The Israeli government has approved the development of a further 1,242 homes in and around the city of Jerusalem, in a massive new wave of expansion.

The homes are set to be built controversially over the dividing green line in Gilo that split Arab and Israeli territory before the Six Day War in 1967.

The head of Syria’s military police, Lt Gen Abulaziz al-Shalal has defected from Bashar al-Assad’s government and is reported to have fled to Turkey.

In a video released on YouTube, Lt Gen al-Shalal said that the army has turned into "gangs of murderers” and had failed to protect Syrian citizens.

"I declare my defection from the army because of its deviation from its fundamental mission to protect the nation and transformation into gangs of murder and destruction,"

A rebel offensive against the government of the Central African Republic has led to the United Nations ordering over 200 non-essential staff and worker families to leave the country.

In a major political mission, the UN is attempting to help the Central African Republic's government to overcome more than a decade of conflict.

A UN spokesperson said that the decision to pull out the staff "will not detract from the ability of the United Nations to continue its support to the peace consolidation and development efforts in the Central African Republic."

Pope Benedict XVI delivering his 2012 Christmas Day message has urged for an end to bloodshed in conflicts around the world.

Extracts reproduced below

“...may peace spring up for the people of Syria, deeply wounded and divided by a conflict which does not spare even the defenceless and reaps innocent victims. Once again I appeal for an end to the bloodshed, easier access for the relief of refugees and the displaced, and dialogue in the pursuit of a political solution to the conflict.”

“...grant Israelis and Palestinians courage to end to long years of conflict and division, and to embark resolutely on the path of negotiation.”

“In the countries of North Africa, which are experiencing a major transition in pursuit of a new future - and especially the beloved land of Egypt...- may citizens work together to build societies founded on justice and respect for the freedom and dignity of every person.”

Results through on Tuesday showed that voters in Egypt voted overwhelmingly in favour of the constitution drafted by President Mohamed Mursi and his allies.

According to the final elections commissions figures, 63.8% of votes were cast in support of it.

Speaking to Reuters, Murad Ali of the Muslim Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice Party, said:

Russian president Vladimir Putin has unveiled the final part of its pipeline to the Pacific Ocean.

The new pipeline will help Russia expand sales to Asia and is also expected to increase sales to the US.

"The American market will receive 35 per cent of Kozmino oil," Nikolai Tokarev, the head of Transneft state oil pipeline operator, said at the opening.

"Around 30 per cent will go to Japan and 28 per cent to China."

Six people were killed in a shooting at a church in the northeast of Nigeria early on Tuesday reports Reuters.

For the third consecutive year, a deadly attack has been carried out on Christmas services in Nigeria.

The UN-Arab League envoy to Syria Lakhdar Brahimi  has held talks with besieged Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, in efforts to stem violence in the country, whilst alleged attacks by government forces continued.

After meeting with Assad on Monday, Brahimi said,

"I had the honour to meet the president and as usual we exchanged views on the many steps to be taken in the future,"

Russia and India have signed new weapons deals worth billions of dollars, during a visit to Delhi by Russian president Vladimir Putin.

Indian Premier Manmohan Singh and Putin signed a $1.6billion deal for 46 Sukhoi fighter jets, which will be assembled in India from Russian parts. The two leaders also signed a $1.3billion dollar for 71 Mil Mi-17 military helicopters.

"We agreed to further strengthen the traditions of close co-operation in the military and technical areas," Mr Putin said in New Delhi.

Palestinian militants in Gaza violated laws of war when launching rockets during their conflict with Israel, asserted the US based human rights organisation, Human Rights Watch (HRW).

HRW's Middle East Director, Sarah Leah Whitson, said,