministry

At the same time, air defense forces shot down 26 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles in the past 24 hours, the Ministry reported

Syria pulls forces out of Hama to save civilian lives — defense minister

The minister warned that terrorists are working to take advantage of the current situation in their media efforts

Iran's Foreign Ministry demands Ukraine stop supporting terrorists in Syria

Ukraine's attempts to destabilize the Middle East go against all international norms, and are "immoral," the Iranian foreign minister's aide emphasized

Syrian, Russian aircraft strike militant sites in Homs province — Syrian Defense Ministry

The forces killed dozens of terrorists, the ministry said

Russia’s new ambassador to US faces persistent work with 'Trumpists' — diplomat

Earlier this year, Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed Anatoly Antonov as Russia’s Ambassador to the United States

Trump warns dollar to be displaced as number one world currency over Biden’s policy

It is noted that China is trying to displace the US dollar as the number one currency throughout the world

Romania’s Constitutional Court nullifies presidential election outcome

According to the media, the election slate will be wiped completely clean, meaning politicians will have to do pre-election campaigning, and then a new election will be held

Top Russian diplomat lists conditions for peace in Ukraine

The foreign minister emphasized that Russia cannot tolerate the situation "when the Ukrainian legislation prohibits the Russian language, the Russian media, the Russian culture, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church"

Gazprom supplies 42.4 mln cubic meters of gas for Europe through Ukraine via Sudzha

The application for pumping through Sokhranovka was rejected by the Ukrainian side

Ukrainian front collapses as Kiev faces worst situation since conflict started — analyst

Maria Berlinskaya noted the demoralization of Ukrainian society that, she said, is brought about by the actions of the country's military and political leadership and the corruption of officials

Italian journalist Lucidi puts in for Russian citizenship

The Italian media has claimed that Andrea Lucidi is a "Kremlin agent" who is being paid in cryptocurrency

English-speaking social media users generally positive about Lavrov’s interview

Users from the US and Ukraine were the most engaged

Russian stock market in the green on Friday — market data

The MOEX Russia Index gained 1.01% to 2,536.23 points, while the RTS Index edged up by 5.04% to 703.62 points

Minsk expects the soonest possible start of common gas and oil market — Lukashenko

According to the Belarusian president, Mins and Moscow "have the work in this direction underway"

Egyptian, Jordanian officials urge president to leave Syria — newspaper

They also urged Bashar Assad to form an interim council, the Wall Street Journal reports

Astana-format top diplomats' meeting to be held in Qatar on December 7 — MFA

"The event will be attended by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov," Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said

Formidable Sarmat: Satan’s successor that can pierce any defense

TASS’ military analyst fills us in on one of the greatest secrets of Russia’s defense industry

Putin to hold combined year-end presser, Q&A session on December 19 — Kremlin

This will be the third time the event is combined in this way

Kursk situation 'nearing resolution,' Kremlin says

On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree appointing State Duma lawmaker Alexander Khinshtein as the region’s interim governor

Press review: Lavrov joins OSCE summit in Malta and Ukraine starts talks with Trump’s team

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, December 6th

Press review: South Korean crisis deepens as Kremlin rules out talks with Kiev

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, December 4th

Israeli strike on Gaza Strip kills at least 29 people

According to the broadcaster, there are patients and hospital personnel among those killed

Developments in Russia’s Kursk Region: Ukrainian commander under investigation, losses

Investigators started a criminal case against Colonel Pavlo Rozlach, who ordered cluster munitions with poisonous substances to be used in the Kursk Region

Romanian presidential candidate Georgescu financed campaign illegally — president

According to Klaus Iohannis, he will stay in office "until the new president is sworn in," as per the country’s constitution

Georgian riot police force protesters back from Rustaveli Avenue in downtown Tbilisi

Police started pushing demonstrators back from the parliament building soon after midnight

Lavrov stays silent about meetings with US officials so as not to ruin their careers

When asked if the conversations were meaningful, the Russian top diplomat replied in negative

Russian forces wipe out Ukrainian troops at Chasov Yar plant

According to the report, enemy troops are defecting in large numbers in this section of the frontline

Russophobia in US may affect Trump’s approach to Russia, Ukraine — expert

According to Richard Black, "the implications of Donald Trump's victory for US-Russia relations and for opportunities to stop the war in Ukraine are unclear as of now"

Slovakia, Hungary intrigued by idea of new security architecture for Eurasia — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister underscored that, to the West’s displeasure, the process of building a new architecture of security in Eurasia has already started

Oreshnik to make dialogue with partners 'much easier' for Minsk — top Belarusian diplomat

"They have already imposed so many sanctions that it’s hard to imagine what else they could go after," Maxim Ryzhenkov pointed out

Emir of Qatar met with Lavrov on sidelines of Doha forum

The Doha Forum is an international conference taking place in the Qatari capital on December 7-8

Roscosmos ready to make Oreshnik missile as powerful as Russian Defense Ministry wants

Russia responded by firing its newest Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile with a non-nuclear warhead at a Yuzhmash Ukrainian defense industry plant in the city of Dnepr, President Vladimir Putin said earlier

Trade turnover between Russia, Belarus exceeds $37 bln in 9M 2024 — Putin

"By the end of the year, it will likely approach the figures President Lukashenko projected," the Russian leader said

Turkey to exert efforts to ensure permanent ceasefire in Lebanon — Erdogan

The Turkish leader also stated that Israel must be held accountable for crimes in the Gaza Strip

Boris Johnson could stop peace process on Ukraine driven by immediate desires — Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister said it in an interview with American journalist Tucker Carlson

Russian Ka-52M gunship wipes out Ukrainian army stronghold in borderline Kursk area

After the strike, the Ka-52M crew performed a missile evasion maneuver at an ultralow altitude by firing decoy flares to evade hits by enemy surface-to-air missiles

Russia becomes stronger in Ukraine conflict, while Kiev weakens — Hungarian PM

According to Viktor Orban, "it will be a tough and lengthy set of negotiations, but for now, the focus should be on achieving a ceasefire" in Ukraine