According to U.S. intelligence, Hamas has recruited 15,000 new fighters since October 7, 2023, despite losing a similar number in Israeli operations. Many of the recruits are young and lack training, serving mainly in security roles. Intelligence reports suggest that Hamas remains a threat to Israel as it reorganizes in Gaza. Following the January 19 ceasefire, Hamas fighters have resumed patrols in the region, indicating efforts to rebuild. Analysts warn that this recruitment cycle risks perpetuating the conflict indefinitely.

A delayed ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has been implemented after Hamas announced the release of three hostages. The truce, initially set for 8:30 AM, was postponed due to Hamas’s delay in providing names. In protest, Israeli National Security Minister Ben Gvir resigned, citing opposition to the agreement. Airstrikes continued until the ceasefire took effect, with 13 deaths reported in Gaza. Since October 7, the conflict has claimed over 46,800 Palestinian and 1,200 Israeli lives.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered attacks on Gaza, accusing Hamas of failing to meet ceasefire terms. According to Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari, Hamas did not provide a list of hostages as required under the agreement, delaying the planned ceasefire set for Sunday morning. Israel declared operations will continue until Hamas fulfills its obligations. Hamas cited “technical reasons” for the delay in submitting the list, escalating tensions and halting the truce implementation.

In the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, 12 Indians have been killed while fighting for the Russian army, with 16 more Indians reported missing, confirmed by India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaswal. Efforts are underway to repatriate the deceased and the missing. The embassy is working with Russian authorities to bring back the body of Vineel Babu, who died in combat, and to repatriate another injured Indian, Zain Tike, after his treatment in Moscow.

Despite a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel mediated by Qatar and the U.S., Israeli attacks persist in Gaza, killing at least 30 Palestinians. Celebrations erupted in Gaza after the 15-month conflict appeared to end, with the ceasefire set to take effect on January 19. Hamas claims the deal includes Israeli withdrawal and the return of displaced people. However, Israeli assaults continue, causing significant destruction to infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and religious sites.

Hamas has agreed to a ceasefire deal with Israel, brokered by Qatari mediators, offering hope to Gaza’s war-weary residents. The agreement is expected to be formally announced on Thursday and implemented on Sunday, starting with prisoner exchanges. The truce comes amid ongoing clashes that have claimed 62 Palestinian lives in the past 24 hours, with over 47,000 fatalities reported in the past 15 months. Previous ceasefire proposals had been repeatedly rejected by Israel, delaying peace efforts.