The IDF, Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), and Israel Border Police completed a two-day joint counter-terrorism operation in the West Bank, the military said on Thursday morning.During the operation, an Israel Air Force aircraft struck a number of armed terrorist cells on several occasions, the IDF added.The military identified the terrorists it killed as Qusai Amin Ibrahim Oqasha, a senior terrorist in the Tulkarm terrorist network. Oqasha replaced the terrorist Tarek Doush, who was eliminated last week in a joint IDF and Shin Bet aerial strike.Along with Oqasha, the terrorists Jomaa Salam Ubaid and Imran Harun, another senior terrorist in the network, were reportedly killed.The IDF added that its soldiers killed two additional terrorists during "close-quarter encounters." The forces also "dismantled dozens of improvised explosive devices hidden beneath roads, apprehended a number of suspects, and confiscated weapons."

A prison riot in Mozambique's capital Maputo left 33 people dead and 15 injured, the country's police general commander Bernardino Rafael said on Wednesday.About 1,534 people escaped from the prison in the incident but 150 of them have now been recaptured, Rafael said.

The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Pierbattista Pizzaballa greeted the crowd in Bethlehem in the West Bank Tuesday, where he led the annual Christmas Eve procession to the Church of the Nativity.The basilica was devoid of decorations and lacked a Christmas tree. Children marching in the cortege held up signs reading, “We want life, not death,” and “Stop the Gaza genocide now!”This is the second subsequent year that the Bethlehem municipality has elected to downplay Christmas celebrations.

US President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday nominated Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera to serve as ambassador to Panama.Trump described Cabrera as "a fierce fighter for America First principles" who he said has been instrumental in driving economic growth and fostering international partnerships."Few understand Latin American politics as well as Kevin - He will do a FANTASTIC job representing our Nation’s interests in Panama!" he said in a post on Truth Social.

US President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden marked the first night of Hanukkah on Wednesday evening with the lighting of the "White House Menorah," made from wood taken from the foundation of the White House, Biden stated on X/Twitter.Two years ago, Jill and I introduced the first-ever White House Menorah made from historic wood sourced from the foundation.As Hanukkah begins, it is displayed to make clear that the history of the Jewish life is woven into the fabric of America.Like this menorah, it's… pic.twitter.com/3lj946yE0H— President Biden (@POTUS) December 26, 2024"Two years ago, Jill and I introduced the first-ever White House Menorah made from historic wood sourced from the foundation," Biden wrote. "As Hanukkah begins, it is displayed to make clear that the history of the Jewish life is woven into the fabric of America. Like this menorah, it's permanent."

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir ascended the Temple Mount in Jerusalem on Thursday morning, claiming to have made the trip in honor of the Jewish festival of Hannukah, Israeli media reported.Reports added that during his visit to the Mount, he offered a prayer for the well-being of Israel's soldiers and the return of the hostages held in Hamas captivity.