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Somber Christmas in Gaza 

Christians in Gaza have observed a subdued Christmas overshadowed by Israeli airstrikes, murders and the constant buzz of drones throughout the night. IOF soldiers killed one Palestinian and wounded several others in Jabalia, in the north. They also gunned down another Palestinian and wounded several more in Beit Lahia. Further south, Israeli warplanes heavily bombarded Khan Yunis and Rafah, where rescue teams recovered the bodies of 14 people from the rubble of a residential building. Israeli troops also continued demolishing homes sheltering displaced Palestinians. This, while Gaza’s health system faces extreme strain, with restrictions on medical and aid supplies leaving hospitals without vital equipment and forcing the suspension of hundreds of thousands of surgeries. Al-Awda Hospital has suspended most services due to a critical fuel shortage under the Israeli blockade.

Pope slams Gazans suffering 

Pope Leo has marked his first Christmas since his election by denouncing the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza and calling for justice, peace and stability in the region. Pope Leo’s sermon marked an unusually direct appeal during what is typically a solemn and spiritual Christmas Day service. Leo the Fourteenth, the first American pope, has repeatedly lamented the conditions Palestinians have faced since his election, including last month, when he said the only viable solution to the decades-long conflict must include the establishment of a Palestinian state. The dire humanitarian situation in Gaza was also highlighted in a congratulatory letter from Iran’s President, Masoud Pezeshkian to the Pope. Pezeshkian slammed the actions of superpowers as crimes enabled by their unlimited power. He called for resolving challenges through wisdom, fresh perspectives, and contemplation.

Iran nuclear program used as pretext 

Iran’s atomic chief says Washington’s real concern is not nuclear weapons but the progress of independent nations. Mohammad Eslami stressed that nuclear fission and enrichment are essential for producing radiopharmaceuticals. Eslami made the remarks at a conference of nuclear medicine specialists and radio oncologists. He said while Iran has often been accused of pursuing activities opposed by others, the June war and the subsequent developments showed those claims were merely excuses. According to the atomic chief, the real objective has been to block Iran’s progress rather than challenge its nuclear program. Meanwhile, Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi echoed the same view, insisting the nuclear issue is merely a pretext. Gharibabadi added that hostility toward Iran stems from the Islamic nature of its political system, its independence, and progress. 

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