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.

Israel-Hamas war: Hamas video shows three elderly Israeli hostages pleading for release | WION

Israel-Hamas war: Hamas posts video of three elderly hostages pleading for release

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: Devastation in Northern Gaza town of Beit Lahiya after Israeli strike

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.

Houthi attacks on shipping in Red Sea threaten global consequences

Israel-hamas war: Hamas video shows elderly Israeli hostages pleading for release

The consequences of Israel's military operation in Gaza continues to be seen in the waters of Red Sea. Iran-backed Houthi group mounts fresh attack on private vessels passing through the key trade route.

Iran-backed Houthi group mounts fresh attack on private vessels

Houthis target vessels in Red Sea after no response to repeated calls

Over 110 people have died in Gaza's Jabalia refugee camp. Western countries are putting pressure on Netanyahu for a 'sustainable ceasefire' in Gaza, but Bibi appears to be determined on a long war. There are reports that Israel could be trying to open a new front.

Gravitas | Gaza war: Is Israel's Netanyahu opening a new front?

The Israeli army on Sunday (Dec 17) said that it had uncovered an unusually large concrete and iron-girded Hamas tunnel in the Gaza Strip, just a few hundred metres from a key border crossing.

As per news agency AFP, the size of the tunnel was such that small vehicles could easily travel inside it.

The Israeli army released a statement saying that the tunnel cost millions of dollars and took years to construct. The project they said was helmed by Mohamed Yahya, brother of Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar, who reportedly was the mastermind of the Oct 7 assault against Hamas.

"We're going to enter the biggest tunnel we found in Gaza. The biggest secret of Sinwar. His project. His subterranean tunnel project. We gonna enter. It was a secret, that we have revealed that was meant to target the (Erez) crossing," chief military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said.

"Tunnel, the subterranean tunnel, constructed by Mohammed Sinwar. This is the Sinwar project tunnel that was meant to do a terror attack," he said.

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EXPOSED: The biggest Hamas terrorist tunnel discovered. 
 
This massive tunnel system branches out and spans well over four kilometers (2.5 miles). Its entrance is located only 400 meters (1,310 feet) from the Erez Crossing—used by Gazans on a daily basis to enter Israel for work… <a href="https://t.co/RcjK5LbvGL">pic.twitter.com/RcjK5LbvGL</a>
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) <a href="https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1736407306311475360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Hagari put the full length of the tunnel at 4 km (2.5 miles), which was enough to reach the northern Gaza City, once the heart of Hamas governance and now a devastated combat zone.

It was "the biggest tunnel we found in Gaza ... meant to target the (Erez) crossing," Hagari said, without specifying whether it was used by Hamas for the Oct&nbsp;7 attack.

"For this tunnel that ends 400 metres from the Erez crossing. Erez crossing, symbolised hope for Palestinians. Thousands of Palestinians were going to work from this crossing inside Israel," he said.

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>

"Millions of dollars were invested in this tunnel. It took years to build this tunnel ... Vehicles could drive through," he added. 
&nbsp; 
This tunnel, shown by Hagari, had poles descending vertically downward that, which he claimed, indicated part of a wider network.

<h2>Israel discovers tunnels under Gaza vacation homes&nbsp;</h2>

The Israeli forces on Sunday said they had found tunnels under vacation homes in Gaza which were used by senior Hamas leaders along with another shaft located under a baby’s crib in the northern Strip, amid the ongoing offensive in the besieged Palestinian enclave, as per the Times of Israel reports.

The military said that they raided the offices of the commander of Hamas' Khan Younis battalion and the vacation homes of several senior Hamas commanders, including the Palestinian terror group’s leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar.

In Gaza, more than 18,800 people, mostly women and children, have lost their lives in the war, as per the Hamas-run health ministry, whereas Hamas' assault in Israel claimed the lives of around &nbsp;1,200 people, mostly civilians, according to&nbsp;Israeli figures.

(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. 
&nbsp;

The Israeli army on Sunday (Dec 17) said that it had uncovered an unusually large concrete and iron-girded Hamas tunnel in the Gaza Strip, just a few hundred metres from a key border crossing.

The Israeli army on Sunday (Dec 17) said that it had uncovered an unusually large concrete and iron-girded Hamas tunnel in the Gaza Strip, just a few hundred metres from a key border crossing. As per news agency AFP, the size of the tunnel was such that small vehicles could easily travel inside it. The Israeli army released a statement saying that the tunnel cost millions of dollars and took years to construct. The project they said was helmed by Mohamed Yahya, brother of Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar, who reportedly was the mastermind of the Oct 7 assault against Hamas. "We're going to enter the biggest tunnel we found in Gaza. The biggest secret of Sinwar. His project. His subterranean tunnel project. We gonna enter. It was a secret, that we have revealed that was meant to target the (Erez) crossing," chief military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said. "Tunnel, the subterranean tunnel, constructed by Mohammed Sinwar. This is the Sinwar project tunnel that was meant to do a terror attack," he said. EXPOSED: The biggest Hamas terrorist tunnel discovered. This massive tunnel system branches out and spans well over four kilometers (2.5 miles). Its entrance is located only 400 meters (1,310 feet) from the Erez Crossing—used by Gazans on a daily basis to enter Israel for work… pic.twitter.com/RcjK5LbvGL — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) December 17, 2023 × Hagari put the full length of the tunnel at 4 km (2.5 miles), which was enough to reach the northern Gaza City, once the heart of Hamas governance and now a devastated combat zone. It was "the biggest tunnel we found in Gaza ... meant to target the (Erez) crossing," Hagari said, without specifying whether it was used by Hamas for the Oct 7 attack. "For this tunnel that ends 400 metres from the Erez crossing. Erez crossing, symbolised hope for Palestinians. Thousands of Palestinians were going to work from this crossing inside Israel," he said. Also read: US weighs options to retaliate against Houthi attacks in Red Sea: Report "Millions of dollars were invested in this tunnel. It took years to build this tunnel ... Vehicles could drive through," he added. This tunnel, shown by Hagari, had poles descending vertically downward that, which he claimed, indicated part of a wider network. Israel discovers tunnels under Gaza vacation homes The Israeli forces on Sunday said they had found tunnels under vacation homes in Gaza which were used by senior Hamas leaders along with another shaft located under a baby’s crib in the northern Strip, amid the ongoing offensive in the besieged Palestinian enclave, as per the Times of Israel reports. The military said that they raided the offices of the commander of Hamas' Khan Younis battalion and the vacation homes of several senior Hamas commanders, including the Palestinian terror group’s leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar. In Gaza, more than 18,800 people, mostly women and children, have lost their lives in the war, as per the Hamas-run health ministry, whereas Hamas' assault in Israel claimed the lives of around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli figures. (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 army uncovers 'biggest Hamas tunnel' with 4-km long network near Gaza border

US defense secretary Lloyd Austin visits Israel amid truce calls. Austin to press Israeli defense officials to define war milestones. On the other hand, UN Security Council moves toward voting to demand aid access for Gaza. UNSC seeks support to deliver humanitarian aid by land sea and air.

Israel-Hamas war: Humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza grows

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: Half of population starving in Gaza

IDF claims it has uncovered largest Hamas tunnel near northern Gaza border crossing

Israeli bombing continues to reduce the building into rubble. As thousands of people suffer in the besieged region, Human Rights Watch, has accused the Israeli government of intentionally starving civilians in Gaza.

Israel-Hamas War: Rights group accuses Israel of using 'starvation' tactic in Gaza

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-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

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