China Fumes As Taiwan Troops Join U.S. War Games To Fight Chinese Invasion
In one of the deadliest confrontations in Gaza since the war began, Hamas fighters launched a massive raid on an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) encampment in Khan Younis on August 20. According to Hamas, 18 Al-Qassam Brigade fighters emerged from tunnels, firing machine guns, RPGs, and using explosives against Israeli troops and tanks. The group claimed multiple Israeli casualties, including a suicide attack and close combat engagements. The IDF confirmed that three of its soldiers were wounded, saying the attackers tried to breach their base and possibly kidnap troops. Israeli airstrikes killed 10 Hamas fighters during the battle, while 8 reportedly retreated into tunnels. Footage released by the IDF shows tanks, air support, and ground forces repelling the ambush in a fight that lasted several hours. The attack came on the same day as IDF officially announced the last phase of war.
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Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
IDF acknowledges ‘failure' in Hamas attack at army camp in Gaza's Khan Younis
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Thursday acknowledged that its failure resulted in a surprise attack by Hamas gunmen at an encampment in southern Gaza's Khan Younis a day earlier. An IDF probe into the incident found that the Hamas gunmen emerged from a tunnel some 40-50 metres from the military post. According to a Times of Israel report, the existence of the tunnel was known to the military, and it had been partially demolished. ⭕️Earlier today, over 15 terrorists fired both gunfire and anti-tank missiles and attempted to infiltrate a fortified IDF position in Khan Yunis. The troops, with IAF support, eliminated 10 armed terrorists in close-quarters combat. The incident is ongoing and troops continue to… — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) August 20, 2025 The gunmen who were armed with assault rifles, RPGs, grenades, and explosive devices apparently dug out a new shaft using the existing underground passage during the attack, the report said. Around 15 gunmen were involved in the attack, the IDF said. After emerging from the tunnel, the gunmen split into three groups, with one stationed on a dirt mound, the second heading into a building in the encampment and the third attacking a building that had soldiers stationed in it. Two of the gunmen breached the building where the troops were stationed and hurled grenades and opened fire at the soldiers who shot back. In the ensuing exchange, both gunmen were shot dead, and three soldiers were injured. The IDF probe found that 15 gunmen were shot dead in the exchange that lasted around 10 minutes. Hamas's military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, took responsibility for the attack in a statement, claiming that its gunmen 'stormed the site' and carried out a suicide bombing. This was one of the most serious attacks on an IDF post by Hamas in recent times. The attack comes as Israel launches a large-scale assault to seize and fully occupy Gaza City. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was expected to give final approval Thursday for plans to take over Gaza City, an operation that could start within days. Netanyahu was set to meet with top security officials to sign off on the plans, the Associated Press reported, citing an Israeli official who was not authorised to brief the media. On Wednesday, the IDF said it plans to call up 60,000 reservists and extend the service of 20,000 others as part of the Gaza takeover plan, which has been condemned by countries around the world. There is a growing fear that a renewed offensive in Gaza could bring even more casualties and displacement to the territory, where the war has already killed tens of thousands and where experts have warned of imminent famine. The Gaza takeover plan has also met with opposition from within Israel, especially from the families of the hostages who are still being held by Hamas. Families of the hostages gathered in Tel Aviv on Wednesday to condemn the expanded operation. Israel believes around 20 hostages are still alive. 'Forty-two hostages were kidnapped alive and murdered in captivity due to military pressure and delay in signing a deal,' said Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law, Eitan Horn, is still being held captive. Eitan's brother, Iair Horn, was released during a ceasefire earlier this year. 'Enough to sacrifice the hostages. Enough to sacrifice the soldiers, both regular and reservists. Enough to sacrifice the evacuees. Enough to sacrifice the younger generation in the country,' said Bar Goddard, the daughter of Meni Goddard, whose body is being held by Hamas.


Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
Netanyahu says Israel to begin Gaza ceasefire negotiations to end war, release hostages
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that Israel will begin immediate negotiations for the release of all hostages held in Gaza and an end to the nearly two-year-old war on terms acceptable to Israel. Speaking to soldiers serving in Gaza, Netanyahu said he was meeting commanders to approve plans for capturing Gaza City and defeating Hamas. 'At the same time I have issued instructions to begin immediate negotiations for the release of all our hostages and an end to the war on terms acceptable to Israel,' he said, adding: 'We are in the decision-making phase.' The Israeli military maintained its pressure on Gaza City into Thursday. On Wednesday, the military called up 60,000 reservists in a sign that the government was pressing ahead with the plan, despite international condemnation. Calling up tens of thousands of reservists is likely to take weeks, giving time for mediators to attempt to bridge gaps over a new temporary ceasefire proposal that Hamas has accepted, but the Israeli government has yet to officially respond to. The proposal calls for a 60-day ceasefire and the release of 10 living hostages being held in Gaza by Hamas militants and of 18 bodies. In turn, Israel would release about 200 long-serving Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. The Israeli government has stated that all of the remaining 50 hostages held by militants in Gaza must be released at once. Israeli officials believe that around 20 of them are still alive.


Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
War must end on Israel's terms: Netanyahu orders immediate talks for release of hostages; to approve Gaza City takeover
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday said he will give final approval for the takeover of Gaza City while restarting negotiations with Hamas aimed at securing the release of hostages and ending the war on Israel's terms. The wide-scale operation could begin within days once Netanyahu meets senior security officials. Hamas earlier this week said it had accepted a ceasefire proposal from Arab mediators, which, if agreed to by Israel, could delay the offensive. Preparations for offensive The Israeli military has begun calling medical officials and international organizations in northern Gaza to encourage evacuation to the south. Plans include calling up 60,000 reservists and extending the service of 20,000 others. Limited operations have already begun in Gaza City's Zeitoun neighborhood and the Jabaliya refugee camp. The military says it aims to target areas where Hamas still retains military and governing capabilities. So far, there has been little sign of mass flight by Palestinians as seen during earlier offensives. Residents say nowhere in Gaza feels safe. Israel claims it controls around 75% of the territory. Civilian toll mounts At least 36 Palestinians were killed Thursday in Israeli strikes across Gaza, according to hospitals. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Fourteen of them were reportedly seeking humanitarian aid. Witnesses and health officials said Israeli forces have repeatedly opened fire on people heading to aid sites. The military said it only fired warning shots. The Gaza Health Ministry said total deaths have reached 62,192, with 271 more people, including 112 children, dying from malnutrition-related causes. The ministry, run by Hamas, does not distinguish between civilians and combatants, but the U.N. and independent experts say its figures remain the most reliable. Israeli airstrikes also destroyed a tent camp in Deir al-Balah, the last relatively safe city in Gaza. Families, many with children, were told to flee minutes before the strikes. 'We are civilians, not terrorists. What did we do, and what did our children do, to be displaced again?' said Mohammad Kahlout, displaced from northern Gaza. Protests in Gaza and Israel Hundreds of Palestinians staged a rare protest in Gaza City on Thursday, demanding an end to the war. Women and children held signs reading 'Save Gaza' and 'Stop the war,' against the backdrop of destroyed buildings. 'We don't want to migrate. Twenty-two months … it's enough. Enough death. Enough destruction,' said Bisan Ghazal, a displaced resident. In Israel, families of hostages rallied in Tel Aviv, warning that the operation could jeopardize the lives of around 20 hostages believed to still be alive. 'Enough to sacrifice the hostages. Enough to sacrifice the soldiers, both regular and reservists,' said Bar Goddard, whose father's body is being held by Hamas. Additional protests are planned. International concern The planned offensive has drawn criticism from Israel's allies, though not from the United States. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres warned of 'massive death and destruction' if Israel proceeds. The Media Freedom Coalition, representing 27 countries, also called on Israel to allow international media into Gaza, citing the deaths of at least 184 journalists and media workers. War's origins The war began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants attacked Israel, killing around 1,200 people and abducting 251. Most hostages have been released in previous deals, but Hamas says it will only release the remaining captives in exchange for a lasting ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal.