An Israeli military investigation concluded that Israeli soldiers mistakenly killed three hostages during an offensive in Gaza in December 2022. The soldiers had raided a building days earlier but ignored cries for "help" from the hostages inside, believing it to be a deception by Hamas. After exiting and killing five escaping Hamas members on December 10, the hostages likely fled. On December 15th, soldiers shot dead two instantly and wounded a third, who cried "they're shooting at me" before commanders asked him to approach and he was killed. The findings reveal Israeli forces failed to properly identify the hostages when storming the building, leading to their deaths by friendly fire.

The U.S. military shot down a drone and anti-ship missile fired by Iran-backed Houthi rebels toward a U.S. Navy warship in the Red Sea. According to the U.S. Central Command, the USS Mason destroyer intercepted the weapons in the Southern Red Sea. The Houthis have targeted vessels in the vital shipping lane in recent weeks in what they claim is support of Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. The failed strike was the 22nd attack by the rebels on international shipping since mid-October. As the U.S. bolsters naval defenses in the area, the Treasury also announced new sanctions against those financing Houthi operations. The rebels say their aim is to pressure Israel over civilian deaths in Gaza. (Image Source: NDTV)

Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows has ruled that Donald Trump cannot appear on the state's 2024 presidential ballot, citing his role in inciting the January 6th attack on the Capitol as disqualifying him under the Constitution's insurrection clause. Trump's campaign objected to the decision and vowed legal action, while Bellows stated Trump "engaged in insurrection." As a swing state, losing ballot access in Maine holds significance for Trump's viability as the frontrunner, and increases pressure on the Supreme Court to weigh in as his eligibility faces challenges in multiple states.

Israeli officials warn of a shrinking window for diplomacy as conflict intensifies with Lebanon. Hezbollah launches a record number of rockets and drones, prompting concerns of a military response. The "diplomatic hourglass" is running out, with ministers emphasizing limited options. Amid the Gaza war, the US deploys reinforcements to deter further attacks. Secret negotiations seek to de-escalate tensions on the Israel-Lebanon border. Civilians suffer as casualties rise, raising fears of a broader conflict. Israel's military advances in Gaza, despite international calls for a ceasefire. The situation remains volatile, with uncertainties surrounding the duration and resolution of the conflicts in the region.

A Panamanian-flagged cargo ship, Vyssos, was struck by a Russian mine in the Black Sea, causing injury to two crew members and damaging the vessel. The ship, en route to a Ukrainian port on the Danube to load grain, experienced an explosion leading to loss of speed and control. Ukraine, continuing grain exports despite Russia's withdrawal from a UN-backed Black Sea grain deal, shared a photo of the explosion. The captain reportedly grounded the ship to prevent sinking. Efforts are underway to tow it for repairs. Russian attacks on Ukrainian ports persist, with cargo ships considered potential military targets.

Ukrainian President Zelensky expresses gratitude to the US for releasing the last $250 million military aid package, crucial for Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression, stating "I thank President Joe Biden, Congress, and the American people for the $250 million military aid package announced yesterday." Zelensky warns of the impact any change in US policy could have on the war. The equipment includes air defense missiles, anti-tank weapons, and mine clearing tools, covering Ukraine's urgent needs. President Biden's support is pivotal, with Republicans seeking tough measures on migration. Zelensky appreciates the historic decision to provide F-16 jets and thanks the US for 34 military aid packages totaling over $24 billion this year. The US Ambassador underscores the critical need for ongoing funding.

In a Moscow court, Russian poet, Artyom Kamardin is sentenced to seven years, and Yegor Shtovba to five years and six months, for reciting poems against the Ukraine assault. Supporters in the courtroom expressed dismay as the poets were convicted of "inciting hatred" and "threatening state security." Kamardin alleges violent detention, including rape and forced apology video filming. Shtovba maintains innocence, questioning the legality of reading poetry. These sentences follow a trend of severe punishments for Russians protesting the offensive. Critics denounce trials as absurd, highlighting a crackdown on dissent amid Russia's actions in Ukraine. The international community watches closely as free expression faces harsh repression in Russia.

A celebrity party in Moscow's Mutabor nightclub, featuring stars in various states of undress, has ignited a swift and powerful backlash. Amid Russia's conservative social agenda and ongoing conflict with Ukraine, attendees, including rapper Vacio, face consequences. Putin reportedly unamused, sponsors cancel contracts, and even troops fighting in Ukraine complained. Putin's spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, refrains from public comment, while Maria Zakharova of the Foreign Ministry states the event "stained" participants. Organizer Anastasia Ivleeva issues public apologies as legal actions and public outrage intensify. The scandal underscores tensions in Russia's social landscape.

The Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, criticizes the impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict, stating it is "greater than a disaster" and comparing it to the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. He condemns Israeli strikes, claiming the current situation is the "ugliest" for Palestinians. Abbas criticizes the US for supporting Israel and suggests a UN resolution for an immediate ceasefire. Despite Israeli statements, Abbas emphasizes the need for a Palestinian state post-war. The death toll rises, with Abbas questioning the logic of Israeli military actions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserts the war is ongoing, while his senior adviser Mark Regev states Hamas "must be destroyed."

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan asserted, "Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu is no different from Adolf Hitler," condemning Israel's actions in Gaza. Erdogan extended support, stating, "Turkey is ready to welcome academics and scientists facing persecution for their views on the conflict." Earlier, he vehemently opposed plans for a post-war buffer zone in Gaza, emphasizing, "Gaza's future will be decided by Palestinians alone." Erdogan criticized the debate on the buffer zone as disrespectful to Palestinians, urging Israel to remove "terrorists marketed as settlers" and focus on building "a peaceful future with Palestinians." The intensified Israeli offensive resulted in casualties, adding to the toll of over 20,900 Palestinian lives lost.