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The Indian Supreme Court announced the verdict on petitions challenging the abrogation of Article 370. The article had granted special autonomous status to Jammu and Kashmir. But it was abrogated in 2019 by government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Indian government integrated Kashmir on the same footing as the rest of India.

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At least six people are dead and 23 others are injured after a heavy thunderstorm and tornado roared through Tennessee state in the US. More than 880,000 people have been left without power.

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Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has stepped down as Chief of his faction in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. Meanwhile, the leader is planning to make changes to his cabinet and his party cabinet and his party executives.

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Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: Ukrainian President Zelensky who will be travelling to US this week to meet President Joe Biden, will plead his case before Republicans who are opposed to sending more money for Ukraine's fight against Russia.

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The Israel-Hamas war, which is intensifying with each passing day, has ignited tensions in many university campuses across the United States. Two universities in particular - Harvard and UPenn (University of Pennsylvania) have been in the spotlight for rising antisemitism on campus after the war started on October 7.

The Israel-Hamas war, which is intensifying with each passing day, has ignited tensions in many university campuses across the United States. Two universities in particular - Harvard and UPenn (University of Pennsylvania) have been in the spotlight for rising antisemitism on campus after the war started on October 7. Last Tuesday (Dec 5), lawmakers launched an investigation into antisemitism at Harvard, UPenn, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) over whether student protests calling for the genocide of Jews amounted to harassment. Harvard President Claudine Gay, UPenn President Liz Magill who resigned later, and MIT President Sally Kornbluth were grilled during a hearing in the House of Representatives on whether pro-Palestinian student activists calling for "Jewish genocide" violated their codes of conduct on harassment, but all three equivocated, claiming it would depend on the context. Also read: University of Pennsylvania president steps down amid antisemitism backlash on campus The trio gave long, legalistic, and seemingly evasive answers at the hearing. Since the conflict started, hate crimes targeting Jews and Muslims also increased in the US. With tensions spreading in universities, a broader debate has taken place about the boundaries between freedom of speech and deeply offensive, even inflammatory language. The criticism and calls to resign Harvard The presidents of all three universities (Harvard, MIT, and UPenn) were severely criticised over the antisemitism row. According to a report by the news agency AFP, donors at Harvard called for President Claudine Gay to offer more explicit support for Israel and condemnation of student groups who have voiced support for the Palestinian people. There were also calls for Gay to step down from the top post. Last Tuesday, Gay testified before the House Education Committee at a hearing dedicated to holding campus leaders accountable for antisemitic incidents. At the hearing, Republican lawmaker Elise Stefanik likened student calls for a new intifada to inciting "genocide against the Jewish people in Israel and globally." When Stefanik asked Gay if such calls would violate the university's code of conduct, the Harvard president replied, "We embrace a commitment to free expression even of views that are objectionable, offensive, hateful. When speech crosses into conduct that violates our policies, including policies against bullying, harassment or intimidation, we take action." Also read: Explained | Islamophobia, antisemitism, Xenophobia: The many faces of hate in the US The Republican lawmaker called on Gay to immediately resign while Republican Senator Ted Cruz called the comments "disgraceful." Two days later, Gay apologised for her remarks. "What I should have had the presence of mind to do in that moment was return to my guiding truth, which is that calls for violence against our Jewish community -- threats to our Jewish students -- have no place at Harvard, and will never go unchallenged," she told The Harvard Crimson. UPenn Last Saturday, UPenn's President Liz Magill voluntarily tendered her resignation following her criticism during Tuesday's hearing. On Tuesday, Stefanik asked the same question to Magill if the calling of genocide violated university rules or codes of conduct, Magill said, "If the speech turns into conduct, it can be harassment, yes." "I am asking, specifically calling for the genocide of Jews, does that constitute bullying or harassment?" the Republican lawmaker pressed on. "If it is directed and severe, pervasive, it is harassment," Magill said. "So the answer is yes," Stefanik queried. Also read: NYU students seen tearing down posters of young Israeli children kidnapped by Hamas. Watch! "It is a context-dependent decision, congresswoman," Magill responded. After hearing similar answers from others, Stefanik told Magill, "It does not depend on the context. The answer is yes, and this is why you should resign." Though she stepped down, Magill would stay in her post until an interim president was appointed and would remain on the faculty of the university's law school. Apart from Magill, UPenn's board of trustees Scott Bok also announced his resignation. MIT Just like her counterparts at Harvard and UPenn, MIT President Sally Kornbluth faced calls to quit following last Tuesday's hearing. During the hearing, Kornbluth, the only Jewish university president to testify, said, "I know some Israeli and Jewish students feel unsafe on campus.” "As they bear the horror of the Hamas attacks and the history of antisemitism, these students have been pained by chants in recent demonstrations,” she said. Later in the hearing, Kornbluth also advocated for increased Holocaust education as an antidote to antisemitism. A report by the Times of Israel said that at MIT, critics from both sides of the Israel-Palestine debate went after Kornbluth for partially suspending students who participated in a disruptive pro-Palestinian protest on campus. However, her action was not a topic of discussion during the hearing. “The MIT administration, namely President Sally Kornbluth, has failed to address the crisis of rampant antisemitism on campus,” Jewish MIT graduate student Talia Khan told the publication. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | Amid Israel-Hamas war, head rolls in turmoil at top US universities over antisemitism row

As many as two people were killed while another was injured during a shooting incident in the southern Swiss town of Sion on Monday (Dec 11), according to a Reuters report. The police are currently on the lookout for the gunman who remains on the run.&nbsp;

According to the initial police version, the gunman fired&nbsp;shots at people in&nbsp;two distinct locations before 8 am local time (0700 GMT). Local media said the shots were fired at a paint company's premises and at another location.&nbsp;

"Two people were killed and another was injured," police said, adding that the shooter's motive and his identity remained unknown at this stage.&nbsp;

The public has been urged not to approach or confront the gunman by the police who have described him as a "dangerous" individual.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gun-epidemic-us-records-most-number-of-mass-shooting-deaths-668018">Watch |&nbsp;Gun Epidemic: US records most number of mass shooting deaths</a>

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The police, however, added that the shooter may have known the victims.&nbsp;The Wallis public prosecutor's office has launched a murder investigation.

Switzerland, one of the richest countries in the world on a per-capita basis, has a high rate of gun ownership.&nbsp;Small Arms Survey, a&nbsp;Swiss-based organisation that monitors global trends in armed violence, estimates the number of firearms in civilian possession at 2.3 million.

Notably, Switzerland has remained free from mass shootings since 2001 when a man stormed the local parliament in Zug and killed 14 before taking his own life. However, since then, the European nation has seen a murder rate concerning guns that is almost zero.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(More to follow)

As many as two people were killed while another was injured during a shooting incident in the southern Swiss town of Sion on Monday (Dec 11), according to a Reuters report.

As many as two people were killed while another was injured during a shooting incident in the southern Swiss town of Sion on Monday (Dec 11), according to a Reuters report. The police are currently on the lookout for the gunman who remains on the run. According to the initial police version, the gunman fired shots at people in two distinct locations before 8 am local time (0700 GMT). Local media said the shots were fired at a paint company's premises and at another location. "Two people were killed and another was injured," police said, adding that the shooter's motive and his identity remained unknown at this stage. The public has been urged not to approach or confront the gunman by the police who have described him as a "dangerous" individual. Watch | Gun Epidemic: US records most number of mass shooting deaths × The police, however, added that the shooter may have known the victims. The Wallis public prosecutor's office has launched a murder investigation. Switzerland, one of the richest countries in the world on a per-capita basis, has a high rate of gun ownership. Small Arms Survey, a Swiss-based organisation that monitors global trends in armed violence, estimates the number of firearms in civilian possession at 2.3 million. Notably, Switzerland has remained free from mass shootings since 2001 when a man stormed the local parliament in Zug and killed 14 before taking his own life. However, since then, the European nation has seen a murder rate concerning guns that is almost zero. (More to follow)

Police on hunt for gunman who shot dead two in Swiss town of Sion

A rock-salt mine of petrochemicals giant Braskem located in the northeastern coastal city of Maceio (the capital of Alagoas state) partially ruptured on Sunday (Dec 10), after officials warned that the mine was at risk of imminent collapse.

A rock-salt mine of petrochemicals giant Braskem located in the northeastern coastal city of Maceio (the capital of Alagoas state) partially ruptured on Sunday (Dec 10), after officials warned that the mine was at risk of imminent collapse. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press, authorities said that people had previously been evacuated. Maceio Mayor João Henrique Caldas said the mine was expected to stabilise following the partial collapse. Caldas also said that authorities would continue fighting and demanding responsibility from Braskem, which is the big one responsible for damages. As per the report, the partial rupture of the mine came as no surprise to the Maceio's residents, where Braskem's 40 years of rock salt mining caused the displacement of tens of thousands of people. Apart from mine 18 which partially ruptured, Braskem has said it is in the process of filling eight other cavities with sand. On Nov 28, the company alerted officials of the imminent risk the mine could collapse. Two days later, Alagoas Governor Paulo Dantas warned of the possible “formation of large craters” following the mine’s collapse and said federal teams would arrive that night as backup. Residents were ordered not to travel near the area. The updates that scared residents In the first few days after Braskem issued a warning, the company sent out regular updates, including possible times at which the mine could collapse. These updates scared residents. Speaking to the Associated Press on Dec 1, resident Carlos Eduardo, a student at the Alagaos Federal University, said, "It caused the population to be in terror, unable to sleep, worried." Rock salt mining is a process of extracting salt from deep underground deposits. Once the extraction has been done, the cavities left behind can collapse, causing the soil above to settle. Structures built on top of such areas can topple. The report said that from 1979 to 2019 when Braskem announced the shutdown of its rock salt operations in Maceio, the company operated a total of 35 mines. Troubles in the coastal city started a year earlier when large cracks first appeared on the surface. The first order to evacuate some areas was issued in 2019. Since then, five neighbourhoods in the city turned into ghost towns as residents accepted Braskem’s payouts to relocate. Meanwhile, the Brazilian Senate said that around 200,000 people in Maceio were affected by the company’s mining activities. (With inputs from agencies)

Petrochemical giant's high-risk mine in northeastern Brazil partially collapses

According to an army spokesman, dozens of terrorists in the northern Strip gave up their weapons to soldiers, complaining that "Hamas leadership is out of touch."

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National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi indicated on Saturday night that once Hamas is defeated in Gaza, Israel may have to go to war against Hezbollah across the northern border in Lebanon.

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An original cover painting from the 1963 comic book "Asterix and Cleopatra" went under the hammer Sunday but failed to find a buyer after a legal challenge from the artist's daughter.

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The United States has sanctioned another two Chinese officials over alleged links to human rights abuses against Uygurs and other ethnic minorities in the far western region of Xinjiang.

US sanctions more Chinese officials and firms over alleged human rights abuse in China

Former United States President Donald Trump, on Sunday (Dec 10) took to social media to announce that he will not testify in his civil fraud trial in New York for the second time, saying that he has “nothing more to say”. The 77-year-old, Republican frontrunner for the upcoming 2024 presidential elections, was expected to take the stand again this week.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Nothing more to say’</h2>

Trump made the statement on his social media platform, Truth Social adding that he has “already testified to everything” in the ongoing trial in the case brought by New York state’s attorney general, one of the many legal woes that the former president is facing amid his White House bid.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-have-a-castle-this-is-a-very-unfair-trial-top-quotes-from-trumps-appearance-in-civil-fraud-trial-656099">'I have a castle',' This is a very unfair trial': Top quotes from Trump's appearance in civil fraud case</a>

He added, “I have already testified to everything &amp; have nothing more to say other than that this is a complete and total election interference.”

New York Attorney General Letitia James had accused the former president of inflating his assets and net worth to obtain favourable bank loans and lower insurance premiums.&nbsp;

Trump was expected to take the stand on Monday (Dec 11) in a case involving his eldest sons Don Jr and Eric and other Trump Organization executives.&nbsp;

Trump lawyer Christopher Kise said there was “really nothing more to say to a judge who has imposed an unconstitutional gag order and thus far appears to have ignored President Trump’s testimony and that of everyone else involved in the complex financial transactions at issue in the case”.

New York Judge Arthur Engoron had first imposed a gag order on Trump in October after he shared a photo on social media of the judge’s principal law clerk posing with Senate Majority leader and Democrat Chuck Schumer, and falsely called her Schumer’s “girlfriend.”

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-new-york-civil-trial-judge-expands-gag-order-to-include-former-prezs-lawyers-eric-testifies-again-654914">Trump New York civil trial: Judge expands gag order to include former prez’s lawyers; Eric testifies again</a>

Since then Trump has been fined a total of $15,000 for violating the partial gag order twice.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Control your client’</h2>

Since the beginning of the trial, the Republican frontrunner has denounced the proceedings as a partisan “witch hunt”. During his first appearance, in November, Trump often avoided direct answers and spent much of his time complaining of unfair treatment.&nbsp;

At one point, a visibly angry Engoron told Trump’s lawyer, Kise, to “control your client”.&nbsp;

Engoron, whom Trump has branded “hostile” and a “political hack”, has already ruled that Trump and his sons manipulated financial statements to dupe banks and insurers, while the trial is currently focused on the damages.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-new-york-civil-trial-eric-and-donald-jr-deny-involvement-say-they-were-unaware-of-fraud-654517">Trump New York civil trial: Eric and Donald Jr deny involvement, say they were unaware of fraud</a>

James has sought $250 million in damages and a permanent ban on Trump and his sons from running businesses in New York.

The trial will now go on without Trump’s testimony with a ruling expected by the end of January 2024.

(With inputs from agencies)

Former United States President Donald Trump, on Sunday (Dec 10) took to social media to announce that he will not testify in his civil fraud trial in New York for the second time, saying that he has “nothing more to say”.

Former United States President Donald Trump, on Sunday (Dec 10) took to social media to announce that he will not testify in his civil fraud trial in New York for the second time, saying that he has “nothing more to say”. The 77-year-old, Republican frontrunner for the upcoming 2024 presidential elections, was expected to take the stand again this week. ‘Nothing more to say’ Trump made the statement on his social media platform, Truth Social adding that he has “already testified to everything” in the ongoing trial in the case brought by New York state’s attorney general, one of the many legal woes that the former president is facing amid his White House bid. ALSO READ | 'I have a castle',' This is a very unfair trial': Top quotes from Trump's appearance in civil fraud case He added, “I have already testified to everything & have nothing more to say other than that this is a complete and total election interference.” New York Attorney General Letitia James had accused the former president of inflating his assets and net worth to obtain favourable bank loans and lower insurance premiums. Trump was expected to take the stand on Monday (Dec 11) in a case involving his eldest sons Don Jr and Eric and other Trump Organization executives. Trump lawyer Christopher Kise said there was “really nothing more to say to a judge who has imposed an unconstitutional gag order and thus far appears to have ignored President Trump’s testimony and that of everyone else involved in the complex financial transactions at issue in the case”. New York Judge Arthur Engoron had first imposed a gag order on Trump in October after he shared a photo on social media of the judge’s principal law clerk posing with Senate Majority leader and Democrat Chuck Schumer, and falsely called her Schumer’s “girlfriend.” ALSO READ | Trump New York civil trial: Judge expands gag order to include former prez’s lawyers; Eric testifies again Since then Trump has been fined a total of $15,000 for violating the partial gag order twice. ‘Control your client’ Since the beginning of the trial, the Republican frontrunner has denounced the proceedings as a partisan “witch hunt”. During his first appearance, in November, Trump often avoided direct answers and spent much of his time complaining of unfair treatment. At one point, a visibly angry Engoron told Trump’s lawyer, Kise, to “control your client”. Engoron, whom Trump has branded “hostile” and a “political hack”, has already ruled that Trump and his sons manipulated financial statements to dupe banks and insurers, while the trial is currently focused on the damages. ALSO READ | Trump New York civil trial: Eric and Donald Jr deny involvement, say they were unaware of fraud James has sought $250 million in damages and a permanent ban on Trump and his sons from running businesses in New York. The trial will now go on without Trump’s testimony with a ruling expected by the end of January 2024. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Nothing more to say’: Donald Trump cancels plans to testify at civil fraud trial in New York

Usually, large equipment is needed to study a mouse's brain activity as it moves through various virtual reality scenarios, but the development of tiny goggles may have provided a solution.

Researchers have created virtual reality eyewear for mice : "Goggles for mice"

David Cameron has threatened to sever ties with Scottish ministers following Humza Yousaf's meeting with the president of Turkey at COP28 in the absence of a UK delegate.

David Cameron: Will consider scottish government offices in the UK

Rishi Sunak argued that ministers should let Covid "rip a bit" according to a damning diary extract disclosed to the Covid Inquiry.

UK: Rishi Sunak to be questioned at Covid inquiry, was Finance Minister at the time | WION

The Philippines has summoned China’s envoy, said the foreign ministry&nbsp;on Monday (Dec 11) amid some of the most tense confrontations between the countries’ vessels in the disputed South China Sea. Meanwhile, the United States has accused China of interfering in the Philippines’ maritime operations and undermining regional stability.&nbsp;

<h2>Philippines summons Chinese envoy</h2>

Philippines’ foreign ministry spokeswoman Teresita Daza during a press conference said that Manila has filed diplomatic protests and “the Chinese ambassador has also been summoned” amid a rise in tensions in the disputed South China Sea.&nbsp;

On Sunday (Dec 10), a Philippine coastguard official accused China of aggressive actions in the South China Sea, alleging that Chinese forces fired a water cannon and rammed two Philippine resupply vessels.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-accuses-china-of-ramming-using-water-cannon-on-resupply-vessels-in-south-china-sea-668091">Philippines accuses China of ramming, using water cannon on resupply vessels in South China Sea</a>

One of the Philippine ships sustained “serious engine damage” during the encounter, said the Philippine official, adding that China also “deliberately” rammed into another one.

The recent incident marked the second collision between Philippine and Chinese ships in the vicinity of Second Thomas Shoal since October.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Serious escalation’</h2>

Daza said declaring China’s ambassador Huang Xilian as “persona non grata” in the Philippines was also “something that has to be seriously considered”.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Jonathan Malaya, assistant director general of the National Security Council in the Philippines told the reporters that the incident over the weekend was a “serious escalation” of Beijing’s tactics to assert their claim over the South China Sea.

Manila, on Monday also said that the vessel which was&nbsp;both sprayed with a water cannon and rammed was carrying&nbsp;a senior Philippine military official.&nbsp;

Philippine Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Romeo Brawner who was on board the vessel told&nbsp;radio station DZBB that he was not hurt by the incident&nbsp;and that he does not believe China knew he was on board the boat.&nbsp;

China has repeatedly claimed the entire South China Sea, including waters and islands near the shores of its neighbours as a part of its territory ignoring the verdict of an international tribunal which said that Beijing’s claims have no legal basis.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Dangerous and destabilizing’</h2>

Washington, on Monday (Dec 11) released a statement urging Beijing to stop its “dangerous and destabilizing conduct” in the South China Sea following the alleged ramming and water cannoning of Filipino boats by Chinese vessels which were on a resupply mission to Second Thomas Shoal, where its soldiers are stationed.&nbsp;

“Obstructing supply lines to this longstanding outpost and interfering with lawful Philippines maritime operations undermines regional stability,” said State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller&nbsp;in a Dec 10 statement shared by the US embassy in Manila on Monday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-f-16-fighter-jet-crashes-in-south-korea-during-training-exercise-reports-668319">ALSO READ |&nbsp;US F-16 fighter jet crashes in South Korea during training exercise: Report</a>

The US also reiterated its support for its treaty ally, the Philippines, and reaffirmed its commitment to the mutual defence pact.&nbsp;

Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. deemed the presence of Chinese coast guard vessels and maritime militia in his country’s waters as illegal and their actions against Filipinos as outright violations of international law.

In a post on X, he also said that Manila is determined to defend and protect its nation’s sovereign rights in the South China Sea amid “aggression and provocations” by Beijing.

<h2>How has China responded?</h2>

China, on Monday (Dec 11) released a statement responding to the allegations by the Philippines and called its actions&nbsp;"professional" and "restrained".&nbsp;

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing's Coast Guard "took necessary measures against the Philippine ships in accordance with domestic and international law". She added,&nbsp;"The operations were professional, restrained, reasonable and legal."&nbsp;

Beijing's&nbsp;foreign ministry, Mao added, "has lodged stern representations with the Philippines and expresses its strong protest".

Beijing also urged Manila to immediately stop its violations, control its provocative actions, and “refrain from shooting itself in the foot”, in a commentary piece in China’s official military newspaper, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

The PLA Daily added that “some hegemonic countries” have resorted to “instigating trouble, creating division and inciting confrontation” in the South China Sea, and that those countries “openly endorsed” illegal infringement and provocation by the Philippines.

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-announces-stricter-visa-rules-for-students-workers-as-it-prepares-to-overhaul-immigration-system-668343">&nbsp;Australia announces stricter visa rules for students, workers as it prepares to overhaul immigration system</a>

“It must be pointed out that the Philippines’ actions are closely connected to the instigation and abetment of external forces,” said the military newspaper, without naming any government.&nbsp;

In response to the incident over the weekend, the Chinese Coast Guard said it would continue to carry out “law-enforcement activities” in its waters.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Philippines has summoned China’s envoy, said the foreign ministry on Monday (Dec 11) amid some of the most tense confrontations between the countries’ vessels in the disputed South China Sea.

The Philippines has summoned China’s envoy, said the foreign ministry on Monday (Dec 11) amid some of the most tense confrontations between the countries’ vessels in the disputed South China Sea. Meanwhile, the United States has accused China of interfering in the Philippines’ maritime operations and undermining regional stability. Philippines summons Chinese envoy Philippines’ foreign ministry spokeswoman Teresita Daza during a press conference said that Manila has filed diplomatic protests and “the Chinese ambassador has also been summoned” amid a rise in tensions in the disputed South China Sea. On Sunday (Dec 10), a Philippine coastguard official accused China of aggressive actions in the South China Sea, alleging that Chinese forces fired a water cannon and rammed two Philippine resupply vessels. ALSO READ | Philippines accuses China of ramming, using water cannon on resupply vessels in South China Sea One of the Philippine ships sustained “serious engine damage” during the encounter, said the Philippine official, adding that China also “deliberately” rammed into another one. The recent incident marked the second collision between Philippine and Chinese ships in the vicinity of Second Thomas Shoal since October. ‘Serious escalation’ Daza said declaring China’s ambassador Huang Xilian as “persona non grata” in the Philippines was also “something that has to be seriously considered”. Meanwhile, Jonathan Malaya, assistant director general of the National Security Council in the Philippines told the reporters that the incident over the weekend was a “serious escalation” of Beijing’s tactics to assert their claim over the South China Sea. Manila, on Monday also said that the vessel which was both sprayed with a water cannon and rammed was carrying a senior Philippine military official. Philippine Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Romeo Brawner who was on board the vessel told radio station DZBB that he was not hurt by the incident and that he does not believe China knew he was on board the boat. China has repeatedly claimed the entire South China Sea, including waters and islands near the shores of its neighbours as a part of its territory ignoring the verdict of an international tribunal which said that Beijing’s claims have no legal basis. ‘Dangerous and destabilizing’ Washington, on Monday (Dec 11) released a statement urging Beijing to stop its “dangerous and destabilizing conduct” in the South China Sea following the alleged ramming and water cannoning of Filipino boats by Chinese vessels which were on a resupply mission to Second Thomas Shoal, where its soldiers are stationed. “Obstructing supply lines to this longstanding outpost and interfering with lawful Philippines maritime operations undermines regional stability,” said State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller in a Dec 10 statement shared by the US embassy in Manila on Monday. ALSO READ | US F-16 fighter jet crashes in South Korea during training exercise: Report The US also reiterated its support for its treaty ally, the Philippines, and reaffirmed its commitment to the mutual defence pact. Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. deemed the presence of Chinese coast guard vessels and maritime militia in his country’s waters as illegal and their actions against Filipinos as outright violations of international law. In a post on X, he also said that Manila is determined to defend and protect its nation’s sovereign rights in the South China Sea amid “aggression and provocations” by Beijing. How has China responded? China, on Monday (Dec 11) released a statement responding to the allegations by the Philippines and called its actions "professional" and "restrained". Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing's Coast Guard "took necessary measures against the Philippine ships in accordance with domestic and international law". She added, "The operations were professional, restrained, reasonable and legal." Beijing's foreign ministry, Mao added, "has lodged stern representations with the Philippines and expresses its strong protest". Beijing also urged Manila to immediately stop its violations, control its provocative actions, and “refrain from shooting itself in the foot”, in a commentary piece in China’s official military newspaper, reported Reuters. The PLA Daily added that “some hegemonic countries” have resorted to “instigating trouble, creating division and inciting confrontation” in the South China Sea, and that those countries “openly endorsed” illegal infringement and provocation by the Philippines. ALSO READ | Australia announces stricter visa rules for students, workers as it prepares to overhaul immigration system “It must be pointed out that the Philippines’ actions are closely connected to the instigation and abetment of external forces,” said the military newspaper, without naming any government. In response to the incident over the weekend, the Chinese Coast Guard said it would continue to carry out “law-enforcement activities” in its waters. (With inputs from agencies)

Philippines summons Chinese envoy over S.China Sea row; US accuses Beijing of undermining regional stability

Christmas is cancelled in Bethlehem. Palestinians in the biblical place of Jesus Christ's birth have this year decided to forego Christmas celebrations in solidarity with the Gazan plight as the Israel-Hamas war drags on even after weeks.

<h2>Missing Christmas&nbsp;</h2>

This year, in Bethlehem there won't be any public celebrations, Christmas lights or the iconic decorated tree in Manger Square, reports The Free Press.&nbsp;

There will still be a manger scene located in the sanctuary of the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem. However, instead of the traditional baby Jesus surrounded by adoring parents, shepherds, wise men, angels and animals, it will showcase a swaddled doll lying among the shattered ruins and debris of a destroyed building.

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, the turmoil in top US universities over antisemitism</a>

"If Jesus were born today, he would be born in Gaza under the rubble," said Pastor Munther Isaac of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the West Bank city of Bethlehem.

Munther, as per Reuters, said there would be no Christmas celebrations as long as Israel's bombardment of Gaza continues.&nbsp;

As per the report, the pastor has even replaced the traditional wooden crib with rubble in the grotto, set up a few weeks before the Christian celebration on December 25 of the birth of Christ.

"We see the picture of Jesus in every child under the rubble in Gaza, so this is a letter of solidarity with our people in Gaza and an expression of the meaning of Christmas, God is with the suffering and the oppressed," he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-day-65-entire-generation-at-risk-of-radicalisation-says-qatar-pm-668313">Gaza War Day 65: Entire generation at 'risk of radicalisation', says Qatar PM</a>

<h2>In the shadow of the Gaza war</h2>

The city will hold pared-down celebrations "without the fanfare and without too many lights".&nbsp;

As per Reuters, this is the first time in the residents' memories that the Nativity Square won't have any Christmas tree.&nbsp;

“We will celebrate in sobriety, that means without the fanfare and without too many lights, in the most spiritual way and more in the families than in the square," said Father Francesco Patton, custodian of the Holy Land.

(With inputs from agencies)

Christmas is cancelled in Bethlehem. Palestinians in the biblical place of Jesus Christ's birth have this year decided to forego Christmas celebrations in solidarity with the Gazan plight as the Israel-Hamas war drags on even after weeks.

Christmas is cancelled in Bethlehem. Palestinians in the biblical place of Jesus Christ's birth have this year decided to forego Christmas celebrations in solidarity with the Gazan plight as the Israel-Hamas war drags on even after weeks. Missing Christmas This year, in Bethlehem there won't be any public celebrations, Christmas lights or the iconic decorated tree in Manger Square, reports The Free Press. There will still be a manger scene located in the sanctuary of the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem. However, instead of the traditional baby Jesus surrounded by adoring parents, shepherds, wise men, angels and animals, it will showcase a swaddled doll lying among the shattered ruins and debris of a destroyed building. Also read | Explained: Amid Israel-Hamas war, the turmoil in top US universities over antisemitism "If Jesus were born today, he would be born in Gaza under the rubble," said Pastor Munther Isaac of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the West Bank city of Bethlehem. Munther, as per Reuters, said there would be no Christmas celebrations as long as Israel's bombardment of Gaza continues. As per the report, the pastor has even replaced the traditional wooden crib with rubble in the grotto, set up a few weeks before the Christian celebration on December 25 of the birth of Christ. "We see the picture of Jesus in every child under the rubble in Gaza, so this is a letter of solidarity with our people in Gaza and an expression of the meaning of Christmas, God is with the suffering and the oppressed," he added. Also read | Gaza War Day 65: Entire generation at 'risk of radicalisation', says Qatar PM In the shadow of the Gaza war The city will hold pared-down celebrations "without the fanfare and without too many lights". As per Reuters, this is the first time in the residents' memories that the Nativity Square won't have any Christmas tree. “We will celebrate in sobriety, that means without the fanfare and without too many lights, in the most spiritual way and more in the families than in the square," said Father Francesco Patton, custodian of the Holy Land. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, cancels Christmas in solidarity with Gaza

Aid agencies issued a warning, stating that families' only chance of survival is being severely limited by the ongoing Israeli offensive, which is pushing Palestinians in Gaza to the verge of mass starvation. The grave situation surfaced one day after the United States vetoed a resolution calling for a cease-fire in the United Nations, impeding the provision of food and other necessities to the area.

Israel-Hamas war: US aid to Israel divides Democrats, says poll | World News | WION

The Philippines and China continue their blame game in the territory of the South China Sea. In the latest the Philippines has accused China of using water canons to obstruct three of its vessels.

Philippines summons Chinese ambassador for an answer on South China Sea confrontations

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Israel has reacted to photographs of Palestinian men in the Gaza Strip being rounded up by troops and stripped to their underwear. The photographs show dozens of semi-naked Palestinian men being arrested.

Israel has reacted to photographs of Palestinian men in the Gaza Strip being rounded up by troops and stripped to their underwear. The photographs show dozens of semi-naked Palestinian men being arrested. In some of the photographs, they can be seen sitting or kneeling on the ground in the open, sometimes blindfolded, while others show groups being marched with their hands in restraints. The photographs raised questions about Israel's procedures for arresting people. Also read | Explained: Amid Israel-Hamas war, the turmoil in top US universities over antisemitism According to a report by The Times of Israel last Sunday (Dec 10), a senior Israeli official acknowledged that the photographs might be uncomfortable. As per the report, the Israeli military said that many of those arrested were later released, and officials indicated that soldiers may be operating under a guideline of arrest first and question later. 'Distribution of such photos would cease' On Sunday, Israel's National Security Advisor (NSA) Tzachi Hanegbi said that suspects needed to be searched to ensure they were not carrying explosives or weapons. However, NSA Hanegbi said the photographs of detainees in underwear served nobody, adding he expected the distribution by Israel of such photos would cease. Photograph: Captured and detained Palestinians sit on a street in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza Strip on Dec 8, 2023. Explaining the arrest procedure, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Daniel Hagari told The Times of Israel that the photographs were not distributed by his office, adding troops would change the arrest procedure in cases where it was not properly followed. Speaking to CNN on Friday, Israeli government spokesperson Eylon Levy said that Israel was detaining any military-aged men it found in areas where evacuations (for Gazans) were ordered. Also read: Jordan's foreign minister says failure to end war in Gaza is pushing 'region deeper into conflict' Levy said that the people seen in the photographs were all suspected terrorists. “We wish that all Hamas fighters were wearing uniforms that clearly said Hamas on their helmets because that would make it easier to identify them. But when Hamas [members] dress up as civilians and fight within civilian areas, they make it very difficult to find them,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Might be uncomfortable: Israel reacts to Palestinian men stripped to underwear after arrest

World Food Programme (WFP) reports that 36 percent of households in Gaza are now facing severe hunger. Gaza's Health Ministry spokesperson, Ashraf al-Qudra says there is no safe place left in the Gaza Strip. Yemen's Houthis issue a warning to target all ships bound for Israel. The US State Department bypasses congressional review for the emergency sale of 14,000 tank shells to Israel. The death toll in Gaza since October 7 surpasses 17,700 Palestinians, with over 48,800 wounded, while Israel reports about 1,147 casualties.

Israel-Hamas war updates: Israel's Netanyahu calls on Hamas militants to 'surrender now'

A Philippine coastguard official has accused China of aggressive actions in the South China Sea, alleging that Chinese forces fired water cannon and rammed two Philippine resupply vessels on Sunday (Dec 10).

According to Jay Tarriela, a coast guard spokesperson, one of the Philippine ships sustained "serious engine damage" during the encounter.

This marks the second collision between Philippine and Chinese ships in the vicinity of Second Thomas Shoal since October.&nbsp;

The shoal, situated in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, is uninhabited but strategically significant, housing Filipino soldiers aboard a grounded warship since 1999 to safeguard Manila's claims in the disputed waters.

Also watch |&nbsp;Manila accuses Beijing of shooting water canons at its boats

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/manila-accuses-beijing-of-shooting-water-canons-at-its-boats-668063/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2>Chinese response and previous incidents</h2>

As of now, Chinese officials have not provided an immediate comment on the allegations made by the Philippine coastguard.

The clash follows another incident on Saturday when the Philippines condemned China's actions as "illegal and aggressive" after the Chinese coast guard reportedly used water cannon against a civilian government vessel belonging to the Philippines' fisheries bureau.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-italy-now-philippines-jumps-off-the-belt-and-road-bandwagon-is-xi-jinpings-bri-exploitative-655395">Also read |&nbsp;First Italy, now Philippines jumps off the Belt and Road bandwagon: Is Xi Jinping's BRI exploitative?</a>

The collision occurred as a Christmas convoy, consisting of around 40 Philippine vessels, set sail on a mission to the disputed Second Thomas Shoal.

The convoy includes over 200 fishermen, youth leaders, and civil society groups, aligning with the Atin Ito (This is Ours) campaign network's efforts.

The campaign is a civilian-led advocacy initiative aimed at asserting the Philippines' rights in the South China Sea amid longstanding territorial disputes.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Philippine coastguard official has accused China of aggressive actions in the South China Sea, alleging that Chinese forces fired water cannon and rammed two Philippine resupply vessels on Sunday (Dec 10).

A Philippine coastguard official has accused China of aggressive actions in the South China Sea, alleging that Chinese forces fired water cannon and rammed two Philippine resupply vessels on Sunday (Dec 10). According to Jay Tarriela, a coast guard spokesperson, one of the Philippine ships sustained "serious engine damage" during the encounter. This marks the second collision between Philippine and Chinese ships in the vicinity of Second Thomas Shoal since October. The shoal, situated in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, is uninhabited but strategically significant, housing Filipino soldiers aboard a grounded warship since 1999 to safeguard Manila's claims in the disputed waters. Also watch | Manila accuses Beijing of shooting water canons at its boats Chinese response and previous incidents As of now, Chinese officials have not provided an immediate comment on the allegations made by the Philippine coastguard. The clash follows another incident on Saturday when the Philippines condemned China's actions as "illegal and aggressive" after the Chinese coast guard reportedly used water cannon against a civilian government vessel belonging to the Philippines' fisheries bureau. Also read | First Italy, now Philippines jumps off the Belt and Road bandwagon: Is Xi Jinping's BRI exploitative? The collision occurred as a Christmas convoy, consisting of around 40 Philippine vessels, set sail on a mission to the disputed Second Thomas Shoal. The convoy includes over 200 fishermen, youth leaders, and civil society groups, aligning with the Atin Ito (This is Ours) campaign network's efforts. The campaign is a civilian-led advocacy initiative aimed at asserting the Philippines' rights in the South China Sea amid longstanding territorial disputes. (With inputs from agencies)

Philippines accuses China of ramming, using water cannon on resupply vessels in South China Sea

Thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv demanding the release of all of Hamas' hostages.

Israel-Hamas war: Freed hostages recount captivity at Tel Aviv rally

Beijing-based startup LandSpace Technology Corp. scored another success by sending a second rocket powered by a methane-based fuel into space.

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