In a historic first, Saveera Parkash has become the first Hindu woman to file nomination papers for a general seat in Pakistan's upcoming elections. The young woman will contest the PK-25 seat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Buner district on a Pakistan People's Party ticket. A recent medical college graduate, Parkash aims to uplift women and serve the marginalized in her community. Her nomination comes after recent Election Commission mandates requiring 5% of general seat contestants to be women. Parkash hopes to follow in the footsteps of her father, a dedicated PPP member. If elected, she would be the first Hindu woman to win a general National Assembly seat in Pakistan.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vows, "We're not stopping," after visiting Gaza amid intensified strikes. International figures, including Pope Francis, decry the "desperate humanitarian situation" and call for an immediate ceasefire. The conflict, now in its 12th week, sees four major strikes, claiming over 100 lives, bringing the total death toll to over 20,674. Israel faces global pressure to protect civilians. Amid dire shortages, Gazans await aid, and the UN warns of a "risk of famine." Netanyahu addresses parliament, stating the war's toll is a "very heavy price." Tensions escalate regionally, with Iran accusing Israel of killing a senior general in Syria.

US President Joe Biden authorizes targeted strikes on three facilities used by Kataeb Hezbollah and affiliated groups in Iraq. The decision comes in response to a drone attack in Northern Iraq that injured three US service members earlier in the day. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin states the strikes are "necessary and proportionate" and aim to counter a series of attacks on US personnel by Iranian-sponsored militias. One US troop suffered critical injuries in the assault claimed by Kataib Hezbollah. Biden, briefed on the incident while at Camp David, directs the Pentagon's swift response against the Iran-backed factions.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu encountered jeers from families of hostages as he addressed parliament on efforts to secure their release from Hamas in Gaza. Netanyahu emphasized the necessity of military pressure for success, facing chants of "Now! Now!" from the families. Israel reports 129 hostages held by Hamas since October 7, with three mistakenly killed by Israeli forces. Despite international ceasefire efforts, Netanyahu asserts an expansion of the Gaza offensive in the coming days, declaring the war "isn't close to finished." The ongoing conflict has claimed over 20,000 lives in Gaza, mainly women and children.

Bethlehem, known for its vibrant Christmas celebrations and also believed to be the birth place of Jesus Christ, experiences a stark contrast this year due to the absence of tourists and pilgrims. The aftermath of recent events, including the conflict in Gaza, has deterred visitors, leaving hotels and shops deserted. Local business owners express the devastating impact on Christmas festivities, emphasizing the absence of the usual joy and spirit. Manger Square, typically bustling with Christmas activities, remains quiet. The global surge in violence adds to Bethlehem's woes, disrupting its economic lifeline heavily dependent on tourism during the holiday season.

Sri Lanka's week-long anti-narcotics operation, "Yuktiya" or "Justice," results in nearly 15,000 arrests and the seizure of 440 kg of narcotics. The crackdown, aiming to curb drug trafficking, halts for Christmas but resumes next week. Rights activists criticize the raids, citing illegal searches without warrants and alleged bias towards poorer areas. Police focus on users and small dealers, prompting concerns about overlooking large-scale traffickers. Human rights lawyer Hejaaz Hizbullah calls the raids unlawful, urging victims to gather details for potential legal action.

Pope Francis during his Christmas Day mass, passionately appealed for an end to the Israel-Hamas conflict, condemning the tragic toll on innocent lives. Addressing the "abominable attack" of October 7 and the plight of hostages, he fervently called for their release. The pontiff implored a halt to military operations, emphasizing the devastating impact on civilians. He further urged a humanitarian solution, emphasizing the desperate need for aid. The Pope's plea, delivered during the "Urbi et Orbi" blessing, resonates globally as a heartfelt call for peace and compassion in the midst of the dire situation in Gaza.

Palestinians faced a somber Christmas as Israel continued its airstrikes on Gaza, with festivities canceled in Bethlehem and minimal celebrations in the West Bank. The Gaza Strip experienced numerous strikes, leaving many in despair. In Khan Yunis, Fadi Sayegh, unable to celebrate amid dialysis, expressed, "There is no joy." Christian community celebrations were canceled, with Sister Nabila Salah stating, "hearing the sound of tanks and bombardment" replaced festive sounds. The conflict, ongoing since Hamas attacked southern Israel in October, has claimed thousands of lives. Pope Francis called for peace, acknowledging Bethlehem's rejection of peace due to war's "futile logic."

Ukrainian President Zelenskiy declared, "Evil will be defeated," as the nation marked Christmas on December 25, aligning with Europe. The government's symbolic shift from January 7 to December 25 for Orthodox Christmas signifies a break from the Russian Orthodox Church. Amid this, Ukraine reported downing 28 out of 31 Russian drones launched from Crimea. Russian attacks in southern Kherson killed five civilians, and Ukrainian shelling in Horlivka claimed one life. Russia alleged Western involvement in Serbian protests over elections. In another incident, a fire on Russia's nuclear-powered ship in Murmansk posed no reactor threat. Tensions persist in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with both sides claiming downed aircraft.

Ukrainian officials report five civilians killed in Russian attacks on Kherson, southern Ukraine. Simultaneously, Russian-installed officials claim one casualty in Horlivka due to Kyiv's shelling. Kherson, abandoned by Russian forces over a year ago, faced continuous shelling, resulting in deaths and infrastructure damage. Gas and water supplies were disrupted, impacting a medical facility. In Horlivka, Ukrainian shelling destroyed a shopping center, leaving one woman dead and six injured. Moscow and Kyiv deny targeting civilians, yet ongoing strikes on critical infrastructure reveal escalating tensions in the conflict, with independent verification challenging conflicting reports from both sides.