January 3, 2024

*) Hamas says it 'will never be defeated' after Israel kills Arouri Hamas chief Ismail Haniya has said his Palestinian resistance group "will never be defeated" after the assassination of its deputy leader Saleh al Arouri in Lebanon by Israel. "A movement whose leaders and founders fall as martyrs for the dignity of our people and our nation will never be defeated," Haniya said in a televised address. He also said that the assassination of al Arouri is a "terrorist act," a violation of Lebanon's sovereignty and an expansion of Israel's hostility against Palestinians. *) Russia hit Ukraine with '300 missiles, 200 drones' in 72 hours Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has claimed that Russia used 300 missiles and 200 drones in attacks over three days. He said, “this is absolutely conscious terror. In just a few days Russia has already used almost 300 missiles and more than 200 drones against Ukraine.” Zelenskyy also warned that if Ukraine fails, "Russian terror" will further spread throughout Europe. *) Sudan's RSF open to talks on immediate ceasefire with army: official Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has said it was open to an immediate, unconditional ceasefire through talks with the Sudanese army. It signed a declaration with the Taqadum civilian coalition and invited the army to do the same. It also included commitments to return millions of displaced people to their homes, create safe passages and include civilians in peace talks. *) Türkiye detains 33 people suspected of spying for Israel's Mossad Turkish authorities have detained 33 people on suspicion of engaging in espionage activities on behalf of Israel's foreign intelligence service Mossad, according to security sources. The arrests followed an investigation by the Istanbul Prosecutor Office's Terrorism and Organised Crimes Investigation Bureau, focusing on international espionage. The suspects are alleged to have been involved in activities such as reconnaissance, surveillance, assault and abduction on behalf of Mossad. *) Saudi Arabia formally joins BRICS bloc amid geo-political tensions Saudi state TV has said that the kingdom had officially joined the BRICS bloc of countries. Saudi Arabia's foreign minister had said in August the kingdom would study the details before the proposed January 1 joining date and take "the appropriate decision". The BRICS bloc is set to double with Saudi Arabia joining the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Iran, and Ethiopia as new members. Saudi Arabia's entry comes amid geo-political tensions between the US and China, and the expansion of China's influence within the kingdom.