At least 33 people died and more than 80 were injured in the raid on December 10. Among the victims were patients, doctors, and even newborn babies. The United Nations and international groups believe it is impossible to hold elections amid growing tensions and hostilities. Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis is also taking on ever greater proportions.

The Decembrist revolt on December 14, 1825 saw army officers and intellectuals in favor of liberal reforms attempt to seize power after the sudden death of Tsar Alexander I, only to be crushed by the repression of Nicholas I. An icon of the recurring alternation between “system” and “revolt,” regime and anarchy, in the parable of Russian history.

Retired General Faiz Hameed, former director of Pakistan's intelligence services, was court marshalled for abuse of power and conspiracy related to the May 2023 violence, when hundreds of people protested demanding the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. This is the first time a former intelligence chief was formally convicted. The sentence is part of a reorganisation of relations between the military and political leaders, following the recent strengthening of the military's role, raising concerns about the rule of law.

The chairman of the Bangladesh Election Commission has announced the schedule for the upcoming parliamentary election. The deadline for nominations is 29 December with the final list published on 21 January. Excluded from the vote, the Awami League slams the commission as “illegal”. John Gomes (BNP) hopes the vote will be “free and fair”. The election is a test for the country's future.

In Cambodia, three bishops issued a joint appeal as air strikes and artillery fire continue for the sixth consecutive day along the 800-kilometre Thai-Cambodian border. “We pray for all the victims” and “affirm the closeness of our hearts to all displaced families, and especially children, the sick, and vulnerable people,” reads their statement. Meanwhile, in Thailand, the Catholic Bishops' Conference is mobilising to help the communities affected by the fighting.

With the appointment of a civilian, former ambassador Simon Karam, to the committee monitoring the November 2024 ceasefire, Beirut is breaking free from Tehran. Contacts between Lebanon and Israel continue, although unresolved issues remain, especially on the border. Hezbollah is critical of what it calls a "free gift" to the Jewish state, rejecting disarmament north of the Litani River. The rift between the Party of God and Nabih Berry's Shia Amal movement is widening.