International
Silent Christmas in Bethlehem as Gaza conflict overshadows celebrations

Hundreds of faithful gathered on Tuesday around the Church of the Nativity in the Palestinian town of Bethlehem, which is preparing for another quiet Christmas, with no major celebrations due to the ongoing war in Gaza.
Local authorities decided to suspend large public celebrations for the second consecutive year, and in Manger Square, there are neither decorations nor the traditional giant Christmas tree, reflecting the somber mood of its residents since the war between Israel and Hamas broke out in Gaza. At the Vatican, Pope Francis will inaugurate the Holy Year 2025 on Tuesday, a major international pilgrimage expected to draw over 30 million faithful from around the world to Rome.
On this Christmas Eve, at 7:00 PM (6:00 PM GMT), in the presence of around 30,000 people and with worldwide broadcast, the Argentine Jesuit will open the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, symbolizing the start of this “ordinary” Jubilee.
Afterwards, he will preside over the Christmas Eve Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, an occasion in which the pontiff often highlights global conflicts.
Over the weekend, Francis’ remarks calling Israeli airstrikes in Gaza “cruel” sparked criticism from the Israeli government.
International
Chile and Germany reaffirm commitment to multilateralism amid global challenges

Chile and Germany reaffirmed on Wednesday their commitment to multilateralism and advocated for strengthening ties with countries that promote free trade and “abide by international rules.”
“The world is changing rapidly, and the challenges posed by the global scenario today require us to work together,” said Chilean President Gabriel Boric in a press conference after meeting with his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the La Moneda Palace in Santiago. “Today, multilateralism is under threat.”
Although Boric did not directly mention U.S. President Donald Trump, he expressed that his country is “concerned about the threats looming over Panama, Canada, Greenland, and Danish territory,” referring to recent statements and measures by Trump regarding his aspirations for U.S. foreign policy.
In recent days, Trump announced the imposition of tariffs on products from Canada, Mexico, and China, reiterated his interest in purchasing Greenland—part of Denmark—and insisted on regaining control of the Panama Canal, which has sparked diplomatic tensions.
Central America
Guatemalan court’s ruling against Zamora labeled as an assault on press freedom by IAPA

he Inter American Press Association (IAPA) on Wednesday described as an “assault on press freedom” the decision by a Guatemalan appeals court to revoke the house arrest of journalist José Rubén Zamora, founder of El Periódico.
The Guatemalan Appeals Court ordered the journalist to return to prison amid the criminal proceedings that the Public Ministry (Prosecutor’s Office) has ongoing against him, although this decision is not yet final.
“The court’s decision is a direct affront to freedom of expression and the citizens’ right to be informed,” emphasized José Roberto Dutriz, President of the IAPA, in a statement.
He added that the measure is “without legitimate grounds” and confirms “a pattern of persecution orchestrated against José Rubén Zamora.”
International
Chile’s President Boric reiterates support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, condemns Russia’s aggression

Chilean President Gabriel Boric on Wednesday reaffirmed his commitment to respecting international law and human rights, urging that “the aggressor, Russia, should never be confused with the victim, Ukraine,” in negotiations aimed at achieving a “lasting peace” amid the recent shake-up following the meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky.
“Any negotiation process must be carried out with full respect for international law and the parties in conflict. Only in this way can we achieve lasting peace and the goal that an invasion like this never happens again. To do so, it is essential that history is told truthfully, and the aggressor, Russia, is never confused with the victim, Ukraine,” said the Chilean leader.
The statement, made from the La Moneda Palace (the seat of government) after meeting with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier during his first official trip to the southern country, is Boric’s first comment on the conflict following the dispute last Friday at the White House between Zelensky and Trump, who accused the Ukrainian leader of being “disrespectful” and “playing with World War III.”
“Chile’s position has always been to safeguard Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” continued the Chilean president, who has consistently condemned Russia for what he called an “unjust aggression” and has met with Zelensky several times since the war began.
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