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Iranian-backed Houthi rebels on Sunday reportedly struck an Indian-flagged oil tanker in the Red Sea. The attack, which was unsuccessful, prompted the vessel to head back towards India. The attack came a day after another oil tanker came under drone attack off the Indian coast. The US on Sunday said the attack was carried out by Iran.&nbsp;Pentagon in a statement to WION said that the attack occurred at approximately 10 am local time in the Indian Ocean, 200 nautical miles from the coast of India. It said that the "motor vessel CHEM PLUTO, a Liberia-flagged, Japanese-owned, and Netherlands-operated chemical tanker" was hit by "a one-way attack drone fired from Iran." Meanwhile in US, the authorities said they were responding to “an active shooting” at the Paddock mall in Ocala, located about 80 miles north-west of Orlando, on the day before Christmas Eve.

Click on the headlines to read more.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/houthis-strike-indian-flagged-oil-tanker-with-drone-in-red-sea-us-military-673011">Houthis strike Indian-flagged oil tanker with drone in Red Sea: US military</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/24/401266-107349229-1702956760977-gettyimages-1534870544-afp33p76d6.jpeg?imwidth=3840" />Yemen’s Houthi rebels attacked an Indian-flagged crude oil tanker with a drone in the Red Sea, the US military reported Sunday morning (Dec 24).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-pentagon-accuses-iran-for-drone-attack-on-israel-affiliated-chemical-tanker-off-indian-coast-672986">Pentagon accuses Iran for drone attack on 'Israel-affiliated' chemical tanker off Indian Coast</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/24/401251-untitled-design-2023-12-24t072510618.png?imwidth=3840" />US Pentagon, regarding the Saturday (Dec 23) incident off the coast of India where a Japanese-owned "Israel-affiliated" chemical tanker MV Chem Pluto was reportedly targeted by a drone, told WION that it was "fired from Iran."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/303-indians-include-11-unaccompanied-minors-as-france-continues-human-trafficking-probe-672998">303 Indians include 11 unaccompanied minors as France continues human trafficking probe: Repor</a>t

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/24/401256-untitled-design-2023-12-24t081542697.png?imwidth=3840" />As 303 Indian passengers who were on a Nicaragua-bound plane continue to remain grounded by French authorities since Thursday (Dec 21), a Reuters report citing a source close to the Paris prosecutor's office confirmed that these individuals also included eleven unaccompanied minors.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/florida-shooting-1-dead-several-injured-after-gunman-opens-fire-at-shopping-mall-673000">Florida shooting: 1 dead, several injured after gunman opens fire at shopping mall</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/24/401261-9zggaryb.jpg?imwidth=3840" />One person was reported killed and another injured after a gunman opened fire at a shopping mall in Florida on Saturday (Dec 23).

Watch:&nbsp;US preparing to ease restrictions on weapons sale amid Saudi-Houthi peace talks

The United States is preparing to ease some of the restrictions on arms sales to Saudi Arabia. This comes after the Gulf Kingdom is looking to finalize a peace accord with Yemen's Houthi Rebels.

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Iranian-backed Houthi rebels on Sunday reportedly struck an Indian-flagged oil tanker in the Red Sea. The attack, which was unsuccessful, prompted the vessel to head back towards India.

Iranian-backed Houthi rebels on Sunday reportedly struck an Indian-flagged oil tanker in the Red Sea. The attack, which was unsuccessful, prompted the vessel to head back towards India. The attack came a day after another oil tanker came under drone attack off the Indian coast. The US on Sunday said the attack was carried out by Iran. Pentagon in a statement to WION said that the attack occurred at approximately 10 am local time in the Indian Ocean, 200 nautical miles from the coast of India. It said that the "motor vessel CHEM PLUTO, a Liberia-flagged, Japanese-owned, and Netherlands-operated chemical tanker" was hit by "a one-way attack drone fired from Iran." Meanwhile in US, the authorities said they were responding to “an active shooting” at the Paddock mall in Ocala, located about 80 miles north-west of Orlando, on the day before Christmas Eve. Click on the headlines to read more. Houthis strike Indian-flagged oil tanker with drone in Red Sea: US military Yemen’s Houthi rebels attacked an Indian-flagged crude oil tanker with a drone in the Red Sea, the US military reported Sunday morning (Dec 24). Pentagon accuses Iran for drone attack on 'Israel-affiliated' chemical tanker off Indian Coast US Pentagon, regarding the Saturday (Dec 23) incident off the coast of India where a Japanese-owned "Israel-affiliated" chemical tanker MV Chem Pluto was reportedly targeted by a drone, told WION that it was "fired from Iran." 303 Indians include 11 unaccompanied minors as France continues human trafficking probe: Report As 303 Indian passengers who were on a Nicaragua-bound plane continue to remain grounded by French authorities since Thursday (Dec 21), a Reuters report citing a source close to the Paris prosecutor's office confirmed that these individuals also included eleven unaccompanied minors. Florida shooting: 1 dead, several injured after gunman opens fire at shopping mall One person was reported killed and another injured after a gunman opened fire at a shopping mall in Florida on Saturday (Dec 23). Watch: US preparing to ease restrictions on weapons sale amid Saudi-Houthi peace talks The United States is preparing to ease some of the restrictions on arms sales to Saudi Arabia. This comes after the Gulf Kingdom is looking to finalize a peace accord with Yemen's Houthi Rebels. ×

Morning brief: Houthis' unsuccessful drone strike on Indian-flagged tanker, 1 dead in Florida shooting, & more

As deaths soar in Gaza from Israeli strikes, Egypt offers aid, but no exit. Further war risks new front with Iran proxy groups.

Israel-Palestine War: Iran denies helping Houthis plan attack on Israel

The Israeli military assassinated the Hamas official in charge of supplying the terrorist group with weapons, the country’s military officials announced.

Top Hamas commander killed in Gaza in Israeli airstrike: IDF

An unclaimed missile strike has resulted in a fire on board a merchant ship that reportedly was headed towards Israel in The Indian Ocean. The vessel is Affiliated with Israel and the Indian Coast Guard has been dispatched with a warship for immediate assistance to all people on board.

Drone strike hits ‘Israel-affiliated’ ship off India's coast: Maritime agencies

The Red Sea standoff continues to escalate every day Yemen's Houthi Rebels carried on with their barrage of targeted attacks on what the group refer towards Israel Affiliated ships. The latest US and Iran are involved in a war of words the former had previously accused Iran of backing the Houthis in their attacks on private vessels crossing the Red Sea. But on Saturday Iran's foreign minister rejected the accusations of their involvement. To know more watch this interview with former Indian envoy to UAE & Egypt, Navdeep Singh Puri.

Indian-flagged oil vessel attacked in the Red Sea

Multiple people were injured Saturday during what authorities described as “an active shooting” at a shopping mall in central Florida.

1 dead, several people injured in shooting at Florida shopping mall

The Red Sea standoff continues to escalate every day Yemen's Houthi Rebels carried on with their barrage of targeted attacks on what the group refer towards Israel Affiliated ships. The latest US and Iran are involved in a war of words the former had previously accused Iran of backing the Houthis in their attacks on private vessels crossing the Red Sea. But on Saturday Iran's foreign minister rejected the accusations of their involvement.

Iran rejects involvement in Houthi attacks in the Red Sea

Ukraine is legalising medicinal cannabis to treat psychological trauma and stress-related diseases caused by Russia's war.

Ukraine is legalising medicinal marijuana to treat stress from the war

The United Kingdom's family Visa salary threshold hike is to be spaced out instead of being implemented all at once. The salary threshold will determine the eligibility to sponsor a spouse or partner on a family Visa. The threshold hike will take place in incremental stages the move is being seen as a step down by UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak who is pushing for immigration reforms in the country.

New eligibility requirements for visa in UK

Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein&nbsp;Amirabdollahian&nbsp; on Saturday (December 23) denied US&nbsp;accusations that it was involved in planning attacks by Yemen's Tehran-aligned Houthi movement on commercial vessels in the Red Sea.

The White House had said Tehran was "deeply involved" in planning the operations and its intelligence was critical to enable the Houthis to target ships.

Iran supports the Houthis but officially denies arming the group, which has seized Yemen's capital Sanaa after ousting the government and now controls large swaths of the country.

The Houthis, who say their attacks are aimed at Israel-linked ships and are in support of Palestinians under siege by Israel in Gaza, have targeted commercial shipping in the Red Sea with drones and missiles, forcing shippers to change course and take longer routes around the southern tip of Africa.

Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian on Saturday (December 23) denied US accusations that it was involved in planning attacks by Yemen's Tehran-aligned Houthi movement on commercial vessels in the Red Sea.

Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian on Saturday (December 23) denied US accusations that it was involved in planning attacks by Yemen's Tehran-aligned Houthi movement on commercial vessels in the Red Sea. The White House had said Tehran was "deeply involved" in planning the operations and its intelligence was critical to enable the Houthis to target ships. Iran supports the Houthis but officially denies arming the group, which has seized Yemen's capital Sanaa after ousting the government and now controls large swaths of the country. The Houthis, who say their attacks are aimed at Israel-linked ships and are in support of Palestinians under siege by Israel in Gaza, have targeted commercial shipping in the Red Sea with drones and missiles, forcing shippers to change course and take longer routes around the southern tip of Africa.

Iran's foreign minister denies helping Houthis plan attacks on Israel-linked ships

It is that time of the year when the festive season is here and people are traveling back home to be with their loved ones but for some Christmas is not going to be so merry as a record number of migrants wearing red holiday outfits continue to cross the US-Mexico border over the weekend.

Not a 'Merry Christmas' at US-Mexico border

One dead and multiple people were injured Saturday during what authorities described as “an active shooting” at a shopping mall in central Florida. Florida police launches a manhunt to nab suspect.

Florida mall shooting: Florida police launch manhunt to nab suspect

German police officials on Saturday (Dec 23) said that they increased security at Cologne Cathedral after there were indications of attacks planned for New Year's Eve.

The move was also taken after the government issued warnings over the rising threat of Islamist violence.

The police officials released a statement saying that they would take the help of tracker dogs to keep a check on the cathedral after evening mass and then close it off.&nbsp;

On Christmas Eve, they would carry out a security check on all visitors and recommended they get to services early.

The police further said that they could not elaborate on the details as the probe was ongoing.

Earlier, security authorities in Austria, Germany and Spain had received indications that Islamist groups were planning to carry out attacks during the Christmas and New Year festivities, news agency Reuters reported citing German newspaper Bild.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/303-indians-include-11-unaccompanied-minors-as-france-continues-human-trafficking-probe-672998">11 minors among 303 Indian passengers on flight grounded by France: Report</a>

<h2>Rising threat of Islamist violence</h2>

Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, in recent weeks, also warned of the growing threat of Islamist violence in Germany and elsewhere in Europe as the Israel-Hamas war increases the risk of radicalisation.

Austrian police released a statement saying that they were heightening security in churches and Christmas markets given a heightened state of alert.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-catholic-church-says-document-on-blessing-same-sex-couples-does-not-apply-673137">Ukrainian Catholic church says Vatican document on blessing same sex couples does not apply</a>

"Given that terrorist actors throughout Europe are calling for attacks on Christian events, especially around Dec. 24, the security authorities have taken the corresponding protection measures in public spaces," the police said.

Earlier this month, the Spanish Interior Ministry announced the reinforcement of security measures from Dec 18 for the Christmas holidays, with the anti-terrorism alert at level 4 or "high risk".

(With inputs from agencies)

German police officials on Saturday (Dec 23) said that they increased security at Cologne Cathedral after there were indications of attacks planned for New Year's Eve.

German police officials on Saturday (Dec 23) said that they increased security at Cologne Cathedral after there were indications of attacks planned for New Year's Eve. The move was also taken after the government issued warnings over the rising threat of Islamist violence. The police officials released a statement saying that they would take the help of tracker dogs to keep a check on the cathedral after evening mass and then close it off. On Christmas Eve, they would carry out a security check on all visitors and recommended they get to services early. The police further said that they could not elaborate on the details as the probe was ongoing. Earlier, security authorities in Austria, Germany and Spain had received indications that Islamist groups were planning to carry out attacks during the Christmas and New Year festivities, news agency Reuters reported citing German newspaper Bild. Also read: 11 minors among 303 Indian passengers on flight grounded by France: Report Rising threat of Islamist violence Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, in recent weeks, also warned of the growing threat of Islamist violence in Germany and elsewhere in Europe as the Israel-Hamas war increases the risk of radicalisation. Austrian police released a statement saying that they were heightening security in churches and Christmas markets given a heightened state of alert. Also read: Ukrainian Catholic church says Vatican document on blessing same sex couples does not apply "Given that terrorist actors throughout Europe are calling for attacks on Christian events, especially around Dec. 24, the security authorities have taken the corresponding protection measures in public spaces," the police said. Earlier this month, the Spanish Interior Ministry announced the reinforcement of security measures from Dec 18 for the Christmas holidays, with the anti-terrorism alert at level 4 or "high risk". (With inputs from agencies)

German police increase security at Cologne Cathedral for Christmas celebrations amid attack threat

The US Presidential race is heating up. Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley is catching up to former US President Donald Trump in the polls. Haley has pulled four points of frontrunner trump in primary polls in New Hampshire. The question is could Haley become the first female and first Indian-American president of the US?

US Presidential Elections 2024: Nikki Haley closes in, 4% behind Donald Trump

Lionsgate unveiled details of the long-awaited separation of its studios business and the Starz TV network and streaming division.

Lionsgate to spin off studio business in $4.6-billion SPAC deal

The Israel-Hamas War seeing no signs of stopping while another border is showing signs of concern. Lebanon-based Hezbollah continues to exert pressure by supporting the Hamas in Gaza and is also taking armed action on the ground.

Israel-Hamas war: IDF spokesperson continues to urge Hezbollah to stay away from the border

The festive season is here and it has set the ball rolling for a buzzing holiday season as the days of celebrations begin. The holiday travel rush is hitting its peak in the US with mild weather and lower flight cancellations.

US looks forward to a packed holiday season

Amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group in Gaza, Palestinian Christians held a sombre Christmas vigil in the West Bank city of Bethlehem on Saturday (Dec 23) where they once believed Jesus was born. This comes as Palestinians in the biblical place of Jesus Christ’s birth have this year decided to forego Christmas celebrations in solidarity with the Gazans as the war rages on.&nbsp;

The decision to tone down the Christmas festivities amid the ongoing war was taken last month in solidarity with Palestinians.&nbsp;

<h2>‘We feel sad’</h2>

The normally bustling Bethlehem on Christmas Eve was compared to a ghost town, on Sunday (Dec 24) as festive lights and Christmas tree decorated the city’s Manger Square were missing and so were the thousands of tourists who gather each year to mark the holiday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-says-didnt-talk-about-ceasefire-during-private-conversation-with-israeli-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-673116">Biden says didn’t talk about ceasefire during private conversation with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu</a>

Typically, pilgrims go to the reputed location of that stable in Bethlehem’s Byzantine-era Church of the Nativity, where most Christmases are joyful displays of lights and trees in Manger Square. Instead, the city marked Christmas with candle-lit hymns and prayers for peace in Gaza.

This year a Nativity scene in Manger Square showed a baby Jesus wrapped in a white shroud, reminiscent of the hundreds of children killed in the fighting in Gaza. The scene was also surrounded by barbed wire, the grey rubble in contrast to the joyous lights and bursts of colour that normally fill the square during Christmas.

“This Christmas comes to Bethlehem in a different shape. Nowadays Bethlehem, as any other Palestinian city, is in mourning. We feel sad,” said town mayor Hanna Hanania, lighting a candle in Manger Square.

“This year, without the Christmas tree and without lights, there’s just darkness,” said Brother John Vinh, a Franciscan monk from Vietnam who has lived in Jerusalem for six years, as quoted by the Associated Press.&nbsp;

He also spoke about always coming to Bethlehem to mark Christmas, but this year was especially sobering.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-amid-israel-hamas-war-the-turmoil-in-top-us-universities-over-antisemitism-668405">Explained | Amid Israel-Hamas war, head rolls in turmoil at top US universities over antisemitism row</a>

The city was almost deserted, with few worshippers around and no Christmas tree as the church leaders decided to forego “any unnecessarily festive” celebrations, in solidarity with Gazans.&nbsp;

<h2>People of&nbsp;Bethlehem&nbsp;</h2>

Christians make up around two per cent of the population across Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, according to Protecting Holy Land Christians, a campaign organised by the Heads of Churches in Jerusalem, and a few members from Gaza.

The West Bank has also witnessed a surge in violence since the beginning of the war on October 7 with at least 300 Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks, according to the Palestinian health ministry.&nbsp;

“My son asked me why there’s no Christmas tree this year, I don’t know how to explain it,” Ali Thabet who lives with his family in Al Shawawra, a Palestinian village near Bethlehem tells CNN.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bethlehem-the-birthplace-of-jesus-cancels-christmas-in-solidarity-with-gaza-668430">Israel-Hamas war: Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, cancels Christmas in solidarity with Gaza</a>

He told the American media outlet that they would visit Bethlehem each Christmas “because our relationship with our Christian brothers is a strong relationship.”&nbsp;

He added, “We join them in their celebrations, and they also join us in our celebrations. But this year’s holiday season is very bad.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group in Gaza, Palestinian Christians held a sombre Christmas vigil in the West Bank city of Bethlehem on Saturday (Dec 23) where they once believed Jesus was born.

Amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group in Gaza, Palestinian Christians held a sombre Christmas vigil in the West Bank city of Bethlehem on Saturday (Dec 23) where they once believed Jesus was born. This comes as Palestinians in the biblical place of Jesus Christ’s birth have this year decided to forego Christmas celebrations in solidarity with the Gazans as the war rages on. The decision to tone down the Christmas festivities amid the ongoing war was taken last month in solidarity with Palestinians. ‘We feel sad’ The normally bustling Bethlehem on Christmas Eve was compared to a ghost town, on Sunday (Dec 24) as festive lights and Christmas tree decorated the city’s Manger Square were missing and so were the thousands of tourists who gather each year to mark the holiday. ALSO READ | Biden says didn’t talk about ceasefire during private conversation with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu Typically, pilgrims go to the reputed location of that stable in Bethlehem’s Byzantine-era Church of the Nativity, where most Christmases are joyful displays of lights and trees in Manger Square. Instead, the city marked Christmas with candle-lit hymns and prayers for peace in Gaza. This year a Nativity scene in Manger Square showed a baby Jesus wrapped in a white shroud, reminiscent of the hundreds of children killed in the fighting in Gaza. The scene was also surrounded by barbed wire, the grey rubble in contrast to the joyous lights and bursts of colour that normally fill the square during Christmas. “This Christmas comes to Bethlehem in a different shape. Nowadays Bethlehem, as any other Palestinian city, is in mourning. We feel sad,” said town mayor Hanna Hanania, lighting a candle in Manger Square. “This year, without the Christmas tree and without lights, there’s just darkness,” said Brother John Vinh, a Franciscan monk from Vietnam who has lived in Jerusalem for six years, as quoted by the Associated Press. He also spoke about always coming to Bethlehem to mark Christmas, but this year was especially sobering. ALSO READ | Explained | Amid Israel-Hamas war, head rolls in turmoil at top US universities over antisemitism row The city was almost deserted, with few worshippers around and no Christmas tree as the church leaders decided to forego “any unnecessarily festive” celebrations, in solidarity with Gazans. People of Bethlehem Christians make up around two per cent of the population across Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, according to Protecting Holy Land Christians, a campaign organised by the Heads of Churches in Jerusalem, and a few members from Gaza. The West Bank has also witnessed a surge in violence since the beginning of the war on October 7 with at least 300 Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks, according to the Palestinian health ministry. “My son asked me why there’s no Christmas tree this year, I don’t know how to explain it,” Ali Thabet who lives with his family in Al Shawawra, a Palestinian village near Bethlehem tells CNN. ALSO READ | Israel-Hamas war: Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, cancels Christmas in solidarity with Gaza He told the American media outlet that they would visit Bethlehem each Christmas “because our relationship with our Christian brothers is a strong relationship.” He added, “We join them in their celebrations, and they also join us in our celebrations. But this year’s holiday season is very bad.” (With inputs from agencies)

‘We feel sad’: Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, marks sombre Christmas Eve amid Gaza war

The United States is preparing to ease some of the restrictions on arms sales to Saudi Arabia. This comes after the Gulf Kingdom is looking to finalize a peace accord with Yemen's Houthi Rebels.

US preparing to ease restrictions on weapons sale amid Saudi-Houthi peace talks

Iran has denied claims by the United States that it is “deeply involved” in attacks by Houthi rebels on commercial ships in the Red Sea, amid reports of another Israel-affiliated merchant vessel being struck.

Iran rejects US claims it is ‘deeply involved’ in Houthi attacks in Red Sea

Israeli military assassinates top Hamas leader with airstrike: IDF

Israel-affiliated ship attacked in the Indian Ocean

UK's Home Secretary James Cleverly has apologized for joking about spiking his wife's drink with a date rape drug in comments made at a Downing Street reception. The remarks came just hours after the home office announced plans to crack down on spiking.

UK: Home Secretary's 'date-rape' comment sparks massive outrage

Former Russian television journalist Yekaterina Duntsova, who had put her name forward as an independent candidate in Russia’s upcoming presidential election, has been barred from running against President Vladimir Putin.

Russia bars Journalist Yektaterina Duntsova from running in presidential election

Tensions in the Red Sea are indeed simmering an Indian-flagged crude oil tanker has been attacked by Houthi militants according to the US military. The US Naval Forces Central Command has said that no injuries have been reported from the strike. However the Indian media reports indicate that the Indian-flagged vessel was not hit and that the Drone strike was a near miss.

Israel-Hamas War | Indian tanker reportedly attacked by drone fired by Houthi militants

1 dead, multiple people injured in shooting at Florida shopping mall

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