Middle East

Hamas’s number two was killed yesterday in a Hezbollah stronghold in Beirut. For Hezbollah leader Nasrallah: "This crime will never pass”. Lebanese Prime Minister Nagib Mikati is intensifying contacts to prevent the conflict between Israel and Hamas from spreading to Lebanon. The Israeli army is preparing for “any scenario." On Sunday, Maronite Patriarch al-Rahi called for a halt to hostilities that have been ongoing for weeks at the border.

Syrian Orthodox Mar Maurice Amsih accuses the "occupation forces" of targeting an "innocent" community. In the raids of the last few days, he accuses, at least 10 civilians have died, dozens have been wounded and there has been serious material damage. Turkish Defence Minister confirms cross-border operations to kill soldiers. Sdf: in 2023 almost 800 attacks by Ankara's army.

For Iran, 2024 will be the year of the choice of the 88 members of one of the Islamic Republic's most important bodies, scheduled for 1 March. It will be up to them to appoint the supreme guide, in the event of the death (or resignation) of 84-year-old Ali Khamenei. The possible return to the scene of former President Rouhani and the challenge with Raisi. The rise of Mojtaba Khamenei, the ayatollah's son and long-time active behind the scenes.

Today's news: provisional death toll in Japan earthquake rises to 30, people are still digging under the rubble; Israel's Supreme Court rejects Netanyahu's justice reform; The 'banker of the poor' Yunus convicted of labour exploitation in Bangladesh; Kazakhstan no longer considers the Afghan Taliban a terrorist movement.

In a letter, the patriarchate writes that 30 "provocateurs" wearing masks and carrying weapons attacked bishops, priests, and others. Conversely, Jerusalem’s deputy mayor said that “Arab Muslim men" fought with Armenians until police made arrests "on both sides". Control over a disputed area in the holy city is behind the attack.

Today's news: High Court allows party members to visit Imran Khan ahead of February 8 elections; Iran executes four people linked to Mossad, Israel's missiles continue to kill civilians in Gaza; Beijing revives deal with Myanmar for Kyaukphyu port; Activist Tony Chung seeks political asylum in Britain after 43 months in prison

The elimination of IRGC General Razi Mousavi in Syria is a new step in an increasingly regional conflict. The departure of Russian troops from Syria has left a vacuum that gives Iran “room for manoeuvre”. Lebanese civilians are fleeing the south, especially Christian villages. For many, Christmas Mass was but the calm before the storm.

Today's news: China won't join US in curbing Houthi attacks in the Red Sea; In Japan, the world's largest nuclear power plant is about to be switched on again; Ousted from the Russian presidential election is journalist Ekaterina Duntsova, the only one to condemn the invasion of Ukraine;The Philippine army attacks the New People's Army rebel base.

Today's news: Israeli raid in Damascus kills Iranian general Mousavi. Russian dissident Aleksej Naval'nyj has been tracked down, secretly moved to a camp for lifers. Eighteen dead in Indonesia nickel smelter fire, President Widodo calls for more security. Malaysia at risk of flooding, as in 2014: displaced 25,000 people.

The Holy Family parish holds Mass amid a war raging for 80 days. “There seems to be no place for them (Palestinians), not only physically, but also in the minds of those who decide the fate of nations,” Card Pizzaballa said in his homily during midnight Mass in Bethlehem. Addressing the Churches of the world, he urged them to tell “their governments” to end the “hostilities”.

A 35-year-old Armenian, Hakop Gochumyan, was visiting a friend's house just outside the capital when plainclothes police arrested him. His personal belongings and Christian books were also seized. Four months later, his wife was released on bail while he is still jailed. This story is one of many, but others often prefer to remain anonymous hoping for release.

Today's headlines: Laos’s debt tops 112 per cent of its GDP. Chechnya starts to take in Palestinian refugees. Malaysia wants to attract more wealthy foreign retirees. All of Japan’s prefectures, except Tokyo, will see a population decline by 2050 over 2020. China blocks some flights between Russia and China.