World Council of Churches Urges EU to Impose Sanctions, Enforce Arms Embargo on Israel Over Gaza War and Alleged Violations Against Palestinians

The World Council of Churches (WCC) has called on the European Union to impose sanctions and implement an arms embargo on Israel, citing what it described as a war of genocide in Gaza and continued violations against Palestinians in both Gaza and the occupied West Bank. The appeal was made amid growing international concern over the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territories.

In a statement reported by the Middle East Monitor, Iskandar Majlton, local coordinator of the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel under the WCC, said the council was deeply disturbed by the escalating cycle of violence and the immense human suffering it has caused. He stressed that the WCC’s position is firmly rooted in international law and human rights principles, condemning all attacks on civilians without exception.

Majlton highlighted what he described as an unprecedented humanitarian disaster in the Gaza Strip, noting that thousands of civilians—mostly women and children—have been killed, while nearly the entire population has been displaced amid widespread destruction, hunger, and disease. He further argued that the ongoing violence did not begin in October 2023 but is the result of decades-long occupation, the prolonged blockade of Gaza, and systemic inequality faced by Palestinians.

The WCC’s call adds to mounting global pressure on international bodies to take decisive action to address the conflict and uphold accountability under international law.

Nigerian Military Urges Sokoto Residents to Return Explosive Materials Taken From Site of U.S. Christmas Day Airstrike

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has appealed to residents of Sokoto State to return explosive materials allegedly removed from the site of the U.S. Christmas Day airstrike in Jabo community, warning that the items pose serious danger to individuals and the public. The appeal was made by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, who expressed concern that unauthorised persons picked up sensitive and highly dangerous materials from the blast scene.

Onoja stressed that only specialised military formations are trained to recover and neutralise explosive devices, urging those in possession of such items to return them to nearby military bases or recognised security locations for safe disarmament. He also called on the media to help spread the message to prevent possible loss of lives.

The appeal follows ongoing investigations into the joint Nigerian–U.S. airstrike targeting terrorist enclaves in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The state government has confirmed that no civilian casualties were recorded and said post-strike assessments and analyses are still underway, while reiterating its commitment to working with security agencies to address security threats in the state.

128 Journalists, Media Workers Killed Worldwide in 2025 as IFJ Warns of Worsening Global Threat to Press Freedom

At least 128 journalists and media workers were killed across the world in 2025, according to the International Federation of Journalists’ (IFJ) final “Killed List” released on December 31. The death toll, which includes 10 women and nine accidental deaths, marks a sharp increase from the 122 journalists killed in 2024, highlighting what the IFJ describes as a worsening global trend against press freedom.

The Middle East and Arab World recorded the highest number of casualties with 74 deaths, including 56 journalists killed in Palestine amid the Gaza war. Yemen, Ukraine, Sudan, India, Peru, and several other countries also recorded multiple killings, while Africa saw nine work-related journalist deaths, largely linked to the conflict in Sudan.

Reacting to the figures, IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger described the deaths as a global crisis, calling on governments to protect journalists, end impunity, and support the adoption of a United Nations convention to guarantee the safety and independence of media workers worldwide.

Debris from US airstrike hit Kwara hotel and injured some staff, hotel owner claims.

A Nigerian hotel owner said that three of his staff were hospitalised with injuries after debris from munitions fell on his hotel following US airstrikes targeting militants in northwest Nigeria.

The surprise US raid on Christmas Day targeted militants linked to the Islamic State group, according to sources in Abuja and Washington.

The federal government had acknowledged that debris from the munitions fell in various locations, including “in Offa, Kwara State, near the premises of a hotel,” but stated that there were no civilian casualties.

However, the owner of the Solid Worth Hotel in Offa, approximately 800 kilometres from the strike targets in Sokoto’s Tangaza district, told AFP that three workers were injured after what appeared to be a missile hit the hotel.

“Suddenly on Christmas Day, around late evening past 10 pm, a bomb missile allegedly shot by the US military—maybe it misrode and hit my hotel,” said Taofeek Bello.

“It landed inside the hotel building, caused a little bit of damage, injured three staff,” he added.

Bello said one worker suffered what he described as a “traumatic” injury and was rushed to a psychiatric hospital. Another sustained a severe head injury, while a third was injured in the legs and lap; all three remain hospitalised.

Bello explained that the debris hit an unoccupied room of the 22-room, two-star hotel before landing outside.

Photographs he shared with AFP appeared to show a missile head being examined and collected by security forces. Only two rooms were occupied at the time, and no guests were injured.

Kwara State police told AFP that “as of this moment, there are no details yet. Investigations are ongoing.”

Daniel Bwala, a spokesman for President Bola Tinubu, told AFP on Monday, Dec. 29, that “there were no casualties except the terrorist(s).”

Sokoto Bombing: Senator Ali Ndume Urges FG to Extend US Missile Strikes to Boko Haram, ISWAP Strongholds in North-East

Borno South Senator and former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, has called on the Nigerian government to expand its ongoing joint military operations with the United States beyond Sokoto to the North-East region. Ndume made the call while reacting to the recent US airstrike in Tangaza LGA of Sokoto State, which targeted ISIS-linked militants. According to him, extending the collaboration to areas such as Lake Chad, the Sambisa Forest, and the Mandara Mountains would significantly weaken Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents. He also advocated deeper intelligence sharing, logistical support, and deployment of attack helicopters to assist Nigerian troops. Ndume commended President Bola Tinubu for increased defence spending in the 2026 budget, while urging transparency in its execution, and expressed condolences to victims of the recent mosque bombing in Maiduguri.

Tinubu Approved Nigeria–US Airstrikes On Sokoto Forests, Government Confirms ISIS Camps Targeted In Precision Strikes

The Nigerian government has confirmed that President Bola Tinubu authorised joint airstrikes carried out in collaboration with the United States against suspected Islamic State (ISIS) enclaves in Sokoto State. According to a statement by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the precision strikes targeted two major ISIS camps located within the Bauni forest axis of Tangaza Local Government Area. Intelligence reports revealed that the sites were being used by foreign ISIS fighters infiltrating Nigeria from the Sahel region to plan large-scale terrorist attacks alongside local affiliates. The operation, conducted in the early hours of December 26, 2025, involved the deployment of 16 GPS-guided munitions from MQ-9 Reaper drones launched from maritime platforms in the Gulf of Guinea. The government said the operation was executed under full Nigerian command structures with no civilian casualties recorded, reaffirming its commitment to eliminating transnational terrorist threats and safeguarding national security.

Sokoto Government Confirms Nigeria–US Airstrikes Destroy Terrorist Camps In Tangaza, Says No Civilian Casualties Recorded

The Sokoto State Government has confirmed that a joint air operation conducted by the Nigerian military in collaboration with the United States targeted terrorist enclaves in Tangaza Local Government Area, resulting in the destruction of identified camps without any civilian casualties. In a statement issued by the Director-General of Media and Publicity, Abubakar Bawa, the government said investigations and post-strike assessments are still ongoing to determine the full impact of the operation. The state also addressed public concerns over suspicious objects discovered near Jabo town, noting that detailed analysis by Nigeria–US military authorities is underway. Reaffirming its support for security agencies, the Sokoto Government welcomed international collaboration against terrorism and urged residents to remain calm, cooperative and prayerful as efforts continue to combat banditry and cross-border crimes in the state.

Fresh Details Emerge as Sokoto Residents Recount Panic, Damage After US Drone Strikes Hit Communities

Residents of Tambuwal and Tangaza local government areas in Sokoto State have shared firsthand accounts of panic and property damage following drone strikes carried out by the United States military on suspected terrorist hideouts. Eyewitnesses in Jabo district of Tambuwal LGA described seeing a low-flying object before a loud explosion created a large crater on farmland, while a medical practitioner said her house roof was damaged by the blast. Although no casualties were reported, the strikes sparked fear among residents, particularly in communities previously considered peaceful. In Tangaza LGA, local officials confirmed strikes on locations believed to be linked to the Lakurawa group, with authorities yet to verify the full impact. Nigerian officials later confirmed the airstrikes as part of ongoing security cooperation with the United States.

Belgium Files Declaration to Join ICJ Genocide Case Against Israel as South Africa Leads Legal Action Over Gaza War

Belgium has formally filed a declaration of intervention at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to join the genocide case brought by South Africa against Israel over alleged violations of the 1948 Genocide Convention in Gaza. The ICJ confirmed Belgium’s move on December 23, 2025, noting that the intervention was made under Article 63 of the Court’s Statute, which allows non-party states to participate in cases involving the interpretation of international treaties to which they are signatories.

As a party to the Genocide Convention, Belgium said its intervention focuses on the interpretation of Articles I to VI, particularly Article II, which defines the intent required to establish genocide. Any legal interpretation adopted by the Court will be binding on Belgium and other intervening states. South Africa and Israel have been invited to submit written observations on Belgium’s declaration in line with ICJ procedural rules.

The case, originally filed by South Africa in December 2023, accuses Israel of breaching its obligations under the Genocide Convention in relation to military operations in the Gaza Strip. The ICJ has already issued provisional measures in January, March, and May 2024. Belgium joins a growing list of countries—including Ireland, Spain, Brazil, Türkiye, and Colombia—that have intervened or sought to intervene, underscoring increasing international scrutiny of Israel’s conduct in Gaza and the expanding global legal response to the conflict.


#ICJ
#GazaConflict
#InternationalLaw

The U.S. wants to turn Gaza into a luxury resort — WSJ

The Trump administration developed an ambitious plan called "Sunrise" for the Gaza Strip.

The project is valued at $112 billion and aims to completely transform the region over two decades.

The main idea, proposed by Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff, is to turn Gaza into a high-tech resort metropolis.

The plan includes demining, creating modern transportation hubs, and building new cities.

However, it is still unclear where the funding for such an ambitious project will come from. It is also unknown where Palestinians will live.

CAIR Condemns U.S. Sanctions on ICC Judges, Calls Move “Lawless Cover-Up of Israel War Crimes”

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has strongly criticized the United States for sanctioning two International Criminal Court (ICC) judges involved in cases targeting Israeli nationals. CAIR described the sanctions as a “lawless” attempt to shield Israel from accountability for alleged war crimes in Gaza, undermining international law and judicial independence. The U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, sanctioned the judges under Executive Order 14203, claiming their actions violated U.S. and Israeli sovereignty. CAIR warned that punishing judges for performing their duties sets a dangerous precedent, diminishes U.S. credibility on human rights, and impedes accountability for crimes against humanity, including the deaths of tens of thousands in Gaza.

RSF: Israel Responsible for Nearly Half of Journalist Deaths Worldwide in 2025

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has accused Israel of causing nearly half of all journalist deaths recorded globally in 2025. In its annual report, the group revealed that 67 journalists were killed between December 2024 and December 2025, with Israeli forces responsible for 43% of the fatalities—29 of them Palestinian reporters in Gaza. RSF highlighted a deadly “double-tap” airstrike on a Gaza hospital that killed five journalists, suggesting deliberate targeting. The organisation also noted that nearly 220 journalists have been killed since the Gaza conflict began in 2023. Outside the Middle East, Mexico, Sudan, and Ukraine remained dangerous for media workers. RSF further reported 503 journalists imprisoned worldwide as of December 2025, underscoring escalating threats to press freedom.

#PressFreedom

#RSFReport

#JournalistSafety

Bethlehem Lights Christmas Tree for First Time Since Gaza War, Thousands Celebrate in Historic Square

Bethlehem brought back Christmas cheer for the first time in two years as the city lit its iconic Christmas tree in Manger Square, marking a hopeful moment amid ongoing tensions in the region. Thousands of visitors — Christians, Muslims, locals, and international pilgrims — gathered near the Church of the Nativity to witness the ceremony, which had been suspended since the Gaza war began in October 2023.
The festive event, filled with music, balloons, and emotional reactions, symbolized resilience for residents and visitors who endured years of conflict, travel restrictions, and economic hardship. Despite cautious tourist return and continuing instability in Gaza and Lebanon, Bethlehem’s celebration represents a tentative step toward recovery for the city, whose economy heavily depends on tourism.

Israel’s military has dismissed three generals and punished several other senior officers for failing to prevent Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack — the deadliest in Israel’s history. The dismissed officers include three divisional commanders, one of whom was acting military intelligence chief. The move follows an internal investigation that found widespread intelligence and organisational failures. While the army is taking action, Prime Minister Netanyahu has resisted forming a state inquiry, despite strong public demand. The October 7 attack killed 1,221 people and led to a two-year war in Gaza, where over 69,000 Palestinians have since been killed according to UN-verified figures.

Israel kills 2 Palestinians in Gaza amid fragile ceasefire
JERUSALEM/ABU DHABI - Israeli soldiers killed at least two Palestinians in the Gaza Strip on Monday, the military said, describing them as militants who crossed a demarcation line separating areas under Israeli military control.

BBC Director-General Tim Davie has resigned following controversy over a Panorama documentary that allegedly misrepresented a speech by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The programme spliced clips from Trump’s January 6, 2021, speech, making it appear he urged supporters to “fight like hell” during the Capitol riot. The unedited version, however, showed him calling for peaceful support of lawmakers.

Davie and BBC News head Deborah Turness stepped down amid accusations of bias and calls for accountability. UK Culture Minister Lisa Nandy described the allegations as “incredibly serious,” while Trump celebrated the resignations, calling the journalists “corrupt.”

The BBC has pledged a full response to parliament’s culture, media, and sport committee. The row adds to recent criticisms of the broadcaster’s editorial standards, including previous controversies over coverage of Gaza and other sensitive topics.

MURIC blames CAN as Trump designates nigeria country of particular concern.

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has criticized the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) following President Donald Trump’s redesignation of Nigeria as a country of particular concern over alleged Christian genocide—claims the Nigerian government denies.

MURIC Executive Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, called the redesignation “blurred, misplaced, and distorted,” saying it misrepresents the true situation in Nigeria. He urged Nigerians to focus on internal “fifth columnists” rather than debate the U.S. decision.

Akintola noted that some Christian leaders had sent petitions to the U.S. Congress portraying Christians as the sole victims of terrorism in Nigeria. Instead of correcting this narrative, CAN allegedly amplified it.

He condemned CAN’s actions as a betrayal, highlighting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has favored Christians in appointments, with 62% of positions going to them, and that the First Lady has been particularly generous. “Despite all that was done for Nigerian Christians, they still deemed it fit to take Nigeria to the enabler of Gaza genocide,” Akintola said.

He described the act as the “Mother of all Betrayals” and strongly denounced those behind the report.

Asari Dokubo Warns Trump: ‘Nigeria Will Be the Graveyard of Any US Invasion’.

Former Niger Delta militant leader, Asari Dokubo, has issued a stern warning to United States President Donald Trump, cautioning him against making good on his alleged threat to launch a military incursion into Nigeria over claims of widespread Christian persecution.

In a viral video shared via Facebook, the ex-leader of the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force (NDPVF) vowed that any American troops sent to Nigeria would meet fierce resistance. According to him, Nigeria would become “the graveyard” of Trump and any invading US forces.

“Let Trump come with his America, they will all die,” Asari declared passionately. “This lunatic wants to annex Canada, wants Iceland, wants to kill the president of Venezuela and the Supreme Leader of Iran. America is a sick country that elects madmen as leaders.”

The former warlord accused Trump of hypocrisy, saying the US ignored several humanitarian crises around the world while choosing to target Nigeria. “He can’t see the genocide in Congo, Gaza, or Sudan, but he’s talking about genocide against Christians in Nigeria,” he said. “If you come here, you’ll die here Nigeria will be your graveyard.”

Asari, who described himself as a Muslim raised among non-Muslims, also dismissed the idea that the killings in Nigeria are purely religious, insisting that both Muslims and Christians are victims of the ongoing violence.

He concluded by warning that unlike others who merely talk, he and his allies are ready to act if Nigeria’s sovereignty is threatened.

Trump’s military threat: ‘Nigeria will become your grave yards’ – Asari Dokubo warns US.

Former Niger Delta militant leader, Asari Dokubo, has warned President Donald Trump of the United States, US, against carrying out his threat of military incursion into Nigeria following allegations of Christian genocide.

Asari warned that Nigeria will be the grave yard of Trump and any US military if they dared to attack the country.

In a viral video on Facebook, the former leader of the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force, NDPVF, said US soldiers will be killed if they invade Nigeria in line with Trump’s threat.

He said: “Let Trump come with his America, they will all die, this lunatic wants to annex Canada, he wants Iceland, wants to kill the president of Venezuela, he wants to kill the Supreme leader of Iran.

“And that is why when they talk of America, I say it’s a sick country, a country of mad people, insane people and that is why they can elect a lunatic as their president.

“Satan has blessed and cursed him, even if America comes we will fight them, did America not go to Vietnam? Didn’t they run? Where have they gone to and stayed? Let Trump come with his America, you will all die.

“South Africa is committing genocide against Whites but he can’t see the genocide in Congo, in Gaza, in Sudan but he is saying South Africa is committed genocide against White, in Nigeria it’s genocide against Christians. I want to assure you, if you come to Nigeria, you all will die here, it will be your grace yard, Nigeria will be your grace yard.

“Everybody knows that people are being killed left, right and centre, this is not a lie. But is it Muslim or Christian? I’m a Muslim who is in the oasis of non-muslim.

“What I am today was not made by Muslims, I was made by non-Muslims, you people talk too much. We always tell you that we don’t just talk, we perform.

UPDATE Israel said it received the remains of three additional captives from Hamas as part of a hostage-prisoner exchange under the US-brokered Gaza ceasefire agreement.