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The President is set to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago on Monday afternoon; discussions are expected to center on rising tensions with Iran and the potential to move to further phases of the Gaza peace plan.Prior to his meeting with the President, Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with the Secretary of State on Monday morning.Dr. Dan Diker, head of the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs, told Digital that President Trump has probably been pressuring Netanyahu since the peace plan was put into effect, pointing out that the U.S. leader has little tolerance for Middle Eastern timelines—ones he says are much longer than those in the U.S. or real estate industry."The issue is that Hamas understands it only needs to survive, keep control of western Gaza, and keep attacking Israel—using Gaza’s tunnel network as it has been—to escalate tensions between Israel and the U.S.," Diker stated., he added, will first present Israel’s threat evaluation of Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas as highly serious, and emphasize to the President that Tehran is rebuilding its military capacities. He also is likely to try to convince Trump to let Israel take the actions it thinks are needed to defeat Hamas.Israeli opposition leader and ex-Prime Minister Yair Lapid told Digital that "We [Israel] should coordinate with President Trump on all key fronts, but our top priority must be the handling of ."Lapid added, "Israel must disarm Hamas and eliminate the threat from Gaza—and that demands carrying out President Trump’s plan."During their meeting, Netanyahu is said to present Trump with plans for a possible strike on Iran. Israel has alerted Washington that a recent Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps missile exercise may be covering up attack preparations—a worry that IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir shared with U.S. Central Command head Adm. Brad Cooper in recent Tel Aviv meetings.In a Saturday interview covered by the country’s media, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated his nation is involved in what he called a "" with the U.S., Israel, and Europe. The Times of Israel quoted him as saying: "In my view, we are in a full-fledged war with the U.S., Israel, and Europe," Pezeshkian said. "They aim to bring our country to its knees."Axios reported that U.S. intelligence judges there is no immediate threat, though Israeli defense officials state their forces are still on high alert.Per Dr. Meir Javedanfar, a lecturer on Iran and the Middle East at Reichman University, Netanyahu’s plan is likely to propose strikes on ."Israel will likely hope such a large-scale attack further erodes the legitimacy of Iran’s supreme leader, thus increasing political instability in the country. This is particularly true since Iran’s economy has worsened drastically after the recent war with Israel, and the regime isn’t taking the needed steps to tackle these issues," he stated.Israeli Minister for Settlement and National Missions Orit Strook emphasized the need to finish full Gaza demilitarization before proceeding to additional phases of the plan.She cited Trump’s October address to the Israeli Knesset, pointing out that he emphasized his part in building global support for Gaza’s demilitarization and obtaining a U.N. Security Council resolution demanding the complete dismantling of weapons, tunnels, and terrorist infrastructure."Hamas wakes up each day with the goal of harming us," Strook told Digital. "The IDF will not pull back even one meter, and no rehabilitation framework will be set up until full demilitarization is completed."If, heaven forbid, the opposite occurs in the meeting, it will be a failure of the peace plan, a failure for Trump himself—who would be accepting fake demilitarization—and a failure for us. We can’t claim we won this war if Hamas stays armed," she added.Still, Trump is expected to reveal the second phase of his Gaza framework soon—even amid Hamas’s of Israel Police Master Sgt. Ran Gvili, who was killed in the Oct. 7, 2023 massacre and whose body was taken to Gaza by Hamas terrorists. Digital’s Sophia Compton contributed to this report.

is under fire after welcoming home a recently freed Egyptian prisoner who reportedly shared violent and antisemitic content on social media in the past.Successive British governments have advocated for the release of Alaa Abd el-Fattah, a dual British-Egyptian national who has been imprisoned in Egypt for much of the past 14 years.He was freed from prison in September after a pardon by the Egyptian president but stayed in the country under a travel ban that was only recently lifted, enabling his return to the U.K. on Friday.Starmer marked Abd el-Fattah's return by stating he was "delighted" that the activist had been reunited with his family in the UK.Meanwhile, a senior figure in the opposition Conservative Party criticized Starmer for providing a "personal, public endorsement" of Abd el-Fattah.Robert Jenrick, the Shadow Secretary of State for Justice and Shadow Lord Chancellor, sought clarification on whether Starmer was aware of past social media posts where Abd el-Fattah allegedly endorsed and police. Jenrick also called on Starmer to denounce Abd el-Fattah’s comments and retract his "unalloyed endorsement" of the activist."No one should be imprisoned arbitrarily or for peaceful dissent," Jenrick wrote. "Yet the prime minister should not lend the authority of his office to someone whose words veer into the language of racism and violence."Jenrick, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage have urged that Abd el-Fattah’s British citizenship be revoked and that he be deported.The UK government later clarified that the prime minister was unaware of the "abhorrent" social media posts when he made the welcoming statement.The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office stated in a release that advocating for Abd el-Fattah’s release has been a "long-standing priority" for governments of both major parties, adding that this does not equate to endorsing his social media content."The government condemns Mr. El-Fattah’s past tweets and deems them abhorrent," the statement noted.Abd el-Fattah issued an "unequivocal apology" on Sunday, characterizing his past remarks as the "outbursts of a young man’s anger" amid regional crises and police brutality in Egypt.Abd el-Fattah’s family in the UK has argued that he spent much of the past 14 years in prison due to his opposition to Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi’s government.His mother, 69-year-old Laila Soueif, undertook a 10-month hunger strike to push British authorities to take further action to secure her son’s release.Shortly after Abd el-Fattah arrived at London’s Heathrow Airport, critics began sharing his past social media posts. Abd el-Fattah has previously maintained that the comments were taken out of context and were part of a "private conversation" during an Israeli offensive in the , as per The Times of London.

Hamas is reconstructing a new Gaza terror infrastructure and exploiting the ceasefire with Israel to strengthen its military, reestablish a contentious leadership framework, and enlist a fresh generation of adolescent combatants, according to a prominent national security analyst.Professor [name], a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies and the Misgav Institute, informed Digital that the halt in hostilities has provided Hamas with breathing space to reorganize."Everything that is happening will continue happening as long as Hamas continues to effectively control the western part of the Gaza Strip," Michael stated."Generally speaking, Hamas now has full freedom of movement," he cautioned.Since Israeli forces withdrew from portions of Gaza in October under a newly established ceasefire arrangement, Hamas has moved to occupy the resulting power vacuum.At that time, police forces reappeared on the streets while Hamas fighters targeted and Various reports point to significant sections of Gaza, including regions formerly patrolled by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).A December report from the determined that Hamas is "actively reconstructing its terror regime" across nearly half of its controlled territory.Hamas is also preparing to following the deaths of Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar, the architect of the Oct. 7 massacre in Israel.According to The Jerusalem Post, senior Hamas leaders Khalil al-Hayya and Khaled Mashaal are the leading candidates, with Hayya viewed as the frontrunner due to his popularity in Gaza and his involvement in the West Bank.Michael indicated that the leadership contest is improbable to change Hamas's already perilous trajectory."Both prospective leaders present issues," he remarked. "Each individual, in his distinct manner, is regarded as more militant and radical in his Gaza-focused orientation and his endorsement of armed resistance."Even Mashaal, frequently characterized as having a more political orientation, "still supports the continuation of armed resistance," Michael added."Regarding Hamas, it doesn't truly matter who becomes the next ."Michael identified one of the most concerning developments as Hamas's increasing success in enlisting adolescents during the ceasefire period."It has become very easy for Hamas to now because they effectively dominate the western portion of the Gaza Strip," he noted, adding that Hamas has emerged as "the most dependable employer in the Gaza Strip," providing modest wages to boys as young as sixteen or seventeen."Joining Hamas appears to be a very natural choice for them, as some have also lost family members, creating a motive for vengeance.""They might also prefer to inhabit bully-type neighborhoods, like in the " he said.Michael suggested that because Hamas possesses "full freedom of movement, they have also been .""They also to the various districts in Gaza and are rebuilding their governmental and military reserves," Michael added.

A source familiar with the discussions stated that Sunday’s talks between President Donald Trump and could clear the path for the first phone call between Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin in over five years.While the Mar-a-Lago gathering was positioned as a step forward in the peace initiative led by Trump, the source also noted that securing a direct Zelenskyy-Putin call would be a "diplomatic victory" for the president."If Putin had joined a call on Sunday, this would have been the biggest achievement in preparing for peace talks and the first real step in the peace process," the source told Digital on condition of anonymity."This would be a diplomatic victory for President Trump.""Trump appears to be the most effective mediator because Putin and Zelenskyy view each other emotionally, which is a challenge."Trump confirmed on Sunday that he had spoken with Putin before the Zelenskyy meeting, describing the conversation as "good and very productive" in a Truth Social post."I truly believe we have the foundations of a deal," Trump told reporters while standing next to Zelenskyy after the Ukrainian leader arrived in Florida on Sunday, adding he thinks the process can "move very quickly.""I think we’re in the final stages of discussions, and we’ll see what happens," Trump said."Otherwise, it’s going to drag on for a long time. Either it will end, or it will continue for a long time, and millions more people will be killed," the president added.The meeting came days after Zelenskyy also mentioned he had a "good conversation" with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, both of whom were present on Sunday.As Zelenskyy prepared for Sunday’s meeting, the source said the Ukrainian leader was likely feeling anxious."Zelenskyy is usually very nervous before such talks with President Trump," the source said. "He focuses intensely for long periods and studies notes prepared by the International Policy Department and the Foreign Ministry."Sunday also marked the third in-person meeting between since Trump returned to office.The source said the central topic of discussion was a U.S.-backed 20-point peace plan developed over weeks of negotiations, which requires compromises from Kyiv and Moscow to engage and possibly speak directly with Zelenskyy."The main obstacle is that Putin has refused to talk to Zelenskyy since July 2020, when they discussed the Wagner scandal and the failed operation to detain Russian Wagner militants.""After that, Zelenskyy tried repeatedly to talk to Putin, but he declined.""There were opportunities for a conversation in August and September 2024, but they vanished again when Ukraine invaded the Kursk region," the source said.The last direct contact between the two leaders followed a botched Ukrainian operation targeting Russian Wagner mercenaries.Ukrainian intelligence lured the mercenaries to Belarus and planned to intercept them on their way from Minsk to Istanbul, but the men were arrested first, per ."That final call between Zelenskyy and Putin happened as Ukraine was trying to capture a group of Russian Wagner fighters," the source said. "The operation failed."Even before communication completely broke down, relations between the two leaders were strained, the source noted."Before that 2020 incident, calls between Zelenskyy and Putin were never friendly, and there was always tension. Putin was always quiet during talks, and Zelenskyy tried to build a rapport.""Zelenskyy always acted deferentially toward Putin and pretended to be in a good mood, almost like he was performing a role on stage," the source explained."He talked a lot and read from his notes, afraid of forgetting something. Sometimes he would stumble over words or lose track of punctuation.""When Putin stayed silent, Zelenskyy would always ask politely, ‘What do you think, Vladimir Vladimirovich?’""Putin was just never talkative," the source said.The Florida talks occurred as Kyiv signaled a possible shift in its negotiating stance. Zelenskyy has said the 20-point plan, which is 90% complete, could include limited Ukrainian troop withdrawals from parts of eastern Ukraine without formally recognizing Russian control, along with creating demilitarized zones.He also proposed putting the plan to a national referendum if Moscow agrees to a 60-day ceasefire.Zelenskyy has taken a firm stance on security guarantees, insisting Ukraine needs legally binding assurances from the U.S. to deter future Russian aggression."For us, it’s very important to send a signal that we want legally binding security guarantees," Zelenskyy told Ukrainian journalists Saturday. "This mainly depends on President Trump," he added."Ukraine is willing to compromise to stop this war," Zelenskyy also wrote on X this weekend."For us, priority number one—or the only priority—is ending the war. Our priority is peace. We need to be strong at the negotiating table. To be strong, we need support from the world: Europe and the United States."Digital has reached out to the Kremlin and President Zelenskyy’s office for comment.

LONDON: The dispute over British identity and the national flag is the latest issue deepening political divisions in the United Kingdom in 2025. As the Labour government faces growing criticism on multiple fronts—from curbing free speech to its immigration policies—many Britons are anxious about their country’s future.The issue simmered over the summer amid concerns of a widening rift between ruling elites and the public focused on the national flag. While the debate has dragged on for years, it gained new momentum after Hamas’ October 7, 2023, mass terror attack on Israel sparked anti-Israel protests, leading to a proliferation of Palestinian flags across Britain.Tensions flared further over the display of Palestinian flags on public buildings, with critics arguing this amounts to abandoning traditional British values and that immigrant communities are dictating local norms. Several major city councils—all with large immigrant populations, including Bradford and others—yielded to public pressure last month and raised the Palestinian flag to mark the UN International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People."There's only one flag that should be flying on public buildings in the U.K., and I include the home nations of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and that's the Union flag. We need to start cohering around national stories and symbols, and the flag is the simplest, most visual, visceral way of doing that," Colin Brazier, a commentator on British culture, told Digital.Brazier is calling for a "strategy of national cohesion" that would ban foreign flags on taxpayer-funded buildings. He said Britain should follow America’s nation-building model as the U.K. grapples with "imported disintegration" and seeks to return to its core values.Current guidance indicates councils should prioritize the Union flag.In August, a group of concerned citizens launched ‘Operation Raise the Colours,’ urging people to display flags in their homes and daily lives to rally Britons. The online movement encouraged continued display of England’s St. George's Cross and the Union Jack.Yet the sudden resurgence of British and English flags has been met with suspicion and criticism from the left, where many objecting to the flag proliferation claim they symbolize anti-immigration and far-right sentiment.Critics warn the U.K. is growing increasingly divided—so much so that flying the Union flag in public is now controversial—and that parts of the country seem more focused on causes thousands of miles away.The flag controversy persisted after Prime Minister Keir Starmer recognized a Palestinian state in September. Days later, Starmer delivered an impassioned speech at the Labour Party’s annual conference as his center-left party pushed back against claims it had abandoned patriotism.Speaking to flag-waving supporters, Starmer sought to revive his party’s patriotic roots, telling a cheering crowd: "Let’s fly all our flags, conference, because they are our flags, they belong to all of us and we will never surrender them… And with resolve, with respect, with the flag in our hands, we will renew this country." He also clarified the flag belongs to all citizens, noting: "Our flags — flying proudly, as we celebrate differences and oppose racism."Opposition politicians quickly dismissed Starmer's flag speech, with Lee Anderson, Reform’s chief whip and a Member of Parliament, saying: "You’re more likely to see a Labour member fly the flag of Palestine than a St. George’s flag. That tells you all you need to know," the Daily Telegraph reported.While many councils ignored Digital's request for comment, Belfast City Council in Northern Ireland justified its decision by stating the flag was hoisted "In recognition of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, to erect the national flag of Palestine above the City Hall on the next available day from midnight."This issue is also seen as a symbol of shifting power. Brazier lamented the government’s indifferent attitude toward immigration, saying "importing 10 million people in 25 years has a ruinous impact."According to a March 2025 report by , the country’s Muslim population increased by 1.2 million between 2011 and 2021, accounting for about 6% of the U.K. population.A recent poll found mixed views on the Union flag and England's St. George’s Cross. Fifty-eight percent of 2024 Labour voters perceive the English flag as a racist symbol, compared to just 19% of Conservative voters and 8% of Reform voters. A majority of ethnic minority adults (55%) believe those displaying St. George’s flags are "mostly as a way of expressing anti-migrant and/or anti-ethnic minority sentiment," with 41% saying the same of the Union flag.It also found that "White adults too tend to believe anti-migrant/minority motivations are primarily behind the flag raisings, with 49% saying so for the English flag and 39% for the British one."Another YouGov study finding showed those of Pakistani or Bangladeshi heritage were "the most likely to see racist sentiment in the flag displays. This is particularly marked when it comes to the belief that the England flag has become a racist symbol with 68% of Pakistani/Bangladeshi adults believing this, compared to 54% of those of mixed ethnicity, 51% of those with Indian heritage and 43% of Black adults." Digital's Jasmine Baehr contributed to this report.

JOHANNESBURG: Millions of Christians in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) — who are spending Christmas amid reported threats of persecution, kidnapping, sexual violence and, in some cases, death at the hands of Islamist militants — view Friday’s U.S. strikes targeting Islamic State fighters in Nigeria as a genuine indication that President Trump is committed to halting the killing of Africa’s Christian communities.An estimated 16 million Christians across the region have been displaced and torn from their homes. The purported release of 130 abducted schoolchildren in Nigeria this week has done little to ease anxieties as many across the continent attempt to worship during Christmas.This year, however, Digital has highlighted Africa’s crisis multiple times. The situation prompted senior congressional members — including Sen. , R-Texas, Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., and ultimately a leader who threatened to deploy U.S. troops ‘guns-a-blazing’ to Nigeria (the hardest-hit nation) to end the killing of Christians — to bring attention to the violence.This Christmas in Africa, there are reportedly few signs of improvement so far. “The militant Islamist offensive across SSA is a global-scale catastrophe playing out right in front of us,” Henrietta Blyth, CEO of Open Doors UK & Ireland, told Digital this week.Open Doors is a global Christian organization that supports Christians persecuted for their beliefs.Blyth added, “The past year has brought a relentless stream of reports from sub-Saharan Africa — including accounts of , among other things, attacks on defenseless Christian communities.”“At Open Doors, we’ve been sounding the alarm via our Arise Africa campaign. We’ve prayed time and again that this campaign of terror would gain public attention.”Speaking about Nigeria — where thousands of Christians are reported killed annually — and the speeches, articles and posts condemning the violence, Open Doors’ Blyth noted, “There is no indication that this violence has slowed in 2025.”“The absence of global outrage and action on this issue is a moral failure,” South Africa’s Chief Rabbi Dr. Warren Goldstein told Digital. He added, “It appears that black lives don’t matter when they’re killed by Islamists in Africa. The persecution of Christians in Africa must be viewed in its global context: it’s part of a multi-continental jihadist war against ‘infidels’ — Jews and Christians — and against Western values.”He went on, “This is a world war, with Israel at the center of the jihadist firestorm involving Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah and others. The Islamist war on Christians in Africa is another front in this global conflict, spanning from Sudan in the north to Mozambique in the south.”Digital has highlighted the regions where persecution has been most severe in Africa in 2025:Per Open Doors, Africa’s most populous country (Nigeria) experienced the worst persecution on the continent in 2025, with “endless accounts of deadly attacks and kidnappings” across its northern and Middle Belt regions — including villages burned, civilians raped, abducted, shot and beheaded. spoke out this year against killings blamed on Muslim Fulani tribespeople in Nigeria’s Benue State in June, stating, “Around 200 people were murdered with extreme cruelty.” Bishop Wilfred Anagbe’s Makurdi Diocese in north-central Nigeria is nearly entirely Christian. However, the persistent and escalating violence prompted him to testify at a congressional hearing in Washington in March. Upon returning to Nigeria, he received threats, and approximately 20 of his parishioners were killed.This war-ravaged nation is 95% Christian, yet its faithful are being targeted by jihadists. In February, terrorists affiliated with the Islamic State-linked ADF group — which seeks to establish a Muslim caliphate in the country’s east — rounded up 70 Christians and allegedly beheaded them inside a church. In September, at least 89 Christians were reportedly massacred by jihadists at a funeral and in nearby fields.Sudan’s estimated 2 million Christians account for roughly 4% of the country’s population,Like other Sudanese citizens, they confront chronic food shortages and the horrors of a years-long war. However, Christians are also purportedly targeted for discrimination and persecution by both parties to the conflict.A senior Sudanese church leader told Digital that in the Darfur city of El Fasher, “Now Christians are eating animal feed and grass. No wheat, no rice — nothing can get in.”Open Doors reports that civil conflict and weak governance have created a lawlessness vacuum that armed militants have exploited. In the far north, Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province frequently launch overnight raids on villages, killing, abducting and destroying property. Thousands have fled their homes to seek refuge in displacement camps.Ali, a villager, stated, “It never stops. I want it to end, but it doesn’t. We have to sleep in the mountains to stay safe.” Located in the continent’s southwest, Mozambique has a 55% Christian population. Islamic State Mozambique is wreaking havoc in the far north, targeting Christian communities, burning their churches and destroying homes. Killings have surged this year, and thousands more are fleeing, joining the over 1.3 million already displaced.In a mass attack on the village of Napala in October, Open Doors reported that militants killed 20 Christians and displaced approximately 2,000 people. A local pastor recounted how four elderly sisters were tied up and burned alive inside a house.Regarding the Nigerian airstrikes, Open Doors’ Henrietta Blyth told Digital, “A military operation like this won’t offer a quick solution to decades of violence. The Nigerian government must pursue long-term solutions that guarantee peace, protect civilians and uphold religious freedom for all.”Chief Rabbi Goldstein concluded, “The West can only win this war if it finds the moral clarity to name it for what it is and recognize all theaters of conflict as part of the same struggle.”

Nine individuals connected to three nonprofit organizations have been detained by Italian officials, accused of collecting millions of dollars on behalf of .Approximately 7 million euros ($8.2 million) was allegedly diverted by the accused to "associations located in Gaza, the Palestinian territories, or Israel, that are owned, controlled, or connected to Hamas," anti-terrorism prosecutors stated in a release, as reported by .While the charities claimed to gather contributions "for humanitarian aid for the Palestinian population," over 71% of the money was allocated for direct funding of Hamas or groups connected to the terrorist organization, as police sources indicated to . The publication added that authorities alleged portions of the funds reached "relatives involved in terrorist acts."Among those taken into custody was Mohammad Hannoun, head of the Palestinian Association in Italy, according to AP reporting based on prosecutor statements. Prosecutors characterized Hannoun as leading "the Italian branch of the Hamas organization," the news agency noted.The money was transferred to the terrorist group using "triangulation schemes" through wire transfers or via foreign-based organizations to Gaza-based associations that have been designated due to their connections with Hamas, according to AP reports.Interior Minister Matteo Paintedosi described the arrests as "important and significant," saying they "revealed conduct and operations that, while presented as efforts to assist the Palestinian people, actually hid backing for and involvement in ."Hamas has governed the Gaza Strip since 2006 and is regarded as a terrorist group by numerous countries and international bodies. The United States, United Kingdom, Argentina, Australia, Canada, Israel, and the European Union are among those labeling Hamas a terrorist organization. Digital contacted Israel's embassy in Italy for a statement.

Fifteen individuals were injured, and authorities have detained a suspect following an incident at a tire factory in central Japan. Officials stated that the 38-year-old assailant allegedly stabbed eight people and injured seven others with a substance believed to be bleach on Friday at a Yokohama Rubber Co. facility in Mishima. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, though the suspect is thought to be a former factory employee, according to Kyodo news agency citing investigative sources. The Asahi newspaper reported that the suspect was armed with a survival knife and wore what appeared to be a gas mask. The Fujisan Nanto Fire Department informed The Associated Press that five of the stabbing victims were in serious condition. Photographs and video footage from the scene showed emergency responders converging on the factory. Shizuoka prefecture police announced the arrest for alleged attempted murder. Media reports indicated that all stabbing victims remained conscious while being transported to local hospitals. The fire department reported that the seven other individuals injured by bleach thrown during the attack were also hospitalized.

He came into 2025 vowing to put an end to wars and refocus U.S. foreign policy on what he often called "peace through strength."All year long, Trump portrayed his diplomatic work as centered on peace, telling reporters, "We believe we have a path to peace," and publicly claiming his track record deserved a Nobel Peace Prize. The U.S. State Department mirrored that narrative in its year-end review of diplomatic actions, emphasizing projects it said were meant to "secure peace globally."By the end of 2025, a number of conflicts had made notable diplomatic headway, though others continued to face challenges due to years of animosity and bloodshed.The year’s most impactful diplomatic move came in early October, when the Trump administration assisted between Israel and Hamas. The deal stopped large-scale fighting after months of heavy combat and allowed for the release of all remaining hostages from Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel—except for the body of Ron Gvili, which is still held by Hamas terrorists. The administration later pointed to the ceasefire as a key part of its 2025 diplomatic achievements. Though the truce mostly held until year’s end, critical issues like Gaza’s long-term governance, demilitarization, enforcement measures, and rebuilding the enclave after widespread destruction and displacement remained unaddressed. U.S. officials kept collaborating with regional partners on next steps as fighting paused, and Israel’s Netanyahu is set to meet with President Trump next week to discuss Gaza and other matters. In August, Trump welcomed the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to the White House for a U.S.-mediated aimed at resolving decades of conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. The deal focused on transit routes, economic collaboration, and regional connectivity and was hailed by the administration as a historic move.Even though the historic declaration was signed, putting it into action and achieving deeper reconciliation are still in progress. stayed the most ambitious and hard-to-achieve peace goal of Trump’s 2025 agenda. The year began with Trump asserting the war could be ended via direct U.S. involvement and influence over both Kyiv and Moscow. Diplomacy ramped up in August, when Trump hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska—a summit the White House described as a test of whether personal diplomacy could break a settlement deadlock.At the same time, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was welcomed to the White House, where Trump repeated U.S. support for Ukraine but noted that any peace would demand tough compromises. U.S. officials looked into security guarantees and economic incentives, while steering clear of public promises on borders or NATO membership.By December, talks picked up speed. Ukraine joined new rounds of U.S.-led negotiations, and Trump told reporters the sides were "getting close to something." On Christmas, Zelenskyy said had created a 20-point plan and supporting documents that include security guarantees involving Ukraine, the U.S., and European partners. He admitted the framework wasn’t perfect but called it a concrete step forward. Zelenskyy is said to be preparing a visit to meet with President Trump, possibly as early as Sunday.Bloomberg reported that Russia sees the 20-point plan agreed to by Ukraine and the U.S. as . A source close to the Kremlin said Moscow plans to push for major changes—including more limits on Ukraine’s military—claiming the proposal missing provisions vital to Russia and leaves numerous questions unresolved.In early December, Trump presided over the signing of the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. The accord reaffirmed pledges to end decades of conflict and boost economic cooperation via a regional integration framework.By year’s end, Reuters and the Associated Press reported that armed groups were still active in eastern Congo, highlighting the accord’s fragility—even though both sides appeared committed to long-term peace.Following a terrorist attack in Kashmir and retaliatory strikes that sparked fears of escalation, U.S. officials launched emergency diplomatic efforts. Trump announced a ceasefire between the two , preventing a potentially catastrophic escalation between the two nuclear-armed nations.On the sidelines of an ASEAN summit, Trump assisted in mediating a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand after months of border skirmishes. Diplomatic efforts led by ASEAN and backed by outside parties are still underway, but new clashes and mutual blame between keep undermining peace prospects and have caused large-scale displacement and civilian suffering. After recent flare-ups—and with mediation offers from Secretary of State Marco Rubio—a new ceasefire was agreed to on Saturday to end weeks of border fighting.After U.S. and Israeli strikes on , the Trump administration focused on containing escalation and strengthening deterrence. No diplomatic deal came out of it, but the confrontation didn’t spiral into a wider regional war by year’s end.Israel recently warned that Iran could use its ballistic missile drills as a cover for a surprise attack.  of the world’s deadliest conflicts. U.S. diplomacy has focused mainly on stopping fighting and expanding humanitarian access rather than negotiating a full peace deal.In December, Saudi Arabia and the U.S. presented Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan with a three-point plan to end the war, facilitate , and transfer power to civilians, per the Sudan Tribune.As the year drew to a close, emerged as the U.S.’s most direct point of confrontation. The administration described its stance as an extension of its broader "peace through strength" policy, even as escalation risks remained.While the White House sought de-escalation and negotiated agreements elsewhere, its approach to Nicolás Maduro depended almost entirely on pressure, not talks. Trump kept portraying Maduro as a criminal threat linked to drug trafficking, accusing him of rejecting Venezuela’s last election results and stealing the presidency.With no diplomatic channel open, the U.S. kept in place broad sanctions and increased efforts against cartel networks tied to the regime. No peace process was visible—but some opposition figures and U.S. allies argued that sustained pressure could still drive political change in 2026 and ultimately speed up Maduro’s ouster.