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First Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- First Post
Israel Army says 4 soldiers killed in Gaza, demands 'thousands more' military deployment in the region
News of the soldiers' deaths came as Gaza's civil defence agency reported 38 killed Friday in Israeli attacks across the territory, where Palestinians observed the Eid al-Adha holiday under the shadow of war for a second consecutive year read more This picture taken from a position in southern Israel shows Israeli tanks deployed on the border with the Gaza Strip on May 17, 2025. AFP Photo Israel's military announced Friday the deaths of four soldiers in Gaza, saying it needed thousands more troops to press its offensive, just as the premier's coalition faces the prospect of collapse over ultra-Orthodox conscription. News of the soldiers' deaths came as Gaza's civil defence agency reported 38 killed Friday in Israeli attacks across the territory, where Palestinians observed the Eid al-Adha holiday under the shadow of war for a second consecutive year. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Military spokesman Effie Defrin said the four soldiers were killed as they 'were operating in the Khan Yunis area, in a compound belonging to the Hamas terrorist organisation'. 'Around six in the morning, an explosive device detonated, causing part of the structure to collapse,' he said, adding that five other soldiers were wounded, one of them severely. 'The losses suffered today by the occupation in Khan Younis… illustrate what the occupation forces will face wherever they are present,' said a statement attributed to Abu Obeida, spokesman for the armed of Hamas, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, while urging the Israeli public to 'force its leaders to end the war of extermination or prepare to receive more of its sons in coffins'. The deaths bring to 429 the number of Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza since the start of the ground offensive in late October 2023. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu extended his condolences to the soldiers' families, saying they 'sacrificed their lives for the safety of all of us'. Israel recently stepped up its Gaza campaign in what it says is a renewed push to defeat Hamas, whose October 7, 2023 attack sparked the war. Conscription row Asked by a reporter about the issue of ultra-Orthodox conscription, which has emerged as a thorn in the side of Netanyahu's government, Defrin said 'this is the need of the moment, an operational necessity'. The army was short around 10,000 soldiers, he added, including about 6,000 in combat roles, adding that 'tens of thousands more notices will be issued in the upcoming draft cycle'. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The conscription issue has threatened to sink Netanyahu's government, with ultra-Orthodox religious parties warning they will pull out of his coalition if Netanyahu fails to make good on a promise to codify the military exemption for their community in law. At the same time, much of the public has turned against the exemption amid the increasing strain put on reservists' families by repeated call-up orders during the war. In April, a military representative told a parliamentary committee that of 18,000 draft notices sent to ultra-Orthodox individuals, only 232 received a positive response. Netanyahu's office announced shortly after 1:00 am on Friday that he had met with a lawmaker from his Likud party who has recently pushed for a bill aimed at increasing the ultra-Orthodox enlistment and toughening sanctions on those who refuse. The premier's office said 'significant progress was made', with 'unresolved issues' to be ironed out later. Netanyahu also faced scrutiny after he admitted to supporting an armed group in Gaza that opposes Hamas. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Knesset member and ex-defence minister Avigdor Liberman had told the Kan public broadcaster that the government, at Netanyahu's direction, was 'giving weapons to a group of criminals and felons'. The European Council on Foreign Relations think tank describes the group a 'criminal gang operating in the Rafah area that is widely accused of looting aid trucks'. 'He wears a white shroud' The humanitarian situation in Gaza, meanwhile, has reached dire lows, with residents enduring severe shortages of food and other essentials, even after a more than two-month Israeli blockade on aid was recently eased. The shortages have made it all but impossible for many Gazans to celebrate Eid al-Adha, which fell on Friday and is traditionally marked with huge family meals and gifts of new clothes. Suad al-Qarra told AFP from Nasser Hospital on Friday that her son never got a chance to wear his new clothes. 'He went to get dressed and there was an explosion,' she said, her soft voice breaking. 'I took him to the hospital and (they) found him dead.' 'They took the children from us,' she continued. 'I bought him Eid clothes yesterday and he didn't wear them, instead he wears a white shroud.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In the Muslim faith, Eid commemorates the sacrifice Ibrahim – known to Christians and Jews as Abraham – was about to make by killing his son, before the angel Gabriel intervened and offered him a sheep to sacrifice instead. The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Friday's strikes. Hamas's unprecedented attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. According to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, at least 4,402 people have been killed since Israel resumed its offensive on March 18 after a brief truce, taking the war's overall toll to 54,677, mostly civilians.
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First Post
25-05-2025
- Health
- First Post
Israel's latest strikes kill 38 in Gaza, death toll reaches 3,785 since March
Israel also blocked the import of all food, medicine and fuel for 2 1/2 months before letting a trickle of aid enter last week, after experts' warnings of famine and pressure from some of Israel's top allies. read more A picture taken from the Israeli side of the border with the Gaza Strip shows destroyed buildings in the nothern sector of the besieged Palestinian territory on May 22, 2025, 19 months after the war broke out between Israel and the Hamas movement. AFP Photo Israeli strikes over the past 24 hours killed at least 38 people in Gaza, including a mother and her two children sheltering in a tent, local health officials said Sunday, with no data available for a second straight day from now-inaccessible hospitals in the north. Further details emerged of the Palestinian doctor who lost nine of her 10 children in an Israeli strike on Friday. Gaza's Health Ministry said 3,785 people have been killed in the territory since Israel ended a ceasefire and renewed its offensive in March, vowing to destroy Hamas and return the 58 hostages it still holds from the Oct. 7, 2023, attack that triggered the war. Hamas has said it will only release the hostages in exchange for a lasting ceasefire and an Israeli withdrawal. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Israel also blocked the import of all food, medicine and fuel for 2 1/2 months before letting a trickle of aid enter last week, after experts' warnings of famine and pressure from some of Israel's top allies. US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was visiting Israel on Sunday and was expected to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel has been pursuing a new plan to tightly control all aid to Gaza, which the United Nations has rejected. The executive director of the U.N. World Food Program, Cindy McCain, told CBS she has not seen evidence to support Israel's claims that Hamas is responsible for the looting of aid trucks. 'These people are desperate, and they see a World Food Program truck coming in and they run for it,' she said. Israel also says it plans to seize full control of Gaza and facilitate what it describes as the voluntary migration of much of its population of over 2 million Palestinians, a plan rejected by Palestinians and much of the international community. Experts say it would likely violate international law. More on the killing of a doctor's 9 children The new strike on the tent housing displaced people that killed the mother and children occurred in the central city of Deir al-Balah, according to al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. A strike in the Jabaliya area of northern Gaza killed at least five, including two women and a child, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. In Friday's strike, only one of pediatrician Alaa al-Najjar's 10 children survived at their home near the southern city of Khan Younis. The 11-year-old and al-Najjar's husband, also a doctor, were badly hurt. The charred remains of the children were put into a single body bag, said a fellow pediatrician at Nasser Hospital, Alaa al-Zayan. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The home was struck minutes after Hamdi al-Najjar had driven his wife to the hospital. His brother, Ismail al-Najjar, was first to arrive at the scene. 'They were innocent children," the brother said, with the youngest 7 months old. 'And my brother has no business with (Palestinian) factions.' Israel on Saturday said 'the claim regarding harm to uninvolved civilians is under review.' It says it tries to avoid harming civilians and blames Hamas for their deaths because it operates in densely populated areas. There was no immediate comment from the military on the latest strikes. Also Friday in Khan Younis, two staffers of the International Committee of the Red Cross were killed when shelling struck their home, the ICRC said. Israeli strikes have killed more than 150 emergency responders from the Red Crescent and Civil Defense, most of them on duty, since the war started, according to the U.N. 'This is not an endless war,' Israel's military chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, said during a visit to Khan Younis. Recent ceasefire talks in Qatar gained no ground. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, in the Oct. 7 attack and abducted 251 people. Around a third of the remaining hostages are believed to be alive, after most of the rest were released in ceasefire agreements or other deals. Israel's 19-month offensive has killed over 53,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which says women and children make up most of the dead. It does not provide figures for the number of civilians or combatants killed. The offensive has destroyed vast areas of Gaza and displaced around 90% of the territory's population, often multiple times. A missile from the Houthis Separately, Israel's military said it intercepted a missile fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels on Sunday. It triggered air raid sirens in Jerusalem and other areas. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage. The Iran-backed Houthis have launched repeated missile attacks targeting Israel as well as international shipping in the Red Sea, portraying it as a response to Israel's military campaign in Gaza. Most of the targeted ships had no relation to Israel or the conflict. The United States halted a punishing bombing campaign against the Houthis earlier this month, saying the rebels had pledged to stop attacking ships. That informal ceasefire did not include attacks on Israel. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
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First Post
25-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Ukraine offers cash, perks and TikTok pitch to lure Gen Z into military amid troop shortage
The Ukrainian military's manpower shortage has grown acute as the war drags on. Most eligible men aged 18 to 60 have either already joined, gone into hiding or attempted to flee the country illegally. With compulsory conscription in place, Ukraine has struggled to recruit enough fresh soldiers, particularly younger men who were initially largely exempt from mandatory service due to government concerns over preserving the country's future workforce. read more This handout photograph taken and released by Ukrainian State Emergency Service Press Service on May 25, 2025 shows firefighters operating on burning houses following Russian strike in Kyiv region, amid Russian invasion in Ukraine. AFP Photo Ukraine is offering unprecedented incentives, including hefty cash bonuses, free education and lifestyle perks to attract Gen Z recruits to its military as it faces a deepening manpower shortage in the ongoing war with Russia, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. Kyrylo Horbenko, now 19, was just 16 when he and his friends first tried to enlist. Though initially turned away for being underage, he joined the military as soon as he turned 18 in March 2023. His decision was driven not only by patriotism, but also by the Ukrainian government's new 'Contract 18-24' programme—a voluntary initiative targeting young adults with financial and social incentives for a one-year commitment. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Horbenko's contract includes a $24,000 signing bonus, interest-free mortgage support, and opportunities for overseas travel. These benefits surpass the earnings of many veteran soldiers and are designed to make enlistment attractive to youth wary of long-term military service. As Ukraine's war with Russia stretches into its third year, the country is grappling with dwindling numbers of eligible recruits. Most men aged 18 to 60 have either already served, gone into hiding or attempted to escape the country to avoid being drafted. Younger men had previously been largely exempt from conscription due to concerns over preserving the workforce. The Contract 18-24 program is designed to be voluntary, offering lifestyle perks and short service periods in exchange for a year of military commitment. The initiative is marketed with TikTok-style campaigns and social media content tailored to Gen Z. Despite the buzz, uptake has been slow, with bureaucracy and family pressure deterring many. To address this gap, the government has introduced a package of benefits for 18- to 24-year-olds willing to sign a one-year contract. Alongside the hefty signing bonus, recruits receive monthly pay of nearly $3,000—about six times the national average—plus free university tuition and discounted healthcare. The recruitment campaign leverages social media platforms popular with Gen Z, including TikTok, with creative ads highlighting the financial advantages of joining. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Despite the incentives, only around 500 young adults have signed up so far, with many deterred by bureaucratic hurdles, family pressure, or fear of combat. Older soldiers have voiced resentment over the preferential treatment of these recruits, referring to them as 'the millionaires' due to the lucrative bonuses. Experts and soldiers alike suggest that longer mandatory service and improved military education might better address recruitment challenges. For some Ukrainian teens, like 19-year-old Oleksandr Bahach, the urgency is clear. 'The bitter truth is that we're losing this war,' he said, citing devastating losses in Bakhmut and Avdiivka. Bahach joined after seeing an ad for the 18-24 program and now trains alongside Horbenko for Ukraine's elite 25th Airborne Brigade. With no clear end to the conflict in sight, Ukraine's efforts to entice its youngest generation to take up arms reflect both the country's dire military needs and the complex choices facing its youth.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Shubman Gill compares Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's captaincy styles
Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma (AFP Photo) NEW DELHI: Shubman Gill was officially appointed India's new Test captain on Saturday, with Rishabh Pant named his deputy for the upcoming five-match Test series in England. The selectors' decision was largely expected, following the retirements of stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from the longest format. At 25, Gill shares a warm rapport with both legends. As he steps into the leadership role, he reflects on the invaluable guidance he received from them over the years. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Interestingly, Gill becomes India's fifth-youngest Test captain, following Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi (21), Sachin Tendulkar (23), Kapil Dev (24), and Ravi Shastri (25). 'When I was a kid, I was always inspired by the greats and the legends of Indian cricket and have been very fortunate to be able to play with so many of them,' Gill said in a video shared by the Indian cricket team following his appointment. 'Be it Virat bhai or Rohit bhai, both were very contrasting in terms of their style, but it was very inspiring to see both of them working towards a common goal. You want to be able to win as a captain and your styles can be different, but they both were very different but also similar in their own sense," he added. Shubman Gill story: From a remote village near the border to India's Test captain 'Virat bhai was always very aggressive, always wanting to lead from the front with hunger and passion,' Gill said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Esta nueva alarma con cámara es casi regalada en Rafael Calzada (ver precio) Verisure Undo 'Whereas Rohit bhai was also aggressive, but you might not see that in his reaction or on his expressions. But he was also someone who was always very attacking on the field. Rohit bhai was someone who was very calm and tactically always very present, and he's very communicative to the players – what he wants from the players. And so, these are the qualities that I learned from them." Since making his Test debut in 2020, Gill has featured in 32 matches and scored 1,893 runs at an average of 35. His record includes five centuries and seven half-centuries, with most of his appearances coming at the top of the order. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
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First Post
24-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Netanyahu faces rebuke from France and UK over criticism of Macron, Starmer
Netanyahu was not alone in blaming the West for going against Israel and blaming the country for waging the war in Gaza, all while backing Hamas. Israel's foreign minister, Gideon Sa'ar, also linked the deaths of the embassy staff with European leaders read more Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that Netanyahu claimed that Keir Starmer, France's Emmanuel Macron and Canada's Mark Carney had "effectively said they want Hamas to remain in power".. AFP Photo Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's criticism of British Prime Minister Kier Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron has invited accusations of slander from both countries. Netanyahu on Friday blasted Starmer, Macron and the Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney for supporting Hamas and stoking antisemitism following the deaths of two Israeli Embassy staffers in Washington, DC earlier this week. The duo were killed by a gunman who was heard saying 'Free, free Palestine' as he was being taken away by the police. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'I could never understand how this simple truth evades the leaders of France, Britain, Canada and others. They are now proposing to establish a Palestinian state and reward these murderers with the ultimate prize,' the prime minister said. Netanyahu was not alone in blaming the West for going against Israel and blaming the country for waging the war in Gaza, all while backing Hamas. Israel's foreign minister, Gideon Sa'ar, also linked the deaths of the embassy staff with European leaders. Meanwhile, the Israeli leader's comments have not just invited criticism from the countries whose leaders he pinned the blame on, but are also believed by officials of his own government to be actions motivated by Starmer, Macron and Carney's joint statement, calling on Israel to stop the war. What have UK and France said? In France, Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot described Netanyahu's allegations of antisemitism as defamatory. In a statement posted on X, Barrot said: 'Accusing of encouraging antisemitism or [supporting] Hamas whoever defends the two-state solution is absurd and slanderous.' He also stated that France supports Hamas being 'disarmed and permanently excluded from the political future of Gaza.' Meanwhile, Britain's armed forces minister, Luke Pollard, said, 'I condemn fully the murders of the Israeli diplomats in the United States, as has the prime minister very publicly." 'But we're also absolutely clear that the best way to bring peace to the Middle East is with an immediate ceasefire being restored in Gaza with Hamas releasing the hostages without any further delay, and with massive amounts of aid getting to the Palestinian people in Gaza – food, water and medical supplies being delivered – without delay,' he added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
