Hamas leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar is the 'top assassination target' of the IDF now. Five years ago, Sinwar suggested a "calculated risk" on a "ceasefire" to Israel's PM, conveying he does not seek war anymore but prosperity "like Singapore, like Dubai." After the October 2023 onslaught that killed over 1,200 Israelis, Sinwar emerged as the mastermind behind the attack. Now, Israeli officials admit that his words misled them into "complacency" that led to reduced physical surveillance of the Gaza border fence, relying on electronic sensors, and transferring troops out of the area to guard settlements in the West Bank. Israeli analyst, Chen Artzi Sror said, Sinwar "fooled" Israel into complacency, creating an "illusion" that Hamas wanted stability over violence. Officials now see his past 'ceasefire talk' as deceiving them into lowering guard before the attack and are seeking redemption through assassination.  

Yemen's Houthi rebels released an alleged video of the hijacked cargo ship "Galaxy Leader", showing rebels landing on an empty deck from a helicopter, charging across firing shots, and seizing control of the ship. The few crew members seen in the video, taken completely by surprise, are seen putting up their hands. The ship has been re-routed to the Yemeni port of Salif port in Hodeida province, reported news agency AFP, quoting maritime security company Ambrey and a Yemeni maritime source. Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdul-Salam said the hijack is "only the beginning", pledging more attacks on Israel-linked ships over the Gaza operations. A Houthi military official, Major General Ali Al-Moshki declared: "Israeli ships are legitimate targets for us anywhere...and we will not hesitate to take action." The Bahamas-flagged ship was headed to India when hijacked. Israel denied it's Israeli-ownership despite Houthi claims. The bone-chilling footage shows the dramatic hijack as rebels insist seizing the vessel is just the start of maritime operations against Israeli interests.

The startling revelation emerged at the COVID inquiry, where Dominic Cummings is said to have claimed that then Chancellor Rishi Sunak suggested "just let people die" rather than go into another lockdown. The excerpt from British physician and former Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance's diary entry has created quite a stir. The entry detailed a heated October 2020 meeting where Boris Johnson, initially against a lockdown, faced off with Cummings, who argued for saving lives. Vallance described Johnson as "frustrated" and the situation in "complete shambles." The inquiry also exposed tensions over the "Eat Out To Help Out" scheme, with Sunak not informing advisers before declaring the scheme. Sky News reports that Vallance highlighted challenges in conveying scientific advice to Johnson, who he said was "bamboozled" and struggled with key concepts.

U.S. President Joe Biden expressed optimism about an imminent deal for the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Reports suggest Qatari mediators are brokering an agreement between Israel and Hamas, involving the exchange of 50 hostages for a three-day ceasefire. The hostages were taken during Hamas's cross-border attack into Israel on Oct. 7, prompting a deadly Israeli response. Biden's hopeful statement aligns with Israel's anticipation of a substantial hostage release in the coming days. The situation unfolds against the backdrop of heightened tensions and ongoing conflict in the region.

In the escalating Israel-Hamas conflict, Japan announces direct communication with Yemen's Houthi rebels following the seizure of the "Galaxy Leader," owned by an Israeli businessman and operated by a Japanese firm. The ship, en route to India, was allegedly seized by the rebels. Israel accuses Iran of orchestrating the act of terror, while Japan condemns the seizure, urging for the prompt release of the vessel and its crew. Tensions rise as global powers navigate the delicate situation, with the Red Sea's strategic significance adding complexity to the geopolitical landscape.

Israel accuses Yemen's Houthi rebels of seizing an India-bound cargo ship in the southern Red Sea, heightening concerns of regional tensions. The Bahamas-flagged "Galaxy Leader," allegedly British-owned and Japanese-operated, was en route to Pipavav, India, with 25 crew members of various nationalities. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu condemns the hijacking as an "Iranian act of terror" with global consequences. Satellite tracking places the ship southwest of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, a day before the reported seizure. Amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, fears grow of wider regional instability with the Red Sea's strategic importance in global trade.

Israel's military shares security camera footage, timestamped on October 7, claiming it reveals hostages being brought into Gaza's Al-Shifa hospital after being kidnapped during Hamas attacks on southern Israel. The video depicts armed individuals leading a man into the hospital and another injured man on a gurney. The hostages, said to be from Nepal and Thailand, remain unlocated. Israel asserts that Al-Shifa hospital serves as a Hamas base, intensifying military operations. Hamas, running Gaza, has not immediately responded to the accusations. Meanwhile, Gaza's Health Ministry discloses a grim toll, reporting over 13,000 Palestinians killed and 30,000 injured since October 7. Ongoing denials and disputes persist amid a dire humanitarian situation. [ photo courtesy: IDF/X ]      

Israel released a video on Sunday allegedly showing a Hamas tunnel under Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, a frequent target in its 7-week war. Israel's military said engineers found a 55-meter tunnel 10 meters deep leading to a blast-proof door used "to block Israeli forces." Though Hamas admits to having many tunnels, it denies placing them at civilian sites like hospitals. The tunnel's purpose beyond the door, remains unclear. Israel says the shaft was found in a hospital shed containing munitions. Amid its bombardment of Gaza, Israel pointed to the video as justification while Hamas still rejected claims it hides military tunnels in civilian infrastructure.

In response to escalating violence, the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, in coordination with UN agencies including the WHO, successfully evacuated 31 premature babies from Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza. The hospital, labeled a "death zone" by the WHO, has been a focal point in Israeli operations. Gaza health authorities report over 12,000 deaths, including 5,000 children, as Israel continues its campaign. Despite WHO's call for immediate evacuation, 291 patients and 25 health workers remain at Al-Shifa. Eight babies have died since November 11 due to electricity shortages. The crisis deepens as Gaza faces ongoing humanitarian challenges.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US officials reject reports of a ceasefire deal with Hamas, contradicting The Washington Post's claims. The proposed five-day pause aims to release over 50 hostages taken by Hamas during the conflict. Netanyahu denies any existing deal but emphasizes the priority of hostage release. Amid intensifying ground operations, Israel enters the "next stage" in the six-week war, focusing on southern Gaza. The White House dismisses the alleged agreement, stating no deal is confirmed. Qatar, a key mediator, suggests minor logistical hurdles remain, signaling potential progress in ceasefire talks.