The military strike on Gaza targeting Hamas leaders and installations was among four actual or potential conflict situations that deteriorated in December, according to the monthly International Crisis Group publication, CrisisWatch.

The report, released Tuesday by the Belgium-based independent non-governmental organization, also says growing concerns about the stability of Guinea, following a military coup after the death of President Lansana Conte, made the monthly report. The coup led by Capt. Moussa Dadis Camara marks a period of uncertainty in Guinea concerning security, despite promises from Camara to bring about democratic elections.

Additionally, the long-running conflict in Kashmir between India and Pakistan escalated in December after the terrorist attacks in Mumbai in November. The situation also deteriorated further in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where violence continues in the country's North Kivu province led by Laurent Nkunda and his National Congress for the Defense of the People rebel group.