Uncertainty looms over a new ceasefire deal in the ongoing Israel-Hamas War. The Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh's visit to Egypt and the Hamas Chief's engagement with other officials for the talks was seen as a positive sign. However, both sides have again indicated that a new agreement right now might be off the table.

Israel-Hamas war | Reports: Hamas Chief's talks ended 'without results'

The leader of Hamas visited Egypt for this first time in more than a month on Wednesday, a rare personal intervention in diplomacy amid what a source described as intensive talks on a new ceasefire to let aid reach Gaza and free more hostages.

Hamas Chief in Cairo: Will only free hostages for permanent ceasefire

According to the IDF, Israeli soldiers discovered a network of tunnels that extend deep beneath the heart of Gaza City and are connected to residences owned by senior Hamas organizers Yahya Sinwar and others who planned the October 7 attacks on Israel.

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli Army releases footage of tunnels used by Hamas leaders | World News | WION

Israeli Defense Forces have successfully reached the tunnels in Gaza twice almost catching hold of the top Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. According to the reports Sinwar had narrowly escaped from The Tunnel right before the IDF managed to reach him.

Israel-Hamas war | Reports: IDF 'almost' caught top Hamas leader

The director of Gaza's Kamal Adwan hospital, Ahmed Kahlot, has admitted during an interrogation by Israel's internal security service, Shin Bet, that the hospital was converted into a military facility by Hamas militant group.

Kahlot, who claims to have been a lieutenant colonel in Hamas since 2010, revealed that the hospital housed Hamas offices, served as a base for operational activities, and even accommodated a kidnapped Israeli soldier at one point.

According to Kahlot, 16 members of the hospital staff, including doctors, nurses, and paramedics, were Hamas operatives affiliated with the al-Qassam Brigades. He also mentioned the presence of members from the Palestinian Islamic Jihad’s Al-Quds Brigades within the hospital.

In a joint statement by Shin Bet and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), it was confirmed that Israeli forces entered Kamal Adwan hospital on December 12, detaining around 90 operatives and seizing weapons.

Some of those captured were also allegedly involved in the October 7 onslaught by Hamas in southern Israel, media reports said.

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Kahlot disclosed, “There is a designated space for interrogations, internal security and special security. They all have private phone lines within the hospital.”

He acknowledged that Hamas hides in hospitals, believing them to be safe places.

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Additionally, Kahlot revealed that Hamas operates its own ambulances with a distinct colour, separate from those used by medics. He claimed that these ambulances are not used for medical purposes, prioritising the group's missions over humanitarian needs.

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In criticising Hamas after two and a half months of the war, Kahlot described the leaders as "cowards", accusing them of hiding while leaving others exposed in the field.

Israel has long asserted that Hamas uses Gaza hospitals for military purposes and says that the militant group is using humans as shields during the ongoing conflict.

The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry reported over 19,600 casualties since the war's onset, though the numbers cannot be independently verified. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants, estimating around 7,000 combatant deaths since the war began.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

The director of Gaza's Kamal Adwan hospital, Ahmed Kahlot, has admitted during an interrogation by Israel's internal security service, Shin Bet, that the hospital was converted into a military facility by Hamas militant group.

The director of Gaza's Kamal Adwan hospital, Ahmed Kahlot, has admitted during an interrogation by Israel's internal security service, Shin Bet, that the hospital was converted into a military facility by Hamas militant group. Kahlot, who claims to have been a lieutenant colonel in Hamas since 2010, revealed that the hospital housed Hamas offices, served as a base for operational activities, and even accommodated a kidnapped Israeli soldier at one point. According to Kahlot, 16 members of the hospital staff, including doctors, nurses, and paramedics, were Hamas operatives affiliated with the al-Qassam Brigades. He also mentioned the presence of members from the Palestinian Islamic Jihad’s Al-Quds Brigades within the hospital. In a joint statement by Shin Bet and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), it was confirmed that Israeli forces entered Kamal Adwan hospital on December 12, detaining around 90 operatives and seizing weapons. Some of those captured were also allegedly involved in the October 7 onslaught by Hamas in southern Israel, media reports said. Also Read | Italian court sentences Pakistani parents to life for murdering daughter over refusal to marry cousin Kahlot disclosed, “There is a designated space for interrogations, internal security and special security. They all have private phone lines within the hospital.” He acknowledged that Hamas hides in hospitals, believing them to be safe places. Also Read | Trump barred from Colorado ballot for role in January 6 attack on US Capitol Additionally, Kahlot revealed that Hamas operates its own ambulances with a distinct colour, separate from those used by medics. He claimed that these ambulances are not used for medical purposes, prioritising the group's missions over humanitarian needs. Watch | US: Biden administration to use last of Ukraine funds × In criticising Hamas after two and a half months of the war, Kahlot described the leaders as "cowards", accusing them of hiding while leaving others exposed in the field. Israel has long asserted that Hamas uses Gaza hospitals for military purposes and says that the militant group is using humans as shields during the ongoing conflict. The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry reported over 19,600 casualties since the war's onset, though the numbers cannot be independently verified. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants, estimating around 7,000 combatant deaths since the war began. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Gaza hospital director admits facility converted into Hamas operational base

The UN Security Council intensifies ceasefire resolution negotiations to try and avoid another US. Veto. A delayed vote now expected on Tuesday morning as countries are given more time to meet US. Objections on wording.

Israel-Hamas war: Security council set for Gaza ceasefire vote delayed

Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh to visit Egypt for Gaza ceasefire talks.The UN Security Council intensifies ceasefire resolution negotiations to try and avoid another US. Veto. A delayed vote now expected on Tuesday morning as countries are given more time to meet US. Objections on wording.

Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh to visit Egypt for Gaza ceasefire talks

Israel-Hamas war: Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh to visit Egypt for Gaza ceasefire talks

The Israel-Palestine conflict has been going on for 2 long months. The number of civilian deaths have crossed huge numbers. The UN security council vote on Gaza has been delayed for second day. The Hamas Chief is expected to travel to Egypt for negotiations on a cease-fire.

Israel-Hamas war: Every child in Gaza enduring hell, says UNICEF | World News | WION

Three elderly Israeli prisoners are heard in a video released by Hamas appealing for their quick release. The one-minute film, titled Don't Let Us Grow Old Here, was uploaded on Monday to the Qassam Brigades' Telegram account by the military wing of the Palestinian group.

Hamas Chief visits Egypt amid new truce talks, will Israel & Hamas agree to new truce deal? | WION

The question is if Israel and Hamas are inching towards another brief military pause. Will there be another hostage deal for the release of Israeli hostages who are presently in the custody of Hamas? The leader of Hamas Ismail Haniyeh is in Egypt today and according to sources he reportedly is holding talks on a potential agreement for the release of more Israeli prisoners.

Israel-Hamas war: Israel, Hamas working on hostages deal?

Israel-Hamas war: Hamas Chief to visit Egypt for Gaza ceasefire talks | World News | WION

Yemen's Houthi rebels have increased the scale of attack on the ships in Red Sea in response to the bombings by Israel in Gaza. The attack affects the global supply chains, leading to an increased worry regarding the Global Economy.

Israel-Hamas war: Why are Houthi rebels attacking vessels in Red Sea? | World News | WION

Hopes of another hostage deal have been renewed as both parties have agreed on ceasefire talks. Hamas Chief is set to visit Egypt on Wednesday and he arrives in Egypt. He due to meet Egyptian intelligence Chief to discuss a new agreement this.

Israel-Hamas war: UN vote on Gaza delayed for second day

Psy-Ops: Additional arena in Israel, Hamas war

Israel-Hamas war: Israel entering Hamas tunnels in north for final clearing of militants

Israel-Hamas war: Hamas militants' psychological warfare. Gaza hostage crisis clouded by Psy-ops

Israel-Hamas war: UN estimates over 7000 children killed in Gaza's two months of war

There seems to be no respite for battered global supply chains. First trade wars, followed by covid-led restrictions =disrupted global supply chains. Now, it is the israel-hamas war. Global energy prices jumped as tensions escalated around the vital shipping route, where drone and missile assaults have prompted some companies to halt sending cargos.

Houthi attacks start shutting down Red Sea merchant shipping

Red Sea crisis weighs on already disrupted global supply chains

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has assured Israel of complete support and added that no country should tolerate such danger. US fully supports Israel in its war against Hamas.

Israel-Hamas war: Unwavering US support to Israel continues, says Lloyd Austin

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Monday held a joint press conference with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in Tel Aviv. Austin emphasised the USA's commitment to Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas while also expressing a desire for regional stability for both Palestinians and Israelis.

US forms multinational Red Sea force to deter attacks from Iranian allies

US announces international task force to protect ships in Red Sea from Houthi attacks

Unwavering US support to Israel continues: Lloyd Austin

Israel-Hamas war: Israel hints gradual shift in Gaza war after US defence chief visit

The United States announced that several countries have agreed to jointly carry out patrols in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden to protect commercial ships from missile and drone attacks by Yemen-based Houthis, who say they are doing so in support of Palestinians amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

The US-led “multinational security initiative” will be joined by Bahrain, Britain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles and Spain.&nbsp;

The 10-nation coalition comes amid a rise in attacks by the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen who have waded into the Israel-Hamas war by launching missiles and drones on commercial vessels on the key trading route which carries up to 12 per cent of global trade.&nbsp;

<h2>About the 10-nation coalition</h2>

“This is an international challenge that demands collective action. Therefore today I am announcing the establishment of Operation Prosperity Guardian, an important new multinational security initiative,” said US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who is on a visit to Bahrain, in a statement, on Tuesday (Dec 19).&nbsp;

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“Countries that seek to uphold the foundational principle of freedom of navigation must come together to tackle the challenge posed by this non-state actor,” it added. It was not immediately clear if the countries would be willing to do what the American warships have been doing in recent days.&nbsp;

US-deployed warships have shot down Houthi missiles and drones as well as rushed to the aid of commercial ships under attack. The recent attacks have prompted many shipping companies to halt transit through the troubled but vital waterway which might disrupt global trade.&nbsp;

American forces have also reportedly shot down drones and missiles fired at Israel from the Yemeni capital of Sanaa to prevent the current war from spreading to the rest of the region.&nbsp;

<h2>Two commercial ships attacked</h2>

Houthis, on Monday (Dec 18) attacked two more commercial shipping vessels in the southern Red Sea, said the US Central Command (CENTCOM), in a statement.&nbsp;

According to the US forces in the region, the Norwegian-owned chemical/oil tanker Swan Atlantic was attacked by a drone and an anti-ship ballistic missile.&nbsp;

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Around the same time, in a separate incident, a bulk cargo ship MSC Clara reported an explosion in the water near its location. There were no injuries reported on both vessels.&nbsp;

<h2>Houthis claim responsibility for attacks</h2>

The Yemeni rebels claimed responsibility for the attacks on what they called two “Israeli-linked” vessels in the Red Sea in solidarity with Gaza. In a statement, Houthis said that they carried out a “military operation against two ships linked to the Zionist entity” using naval drones.

Houthi spokesperson Yahya Sarea later claimed that the crews failed to respond to calls from the group. The Iran-backed group has threatened to target all ships heading to Israel, regardless of their nationality and warned international shipping companies against dealing with Israeli ports.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vessel-attacked-in-red-sea-off-yemen-coast-us-blames-houthis-671002">Vessel attacked in Red Sea off Yemen coast, US blames Houthis</a>

Swan Atlantic’s owner, as per AFP said that the ship was carrying biofuel feedstock from France to Reunion Island and that their vessel had “no Israeli link” given that it is managed by a Singaporean firm and was run by an Indian crew, which was unharmed in&nbsp;the incident.

Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, a member of the Houthi politburo, told Al Jazeera that his group would be able to confront any US-led coalition that was deployed to the Red Sea.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States announced that several countries have agreed to jointly carry out patrols in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden to protect commercial ships from missile and drone attacks by Yemen-based Houthis, who say they are doing so in support of Palestinians amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

The United States announced that several countries have agreed to jointly carry out patrols in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden to protect commercial ships from missile and drone attacks by Yemen-based Houthis, who say they are doing so in support of Palestinians amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The US-led “multinational security initiative” will be joined by Bahrain, Britain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles and Spain. The 10-nation coalition comes amid a rise in attacks by the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen who have waded into the Israel-Hamas war by launching missiles and drones on commercial vessels on the key trading route which carries up to 12 per cent of global trade. About the 10-nation coalition “This is an international challenge that demands collective action. Therefore today I am announcing the establishment of Operation Prosperity Guardian, an important new multinational security initiative,” said US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who is on a visit to Bahrain, in a statement, on Tuesday (Dec 19). ALSO READ | US weighs options to retaliate against Houthi attacks in Red Sea: Report “Countries that seek to uphold the foundational principle of freedom of navigation must come together to tackle the challenge posed by this non-state actor,” it added. It was not immediately clear if the countries would be willing to do what the American warships have been doing in recent days. US-deployed warships have shot down Houthi missiles and drones as well as rushed to the aid of commercial ships under attack. The recent attacks have prompted many shipping companies to halt transit through the troubled but vital waterway which might disrupt global trade. American forces have also reportedly shot down drones and missiles fired at Israel from the Yemeni capital of Sanaa to prevent the current war from spreading to the rest of the region. Two commercial ships attacked Houthis, on Monday (Dec 18) attacked two more commercial shipping vessels in the southern Red Sea, said the US Central Command (CENTCOM), in a statement. According to the US forces in the region, the Norwegian-owned chemical/oil tanker Swan Atlantic was attacked by a drone and an anti-ship ballistic missile. ALSO READ | US shoots down drones, assists multiple commercial vessels attacked in Red Sea by Yemen’s Houthis Around the same time, in a separate incident, a bulk cargo ship MSC Clara reported an explosion in the water near its location. There were no injuries reported on both vessels. Houthis claim responsibility for attacks The Yemeni rebels claimed responsibility for the attacks on what they called two “Israeli-linked” vessels in the Red Sea in solidarity with Gaza. In a statement, Houthis said that they carried out a “military operation against two ships linked to the Zionist entity” using naval drones. Houthi spokesperson Yahya Sarea later claimed that the crews failed to respond to calls from the group. The Iran-backed group has threatened to target all ships heading to Israel, regardless of their nationality and warned international shipping companies against dealing with Israeli ports. ALSO READ | Vessel attacked in Red Sea off Yemen coast, US blames Houthis Swan Atlantic’s owner, as per AFP said that the ship was carrying biofuel feedstock from France to Reunion Island and that their vessel had “no Israeli link” given that it is managed by a Singaporean firm and was run by an Indian crew, which was unharmed in the incident. Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, a member of the Houthi politburo, told Al Jazeera that his group would be able to confront any US-led coalition that was deployed to the Red Sea. (With inputs from agencies)

US announces 10-nation coalition to respond to attacks by Yemen’s Houthis in Red Sea

Indian Prime Minister Modi, spoke with his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu. PM Modi highlighted India's stand on the ongoing Gaza war. India, is in favour of early restoration of peace.

Gravitas: Can US-led Red Sea patrol force save global shipping from Houthis?

Several countries have agreed to jointly carry out patrols in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden to try to safeguard commercial shipping against attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said.

Israel-Hamas war: 10-Nation coalition to combat Houti attacks

Yemen's Houthi movement attacked two commercial ships in the Red Sea with naval drones on Monday, the Iran-backed group said, the latest in a surge of attacks over Israel's military campaign in Gaza.

Israel-Hamas war: Vessel attacked in Red Sea off Yemen coast, US blames Houthis

Israel will gradually transition to the next phase of operations in Gaza, the country's defence minister said on Monday following talks with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin about lower intensity combat and ways to reduce harm to civilians.

Israel-hamas war: Israel signals gradual shift in Gaza war, after US defense chief visit

US led force to patrol Red Sea in response to attacks by Houthis backing Palestinians

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