Israel's defense forces have released a video of a top Hamas leader being driven through a massive tunnel in Gaza. The video shows Muhammad Sinwar, in the passenger's seat as the car drives through a 4-kilometre long and 50 metres deep tunnel. Sinwar is the brother and supposed right-hand man of the Gaza chief.

Israel-Hamas war: Video shows top Hamas leader driven through massive tunnel

Israel forbade inhabitants from residing in the heart of Khan Younis, the principal southern city of Gaza, and bombarded the entire area controlled by Hamas. This occurred a day after the US used its veto power in the UN Security Council to protect its partner from a call for a truce.

Israel-hamas war: Israel airstrikes kill 110 Palestinians in Gaza's Jabalia refugee camp

Israel's offensive continues in Gaza and the cost of war is increasing in terms of lives being lost and families being destroyed. An entire generation of children is suffering endlessly out of the 18,800 people killed in Gaza so far 70% of them have been women and children.

Israel-Hamas war | World Food Programme: Half of Gaza's population is dying | World News | WION

Benny Gantz, the minister of defense cabinet, issued a warning on Friday, saying that if diplomatic measures failed to dissuade the terrorist organization Hezbollah from the Lebanese border, Israel would have to drive them out.

Israel-Hamas war: Israel Defence Forces says, 'no going back to status quo with Lebanon' | WION

Israel War: IDF Releases Footage Showing The System Of Tunnels Built In Gaza. The videos show Israeli soldiers at the entrance to a tunnel as well as sequences purporting to show the construction of the tunnel system.

Israel-Hamas war: Israel uncovers 'biggest Hamas tunnel' near Gaza border | World News | WION

Israel-Hamas war has flattened large parts of North Gaza. Three hostages were mistakenly killed by soldiers in the Gaza strip. Israeli army releases images of signs made by mistakenly killed hostages.

Israel-Hamas War: Israeli hostages mistakenly killed by soldiers in Gaza Strip

A major cyberattack disrupted at least 70 per cent of Iran’s petrol stations on Monday (Dec 18), with the country’s oil minister hinting at the possibility of foreign interference.

A hacking group, with alleged links to Israel, has claimed responsibility for the attack. The group, named “Gonjeshke Darande,” or “predatory sparrow” in a statement said, “This cyberattack comes in response to the aggression of the Islamic Republic and its proxies in the region.”&nbsp;

It claimed that it “disabled the majority of gas pumps throughout Iran”.

“Khamenei, playing with fire has a price,” it added in statements in Persian and English.

Iran’s oil minister Javad Owji also confirmed that the disruption had affected 70 per cent of the country’s fuel stations.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-live-updates-israel-will-fight-until-complete-victory-says-netanyahu-670416">Also read:&nbsp;Biggest Hamas tunnel with 4km long network found under Gaza, claims Israel</a>

"At least 30 per cent of gas stations are working, with the rest gradually resolving the disruption in services," Owji was quoted as saying by Reuters.

Reza Navar, a spokesperson for Iran's gas stations association, said experts were fixing the issue and it may take some time.

"A software problem with the fuel system has been confirmed in some stations across the country and experts are currently fixing the issue," he added.

He also made clear that the disruption had nothing to do with rumours of fuel shortage in the country. However, he urged the people not to go to the fuel stations.

Watch:&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: IDF aims to push Hezbollah north to Litani River

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The oil ministry also told state TV that the disruption is in no way linked to any plan to increase the price of fuel, a policy that caused widespread protests in 2019 and led to violent repression.

Iran’s state TV said petrol stations were trying to provide fuel manually until the problem was fixed in a “few hours.”

A similar cyberattack had rocked the Shi’ite nation in 2021 when the sale of fuel throughout the nation was affected.

Iran had accused the US and Israel of being behind the attack.

(With inputs from agencies)

A major cyberattack disrupted at least 70 per cent of Iran’s petrol stations on Monday (Dec 18), with the country’s oil minister hinting at the possibility of foreign interference.

A major cyberattack disrupted at least 70 per cent of Iran’s petrol stations on Monday (Dec 18), with the country’s oil minister hinting at the possibility of foreign interference. A hacking group, with alleged links to Israel, has claimed responsibility for the attack. The group, named “Gonjeshke Darande,” or “predatory sparrow” in a statement said, “This cyberattack comes in response to the aggression of the Islamic Republic and its proxies in the region.” It claimed that it “disabled the majority of gas pumps throughout Iran”. “Khamenei, playing with fire has a price,” it added in statements in Persian and English. Iran’s oil minister Javad Owji also confirmed that the disruption had affected 70 per cent of the country’s fuel stations. Also read: Biggest Hamas tunnel with 4km long network found under Gaza, claims Israel "At least 30 per cent of gas stations are working, with the rest gradually resolving the disruption in services," Owji was quoted as saying by Reuters. Reza Navar, a spokesperson for Iran's gas stations association, said experts were fixing the issue and it may take some time. "A software problem with the fuel system has been confirmed in some stations across the country and experts are currently fixing the issue," he added. He also made clear that the disruption had nothing to do with rumours of fuel shortage in the country. However, he urged the people not to go to the fuel stations. Watch: Israel-Hamas war: IDF aims to push Hezbollah north to Litani River × The oil ministry also told state TV that the disruption is in no way linked to any plan to increase the price of fuel, a policy that caused widespread protests in 2019 and led to violent repression. Iran’s state TV said petrol stations were trying to provide fuel manually until the problem was fixed in a “few hours.” A similar cyberattack had rocked the Shi’ite nation in 2021 when the sale of fuel throughout the nation was affected. Iran had accused the US and Israel of being behind the attack. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli hacking group disrupts 70% of Iran’s petrol pumps

A 27-year-old Israeli woman who was taken hostage by the Palestinian militant group Hamas during the October 7 attack on southern Israel has been confirmed dead, the Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum announced.&nbsp;

Inbar Haiman was said to have been abducted from the Supernova music festival and described as a “creative girl full of joy.”&nbsp;

<h2>About her reported death</h2>

The Forum said Haiman’s family were informed of her death by authorities, but no other details about how or when she was killed were immediately known. Haiman is survived by her parents and a brother, reported Times of Israel.&nbsp;

According to the forum, her body is believed to remain held by Hamas in Gaza. Haiman was among dozens of hostages taken by the Palestinian militant group from the Supernova desert rave which turned into a massacre during the attacks after Hamas fighters, according to Israeli officials, killed at least 360 partygoers.&nbsp;

<h2>What happened to her at the festival?</h2>

The visual communications student from the city of Haifa, in northern Israel was volunteering at the festival, according to her boyfriend Noam Alon.&nbsp;

She had texted him when the Palestinian militant group attacked and he told her to avoid the roads where Hamas fighters were reportedly shooting people who were trying to escape.&nbsp;

When they lost touch with her, Inbar’s family and Alon posted her details on social media and eventually they heard from two witnesses. They recognised her from her distinctive leggings and said Haiman first hid under a stage with friends and then took cover under a bush, reported Times of Israel.&nbsp;

The two witnesses also reportedly told her family that she later was found by a pair of Hamas fighters armed with knives, who hauled the 27-year-old out and placed her on a motorbike.&nbsp;

Her family and Alon later received a video posted by Hamas on Telegram, showing Haiman looking bloody and beaten, surrounded by four men, according to Times of Israel. &nbsp;

“The video came as a kind of relief,” Alon told the Guardian, in an interview last month after the video emerged. “The other option – that she was dead – was far worse. Knowing that she’s now a hostage in Gaza isn’t easy – it’s something you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy – but it’s better than the alternative.”

The news of her reported death came a day after the Israeli military said that they found the bodies of two soldiers and one civilian hostage who were taken captive by Hamas. The civilian was later identified as Elia Toledano, a 28-year-old French-Israeli citizen.

It is believed that around 128 people are still in Hamas captivity, but not all of them are thought to be alive. Some 105 Israeli hostages were released from Gaza during the week-long truce last month. Additionally, the bodies of eight hostages have been recovered so far, according to the Israeli army.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, families of hostages have ramped up pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to secure their release, particularly since the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) admitted three hostages were mistakenly killed by their troops in Gaza.&nbsp;

More than 18,700 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel launched its retaliatory attacks, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.&nbsp;

(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.

A 27-year-old Israeli woman who was taken hostage by the Palestinian militant group Hamas during the October 7 attack on southern Israel has been confirmed dead, the Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum announced.

A 27-year-old Israeli woman who was taken hostage by the Palestinian militant group Hamas during the October 7 attack on southern Israel has been confirmed dead, the Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum announced. Inbar Haiman was said to have been abducted from the Supernova music festival and described as a “creative girl full of joy.” About her reported death The Forum said Haiman’s family were informed of her death by authorities, but no other details about how or when she was killed were immediately known. Haiman is survived by her parents and a brother, reported Times of Israel. According to the forum, her body is believed to remain held by Hamas in Gaza. Haiman was among dozens of hostages taken by the Palestinian militant group from the Supernova desert rave which turned into a massacre during the attacks after Hamas fighters, according to Israeli officials, killed at least 360 partygoers. What happened to her at the festival? The visual communications student from the city of Haifa, in northern Israel was volunteering at the festival, according to her boyfriend Noam Alon. She had texted him when the Palestinian militant group attacked and he told her to avoid the roads where Hamas fighters were reportedly shooting people who were trying to escape. When they lost touch with her, Inbar’s family and Alon posted her details on social media and eventually they heard from two witnesses. They recognised her from her distinctive leggings and said Haiman first hid under a stage with friends and then took cover under a bush, reported Times of Israel. The two witnesses also reportedly told her family that she later was found by a pair of Hamas fighters armed with knives, who hauled the 27-year-old out and placed her on a motorbike. Her family and Alon later received a video posted by Hamas on Telegram, showing Haiman looking bloody and beaten, surrounded by four men, according to Times of Israel. “The video came as a kind of relief,” Alon told the Guardian, in an interview last month after the video emerged. “The other option – that she was dead – was far worse. Knowing that she’s now a hostage in Gaza isn’t easy – it’s something you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy – but it’s better than the alternative.” The news of her reported death came a day after the Israeli military said that they found the bodies of two soldiers and one civilian hostage who were taken captive by Hamas. The civilian was later identified as Elia Toledano, a 28-year-old French-Israeli citizen. It is believed that around 128 people are still in Hamas captivity, but not all of them are thought to be alive. Some 105 Israeli hostages were released from Gaza during the week-long truce last month. Additionally, the bodies of eight hostages have been recovered so far, according to the Israeli army. Meanwhile, families of hostages have ramped up pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to secure their release, particularly since the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) admitted three hostages were mistakenly killed by their troops in Gaza. More than 18,700 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel launched its retaliatory attacks, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. (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.

Israeli hostage, 27-year-old woman Inbar Haiman, confirmed dead in Hamas captivity: Report

Israel-Hamas war: French ministry condemns Israeli bombing in Rafah

Israel-Hamas war: Israel plans new ground war against Hezbollah

Israel-Hamas war: IDF aims to push Hezbollah north to Litani River

Israel is facing immense pressure from its citizens to bring hostage negotiations back to the table. Anger and sorrow have mounted in Israel after the IDF admitted to killing three hostages on Friday. Thousands gathered at Israel's headquarters in Tel Aviv to protest the Israeli military's actions and call on to Netanyahu government to do more to release the hostages in Gaza.

Israel-Hamas war: Hamas says no hostage talks until Israeli aggression in Gaza stops

The Israeli army has killed three captives held by Palestinian armed groups in Gaza after mistakenly identifying them as a threat, according to Israeli military officials.

Israel-Hamas war: Netanyahu not doing enough, says protesters on hostage killing

Israel-Hamas war: Qatar's PM and Mossad chief meeting raising prospects of Gaza hostage talks?

The Israeli army has killed three captives held by Palestinian armed groups in Gaza after mistakenly identifying them as a threat, according to Israeli military officials. To know more watch this interview with Former Director of National Security Council Israel, Helit Barel.

Israel-Hamas war: Hundreds protest in Tel Aviv after Israel kills three hostages by mistake

Israel-Hamas war: Hundreds protest after IDF kills three hostages by mistake

Israel-Hamas war: Will there be a renewed truce in Gaza?

Israel-Hamas war: IDF mistakenly kills three hostages holding white flags

A new report published by a top American media house has unearthed a mountain of Hamas' finances that Israeli Intelligence Mossad had acknowledged going back to 2018 yet chose to ignore. These very funds were lightly used by Hamas in preparation for the deadly attacks on October 7th. Watch to know more.

Israel-Hamas war: Did Israel ignore intel on Hamas attack?

Israel-Hamas war: Israel's offensive kills 19,000 Gazans

Report: Israel knew of Hamas' terror financing as Mossad uncovered Hamas ledgers in 2018

Top officials in Washington are actively weighing options to strike back at Yemen’s Houthis after the Iran-backed militant group launched a number of attacks against naval and commercial ships in the Red Sea, reported Politico citing two United States officials. This comes a day after major shipping firms announced that they would be avoiding the Suez Canal, a key trade route between Europe and Asia, a move which could potentially affect global trade.&nbsp;

<h2>Will US respond to Houthi attacks?</h2>

Over the last few weeks, the Yemen-based Houthis have launched a number of attacks against commercial ships passing through the Red Sea amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza.&nbsp;

The attacks have mostly been thwarted by the American forces in the region but given the rise of such incidents, the US may be planning to ramp up its forces to now retaliate.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Houthi Red Sea attacks: Iran warns against proposed US-backed Red Sea force

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The Pentagon has in recent days moved the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group from the Persian Gulf into the Gulf of Aden, off the coast of Yemen, to support a potential US response to attacks, one of the American officials told Politico on the condition of anonymity.&nbsp;

The report citing officials also said that the US military has provided options to commanders to strike the Houthis. However, President Joe Biden’s administration is reluctant to respond to these attacks amid fear of provoking Iran.&nbsp;

Earlier, the Pentagon itself had reportedly recommended against it but given the significant uptick in attacks, US officials may be looking to change their tactics.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tanker-in-bab-al-mandab-strait-attacked-by-missiles-from-houthi-controlled-yemen-gunmen-on-speedboats-669295">Tanker carrying jet fuel from India hit by missiles from Houthi-controlled Yemen, gunmen on speedboats</a>

National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, who is in the midst of a trip to the Middle East, said Houthis were a “material threat” to shipping and commerce in the region but the ultimate responsibility for the attacks lies with Iran.&nbsp;

<h2>Recent attacks</h2>

As the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza rages on, Houthis who have expressed support for the Palestinian militant group have issued multiple warnings saying that they would target all ships heading to Israel, regardless of their nationality, and warned international shipping companies against dealing in Israeli ports.&nbsp;

On Saturday (Dec 16) morning, the US and United Kingdom navy vessels shot down suspected attack drones which were said to have been targeting shipping vessels.&nbsp;

American destroyer USS Carney shot down 14 one-way attack drones launched from Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen, said the US Central Command. HMS Diamond, a British destroyer, which was recently deployed in the Red Sea to help protect commercial shipping, also shot down one suspected Houthi drone.

This was a day after two cargo ships in the Red Sea had been attacked by missiles and drones fired from a Houthi-controlled part of Yemen. The attacks took place near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key route for global trade.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/idf-confirms-houthis-hijacked-ship-in-red-sea-but-says-its-not-israeli-vessel-660542">IDF confirms Houthis hijacked India-bound ship in Red Sea, but says it's not Israeli vessel</a>

One ship was also attacked by a suspected Houthi drone but the Iran-backed group did not claim responsibility for it. “We are aware that something launched from a Houthi-controlled region of Yemen struck this vessel which was damaged, and there was a report of a fire,” a US military official told AFP referring to the drone attack.

<h2>Shipping firms to avoid Suez Canal&nbsp;</h2>

Major shipping firms, including MSC, the world’s biggest container shipping line, on Saturday said that they will avoid the Suez Canal in light of the attacks in the Red Sea.&nbsp;

Denmark’s AP Moller-Maersk, on Friday (Dec 15) said that they are pausing all its container shipments through Bab al-Mandab until further notice, Swiss-based MSC and French shipping group CMA CGM followed suit the next day.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Top officials in Washington are actively weighing options to strike back at Yemen’s Houthis after the Iran-backed militant group launched a number of attacks against naval and commercial ships in the Red Sea, reported Politico citing two United States officials.

Top officials in Washington are actively weighing options to strike back at Yemen’s Houthis after the Iran-backed militant group launched a number of attacks against naval and commercial ships in the Red Sea, reported Politico citing two United States officials. This comes a day after major shipping firms announced that they would be avoiding the Suez Canal, a key trade route between Europe and Asia, a move which could potentially affect global trade. Will US respond to Houthi attacks? Over the last few weeks, the Yemen-based Houthis have launched a number of attacks against commercial ships passing through the Red Sea amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza. The attacks have mostly been thwarted by the American forces in the region but given the rise of such incidents, the US may be planning to ramp up its forces to now retaliate. WATCH | Houthi Red Sea attacks: Iran warns against proposed US-backed Red Sea force The Pentagon has in recent days moved the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group from the Persian Gulf into the Gulf of Aden, off the coast of Yemen, to support a potential US response to attacks, one of the American officials told Politico on the condition of anonymity. The report citing officials also said that the US military has provided options to commanders to strike the Houthis. However, President Joe Biden’s administration is reluctant to respond to these attacks amid fear of provoking Iran. Earlier, the Pentagon itself had reportedly recommended against it but given the significant uptick in attacks, US officials may be looking to change their tactics. ALSO READ | Tanker carrying jet fuel from India hit by missiles from Houthi-controlled Yemen, gunmen on speedboats National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, who is in the midst of a trip to the Middle East, said Houthis were a “material threat” to shipping and commerce in the region but the ultimate responsibility for the attacks lies with Iran. Recent attacks As the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza rages on, Houthis who have expressed support for the Palestinian militant group have issued multiple warnings saying that they would target all ships heading to Israel, regardless of their nationality, and warned international shipping companies against dealing in Israeli ports. On Saturday (Dec 16) morning, the US and United Kingdom navy vessels shot down suspected attack drones which were said to have been targeting shipping vessels. American destroyer USS Carney shot down 14 one-way attack drones launched from Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen, said the US Central Command. HMS Diamond, a British destroyer, which was recently deployed in the Red Sea to help protect commercial shipping, also shot down one suspected Houthi drone. This was a day after two cargo ships in the Red Sea had been attacked by missiles and drones fired from a Houthi-controlled part of Yemen. The attacks took place near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key route for global trade. ALSO READ | IDF confirms Houthis hijacked India-bound ship in Red Sea, but says it's not Israeli vessel One ship was also attacked by a suspected Houthi drone but the Iran-backed group did not claim responsibility for it. “We are aware that something launched from a Houthi-controlled region of Yemen struck this vessel which was damaged, and there was a report of a fire,” a US military official told AFP referring to the drone attack. Shipping firms to avoid Suez Canal Major shipping firms, including MSC, the world’s biggest container shipping line, on Saturday said that they will avoid the Suez Canal in light of the attacks in the Red Sea. Denmark’s AP Moller-Maersk, on Friday (Dec 15) said that they are pausing all its container shipments through Bab al-Mandab until further notice, Swiss-based MSC and French shipping group CMA CGM followed suit the next day. (With inputs from agencies)

US weighs options to retaliate against Houthi attacks in Red Sea: Report

Israel has continued its offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying that his country will not stop "until complete victory.

Israel has continued its offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying that his country will not stop "until complete victory." The conflict between the warring factions has been going on for more than two months. A report by The New York Times (NYT) on Saturday (Dec 16) said that Israel knew about Hamas' vast financial network in 2018 but took no action. As per the report, Israeli intelligence got its hands on secret documents that laid out details about what amounted to a private equity fund that Hamas used to finance its operations. The documents, which were pilfered from a senior Hamas official's computer, listed assets worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Click here to follow all updates on the Israel-Hamas war The documents were a potential roadmap for choking off Hamas’s money and thwarting its plans, the report said, adding that Israeli agents who obtained the records shared them inside their government and the United States. But nothing happened. A failure to prioritise financial intelligence NYT reported that Hamas controlled mining, chicken farming, and road-building companies in Sudan, twin skyscrapers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a property developer in Algeria, and a real estate firm listed on the Turkish stock exchange. However, none of these companies named in the documents faced Israeli or American sanctions. Both Israeli and American officials failed to prioritise financial intelligence which showed that tens of millions of dollars flowed from these companies to Hamas at the same time the Palestinian militant group was buying new weapons and preparing an attack. Also read: Israeli officials knew about Hamas' attack plan over a year ago, says report Officials said that this money helped Hamas build up its military infrastructure and also helped the group lay the groundwork for the Oct 7 attack. Speaking to the publication, Udi Levy, a former chief of Mossad’s economic warfare division, said that everyone talked about the failures of intelligence on the Oct 7 attack but none talked about the failure to stop the money. “It’s the money — the money — that allowed this,” Levy said. 'Netanyahu disinterested in Hamas' portfolio' Amid hopes that the discovery of Hamas' financial network would be disrupted by Israel and the US, the officials at the top levels of both governments were focused on imposing a series of sanctions on Iran. The NYT report said that neither country prioritised Hamas at the time. Israel believed at that time Hamas was more interested in governing than fighting. Udi Levy was part of a team investigating terror finances called Task Force Harpoon, which tracked Hamas' money network over many years. In 2015, the team found out what it called the militant group's secret investment portfolio. Levy told NYT that he recalled briefing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the portfolio. “But he didn’t care that much about it,” the former top Mossad official added. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel knew about Hamas' financial network in 2018, but did nothing: Report

Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said on Sunday (Dec 17) that France could play a "significant role" in avoiding a war in Lebanon as Israel has exchanged regular fire with Lebanese militants since its conflict with Hamas started on Oct 7.

Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said on Sunday (Dec 17) that France could play a "significant role" in avoiding a war in Lebanon as Israel has exchanged regular fire with Lebanese militants since its conflict with Hamas started on Oct 7. Addressing a press conference in Tel Aviv with his French counterpart Catherine Colonna, Foreign Minister Cohen said, "France could play a positive and significant role to prevent a war in Lebanon." French Foreign Minister Colonna, meanwhile, told reporters that Paris was deeply concerned over the situation in the Gaza Strip. "Too many civilians are being killed," Colonna said while stressing that victims of Hamas' Oct 7 attack should not be forgotten. She is due to meet families of French hostages still held in Gaza and to call for an immediate and durable new humanitarian truce. Click here to follow all updates on Israel-Hamas war Since the Israel-Hamas war started, Israel and Lebanese militant groups, primarily Hezbollah have been in border skirmishes along the Israel-Lebanon border. Hezbollah backs Hamas and has said it is engaging in combat (with Israel) in support of the Palestinian militant group. Israeli soldier killed in Lebanese border The Israeli army said on Saturday that a soldier was killed and two others were wounded by a hostile aircraft on the Lebanese border. "Sergeant Major (reservist) Yehezkel Azaria, from Petah Tikva... fell during an operational activity in the Margaliot area, aged 53 at the time of his death," a statement from the army said. A military spokesperson told the news agency AFP that the attack was the result of an incursion by the hostile aircraft. The army reported the incursion earlier in the day, saying that air defences "intercepted a hostile aircraft that crossed from Lebanon into Israel." "An additional hostile aircraft that crossed from Lebanon was identified and fell in Margaliot... In response, IDF artillery is striking in Lebanon," the army statement added. Also read: Israel knew about Hamas' financial network in 2018, but did nothing: Report This attack comes a day after Lebanese citizens said that the Israeli army dropped leaflets on parts of southern Lebanon, warning them not to help Hezbollah. As per AFP, since the cross-border exchanges began, more than 120 people have been killed on the Lebanese side, most of them Hezbollah fighters but also a Lebanese soldier and 17 civilians. On the Israeli side, four civilians have been killed in addition to the seven soldiers, authorities said. (With inputs from agencies)

France could play 'significant role' to avoid war in Lebanon: Israeli foreign minister

Iran says it has executed Mossad agent accused of spying for Israel.

Iran says it has executed Mossad agent accused of spying for Israel

Three Israeli hostages accidently killed by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops were shirtless and waving a white flag when they&nbsp;were mistaken for being militants, according to an IDF official. Meanwhile, thousands of Israelis took to the streets in the city of Tel Aviv urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to secure the release of hostages held by the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza.&nbsp;

<h2>Israeli hostages mistakenly killed by troops</h2>

Three Israeli hostages – Yotam Haim (28), Samer Talalka (22), and Alon Shamriz (26) – were killed in Gaza’s Shejaiya on Friday (Dec 15) around 10:00 am (local time), said an Israeli military official. The case, according to the IDF, was “against our rules of engagement” and had prompted an investigation at the “highest level”.&nbsp;

The initial probe revealed that a soldier stationed at a building identified three suspicious figures emerging from another building around several dozen metres away, reported Times of Israel citing a senior IDF official.&nbsp;

All three were shirtless and one of them was carrying a stick with a white cloth. According to the initial probe, the soldier thought it was an attempt by Hamas to lure them into a trap and immediately opened fire and shouted “terrorists!”.&nbsp;

The soldier, according to the probe, killed two men, while the third one returned to the building he emerged from. Subsequently, the commander of the battalion went outside and asked the troops to stop firing.&nbsp;

The third hostage was heard shouting “Help” in Hebrew and came out of the building and another soldier opened fire at him and fatally shot him, it was found after the initial probe.&nbsp;

Wichian Temthong, a freed Thai hostage, told BBC, that he was “very shocked” and “saddened” to learn about the deaths of the three men with whom he had spent nearly 50 days in captivity.

“We couldn’t speak each other’s languages, so we mostly did hand signals and drawing to communicate,” the Thai worker told BBC. Four of them would shake hands and make a hand gesture to say “keep on fighting” every day to boost their moral support, said Wichian.&nbsp;

<h2>New negotiations are underway?</h2>

Netanyahu made an&nbsp;appearance on TV&nbsp;to confirm on Saturday (Dec 16) that new negotiations were underway for release of&nbsp;hostages held by Hamas. A report by Reuters citing a source said that the chief of Israel’s Mossad spy agency, David Barnea, met Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Europe late on Friday.&nbsp;

The meeting indicates a possible new Gaza truce and a prisoner and hostage deal. Meanwhile, in Israel, in a speech followed by the news of the three&nbsp;hostages being mistakenly killed, the Israeli PM said that their deaths “broke the hearts of the nation” but vowed to “continue until victory”.&nbsp;

Netanyahu, in a televised speech, spoke about how the Israeli offensive in Gaza has helped clinch a partial hostage-release deal in November and vowed to maintain intense military pressure on Hamas.&nbsp;

“The instruction I am giving the negotiating team is predicated on this pressure, without which we have nothing,” said the Israeli PM.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Hamas, in a statement said that the group “affirms its position not to open any negotiations to exchange prisoners unless the aggression against our people stops once and for all.” It added, “The movement communicated this position to all mediators.”

<h2>Netanyahu government under pressure</h2>

Israelis continue to put pressure on the Netanyahu government to secure the release of the more than 100 hostages still in Gaza. Hundreds took to the streets in Tel Aviv after the news of the three hostages being mistakenly killed by IDF.

The demonstrators marched toward the IDF’s headquarters chanting, “Their time is running out! Bring them home now!”, quoted Times of Israel. “There is no victory until every last hostage is released!”&nbsp;

Tagit Tzin, the aunt of Dafna (15) and Ela Elyakim (9) who were freed from Gaza last month, told The Independent that while the families understood the military mistakenly killed the three hostages, she believes the error highlights how the only way to retrieve the hostages safely was through a truce deal, not military action.

“Only a ceasefire deal will bring the hostages out alive and not put our soldiers in danger like this,” said Tzin.&nbsp;

(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.

Three Israeli hostages accidently killed by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops were shirtless and waving a white flag when they were mistaken for being militants, according to an IDF official.

Three Israeli hostages accidently killed by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops were shirtless and waving a white flag when they were mistaken for being militants, according to an IDF official. Meanwhile, thousands of Israelis took to the streets in the city of Tel Aviv urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to secure the release of hostages held by the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza. Israeli hostages mistakenly killed by troops Three Israeli hostages – Yotam Haim (28), Samer Talalka (22), and Alon Shamriz (26) – were killed in Gaza’s Shejaiya on Friday (Dec 15) around 10:00 am (local time), said an Israeli military official. The case, according to the IDF, was “against our rules of engagement” and had prompted an investigation at the “highest level”. The initial probe revealed that a soldier stationed at a building identified three suspicious figures emerging from another building around several dozen metres away, reported Times of Israel citing a senior IDF official. All three were shirtless and one of them was carrying a stick with a white cloth. According to the initial probe, the soldier thought it was an attempt by Hamas to lure them into a trap and immediately opened fire and shouted “terrorists!”. The soldier, according to the probe, killed two men, while the third one returned to the building he emerged from. Subsequently, the commander of the battalion went outside and asked the troops to stop firing. The third hostage was heard shouting “Help” in Hebrew and came out of the building and another soldier opened fire at him and fatally shot him, it was found after the initial probe. Wichian Temthong, a freed Thai hostage, told BBC, that he was “very shocked” and “saddened” to learn about the deaths of the three men with whom he had spent nearly 50 days in captivity. “We couldn’t speak each other’s languages, so we mostly did hand signals and drawing to communicate,” the Thai worker told BBC. Four of them would shake hands and make a hand gesture to say “keep on fighting” every day to boost their moral support, said Wichian. New negotiations are underway? Netanyahu made an appearance on TV to confirm on Saturday (Dec 16) that new negotiations were underway for release of hostages held by Hamas. A report by Reuters citing a source said that the chief of Israel’s Mossad spy agency, David Barnea, met Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Europe late on Friday. The meeting indicates a possible new Gaza truce and a prisoner and hostage deal. Meanwhile, in Israel, in a speech followed by the news of the three hostages being mistakenly killed, the Israeli PM said that their deaths “broke the hearts of the nation” but vowed to “continue until victory”. Netanyahu, in a televised speech, spoke about how the Israeli offensive in Gaza has helped clinch a partial hostage-release deal in November and vowed to maintain intense military pressure on Hamas. “The instruction I am giving the negotiating team is predicated on this pressure, without which we have nothing,” said the Israeli PM. Meanwhile, Hamas, in a statement said that the group “affirms its position not to open any negotiations to exchange prisoners unless the aggression against our people stops once and for all.” It added, “The movement communicated this position to all mediators.” Netanyahu government under pressure Israelis continue to put pressure on the Netanyahu government to secure the release of the more than 100 hostages still in Gaza. Hundreds took to the streets in Tel Aviv after the news of the three hostages being mistakenly killed by IDF. The demonstrators marched toward the IDF’s headquarters chanting, “Their time is running out! Bring them home now!”, quoted Times of Israel. “There is no victory until every last hostage is released!” Tagit Tzin, the aunt of Dafna (15) and Ela Elyakim (9) who were freed from Gaza last month, told The Independent that while the families understood the military mistakenly killed the three hostages, she believes the error highlights how the only way to retrieve the hostages safely was through a truce deal, not military action. “Only a ceasefire deal will bring the hostages out alive and not put our soldiers in danger like this,” said Tzin. (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.

Israeli hostages mistakenly killed by IDF were waving white flag when troops shot them, reveals initial probe

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