Briefly

UNITED STATES

Trump nominates Panama ambassador

US President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday nominated Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera to serve as ambassador to Panama. Trump described Cabrera as "a fierce fighter for America First principles" who he said has been instrumental in driving economic growth and fostering international partnerships. The announcement of his pick for ambassador comes after Trump threatened to "reassert US control" over the Panama Canal, which "it administered for decades before handing over to Panama in 1999".

MIDDLE EAST

Israeli minister enters Al-Aqsa Mosque

Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem on Thursday for what he said was a "prayer" for hostages in Gaza, freshly challenging rules over one of the most sensitive sites in the region. Israel's position accepts decades-old rules that restrict non-Muslims from offering prayers at the compound, Islam's third holiest site and known as the Temple Mount to Jews. Under an arrangement with Muslim authorities, Jews can visit but may not pray there.

Agencies via Xinhua