International
Israel Mourns Three Gaza Hostages Mistakenly Killed
Israel on Saturday mourned the deaths of three Gaza hostages killed when troops mistook them for a threat, with the military expressing remorse over a “tragic” incident that sparked protests in Tel Aviv.
The Israeli army said Yotam Haim, Alon Shamriz and Samer El-Talalqa — all aged in their twenties — were shot during operations in a neighbourhood of Gaza City.
The trio were among an estimated 240 people taken hostage during Hamas’s October 7 raids into Israel, which also killed an estimated 1,200 people.

Relatives and supporters of hostages held by Palestinian militants demonstrate outside the Israeli ministry of defence in Tel Aviv on December 15, 2023. (Photo by AHMAD GHARABLI / AFP)
“During combat in Shejaiya, the IDF (Israel Defence Forces) mistakenly identified three Israeli hostages as a threat and as a result, fired toward them and the hostages were killed,” Israel Defense Forces spokesman Daniel Hagari said.
“The IDF expresses deep sorrow regarding this disaster and shares in the grief of the families.”
Their bodies were transferred to Israel, and on examination were confirmed as being Haim, a 28-year-old heavy metal drummer, 25-year-old Bedouin man El-Talalqa and Shamriz, aged 26.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described their deaths as an “unbearable tragedy”.
“All of Israel is grieving their loss,” he said, while the White House called the incident a “tragic mistake”.

A man holds a portrait of Keith Samuel Siegel (64), held by Palestinian militants together with others since the October 7 attack, as families and supporters hold a demonstration outside the Israeli ministry of defence in Tel Aviv on December 15, 2023, calling for an immediate deal or their release in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, amid continuing battles between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. (Photo by AHMAD GHARABLI / AFP)
As news of the incident spread late Friday, hundreds of people gathered at Israel’s ministry of defence in Tel Aviv to call on Netanyahu’s government to secure the release of 129 hostages still being held in Hamas-ruled territory.
The demonstrators waved Israeli flags and brandished placards.
“Every day, a hostage dies,” read one message.
“I am dying of fear,” said Merav Svirsky, sister of Hamas-held hostage Itay Svirsky.
“We demand a deal now.”
In November, a short-lived truce saw more than 100 hostages freed in exchange for Palestinians held in Israeli jails.
That deal has since lapsed and fighting has resumed.
AFP
International
Ugandan govt detains 62 Nigerians for ‘operating church without work permits’
Simon Peter Mundeyi, spokesperson for the country’s ministry of internal affairs, said the Nigerians often pose as gospel preachers and engage in other illegal activities.
Photo of the detained Nigerian preachers ( NCIC/X)
The Ugandan government has detained 62 Nigerians for “illegally operating” a church, as well as living and working in the country without valid permits.
In a statement posted on its X handle on Wednesday, the Ugandan national citizenship and immigration control (NCIC), said that the arrest followed a tip-off after learning that the individuals were operating illegally without the required permits.
“Following a tip-off, our enforcement team has arrested 62 Nigerian nationals operating illegally in Adjumani (without work permits),” the statement reads.
The group, primarily found operating a church among other things, is now being processed for prosecution under Uganda’s immigration.
Simon Peter Mundeyi, spokesperson for the country’s ministry of internal affairs, said the Nigerians often pose as gospel preachers and engage in other illegal activities.
He added that they are currently being held at the ministry’s Namanve facility, where they are undergoing legal processes that could result in deportation, fines, or blacklisting.
International
US war in Iran has cost $25 billion so far, says Pentagon official
Jules Hurst, who is performing the duties of the comptroller, told lawmakers on the House Armed Services Committee that most of that money was for munitions.
The United States’ war in Iran has cost $25 billion so far, a senior Pentagon official said on Wednesday, providing the first official estimate of the military’s price tag for the conflict.
With just six months before midterm elections in which President Donald Trump’s Republicans may face an uphill battle to keep their House majority, Democrats are riding high in public opinion polls as they attempt to link the unpopular Iran war with affordability.
Jules Hurst, who is performing the duties of the comptroller, told lawmakers on the House Armed Services Committee that most of that money was for munitions.
Hurst did not detail what that cost estimate included and whether it took into account the projected costs of rebuilding and repairing base infrastructure in the Middle East damaged in the conflict.
Rep. Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, responded to Hurst: “I’m glad you answered that question. Because we’ve been asking for a hell of a long time, and no one’s given us the number.”
(Reuters)
International
BREAKING: Trump, Wife Narrowly Escape Assassination (Video)
.…as gunman invades dinner party venue. US secret service begins probes
The United States Secret Service has launched an investigation into a shooting incident that occurred in Washington during the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton.
In a statement, the agency said it is working with the Metropolitan Police Department to determine the circumstances of the incident, which occurred near a security screening area.
The shooting was reported close to the main magnetometer checkpoint used to screen guests, prompting an immediate response from law enforcement officers on duty.
The Chief of Communications, United States Secret Service, Anthony Guglielmi, on its X handle today, confirmed that all protected individuals, including the president and first lady, were safe following the incident.
One suspect has been taken into custody, while authorities continue to assess the condition of those involved.Guglielmi said teams are on the ground actively investigating and gathering information, adding that updates will be provided as more details are confirmed.

The Suspects.
“We will provide updates as they become available and confirm information. Our teams are on the ground assessing the situation and investigating. All of our protectees are safe,” he added.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about security at major public events in the US capital, with authorities expected to review procedures as the investigation continues.
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