*) Türkiye holds the key for Syria's future: Trump

US President-elect Donald Trump has expressed uncertainty about post-Assad Syria but emphasised that Türkiye will “hold the key” to the nation.

Speaking at his Mar-a-Lago estate, Trump refrained from commenting directly on the withdrawal of US troops from northeastern Syria, but praised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Trump also condemned ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad as a "butcher" for his actions against children and called Türkiye a "major force" in the region.

*) Israel committing genocide in Gaza, German rights group's analysis finds

A Berlin-based human rights group, the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights, has said Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.

In a statement, the group said its independent research and analysis of Israel’s actions in Gaza led to a "legally sound argument" that genocide is taking place.

The group highlighted that numerous reports, commentaries, and judgments support this conclusion, further underscoring the severity of the situation.

*) Gaza truce talks 'productive', 'small differences' remain — US

The US has described recent talks on a potential ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal between Israel and Hamas as "productive," while acknowledging that a few key differences remain.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said during a press briefing that negotiations have progressed in recent days but added "a very small number of differences" still need to be resolved.

"We have continued to try to work with the other mediators to narrow the differences," Miller stated, underscoring ongoing efforts to reach an agreement.

*) More than 12 mass graves discovered in Syria's Daraa

More than 12 mass graves have been discovered in Syria's Daraa Governorate, containing remains believed to be of civilians killed by the regime of ousted leader Bashar al Assad.

The graves were uncovered following the recent collapse of the Baath regime earlier this month, as search and survey operations continue across the country.

Efforts to locate and document mass graves are ongoing as Syria begins to confront the scale of atrocities committed under Assad's rule.

*) Mystery drones over 8 US states spark fear and calls for action

Mysterious drones spotted across at least eight US states are sparking unease and national debate, with sightings reported near critical sites, including an Air Force base.

At a press conference in Mar-a-Lago, President-elect Donald Trump claimed, "Something strange is going on" with the East Coast drones and accused the government of withholding information.

The buzzing crafts have been seen from Massachusetts to Ohio, leaving communities unsettled and prompting lawmakers to demand urgent action.