South Africa urged the International Court of Justice to declare the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories illegal, supporting efforts for a settlement. The hearing follows a UN General Assembly request for an advisory opinion. Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the Netherlands, Ziad Al-Atiyah, condemned Israel's actions as legally indefensible, while Algeria and South Africa also presented arguments against the occupation. Israel, while not attending, expressed concerns that an advisory opinion could hinder conflict resolution. The article also discusses ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel mediated by Egypt and the US, with a potential agreement to end the war in Gaza. A UN report highlighted the extensive damage and long-term economic impact of the conflict.

Following Israeli security chief Ronen Bar's pledge to target Hamas leaders abroad, tensions between Turkey and Israel are expected to rise. Bar's statements have drawn disapproval from Ankara, which warned of severe consequences for any Israeli operations on Turkish soil. Despite recent diplomatic reconciliation efforts, Turkey's President Erdogan has issued strong warnings against Israeli actions, while Israeli officials have criticized Erdogan's remarks. Experts suggest that Turkey's NATO membership and regional power may deter Israel from acting on Turkish soil, and any Israeli attacks on countries hosting Hamas members could escalate into a regional conflict.

Two suspects have been detained in Istanbul on suspicion of espionage for Israeli intelligence. The investigation, led by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, revealed that the suspects, Nikola Radonjic and Fouad Osama Fouad Hijaz, were working for Israeli intelligence and had contacted Palestinian software engineer Omar A. under the guise of a business proposition. Turkish National Intelligence intervened to prevent Omar from being smuggled abroad, leading to the arrest of the suspects. Omar, a highly skilled software developer, had been under surveillance by Mossad, which had made several attempts to recruit him. The article also highlights previous incidents of espionage involving Mossad operatives in Turkey.

The EU has outlined a strategy to enhance relations with Turkiye, focusing on political, economic, and trade aspects to resolve longstanding disagreements. The report coincides with NATO discussions on Sweden's membership, which Turkiye is expected to ratify soon. The EU emphasizes Turkiye's role in the Black Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean's stability. The EU aims for structured dialogues with Ankara and Turkiye's involvement in EU missions and defense policy. The EU-Turkiye customs union may be modernized, contingent on Turkiye's support against Russian sanction evasion. Despite past difficulties, there is potential for improved relations, including Turkiye's participation in EU security structures. EU leaders will consider the plan at a summit on December 13. Separately, Hamas has received Israel's response to a ceasefire proposal, with ongoing negotiations to end the conflict in Gaza. The UN is investigating allegations of staff affiliations with Hamas, with some UNRWA employees' contracts terminated and others under review.

Turkey has come under increased scrutiny from the US over a surge in exports to Russia that may violate sanctions. US Undersecretary of the Treasury Brian Nelson visited Ankara and Istanbul to discuss concerns that Turkey's trade could inadvertently support Russia's military actions in Ukraine. Despite strong trade and diplomatic ties with Moscow, Turkey has not joined Western sanctions against Russia, which has led to US sanctions on Turkish electronics supplier Azint Elektronik. The US and Turkey are engaged in talks to address the trade issues, with Turkey's exports to Russia tripling since the conflict's onset. Meanwhile, Turkey continues to seek military equipment from the US, such as F-16 fighter jets.

The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza has exacerbated the global crisis of proliferating conflicts, with over 15,000 civilian casualties and significant displacement. The UN has called for a ceasefire, highlighting the broader trend of increasing violence worldwide, as reported by the 2023 Global Peace Index. Conflicts in regions like Sudan, Ukraine, and Myanmar continue to cause massive displacement and humanitarian crises. In Gaza, a temporary ceasefire has allowed aid convoys to enter, but the threat of renewed hostilities looms as Israel plans to resume its military campaign. The article underscores the interconnectedness of global conflicts and the urgent need for peace and stability.

Humanitarian aid organizations are calling for the four-day truce between Israel and Hamas in Gaza to become a permanent ceasefire, emphasizing the urgent need for continuous aid and the severe humanitarian crisis in the region. The truce aims to facilitate aid flow and involves a prisoner swap, but both sides indicate fighting will resume once the truce ends. Aid groups criticize the truce as insufficient, highlighting the dire conditions in Gaza, including widespread destruction, lack of safe spaces, and severe shortages of essential supplies. The article also reports on the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran, escalating tensions further. The UN and various organizations call for more entry points for aid and a sustained ceasefire, while Israel's military actions and the humanitarian impact are heavily criticized.

Saudi Arabia has intensified its humanitarian support for Gaza, with KSrelief launching aid convoys and flights carrying food and shelter materials. The aid efforts, directed by King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, come amid severe restrictions and bombardment in Gaza. A humanitarian truce is expected to facilitate aid delivery and the exchange of hostages. KSrelief is working with the Egyptian Red Crescent and other international organizations to deliver aid through the Rafah crossing. The article highlights the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and the challenges faced in delivering aid due to Israeli restrictions.

Turkiye and the UK have signed a significant defense and security agreement aimed at enhancing their collaborative efforts. The deal, signed by British Defense Secretary Grant Shapps and Turkish Minister of National Defense Yasar Guler, seeks to strengthen both nations' security and prosperity while contributing to global stability. The agreement includes closer cooperation between defense industries, joint training exercises, and security support in regions like North Africa and the Middle East. The partnership is expected to boost Turkiye's strategic influence, particularly in acquiring new fighter jets. Analysts highlight the importance of this alliance in the context of Turkiye's relations with other NATO members and its broader geopolitical strategy.

Turkish and Croatian authorities, with Interpol's support, arrested Croatian drug trafficker Nenad Petrak in Istanbul as part of Operation Cartel-2. Petrak, on Interpol's red notice list, is accused of running a drug network across nine countries. Turkey has ramped up anti-drug efforts, with Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya vowing to continue the fight against traffickers. The arrest of Dritan Rexhepi, another cartel leader, in Istanbul was also noted. Experts highlighted the importance of international cooperation in combating transnational crime for regional stability.