Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali was escorted to a hotel after rebels overthrew the Bashar al-Assad government in a swift offensive that took Damascus. Assad's whereabouts remain unknown, with reports suggesting he may have fled the country. The US has vowed to maintain its presence in eastern Syria to prevent an ISIS resurgence amid the chaos. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Daniel Shapiro stated that efforts would continue to degrade ISIS capabilities and prevent the group from gaining momentum. Meanwhile, Iran's embassy in Syria was reportedly attacked by unknown assailants.

Donald Trump has called for an immediate ceasefire and negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war, labeling it "madness." In a Truth Social post on Sunday, Trump urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to act, suggesting China could help broker peace. This followed his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris, marking their first face-to-face talks since Trump's recent election victory. While Zelenskyy emphasized the need for reliable peace guarantees, Russian spokesperson Dmitry Peskov highlighted that talks must consider battlefield realities. Ukraine insists that any ceasefire must be backed by solid peace guarantees to avoid further escalation.

Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris held its first mass on December 8, 2024, marking its grand reopening after a five-year restoration. The cathedral, nearly destroyed in a 2019 fire, has been fully renovated, including a new roof and spire. The inaugural mass was led by Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, with French President Emmanuel Macron in attendance. During the ceremony, a new altar was consecrated, replacing the one destroyed in the blaze. The cathedral will open to the public on December 16. The $750 million restoration was funded by donations and aimed at preserving the iconic monument for future generations.

Police have released two new images of a suspect in the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, 50, in New York. Thompson was shot in the back as he headed to a conference on December 5. The gunman, who remains at large, was captured in a taxi and outside the vehicle wearing a hooded sweatshirt and face mask. Authorities are investigating a possible link to the health insurance industry, as bullet casings found near Thompson's body contained words like "deny," "defend," and "depose." The FBI has offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.

On Sunday, Israel launched airstrikes targeting air defense bases and ammunition depots near Syria’s capital, Damascus. This came after the Israeli military deployed forces to a demilitarized buffer zone in southwest Syria, near the Golan Heights, following the rebel capture of Damascus. Syrian opposition forces declared a curfew in the capital from 4 pm to 5 am. Meanwhile, rebel factions announced the fall of President Bashar al-Assad, confirming his resignation and departure from Syria after a peaceful power transfer. Israel's military stated that it would continue its operations to defend the buffer zone.

France President Emmanuel Macron praised the restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral, calling it a testament to what great nations can achieve. During the reopening ceremony, Paris firefighters, who saved the landmark during the 2019 blaze, were given a standing ovation for their heroic efforts. Macron emphasized the importance of preserving the cathedral, describing the reconstruction as a lesson in humility and determination. The five-year restoration, costing 700 million euros, was completed on time, despite setbacks such as lead contamination, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the tragic death of the project’s overseeing general.

Syrian rebels took over Damascus on Sunday, ending the Assad regime's decades-long rule. Russia confirmed President Bashar al-Assad fled Syria, issuing orders for a peaceful power transfer before departing. Rebel leader Golani declared on state television, "The future is ours," vowing to continue their revolution. Celebrations erupted as fighters and residents took to the streets, proclaiming Damascus "liberated." Russia’s military bases in Syria are on high alert, though no immediate threats are reported. Earlier speculation suggested Assad's plane might have crashed during his escape. The fall of Damascus marks a pivotal shift in Syria's tumultuous civil conflict.

South Korea faces a political crisis as opposition parties plan to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol after his brief martial law declaration. Yoon apologized for the chaos but refused to step down, leaving his party to decide his fate. The Democratic Party demands his suspension and prosecution for alleged insurrection, alongside investigations into ex-defense officials. Massive protests outside parliament, with over 150,000 participants, amplify public anger. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo assured allies of stability amid ongoing tension. Yoon's controversial martial law, rescinded in six hours, remains a focal point of unrest in the nation.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has fled Damascus, with rebels entering the capital and declaring the "end of an era." Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali stated the government is ready for a power handover. Rebels from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham breached the Sednaya prison, symbolizing Assad's regime’s downfall. Hezbollah forces, once loyal to Assad, have withdrawn, while panic spread through Damascus. The rebellion, which began in 2011 as a peaceful protest, has now led to Assad's ousting, with Syrian soldiers fleeing to Iraq amid the ongoing civil war.

King Charles and Queen Camilla unveiled their 2024 Christmas card, featuring a sunny garden portrait taken in April at Buckingham Palace. Photographed by Millie Pilkington, the image captures a smiling King in a grey suit with a blue tie, and Queen Camilla in a blue wool crepe dress. This marks their third Christmas card since Charles ascended the throne. The message inside reads: “Wishing you a very happy Christmas and New Year.” Unlike last year’s formal coronation photo, this year’s card reflects a more casual moment following the King’s recovery from cancer. Around 2,700 cards will be sent worldwide.