Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 01:51pm on 20 Mar 2025,Thursday International
Israel has intensified airstrikes on Gaza, resulting in over 500 Palestinian deaths, including 200 children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The escalation follows the collapse of ceasefire talks, with Israeli forces advancing into the Netzarim Corridor to pressure Hamas for hostage releases. In retaliation, Hamas fired rockets towards Tel Aviv, though no significant damage was reported. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to expand military operations, raising fears of a broader conflict. International reactions remain divided, with some nations condemning the violence while others back Israel’s actions. The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate rapidly.
Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 01:19pm on 20 Mar 2025,Thursday International
In a major escalation, Ukraine launched a drone strike on Russia’s Engels-2 airbase in Saratov Oblast, home to Tu-95 and Tu-160 nuclear-capable bombers. The attack, occurring 700 km from the frontlines, resulted in large explosions and fires, with videos showing smoke rising from damaged facilities. Russian officials claimed to have intercepted 132 drones, but reports suggest significant damage. Local authorities declared a state of emergency, shutting down schools and evacuating residents. This deep-strike operation marks one of Ukraine’s boldest attacks on Russian soil, highlighting Kyiv’s expanding military capabilities and the intensifying conflict.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:40pm on 20 Mar 2025,Thursday International
Israeli airstrikes killed 85 people in Gaza on Thursday. The total death toll has now risen to 592 since Israel broke the ceasefire on Tuesday. Hamas fired rockets at Israel, but no casualties were reported. Israel has restored its blockade on northern Gaza and warned residents not to use the main highway. A new ground operation has begun in the north, near Beit Lahiya. The conflict started on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel, killing nearly 1,200 people. Israel says Hamas rejected a new peace proposal, leading to the renewed violence.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:15pm on 20 Mar 2025,Thursday International
At least 30 Maoists were killed in two encounters with security forces in Chhattisgarh. In Bijapur, 26 Maoists were gunned down, while 4 were killed in Kanker. One DRG jawan also lost his life in the operation. A joint BSF-DRG team launched the mission near the Bijapur-Dantewada border, recovering weapons and ammunition. Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the operation, stating the government remains committed to a "Naxal-free India" by March 2026. More than 81 Maoists have been killed in the state this year. Search operations continue in the area.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:03pm on 20 Mar 2025,Thursday International
The UK is hosting senior military leaders from 20+ nations to plan a Western-led peacekeeping force for Ukraine. Prime Minister Keir Starmer will attend the meeting after visiting Barrow to lay the keel for HMS Dreadnought, a new nuclear-armed submarine. Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard said the force must be "credible" to secure lasting peace. Russia opposes NATO troops in Ukraine, and the US hesitates to provide air cover. Starmer emphasized the UK's nuclear deterrent, calling it a "credible capability." Defence Secretary John Healey reaffirmed Britain's "unshakeable" commitment to NATO security.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:48am on 20 Mar 2025,Thursday International
The Israeli army has banned traffic on Gaza’s key north-south artery, Salaheddin Road, following the resumption of ground operations. "Movement is prohibited for safety reasons," Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee stated. Instead, civilians are allowed to travel south via the Al-Rashid coastal road. Hamas officials confirmed Israeli tanks had blocked Netzarim Junction, a strategic point near Gaza City. The ceasefire, in place since January 19, collapsed after Israel rejected negotiations for a second phase. Following days of airstrikes, Israeli forces expanded ground operations, sparking international condemnation.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:28am on 20 Mar 2025,Thursday International
Israeli airstrikes on Thursday killed at least 70 Palestinians, with the total death toll since Tuesday rising to 510, according to Gaza health officials. The Israeli military has expanded ground operations, targeting Hamas leaders and infrastructure. Israel also announced it will block Palestinian movement from southern Gaza to the north. Hamas condemned the actions as a violation of the ceasefire, urging mediators to intervene. Meanwhile, international condemnation has grown amid rising civilian casualties. The conflict, which began in October 2023, has now claimed over 49,000 Palestinian lives. No breakthrough in peace negotiations has been reported.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:09am on 20 Mar 2025,Thursday International
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated he felt “no pressure” from U.S. President Donald Trump to concede to Russia in their latest talks. Trump described their hour-long conversation as “very good,” following his recent call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelensky had earlier warned against concessions after Putin demanded a halt to Western aid. While Trump noted progress toward a ceasefire, Kyiv and Moscow continued trading accusations of attacks. Zelensky signaled openness to pausing strikes on Russian energy and civilian sites. Their discussion followed a heated Oval Office exchange two weeks ago.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:04am on 20 Mar 2025,Thursday International
A 51-year-old British bomb disposal expert was injured in an explosion at a UN facility in Gaza’s Deir al-Balah, which also killed a UN worker. The Mines Advisory Group said he was assessing explosive hazards when the incident occurred. Israel denied targeting the site, while Gaza’s health ministry blamed an Israeli strike. UN officials condemned attacks on humanitarian workers, calling it a breach of international law. The injured expert was initially treated in Gaza and later moved to Israel. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged Israeli "restraint" in a call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:59am on 20 Mar 2025,Thursday International
Elon Musk’s X has sued the Indian government in the Karnataka High Court, alleging misuse of Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act to block content arbitrarily. X argues the provision does not grant blocking powers, bypassing safeguards under Section 69A. The company claims the government's actions threaten free speech and harm its business. X also opposes joining the Sahyog portal, calling it a “Censorship Portal.” The court advised X to return if punitive action is taken. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) denies wrongdoing, but X provided evidence of content-blocking orders from various ministries.