Middle Eastern Headlines at 9:29 a.m. GMT
Israel says it reopened a key Gaza crossing after a rocket attack but the UN says no aid has entered
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South China Morning PostJack Ma makes rare speech at Ant Group's 20th anniversary, predicts AI-driven future
Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba Group Holding, gave a rare public speech at the 20th anniversary of the company's fintech affiliate Ant Group, saying he had faith in the "next 20 years of Ant" and expects "more miracles", according to Chinese media reports and people who were there. Ma's attendance at the evening event on Sunday was the first time he had addressed Ant since it withdrew its mega initial public offering (IPO) in Hong Kong and Shanghai in November 2020. Early last year, the Chinese
- The Independent
Two deaths linked to Thai massage parlours spark warnings from doctors
It’s not not clear if massages were reason for deaths of Singaporean tourist and Thai singer
- The Telegraph
Fall of the House of Assad, with a billion-pound fortune and blood on its hands
He didn’t look like a dictator. Awkward and gangly, his mannerisms unassuming, at least until he opened his mouth, Bashar al-Assad exuded none of the machismo of other Arab strongmen like Muammar Gaddafi or Saddam Hussein.
- CNN
Syrian rebel leader’s victory speech holds a message for Iran – and for Trump and Israel too
Abu Mohammad al-Jolani’s road to Damascus has been long. He has talked openly about his change along the way. From young al Qaeda fighter two decades ago, to rebel commander espousing sectarian tolerance.
- The Telegraph
Why Syria’s army collapsed so suddenly
Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad flew out of Damascus for an unknown destination on Sunday, as rebels said they had infiltrated the capital with no sign of army deployments.
- People
How Police Closed in on Man Suspected of Shooting United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson
Luigi Mangione, 26, was arrested in Altoona, Pa., in connection with Brian Thompson's fatal shooting on Dec. 4, in New York City
- Hello!
Princess Beatrice's stepson, 8, to undergo cosmetic 'transformation' – details
Princess Beatrice's husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi's son has attended a private clinic in London with his mum – see his predicted transformation
- Associated Press
Trump calls for immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and says a US withdrawal from NATO is possible
Donald Trump on Sunday pushed Russian leader Vladimir Putin to act to reach an immediate ceasefire with Ukraine, describing it as part of his active efforts as president-elect to end the war despite being weeks from taking office. “Zelenskyy and Ukraine would like to make a deal and stop the madness," Trump wrote on social media, referring to Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In a television interview that aired Sunday, Trump also said he would be open to reducing military aid to Ukraine and pulling the United States out of NATO.
- WWD
Charli XCX Embraces Dramatic Opacity in Sheer Saint Laurent Dress at Variety Hitmakers Brunch
The "Brat" music star freed the nipple in a jersey gown by Anthony Vaccarello.
- SETHLUI.COM
This hidden Penang curry mee spot in Singapore operates just 4 hours a day
The post This hidden Penang curry mee spot in Singapore operates just 4 hours a day appeared first on SETHLUI.com.
- Bloomberg
Singapore says no China request made to arrest alleged money launderer
Singapore police said they didn’t arrest a Chinese national accused of money laundering because they were not asked to do so by authorities in China, even though an Interpol Red Notice had been issued for him.
- People
Jennifer Lopez Decks the Halls in Eye-Popping Cutout Gown with Daringly Low Back: ‘Believe in Yourself'
A video of Lopez strutting in the dress — which the star posted on Instagram on Dec. 8 — amassed more than 150,000 likes in just 30 minutes
- KameraOne
Goat kid born with unusual features in India attracts crowd
A goat kid born with unusual facial features in a northern Indian village in Uttar Pradesh drew curious crowds on November 29.
- People
Who Is Luigi Mangione? What We Know About the Ivy League Grad Suspected of Shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson
Luigi Mangione was detained in a Pennsylvania McDonald's five days after UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's death
- The Telegraph
Erdogan says he and Putin are only two leaders left – as Turkish-backed rebels ‘seize Syrian city’
Turkish-backed rebels claim to have seized a city in northern Syria from US-backed Kurdish militants.
- The Telegraph
Inside story of Dan Ashworth’s rapid demise at Manchester United
When an ashen-faced Dan Ashworth walked across the front of the press room at Old Trafford on Saturday evening, shortly before Ruben Amorim came in to face the media after Manchester United’s 3-2 defeat by Nottingham Forest, most would have attributed his glumness to an error-strewn loss.
- Hello!
Prince Louis and Princess Kate's sweet moment at carol concert didn't go unnoticed
Prince Louis was on his best behaviour when he joined his siblings Prince George and Princess Charlotte at mum Kate's annual Christmas carol concert…
- Evening Standard
Chelsea got away with 'most obvious red card you'll see' against Spurs as Premier League issue statement
Moises Caicedo’s studs-up tackle on Pape Sarr with cleared by the referee and VAR
- The Daily Beast
Mitch McConnell Gets Standing Ovation After Taking a Subtle Swipe at Trump
Senator Mitch McConnell took a subtle jab at President-elect Donald Trump during a speech on Saturday night. Speaking at the annual Reagan National Defense Forum at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, the Kentucky senator claimed that current “influential voices” were forgetting the threat of China and Russia and neglecting the history of the Cold War. “Within the party Ronald Reagan once led so capably, it is increasingly fashionable to suggest that the sort of global leadership he modeled
- HuffPost UK
Zelenskyy Just Revealed 1 Element Of The Ukraine War Putin Refuses To Discuss
The Ukrainian president also claimed his Russian counterpart is "addicted to war".