Hard truths. Bold Insights. Real talk.
The Somali government said the visit constituted a serious violation of Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political unity, and amounted to an unacceptable interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign Member State of the United Nations.
The Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs said the unified sermon will be delivered during Friday prayers on January 2, 2026.
Israel's Ministry of Diaspora Affairs, which is in charge of registration applications, said the new measures would not impact the flow of humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
The ministers warned that the recognition of parts of sovereign states constituted a serious precedent that threatens international peace and security.
AUC Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said he was “deeply concerned” by the recent debates and developments surrounding Somaliland’s status. He reminded member states that the AU’s position is anchored in its founding principles, which uphold the integrity of borders inherited at independence.
Somalia’s government, however, responded with strong opposition. Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre said Somalia “categorically and unequivocally rejected” Israel’s action, describing it as a deliberate challenge to the country’s sovereignty.
In a joint statement, the Israeli military and security agency Shin Bet announced it had "eliminated" Raed Saad, the head of weapons production for Hamas's military wing, the Qassam Brigades, in Gaza city.
According to the embassy, the post-election period has seen violent street confrontations, road closures, curfews, and a near-total disruption of internet services, creating serious challenges for daily life and travel. Transportation networks, including roads and airports, have been heavily affected, and temporary closures of airports cannot be ruled out.
An Israeli military spokesperson said the sites represented a breach of the ceasefire and added that Israel would continue to act "to remove any threat" to its security. The country has maintained near-daily air strikes in Lebanon since a ceasefire was agreed in November 2024, following more than a year of conflict.
So far, Israel has received the remains of 23 deceased Israeli hostages and three foreign hostages – one Thai, one Nepalese, and one Tanzanian. In return, Israel has handed over the bodies of 345 Palestinians killed during the conflict.
The Israeli presidency described the move as an assault on Herzog’s legacy and a setback to historical ties between the Irish and Jewish peoples.
The death toll has continued to rise since a ceasefire took effect on 10 October, with Israel carrying out air strikes for what it says are violations of the truce - while bodies continue to be recovered from under the rubble.