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

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

Israel-Hamas war | Analysts: Hamas members manipulate the victim role

Israel-Hamas war: Hamas militants' psychological warfare and additional arena in the war

Psy-Ops: Additional arena in Israel, Hamas war

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: 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

<p>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.</p>

<p>The US-led “multinational security initiative” will be joined by Bahrain, Britain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles and Spain.&nbsp;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<h2><strong>About the 10-nation coalition</strong></h2>

<p>“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;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-weighs-options-to-retaliate-against-houthi-attacks-in-red-sea-report-670514">US weighs options to retaliate against Houthi attacks in Red Sea: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>“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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<h2><strong>Two commercial ships attacked</strong></h2>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-shoots-down-drones-assists-multiple-commercial-vessels-attacked-in-red-sea-by-yemens-houthis-665938">US shoots down drones, assists multiple commercial vessels attacked in Red Sea by Yemen’s Houthis</a></strong></p>

<p>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;</p>

<h2><strong>Houthis claim responsibility for attacks</strong></h2>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


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

<p>A senior Hamas official said on Tuesday (Dec 19) that the militant group does not want to hold negotiations&nbsp;over prisoner exchange while the war with Israel is going on. However, he said that Hamas was open to negotiations to end the war which he termed 'genocidal'.</p>

<p>"We affirm our position of categorically rejecting to hold any form of negotiations over prisoners exchange under the continuing Israeli genocidal war,"&nbsp;Basem Naem said in a statement</p>

<p>"We are, however, open to any initiative that contributes to ending the aggression on our people and opening the crossings to bring in aid and provide relief to the Palestinian people," he added.</p>

<p>Basem Naem was quoted by Israeli media.</p>

<p>Tuesday saw Israel launch more strikes on Gaza. These strikes have taken place amid expectations that United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is preparing to hold another vote on ceasefire demand. The Israel-Hamas war has begun to lead to regional ramifications with Yemen's Houthi Rebels attacking shipping in the Red Sea, attacks they say are mounted to show solidarity with&nbsp;Palestinians. These attacks have started disrupting shipping through the crucial waterway.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Red Sea attacks disrupt sea shipping: 10 nation-coalition to combat Houthi attacks</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/red-sea-attacks-disrupt-sea-shipping-10-nation-coalition-to-combat-houthi-attacks-wion-671445/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin reiterated US support for Israel in a joint press conference with Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant in Tel Aviv. Austin said that USA would continue to provide arms and ammunition to Israel.</p>

<p>In order to tackle the menace of Houthi attack, the US is trying to cobble together an international alliance which may include warships from Britain, France, Italy, Spain and other countries.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-announces-10-nation-coalition-to-respond-to-attacks-by-yemens-houthis-in-red-sea-671127">US announces 10-nation coalition to respond to attacks by Yemen’s Houthis in Red Sea</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Director of Gaza hospital admits Hamas used facility for military operations: IDF</strong></h2>

<p>Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have published a video from their official handle on X (formerly Twitter) saying that Ahmad Kahalot, a senior member of Hamas and director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza Strip has revealed during interrogation that Hamas fighters used the hospital to hide and as a base for their military operations.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-releases-new-hostage-video-israel-terms-it-atrocious-terror-671283">Hamas releases new hostage video, Israel terms it ‘atrocious terror’</a></strong></p>

<p>In the video, neither the interrogator nor Kahalot are speaking in English and viewers get information through English subtitles.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hamas in their own words:<br />
<br />
Ahmad Kahalot—Senior Hamas Member since 2010 and director of the Kamal Adwan Hospital in Jabalya in northern Gaza admits that Hamas has used hospitals as military facilities under their control.<br />
<br />
Video credit: ISA Spokesperson <a href="https://t.co/QGLclR94at">pic.twitter.com/QGLclR94at</a></p>
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) <a href="https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1737118015509147970?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Israel has been claiming that Hamas was using hospitals as bases for their military operations and Hamas has regularly denied the accusation.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A senior Hamas official said on Tuesday (Dec 19) that the militant group does not want to hold negotiations over prisoner exchange while the war with Israel is going on.

A senior Hamas official said on Tuesday (Dec 19) that the militant group does not want to hold negotiations over prisoner exchange while the war with Israel is going on. However, he said that Hamas was open to negotiations to end the war which he termed 'genocidal'. "We affirm our position of categorically rejecting to hold any form of negotiations over prisoners exchange under the continuing Israeli genocidal war," Basem Naem said in a statement "We are, however, open to any initiative that contributes to ending the aggression on our people and opening the crossings to bring in aid and provide relief to the Palestinian people," he added. Basem Naem was quoted by Israeli media. Tuesday saw Israel launch more strikes on Gaza. These strikes have taken place amid expectations that United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is preparing to hold another vote on ceasefire demand. The Israel-Hamas war has begun to lead to regional ramifications with Yemen's Houthi Rebels attacking shipping in the Red Sea, attacks they say are mounted to show solidarity with Palestinians. These attacks have started disrupting shipping through the crucial waterway. Watch | Red Sea attacks disrupt sea shipping: 10 nation-coalition to combat Houthi attacks × US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin reiterated US support for Israel in a joint press conference with Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant in Tel Aviv. Austin said that USA would continue to provide arms and ammunition to Israel. In order to tackle the menace of Houthi attack, the US is trying to cobble together an international alliance which may include warships from Britain, France, Italy, Spain and other countries. Also Read | US announces 10-nation coalition to respond to attacks by Yemen’s Houthis in Red Sea Director of Gaza hospital admits Hamas used facility for military operations: IDF Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have published a video from their official handle on X (formerly Twitter) saying that Ahmad Kahalot, a senior member of Hamas and director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza Strip has revealed during interrogation that Hamas fighters used the hospital to hide and as a base for their military operations. Also Read | Hamas releases new hostage video, Israel terms it ‘atrocious terror’ In the video, neither the interrogator nor Kahalot are speaking in English and viewers get information through English subtitles. Hamas in their own words: Ahmad Kahalot—Senior Hamas Member since 2010 and director of the Kamal Adwan Hospital in Jabalya in northern Gaza admits that Hamas has used hospitals as military facilities under their control. Video credit: ISA Spokesperson pic.twitter.com/QGLclR94at — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) December 19, 2023 × Israel has been claiming that Hamas was using hospitals as bases for their military operations and Hamas has regularly denied the accusation. (With inputs from agencies)

Ready to negotiate to end war, but not prisoner exchange, says Hamas: Reports

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

Israel-Hamas war: CIA Chief meets Qatar's Prime Minister, Mossad head in Warsaw | World News | WION

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

hamas

Hamas, News on Hamas, stories on Hamas, articles on Hamas, Hamas stories at Wion, Hamas news, Hamas latest news