Headlines- On Monday at 14:00 GMT, the US military says it would start blockading Iranian ports, preventing ships from entering or leaving Iran from passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
- In the southern town of Biyyada, Hezbollah claims that its men have attacked Israeli soldiers with "a swarm of attack drones."
- US President Donald Trump's threat to block the Strait of Hormuz was deemed "ridiculous" by Iran's navy chief, Shahram Irani.
- Any military ships approaching the Strait of Hormuz "will be considered a violation of the ceasefire and will be met with severe force," according to a statement released on Sunday by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
- The speaker of Iran's parliament Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf is leading the delegation that has arrived to Pakistan for talks with the United States.
- Nawaf Salam, the prime minister of Lebanon, stated that he was working to ensure the withdrawal of Israeli forces and to put an end to the Israel-Hezbollah conflict.
- Viktor Orban, the longtime prime minister of Hungary, has conceded defeat to Peter Magyar in the country's legislative election.
Year: 2023
Nazareth Christians Scaled Back Christmas Celebrations...
Christmas celebrations have been scaled back in Nazareth, the town where Christians believe Jesus lived much of his life, in solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza. Business owners say trade has plummeted as tourists and pilgrims have stopped coming because of the war, while Christian leaders told VOA that it is impossible to feel celebratory right now.
Charity: Christmas is “Hardest Day” for...
For many people, Christmas is a time of cheer and family get together, but for many elderly people, it’s also one of the loneliest days of the year.Age UK, a nonprofit group that deals with ageism and issues affecting this population, says people can take small steps to help.
Escaped North Koreans Urge China to...
Most of the North Koreans who escape to China are women, and they can become easy targets for human traffickers. Some end up being sold into marriages, sex work or other forms of servitude.
War Prevents Bethlehem from Celebrating Christmas
Bethlehem usually experiences high season during Christmas and the days leading up to it. This year, however, the Israel-Hamas war forced the Palestinian city in the West Bank to cancel all of its festivities.
Human Rights Groups condemn Malawi’s Refugee...
According to the U.N., tens of thousands of refugees fleeing conflict in Africa’s Great Lakes region are currently living in Malawi. Human rights groups say, some are being detained and moved against their will.
Journalists in Bangladeshi Diaspora Say Govt...
Freedom House, a Washington-based NGO, said the harassment and persecution back home of family members of exiled government critics and journalists is a widespread tactic in transnational repression carried out by authoritarian governments across the globe.
Hollywood Christmas Parade Features Dance Group...
This year marks the 91st year that performers from all around the country participate in the Hollywood Christmas Parade. Genia Dulot marched with a group of Korean American dancers who proudly showcase their culture
Jimmy Lai’s International Lawyers Fight for...
The trial of pro-democracy publisher Jimmy Lai is underway in Hong Kong. Henry Ridgwell spoke to Lai’s son and his international legal team about the threats and intimidation they faced in the days leading up to the trial.He
Canada Offers Opportunity for Afghan Journalist...
After fleeing Taliban repression back home, a former political reporter for TOLOnews in Afghanistan found a new job with a Canadian broadcaster.
Candies, Children’s Drawings,Warm Necessities as Gifts...
Holiday gift packages for the estimated 700,000 men and women serving in the Ukrainian military—including the tens of thousands of soldiers on the front lines—are being put together by volunteers in Ukraine.