Fifty-two Ukrainian civilians, mostly elderly, and thirteen soldiers were abducted by Russian forces during a cross-border raid on the village of Hrabovske in Sumy region, Ukraine. The civilians were taken to Russia, possibly Belgorod, in a rare and unusual operation, with Ukraine condemning the act as a violation of international law. The village has been captured by Russian forces, and fighting continues in the region.
Israeli troops have entered the second day of their ground invasion of Gaza City, with many residents fleeing amid widespread network disruptions causing a communications blackout.
Israel is preparing to move Palestinians to southern Gaza amid ongoing military operations and expanded attacks, including plans to occupy Gaza City. The conflict has resulted in significant civilian casualties and a worsening humanitarian crisis, with the UN warning of a potential catastrophe if aid restrictions continue. Israel continues its offensive against Hamas, with plans to defeat the group and recover hostages, while Gaza faces severe shortages and starvation.
President Trump is delaying a decision on how to respond to the Israel-Iran conflict, with potential two-week diplomatic window that could impact civilians and strategic options, while Israeli and Iranian civilians face ongoing danger and casualties. The delay influences both countries' military and diplomatic calculations, with concerns about escalation and civilian suffering.
Iran has experienced significant internet blackouts amid Israeli bombings, with connectivity issues affecting civilians' ability to communicate and access information. The government has developed its own intranet system, the NIN, to control content and push citizens towards domestic apps, raising concerns about censorship and security. Experts suggest these shutdowns are more about regime control than cybersecurity, aiming to suppress dissent and maintain power amid ongoing conflict.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy strongly refuted Trump's casual comparison of the Ukraine conflict to kids fighting in a playground, emphasizing that Putin is a murderer and highlighting the profound suffering of Ukrainian civilians, including the death of children and the pain of families affected by missile strikes.
Witnesses, including British surgeon Dr. Nizam Mamode, have testified that Israel is using sniper drones in Gaza, allegedly targeting civilians, including children. Dr. Mamode shared his observations with the U.K. Parliament, describing the drone attacks as a daily occurrence. NPR has gathered multiple eyewitness accounts supporting these claims, indicating that the Israeli military's use of sniper drone technology is affecting not only combatants but also civilians.
Eyewitnesses in Gaza report that Israel is using sniper drones, which are small drones equipped with guns, to target individuals, including civilians. NPR has gathered multiple accounts of these drones being used to shoot people, often after airstrikes or near hospitals. Despite inquiries, the Israeli military has not confirmed the use of such technology, though it is known to exist and has ties to Israeli companies. The military denies any intent to harm civilians.
The Israeli Air Force (IAF), guided by IDF intelligence, dismantled a loaded launcher in a humanitarian area in southern Gaza, which posed an immediate threat to Israeli civilians. The operation included advance warnings to civilians and the use of precise munitions to minimize harm. Secondary explosions indicated a significant amount of weaponry at the site. The IDF accused Gaza's terrorist organizations of exploiting humanitarian areas for attacks and vowed to continue defensive operations.
An Israeli airstrike in northern Gaza killed at least 20 people, mostly women and children, according to Palestinian officials. The strike targeted a home sheltering displaced families in Beit Lahiya, as part of Israel's ongoing military operation against Hamas militants. The Israeli military claims it targeted a weapons storage facility and took steps to minimize civilian harm. The offensive has led to significant displacement and humanitarian concerns, with the U.S. warning Israel about potential military aid restrictions if aid access is not improved.
Israeli forces have killed at least 60 Palestinians in Gaza, including 38 in Rafah, amid ongoing close combat with Hamas militants. The Israeli military claims the operation is targeted to eliminate Hamas fighters and rescue hostages. The conflict has led to a massive displacement of civilians, with over 800,000 people fleeing Rafah. The humanitarian situation is dire, with significant casualties and infrastructure damage reported.
Civilians trapped inside the Holy Family Church in Gaza City are living in fear of being shot, according to a relative of one of those confined there. Two women were killed by sniper fire inside the church, and food and water are scarce. The church compound has also been targeted by Israeli tank fire, destroying the generator and leaving disabled people without electricity for their respirators. The Israeli army said it was reviewing the incident, but it is unclear why the church is allegedly being targeted.
The bitter winter weather in Ukraine is posing challenges for soldiers and civilians in the ongoing war. Troops on both sides are dealing with rodent infestations in their trenches, while the freezing temperatures and lack of foliage make it difficult to hide and can lead to hypothermia. The muddy and slippery ground also hampers military advances. Additionally, the winter weather threatens the civilian population, as last year Russia targeted Ukrainian power plants to freeze them. Despite the difficulties, offensive operations are still possible, but the side that is best prepared will have the advantage.
Western leaders are increasing pressure on Israel to end the killing of civilians in Gaza, as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues. Calls for a ceasefire and the protection of civilians have intensified, with leaders from the United States, United Kingdom, and other Western countries urging Israel to exercise restraint and avoid disproportionate use of force. The escalating violence has resulted in a growing death toll and widespread destruction in Gaza, prompting international concern and calls for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Pro-Israel and pro-Palestine voices on social media are blaming each other for the killing of a group of civilians fleeing to the south of Gaza. A video circulating on social media shows several dead Palestinians on the Al Rashid Coastal Road, but the identity of the perpetrators remains unknown. Arab sources initially claimed that the civilians were killed by an Israeli airstrike, but evidence suggests that the victims were shot at by someone on the road. There are unconfirmed claims that the civilians were carrying white flags, indicating their intention to flee.
