Israel’s largest defense firm secures $130 million rocket supply deal
Elbit Systems, Israel’s largest defense company, has secured a $130 million contract to supply advanced rocket munitions to an undisclosed European country.
The body of Youssef Ziyadne, an Israeli Bedouin taken hostage during the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack, was found in a Gaza tunnel, with evidence suggesting his son may also have been killed, the Israeli military confirmed on Wednesday.
Israeli military officials announced the recovery of Youssef Ziyadne’s body after a complex operation by special forces in a tunnel near Rafah in southern Gaza. Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani stated that Ziyadne’s death did not appear recent, and investigations into the circumstances are ongoing.
Evidence found near Ziyadne's body raises concerns about the fate of his son, who was also abducted. Earlier, Defence Minister Israel Katz reported that the bodies of both men had been recovered, though details about the son remain under examination.
The operation, which encountered armed guards reportedly from Hamas or another militant group, comes amid continued negotiations in Doha to secure a broader deal for remaining hostages and Palestinian prisoners.
Ziyadne’s two other children, also taken hostage in the October attack, were freed during a prisoner exchange in November. The assault, which marked the beginning of Israel’s campaign against Hamas, left 1,200 Israelis dead and over 250 hostages taken.
In Gaza, health officials report more than 46,000 Palestinian fatalities during Israel's subsequent air and ground operations. Negotiations for a ceasefire and further exchanges continue as the humanitarian toll mounts.
Aid groups in Myanmar’s worst-hit areas urgently need shelter, food, and water after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake killed over 2,700 people. Rescue efforts face challenges due to ongoing civil war, damaged infrastructure, and restricted aid access, with the toll expected to rise.
Russian forces carried out a drone attack on Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, late Wednesday, injuring at least twenty one people and causing structural damage, according to Ukrainian officials.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
Apple marked its 49th anniversary by reaching a market capitalization of $3.3 trillion. Despite recent tech stock volatility, Apple's shares surged 28% in 2024.
The Armenian armed forces attempted three reconnaissance drone flights over Azerbaijan Army positions near Gerenzur, but all were successfully intercepted. Meanwhile, Armenian units repeatedly fired on Azerbaijani positions from multiple regions, escalating tensions in the area.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the deployment of additional warplanes to reinforce American naval assets in the Middle East, the Pentagon confirmed on Tuesday. The move follows a renewed bombing campaign in Yemen and rising friction with Iran.
Kazakhstan’s foreign minister met with the EU’s special representative for Central Asia to discuss investment, trade, and regional cooperation. Both sides emphasized digitalization, climate policy, and infrastructure projects, reaffirming their commitment to deeper economic ties.
As the EU-Central Asia summit approaches, European experts highlight growing economic, geopolitical, and energy interests in the region. With increasing bilateral agreements and investment, Europe aims to enhance cooperation while promoting stability, trade, and regional integration.
Azerbaijan is rising as a global leader in pomegranate production and export, with Forbes highlighting its ideal climate, government support, and growing international demand. With premium-quality produce and sustainable farming, Azerbaijan is shaping the future of the global pomegranate market.
Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Digital Development met with a delegation from Karamay, China, to discuss collaboration in cloud computing, data processing, and digital governance. Both sides shared experiences and invited each other to major IT events in 2025.
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