Asma al-Assad, wife of Syria's deposed president Bashar al-Assad, has filed for divorce. Reports say she wants to return to the UK with her children. The family has been living in Moscow under strict Russian control. Asma, born in London, holds British citizenship. She has asked a Russian court for permission to leave. Bashar al-Assad fled Syria after losing power to rebel forces. He cannot leave Moscow or access his assets. The Assad family ruled Syria for over 50 years before their fall. Asma has reportedly been unhappy since the uprising began.

At least 28 Palestinians, including children, were killed in Israeli strikes across Gaza, according to Gaza’s civil defense agency. A school sheltering displaced families was among the sites hit, leaving 8 dead, including 4 children. The Israeli military claimed Hamas operated within the school compound. Attacks near Kamal Adwan Hospital sparked calls for a ceasefire from the WHO and Pope Francis. The hospital director warned of risks to patients amid alleged targeting of its fuel tanks. With over 45,000 Palestinians killed during the 14-month war, Hamas representatives hinted that a ceasefire deal might be nearing.

Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, delivered a heartfelt Christmas message reflecting on her cancer battle and the importance of love. In the message, which will feature during her annual carol service, she said, "Love is the greatest gift we can receive, not just at Christmas, but every day of our lives." Earlier this year, Kate revealed undergoing major abdominal surgery and chemotherapy, describing the journey as "complex, scary, and unpredictable." Despite the challenges, she emphasized resilience and gratitude. The televised carol service airs on Christmas Eve, offering hope and inspiration to many.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico made a surprise visit to Moscow, meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin. This marks him as the third Western leader to meet Putin since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Discussions focused on gas supplies to Slovakia, which relies heavily on Russian energy. The meeting comes as Slovakia’s gas transit deal with Gazprom nears expiration. Fico, a critic of EU military aid to Ukraine, said they also discussed the military situation and prospects for peace. Fico informed EU officials before the trip, emphasizing Slovakia's position as a “good neighbor” to Ukraine despite halting military aid.

  Asma Al-Assad, wife of deposed Syrian president Bashar Al-Assad, has filed for divorce and sought permission to leave Moscow, where the family has been exiled. The Jerusalem Post reports that she is unhappy with her life in Russia and wishes to return to the UK. Born in London, Asma holds dual British-Syrian citizenship. Since the onset of the Syrian uprising, she has expressed a desire to exile herself with her children. Bashar Al-Assad remains in Moscow under asylum, facing heavy restrictions imposed by Russian authorities. The couple has three children.

India's ICC Champions Trophy 2025 matches will be played in Dubai, as confirmed by a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) spokesperson. The PCB selected Dubai as a neutral venue for the tournament, a decision officially conveyed to the ICC. This move follows the ICC's confirmation that India's games in the eight-team event would be held outside Pakistan. The tournament, scheduled from February 19 to March 9, features teams like India, Pakistan, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, England, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. The official schedule is expected soon. India last won the Champions Trophy in 2013, defeating England in the final.

A woman was tragically set on fire and killed aboard a stationary subway car at Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station in Brooklyn, NYC. The suspect, a Guatemalan immigrant, allegedly ignited the victim's clothing without prior interaction. Responding officers found the victim engulfed in flames but were unable to save her. The suspect remained at the scene before leaving the station. A tip-off from high school students later led to his arrest at Herald Square station in Manhattan. Police are investigating the motive, and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch called it "one of the most depraved crimes imaginable."

Saudi authorities claim to have warned Germany multiple times about Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, the suspect in the Magdeburg Christmas market attack that killed several people. Al-Abdulmohsen, a former Saudi citizen granted asylum in Germany in 2016, allegedly harbored extremist views. Despite four formal communications from Saudi intelligence, German agencies reportedly failed to act. The suspect, known for his dissident activities and controversial online presence, drove into crowds at the market via an unguarded route. Germany is now under scrutiny for ignoring these warnings. Investigations into the attack and the suspect’s past continue, amid concerns over lapses in security protocols.

China expressed strong opposition to US President Joe Biden's approval of $571.3 million in military aid to Taiwan. Beijing called the move a violation of its sovereignty and demanded an immediate stop to arming Taiwan. The US announced the aid package on December 22, which includes defence equipment and training. This comes three months after a similar package worth $567 million. China’s Taiwan Affairs Office accused the US of contradicting its promises not to support Taiwan's independence. The US remains Taiwan’s largest arms supplier, with the island recently receiving 38 advanced Abrams tanks as part of its defence upgrades.

German authorities confirmed they received warnings in 2023 about the suspect in the Magdeburg Christmas market car attack that killed five and injured 200. The attacker, a Saudi doctor critical of Islam, arrived in Germany in 2006 and had permanent residency. Authorities said he posted extremist views online, supported far-right groups, and made threats but had no prior violent record. He is now in custody, charged with murder and attempted murder. The attack has reignited debates on migration in Germany ahead of February elections. Critics argue security failures allowed the tragedy to occur, prompting calls for stricter border policies.