Dario Salvi

With 94 votes in favor and none against, the deputies approved the motion that formalizes the dissolution of Parliament. The situation of uncertainty and fragmentation throughout the political scene is confirmed. TLast minute appeals by Netanyahu and Gantz, joint in the polls, were of no use.

The lawyers want the facts and justice for the victims of the November protest over fuel price hikes. So far, no official death toll has been released. According to international NGOs, 208 people were killed. For US government, about a thousand were killed. Pro-reform lawmaker decides not to run again to protest against abuses.

Secretary General Antonio Guterres reports to a meeting at the Security Council. At the time bin Salman had spoken of Tehran's "act of war"; accusations confirmed by the USA and Europe. From the analysis of the fragments "it is not possible to say" that the rockets and drones used are of Iranian origin.

The Syrian lira is exchanged one to one to the dollar, never so low. In the past Lebanese institutions were the only entry channel for foreign currency. Transition restrictions block its circulation. Capital of wealthy Syrian businessmen frozen. And the population is increasingly worried. Maronite Archbishop of Damascus: "Pray for us".

Tomorrow evening the deadline for the formation of a majority in the Knesset expires. The possibilities for agreements are practically nil. The country is heading towards the third election in less than a year, in a climate of persistent uncertainty. Netanyahu gives the green light for the party primaries ahead of the vote.

For Advent, Card Sako calls on people to pray for Iraq and its northern region, the cradle of the country's Christians. He appeals to those who have fled in recent years to come back and rebuild in order to "live happily and peacefully”. He stresses the need for an overall development plan, starting from health.

The Lebanese president has postponed the consultations for a week, from December 9 to 16. A decision resulting from the withdrawal of the candidacy of Samir Khatib. The Sunni front aims again at the outgoing premier. Patriarch Raï to political leaders: do not try to oppose the "popular uprising".

Payments made by December 15th. Minister for Social Affairs: "Christmas Gift" for those who work for people with disabilities. A thousand gathered in the patriarchal see on the occasion of the World Day. The cardinal: how we treat the disabled "determines the degree of civilization of a nation".

The war will cost the international community US$ 29 billion in terms of aid. According to a report by the International Rescue Committee, Yemen is most food insecure country in the world. The current situation is the by-product of years of "impunity" and Western support.

The head of Tehran's diplomacy against countries that say they support the nuclear deal, but end up following the line of sanctions. For the Islamic Republic it is a "necessary and important" issue. Minister of Health: "very hard" year for medicines, drugs and medical equipment.

The Holy Land has "never before seen" such a political situation, which generates "instability". Rebuilding from ruins is strengthening a sense of community. Economic migrants to the Holy Land are "an integral part" of the life of the Church. Bethlehem is not only a place but an "invitation" to a different lifestyle.

The Iranian president hopes for the release of those who have demonstrated peacefully and unarmed. He invokes the "religious and Islamic clemency". Activists speak of 208 victims, but according to some deaths would be about 400. At least 200 thousand people involved, 7 thousand arrested but there are no independent confirmations.