In a UN Security Council briefing, the UN Special Representative for Afghanistan, Roza Otunbayeva, highlighted the lack of progress in human rights issues as a key obstacle between Afghanistan and the global community. She emphasized that adherence to international norms is a "non-negotiable condition" for the country's UN seat. The Taliban's preference for bilateral approaches and internal matters like bans on girls' education poses challenges. India, expressing unwavering commitment, urged sustained international attention amid deteriorating humanitarian conditions exacerbated by natural disasters in Afghanistan.

Egypt is actively involved in brokering a new ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, with discussions ongoing in Cairo. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh's visit to Egypt signals potential progress, but the demands from both sides remain significant hurdles. The U.S. acknowledges "very serious" negotiations, including the release of Israeli hostages, but Hamas insists on a complete end to Israel's offensive. The focus is on which hostages could be freed, with Hamas linking discussions to the cessation of Israeli aggression and increased humanitarian aid for Palestinians. The situation remains delicate, with no guarantees of a breakthrough.

More than 100 container ships have altered their routes away from the Suez Canal, circumventing the waters due to Houthi rebel attacks on vessels off Yemen's western coast. The shipping company, Kuehne and Nagel, identified 103 ships that changed course, adding approximately 6,000 nautical miles to the journey via South Africa's Cape of Good Hope. The rerouting may extend product delivery times by three to four weeks between Asia and Europe. Houthi rebels, aligned with Iran, targeted ships in response to Israel's actions in Gaza. The disruption, affecting oil and gas tankers, has led to higher oil prices, prompting the US to consider a naval coalition for Suez canal protection.

Colin Armstrong, 78, a British millionaire and former diplomat, was rescued in Ecuador after being abducted by 15 armed men, believed to be linked to a cartel seeking protection fees. Reports suggest Armstrong's refusal to pay led to his abduction. His girlfriend, Katherine Paola Santos, endured a terrifying ordeal as a bomb disposal unit removed an explosives vest she claimed kidnappers forced her to wear, threatening to detonate it without a ransom. Police are investigating Santos' role in the incident. Ecuador's police chief, Cesar Augusto Zapata Correa, confirmed Armstrong's safety, revealing a picture of him with police. Nine suspects, potentially linked to Los Tiguerones cartel, have been arrested. Armstrong's family awaits his return for a joyous Christmas.            

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discloses Mossad's active role, led by Director David Barnea, in securing the release of 129 captives held in Gaza since October 7. Positive meetings in Warsaw with CIA chief Bill Burns and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani signal progress. Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh's Egypt visit adds momentum to negotiations. President Isaac Herzog expresses readiness for a humanitarian pause. Amidst the deadliest phase of the Gaza war, Islamic Jihad intensifies pressure by releasing footage of two hostages. Meanwhile, the UN Security Council readies for a vote on a resolution urging a conflict pause, as regional tensions escalate.            

Yahya Sinwar, Hamas' leader in Gaza, narrowly escaped capture by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) twice recently, reportedly hiding in tunnels under Gaza's Khan Younis. Israeli forces, engaged in fierce fighting, breached some underground structures while attempting to locate Sinwar and other Hamas leaders. Sinwar is believed to have orchestrated the October 7 attack on southern Israel, resulting in casualties and hostages. Despite relentless bombardment and ground troops sent by Israel, Sinwar reportedly eluded capture just before their arrival in the tunnel. Intelligence suggests Sinwar is constantly on the move to avoid prolonged stays in one location to avoid being captured.

A day after Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow would be ready for talks with Ukraine, the Kremlin has struck a different note, saying there is currently no basis for negotiations as none of the prerequisites are in place. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Ukraine withdrew from talks in 2022 at Britain's behest. Ukraine insists peace can only come after a full Russian withdrawal. Meanwhile, Putin acknowledged Russia needs better military capabilities while praising its defense industry. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said no one knows when the war will end but expressed confidence the US won't betray Ukraine's trust. Earlier, Putin asserted Russia will keep defending its interests though open to talks based on its national interests.

In a tragic turn of events, the death toll rises to 131 in northwestern China following the powerful 6.2-magnitude earthquake. Gansu witnesses 113 casualties, while Qinghai reports 18 deaths, with 16 still missing. Over 700 people are injured, and 155,393 houses suffer damage. Rescue operations successfully save 74 individuals, and 4,298 are evacuated. China's Ministry of Emergency Management reveals property worth USD 2.16 million is saved. Efforts include sending over 736 rescuers and 2,042 firefighters, with relief supplies like tents and overcoats dispatched. The earthquake, China's deadliest since 2014, triggers a swift and comprehensive response to address the immediate aftermath and support affected regions.

At least 33 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza on Tuesday as Israel intensified attacks in response to Hamas rocket fire. This comes as the UN Security Council delayed a vote on resolutions seeking humanitarian access and ceasefire in Gaza until Wednesday, amid negotiations to avert a US veto. Israel meanwhile intercepted six rockets fired towards northern Israel from Lebanon, injuring two soldiers. The ongoing flare-up, sparked by Hamas's attack on Israel in October, has raged for two months now. With rising casualties and no signs of de-escalation, the UNSC aims to push for aid access and end hostilities but faces resistance from Israel's ally US. The geopolitical stalemate persists as civilians continue bearing the brunt.

US Presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has pledged solidarity with Donald Trump after a Colorado court ruled the former president ineligible for the 2024 ballot over his role in the Capitol attack. Ramaswamy slammed the "unconstitutional" decision barring Trump as an "actual attack on democracy" by Democrat judges. The biotech executive vowed to withdraw from Colorado's GOP primary if Trump remains excluded. Ramaswamy called on other Republican contenders including DeSantis and Haley to join him or "tacitly endorse this illegal maneuver." Ramaswamy charged that the ruling targets Trump using a "new tactic" under the 14th Amendment to prevent him from ever holding office again.