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THIS is the heartstopping moment Ukrainian drones blast a Russian motorcycle raid as they destroy Putin’s bikers. The failed Russian raid led to the deaths of several of their soldiers, a dozen wounded and 39 of Vlad’s troops decimated. REDDITThe moment a drone flies straight into a Russian solider who is lying in fear on the ground[/caption] redditA drone captures a Russian soldier lying on the ground – moments before it rammed into him[/caption] RedditRed circles show the Russian soldiers who are being targeted by the Ukrainian equipment[/caption] redditAnother Russian solider is seen cowering out of sight from the drones[/caption] Remarkable footage posted on Thursday shows a POV of Ukrainian drones sequentially dropping huge explosives on Russian targets. The haunting video shows the enemy combatants disappearing from view in a massive ball of fire and smoke. Terrified Russian soldiers can be seen lying on the ground in fear as the drones blast them unarmed. The men killed in the footage are defenceless as they cower from the artillery – but Ukraine doesn’t slow down its attack as the drones fly into the cowering soldiers. Putin’s bikes, which were being used in the mission, are also completely wrecked in the clip, as Ukraine effortlessly disrupts the Russian offensive. A Russian soldier is also captured as a result of the botched plan and can be seen in the video being brutally dragged to his feet by two Ukrainians and flashing his badge to the camera. A telegram post on the successful Ukraine assault read: “ONCE AGAIN, WE “BREAK THE TEETH” OF THE ENEMY! “January 14, Siversk direction. The occupiers launched 5 massive assaults on our positions using motorized equipment and armor. “However, thanks to the coordinated and professional efforts of our warriors…The warriors of the “Edelweiss” once again demonstrated their strength, resilience, and unbreakable spirit. “Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the heroes!” Edelweiss also refers to a song from The Sound of Music, which is sung in defiance of onlooking Nazi soldiers by the von Trapp family. The post goes on to list the number of Russian casualties and the equipment that was destroyed in the attack. It was uploaded to Telegram on January 16 and currently has roughly 11,500 views. Overall, the botched raid led to the deaths of 52 Russian soldiers, 12 injuries and one soldier captured. RedditThe POV footage also captures the drones on the offensive as they speed towards Russian targets[/caption] RedditUkranian drone footage shows the Russian targets being mercilessly blown up[/caption] RedditA Russian soldier is caught on video being captured during the failed raid[/caption] RedditA total of 39 of Putin’s bikes were obliterated in the attack[/caption] This doesn’t include the costly material damage, which saw two IFVs (infantry fighting vehicles), two ATVs and two cars wiped out, as well as Putin’s 39 motorcycles. Several commenters underneath the video couldn’t believe the destruction they were seeing. One person wrote: “It feels so dystopian that they are using actual WAR cycles….its like 40k or Mad Max come to life.” Another said: “And still they come ever relentless despite the losses. “The defenders eventually get overwhelmed. Thousands of Russians dead for another tree line or shattered building.” A third replied: “Another example of Russian incompetence at the cost of their men.” In the face of continuing Ukrainian progress in the conflict, a top Russian MP admitted today that the male population must prepare to face a devastating global war in the next three years. Warmonger Aleksey Zhuravlyov, who serves as the deputy head of the parliamentary defence committee, added that Moscow should not shy away from waging a war against the West. And he warned the West – especially Europe – to ramp up its military strength and be ready to fight a war with Russia. Kier in Kyiv In talks with President Zelensky today in Kyiv, PM Sir Kier Starmer insisted Britain would “play our full part” in securing a “lasting and just peace” adding “strength must be more than words.” The plan could see hundreds of British and French boots on the ground patrolling a newly negotiated border between Russia and Ukraine after three years of bloody war. But the PM warned history taught us that aggression cannot be rewarded, and Russia must not be allowed to get away with its aggressive raid on Ukraine. He added: “The history of the 21st century is being written today.” Sir Keir said that troops “were an issue we are all discussing but it must be capable of deterring future aggression, that is the test.” Addressing boots on the ground, Zelensky said: “It is too early to speak about details, but we are discussing it with countries that are either willing to do it and capable of doing it. “But sometimes goodwill is not enough. “We need to talk about what format of security guarantees… It can only be a segment, only a part.” Zhuravlyov said: “It is necessary to prepare the male population and, naturally, to defend the homeland [Russia]. “Europe explains to us that in 2028-2029 [it and its allies] will be ready to go to war with Russia. We should talk about this and not be shy about it. “If a war happens, we must have effective military commissions, and mobilisation reserves, and they must be clearly prepared.” Zhuravlyov, 62, is an MP for the nationalist Liberal Democratic Party and a TV propagandist. He is under heavy Western sanctions for supporting Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. Putin himself threatened World War Three when he said Nato would be engaging with Russia directly if the US and UK allowed Ukraine to fire their Storm Shadow and ATACMS missiles over enemy lines. He said: “This would in a significant way change the very nature of the conflict… It would mean that Nato countries are at war with Russia.” Putin has been losing a record number of soldiers every day in his meatgrinder war. Russia suffered its deadliest day of the war in December after pushing thousands of North Korean troops to the frontlines to fight against Ukraine. Putin’s army has lost more than 2,200 troops in just 24 hours, but the brutal dictator is hellbent on sending more men to the meatgrinder war. This brings the total casualties on the Russian side to 770,420, according to the Russian media outlet Pravda. Almost 20,000 drones, 10,000 tanks and hundreds of warships, planes and helicopters have all been eliminated from the dictator’s arsenal, Kyiv has claimed. RedditThe disturbing video shows how the war has turned the area into a wasteland[/caption] RedditThe moment before a Russian vehicle is blown to pieces[/caption]

THE woman suspected of poisoning three family members with a deadly Christmas cake, may be behind at least ten other poisoning incidents, including an attempt on her own husband’s life. Deise Moura was accused of triple murder and attempted murder after the deaths of her husband’s, aunts, and cousin. Deise Moura, 39, has been arrested on suspicion of triple murder and attempted murder Jam PressThe Christmas dessert is feared to have been laced with arsenic[/caption] Zeli (centre) and her sisters Maida (right) and Neuza (left) who both died from the ‘killer cake’Facebook/Zeli Dos Anjos The cake was eaten during a family Christmas party at mother-in-law Zeli’s home on December 23. It claimed the lives of Zeli’s sisters Maida, 58, and Neuza, 65, as well as Neuza’s daughter, 43-year-old Tatiana. And now, authorities say they have discovered even darker details on 39-year-old Moura. Just days before the infamous cake deaths, Moura reportedly poisoned her husband, Diego dos Anjos, with a glass of arsenic-laced juice, according to Brazilian outlet Band. When she realised their son had also drunk it, she rushed to make him vomit, while her husband became seriously ill. Both will undergo forensic examinations in the coming days. Police are now investigating at least 10 potential poisonings connected to Moura, including several deaths and attempts, stretching back to her father-in-law’s death and even her own dad’s death in 2020. A post-mortem revealed that father-in-law Paulo Luiz dos Anjos, who died suddenly, had also ingested arsenic. His death had originally been brushed off as food poisoning, but new evidence suggests otherwise. The poisoned cake, which contained arsenic, is now at the centre of the investigation. For now, cops have linked Deise Moura to four deaths: Neuza, Maida and Tatiana, who ate the poisoned cake, as well as Paulo’s. She is also suspected of three other attempted murders: her mother-in-law Zeli, Tatiana’s son and Maida’s husband, who ate the cake and needed medical attention. Investigators are exploring the possibility that Zeli, who survived the poisoning, was also targeted with arsenic-laced food while in hospital, Band reports. The authorities are now analysing several food items that Deise delivered to Zeli, including juice and pastries, to confirm the presence of poison. The bitter daughter-in-law also reportedly searched online for arsenic in the days leading up to the tragedy. Brazilian officials revealed that an initial analysis of Moura’s phone uncovered searches for “arsenic” and related terms on Google shopping. With investigators now linking her to 10 poisonings in total, Deise dos Anjos is now being dubbed a ‘serial killer’ by the police. Authorities confirmed that the source of the poisoning was flour contaminated with arsenic at “extremely high concentrations” – levels that were lethal and far too high to be naturally occurring. Zeli Terezinha Silva dos Anjos was the only sister to survive the deadly cakeFacebook FacebookA post-mortem confirmed Zeli’s husband Paulo had also ingested arsenic[/caption] The cake, eaten during a family Christmas party on December 23 in Torres, claimed the lives of Zeli’s sisters Maida, 58, and Neuza, 65, as well as Neuza’s daughter, 43-year-old Tatiana. Forensic experts determined the toxic substance had been deliberately introduced. Police were also investigating a 20-year history of disagreements between Moura and Zeli. While the details remain undisclosed, investigators believe the strained relationship may have motivated the poisoning. “We knew there had been minor disagreements between the suspect and elements of the family for several years,” said police chief Marcus Vinicius Veloso. “On the face of it all those at the party were close and harmonious but when we extended our investigations we found motives that were probably behind this poisoning.” Moura reportedly searched for ‘arsenic’ and related terms on Google Shopping Tatiana Denize Silva dos Anjos passed away after suffering a cardiac arrestJam Press

VLADIMIR Putin refuses to wear glasses but the result of his vanity means being caught out using extra large font in his own speeches. The Russian dictator has been caught out once again hiding his eyesight problems after new footage emerged showing glimpses of his war script printed in huge lettering and bold font. East2WestVladimir Putin failed to hide the large lettering on his war script until it had already been picked up by the camera[/caption] East2WestThe despot reportedly refuses to wear glasses and so has to have his notes printed in a large and bold font[/caption] Putin was caught out in 2020 with a similar-looking scriptEast2West The warring Russian appears to refuse to wear glasses, and so is regularly seen with copious sheets of notes as he addresses the nation or issues orders to his ministers. At 72 years old he has reportedly used facial plastic surgery for years to hide the telltale signs of ageing. But his eyesight is evidently not as good as it was – and the ex-KGB spy is tripped up by his own vanity when his texts are shown in large bold fonts which make him appear even older. Putin refuses to wear spectacles in public “in order not to spoil his image”, according to one report. This week he was shown in a likely pre-recorded 52-second Kremlin video of an online meeting with officials on money allocated for the occupied naval port Sevastopol in Crimea. Unusually, he put down his notes page by page showing the large text in front of the camera. Only at the end did he seek to cover up the large script, gathering his papers in a way that hid the large writing. Four years ago, a report in Top News said: “We can conclude that Putin does have problems with his vision, but [his officials] are simply carefully hiding it.” A post on X in 2019 highlighted that the problem is long-running. From the satirical account ‘Darth Putin’, it read: “I’m not getting old. I don’t need reading glasses. It’s normal to print speeches in 72-point bold!!!” Putin has been in power as Russian president or prime minister for more than a quarter of a century and during that time has been dedicated to projecting a strongman image. This is not only on the world stage but in photographs of him in his spare time taking part in shirtless fishing and horse riding. But as the ageing despot gets more desperate to hide his decline, it only becomes more noticeable. His first address to the nation on New Year’s Eve 1999 shows the dramatic changes in the leader who was once slim, fresh-faced and strong, to now sparking regular health concerns. Nowadays, the Russian leader is repeatedly seen with a puffy face, bizarre tremors, and twitching legs. AP:Associated PressPutin has long prided himself on his strongman image[/caption] Vladimir Putin’s first address to the nation on December 31, 1999, shows a very different leader A sickly Putin appeared in pain as he was seen tightly gripping a table in 2022 Even the Kremlin has been forced to rush out unprecedented comments and statements to fight the image of an ageing and decrepit leader. The Kremlin’s concerns about the president’s “strongman” image come after it took a hit due to dramatic changes in his appearance. He has been seen looking exhausted, out of breath, having difficulty walking, and pulling bizarre gurning faces. There have also been times when Putin appeared to be in some kind of pain as he strongly gripped tables while in meetings, sparking rumours of Parkinson’s. Around the same time in 2022, experts started noting his “bloated” and “weakened” appearance with some claiming he could have had thyroid cancer. It was initially suggested that Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine on February 24 may have been sparked by his failing physical condition. But, the Kremlin has continued to deny that the dictator has any health issues. TIRED TYRANT Last year, and rule forever. The botox-loving dictator is said to have a vested interest in reverse ageing techniques that could make him look young and active. Russian scientists have reportedly been ordered to submit details of their research to fight ageing. A recent letter from the Russian health ministry demands scientists to reveal the latest developments to turn back Putin’s biological clock, Meduza reports. The order, which left medical researchers in Russia shocked, is said to have been sent on behalf of Putin who is now desperate to live for as long as he can. A source within Russia’s national medical research centre revealed: “We were asked to urgently send all our developments within one day. “Orders came from the big boss [Putin] and health officials rushed to implement it as soon as possible.” Putin's rumoured health issues DESPITE Putin's cultivation of himself as an “action man” - questions have long been raised over his health. The leader’s facial features have been seen changing over time, according to reports and could lead to possible signs of a serious disease plaguing Putin. Parkinson rumours have been thrown towards the Russian president as well as pancreatic cancer after bombshell documents were shown to The Sun. A persisting tale is that scores of Putin lookalikes – who have undergone years of painful plastic surgery – are ruthlessly trained by the FSB and kept under “constant surveillance”. Based on the day-to-day shifting nature of Vlad’s face and strange changes in his behaviour, commentators have alleged these stand-ins frequently attend public appearances, walkabouts and meetings. Alongside all of this, some other tell-tale signs have loomed over him for years. He is regularly seen twitching on his public sightings and is unsteady on his feet, and out of breath on occasion. Mad Vlad has been seen clutching a thick blanket while watching a parade in 2022 and was even seen swaying and slurring as he spoke with a glass of champagne in his hand. But his alleged health issues hit a new low after it emerged that he apparently soiled himself during a fall at his home. Putin has been pictured with suspected track marks from IV treatment on the back of his hand – amid rumours he may have been suffering from other forms of cancer as well, including stomach cancer. The ageing president is also followed around by a huge team of doctors who reportedly chaperone him on all of his trips in case of a medical emergency. East2WestAn AI image predicts how Vladimir Putin will look if he remains in power in the Kremlin into his 80s[/caption]

SIR Keir Starmer said “nothing is off the table” as he confirmed discussions over deploying British troops to police a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. The PM admitted the European peacekeepers plan – first proposed by the French – was raised during talks with President Zelensky in Kyiv today. AFPSir Keir Starmer and Volodymyr Zelensky held talks as they signed the 100-year deal[/caption] AFPKeir Starmer pictured at The Wall of Remembrance of the Fallen for Ukraine[/caption] A Russia strike hit Kyiv just moments after the PM laid a wreath at The Wall of Remembrance And he insisted Britain would “play our full part” in securing a “lasting and just peace” adding “strength must be more than words.” The plan could see hundreds of British and French boots on the ground patrolling a newly negotiated border between Russia and Ukraine after three years of bloody war. But the PM warned history taught us that aggression cannot be rewarded, and Russia must not be allowed to get away with its aggressive raid on Ukraine. He added: “The history of the 21st century is being written today.” But the hero Ukrainian leader said European troops could only ever be “a segment” of the security guarantees required against future Russian attacks as he doubled down on his pleas to join NATO. Flanked by Starmer, President Zelensky said “if not now when” – but the PM stopped short of naming a date for Ukrainian accession to the alliance. The President also hit out at America, Slovakia, Hungary and Germany as not wanting Ukraine to join in a notably barbed attack. However, he insisted there could be no viable guarantee for Ukraine’s safety without support from the United States. Sir Keir added that troops “were an issue we are all discussing but it must be capable of deterring future aggression, that is the test.” The pair were talking to reporters at the Mariinsky Palace in central Kyiv shortly after a Russian blasted out of the sky nearby after an audacious attack during the PM’s visit. Addressing boots on the ground, Zelensky said: “It is too early to speak about details, but we are discussing it with countries that are either willing to do it and capable of doing it. “But sometimes goodwill is not enough. “We need to talk about what format of security guarantees… It can only be a segment, only a part.” And acknowledging the potential upheaval of Donald Trump’s return to the White House, added: “There is no security for Ukraine without the USA, that’s why it is too early to talk details as we have not had detailed discussions about security guarantees with the new Americans.” But the PM did not rule out British engagement, saying: “Let me be really clear, when I say we will work with you and all of our allies on steps that would be robust enough to guarantee lasting peace and security. “Those conversations will continue for many months ahead and we are happy to play our part in leading those conversations with you and allies.” He added: “It’s really important that Ukraine is put in the strongest possible position. “Peace through strength must be more than words, it has to be actions. “We will play our part in guaranteeing Ukraine’s security.” The Ukrainian President shaking hands with Sir Keir ‘UNBREAKABLE BOND’ It comes as the PM arrived at Kyiv train station this morning to sign a historic 100-year deal. The PM was pictured arriving at Kyiv train station this morning to rubber-stamp the pact ahead of potential peace talks between Kyiv and Russia. But his main focus will be on the 100-year Partnership to rebuild Ukraine with the aid of British firms and private sector loans. Sir Keir said there are “unbreakable bonds” between the UK and Ukraine. The UK is the “preferred partner” for the Kyiv government to rebuild its crippled energy system as well as mine critical minerals and produce greener steel. The deal will also see coordination in policing the Baltic Sea, the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea from Russia, as well as developing drone and space tech together. The UK has so far provided £12.8billion in support to Ukraine, including £7.8billion of military assistance. GettyThe PM is greeted by Ukrainian officials and the British ambassador to Ukraine Martin Harris, right, in Ukraine[/caption] APKeir Starmer being briefed by his unidentified military assistant[/caption] KEIR BLITZ Russia struck Kyiv with a drone during Sir Keir’s visit to the Ukrainian capital. Air raid sirens sounded alongside reports of a loud explosion, with debris hitting a car just minutes after the PM had laid a wreath with President Zelensky at the Wall of Memorial in the city centre. The leaders were discussing security guarantees for Ukraine inside the palace, as air defences shot down the Russian craft. The PM said the attack during his visit had made the war “real” for him. Zelensky vowed to hit back at Russia and warned “we will say hello to them too” after the unmanned aircraft was shot down after being spotted near the Mariinsky Palace. President Zelensky acknowledged the sound of sirens as the pair addressed journalists shortly after the drone was downed nearby. Reacting to the Russian action, Sir Keir said: “In relation to the drone attack today, it is a reminder to all of us to what Ukrainians are facing every day.” He added: “It makes it real for us, but it is an everyday threat that Ukraine is facing, that if I may so, with incredible resolve and determination as you saw in response to events today and on other occasions.” He went on: “To me, that drone attack is just really a reminder of what Ukraine is facing every day and a reminder this war is brought around by Russian aggression.” ReutersThe PM was pictured near a damaged vehicle during his visit to Kyiv[/caption] GettySir Keir met with an injured Ukrainian service member today[/caption] Zelensky has previously told how he wants to join Nato and have allies send peacekeepers to the country if fighting stops to patrol the current frontline, which could become a buffer zone. The war-time leader said he will discuss his hopes for security guarantees to deter future attacks with Sir Keir. Sir Keir said: “Putin’s ambition to wrench Ukraine away from its closest partners has been a monumental strategic failure. “Instead, we are closer than ever, and this partnership will take that friendship to the next level.” Sir Keir visited wounded Ukrainians at a Kyiv hospital today, specialising in treating burns. The Sun today revealed NHS doctors and nurses are being secretly deployed to Ukraine to help save victims of Putin’s missiles with up to 80 per cent burns.

FEARS loom of the next Hamas terror mastermind being released in the hostage-prisoner exchange with Israel – just as October 7 plotter Yahya Sinwar was in 2011. As Israel and Hamas finally agree to a ceasefire deal after a brutal 15-month war, Mossad won’t drop surveillance – but the terror group could still take advantage, a British Army Commander suggests. GettyPalestinian fighters from the military wing of the Hamas movement seen on the back of a truck during a military parade[/caption] ReutersIsrael and Hamas have agreed on a peace deal, according to mediators in the Middle East[/caption] EPAThe ceasefire deal could mark the start of the end of the conflict in the Middle East[/caption] Hopes for a ceasefire plan, brokered by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, have been in the works for over a year. The first phase of the ceasefire deal sees the release of 33 “mostly alive” hostages – possibly including British-Israeli Emily Damari, 28 – in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. But this is in danger of collapse after Israel accused Hamas terrorists of “last-minute blackmail.” Israeli air strikes were reported to have killed 73 Palestinians in the 25-mile coastal strip overnight and, hours later, Israel accused Hamas of reneging on key parts of the complex deal. A spokesman for Netanyahu’s office said: “Hamas is backing out of the explicit understandings agreed upon with the mediators and Israel in a last-minute blackmail attempt. “Israel will not set a date for a cabinet and government meeting until the mediators announce that Hamas has approved all the details of the agreement.” Israel’s cabinet was set to vote on the ceasefire deal later today but the crucial ratification meeting is now in doubt. Amidst the breakthrough ceasefire deal chaos, fears have risen that Israel could be releasing Hamas’ new terrorist mastermind from prison – especially as the organisation’s dead leader Yahya Sinwar spent over 22 years in Israeli jails. The ruthless terrorist was released in 2011 as a part of a prison swap deal involving the release of 1,027 Palestinian and Israeli Arab prisoners in exchange for Israli soldier, Gilad Shalit. AFPHamas leader Yahya Sinwar holds the child of an Al-Qassam Brigades fighter, who was killed in the recent fighting with Israel[/caption] ReutersYahya Sinwar was killed by Israeli troops in October[/caption] Israeli troops gathered around the body believed to be Sinwar in October But Sinwar’s time in prison didn’t soften his stance on Hamas terrorism and instead escalated his commitment to the group, eventually leading to him plotting the October 7 massacre. While Colonel Hamish de Bretton-Gordon believes it’s a “real concern” that many Palestinian prisoners are to be freed, Israel will have knowledge on each potential terrorist. He told The Sun: “I think one has to look at the fact that these prisoners have been in Israeli custody. “They now know exactly who all these people are. “ Israelis are absolutely past masters at this and I’m sure they wouldn’t be going into it if they thought that that was the case.” The Colonel added that Israel claims to have “destroyed and denuded” Hamas over the course of the brutal conflict, making the group a viable force no longer, much like it did to Hezbollah. While Mr de Bretton-Gordon assured that Israel will not relax its surveillance on the terrorists , Hamas could take advantage of the breakthrough deal. He said: “ [The ceasefire] gives Israeli forces [time] to sort of test and adjust, and with the threat of attack off Hamas, then no doubt they will be less scrupulous about their security and hiding, so it’ll provide opportunities. “ We have always assumed that the Israelis, particularly Mossad, their security agency, has absolutely everything under control.  “But, you know, you can’t cover every single base all of the time.” However, while the ceasefire could risk serving as a pause for Hamas to plan future attacks, Mr de Bretton-Gordon believes the terror group hasn’t received enough “breathing space” from Israel to do so. He added: “ Nobody expects the Israeli surveillance forces to stop working the minute the ceasefire happens, I expect they will be upping their capabilities.” Before the ceasefire deal was announced, Secretary of State Antony Blinken made a chilling claim that Hamas has matched thousands of losses with new killers. RexA protestor holds up a placard with the photo of Ofer Calderon holding back her tears during a protest in Tel Aviv[/caption] GettyRelatives of Israeli hostages held in Gaza are continuing their sit-in protest in a tent set up following the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel[/caption] List of hostages Hamas say they will release Women and children: Romi Gonen, 23 Emily Damari, 27 Arbel Yehud, 29 Doron Steinbrecher, 31 Ariel Bibas, 5 Kfir Bibas, 1 Shiri Silberman Bibas, 33 Liri Albag, 19 Karina Ariev, 20 Agam Berger, 21 Danielle Gilboa, 20 Naama Levy, 20 Rest of the men: Ohad Ben-Ami, 58 Gadi Moshe Moses, 80 Keith Siegel, 65 Ofer Calderon, 54 Eli Sharabi, 52 Itzik Elgarat, 70 Shlomo Mansour, 86 Ohad Yahalomi, 50 Youssef Hamis Ziyadne, 54 Oded Lifshitz, 84 Tsahi Idan, 50 Source: Times of Israel Blinken warned that the militant group remains a deeply dangerous force in Gaza with its never-ending cycle of recruitment and insurgency within its ranks. The Secretary of State revealed in an address on the Biden administration’s Middle East policy: “Indeed, we assess that Hamas has recruited almost as many new militants as it has lost. “That is a recipe for an enduring insurgency and perpetual war.” The Secretary’s chilling words come after horrifying reports emerged that infamous Sinwar’s brother Mohammed – who has taken over as Hamas leader – is working to rebuild the terror group. The younger Sinwar, dubbed “The Shadow,” is recruiting thousands of young Palestinians to form the new generation of Hamas fighters. While Mr de Bretton-Gordon believes Blinken “may well be right,” being a terrorist requires extensive training that the group no longer have the capabilities to provide. He said: “As we’ve seen in Ukraine, untrained conscripts are just cannon fodder, be they Russians or be they North Koreans. “But training these people in the arts of terrorism is a substantial activity. “To be a successful terrorist, this might sound a strange thing to say, you need to be well trained, talented and dedicated to your cause. “Now, with the environment in Gaza at the moment, I would say that they’re pretty much impossible to train these people – and even more impossible if there is a ceasefire.” He explained that there may be some young men who have been persuaded to join Hamas but unless they’re trained, they “will be of no use to the organisation”. The Colonel added: “That will be a key thing that the international community, whoever helps police the ceasefire, and no doubt the Israelis, will be looking at very closely.” Mohammed has taken over as Hamas’s leader after his brother’s death IDFMohammed Sinwar is working to rebuild the terror group[/caption] Mohammed Sinwar replaced the mastermind behind the October 7 massacre after Yahya’s death by Israeli troops in October. Officials feared his brother’s rise to power would bring a new level of threat as he was seen as more radical than his brother. The Wall Street Journal reports that following Sinwar’s death, Hamas officials tried to form a collective leadership council but the terror group’s fighters opted to to operate autonomously under Mohammed. He is believed to be around 50 years old and has been operating largely behind the scenes, earning him the nickname “Shadow.” Like his older brother, he joined Hamas at an early age and was considered close to the head of the group’s armed wing, Mohammed Deif. But unlike Yahya he has not spent time in Israeli prison and is “less understood by Israel’s security establishment.” A senior Israeli official from the IDF’s Southern Command said: “We are working hard to find him.” RexPalestinians celebrate after news of the ceasefire broke[/caption] RexRelatives and supporters of hostages held in the Gaza Strip embrace following the announcement[/caption] Mohammed is also believed to have been behind the kidnapping of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit in 2006 which eventually led to the release of his brother in a prisoner swap. He has been named by political analysts as Hamas’s most senior commander in Gaza alongside Izz al-Din Haddad – and according to Israeli officials they have the final say in the ongoing ceasefire negotiations. THREE-PHASE AGREEMENT The ceasefire is built around a three-phase plan that aims to address both the hostage crisis and the broader humanitarian situation in Gaza. The Israel-Hamas deal outlines a six-week initial ceasefire phase that includes gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from central Gaza and the return of displaced Palestinians to north Gaza, says an official briefed on the agreement. It will require 600 truckloads of humanitarian aid to be allowed into Gaza every day of ceasefire, 50 of them carrying fuel, with 300 of the trucks allocated to north. The first phase will focus on the release of 33 hostages, including women, children, and the elderly, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. The hostages released in the initial 42 days are reportedly those in critical condition – including one-year-old Kfir Bibas. The next to be freed will be female civilians and female soldiers before finally the remaining civilian men, Channel 12 reports. Biden also announced that part of the deal will see US hostages released in this initial phase. During this stage, Israeli forces will withdraw from population centers in Gaza, allowing displaced Palestinians to return to what remains of their homes. What happened on October 7? ON OCTOBER 7, 2023, Hamas launched a brutal surprise attack on Israel, marking one of the darkest days in the nation’s history. Terrorists stormed across the border from Gaza, killing over 1,200 people — most of them civilians — and kidnapping 250 others, including women, children, and the elderly. The coordinated assault saw heavily armed fighters infiltrate Israeli towns, kibbutzim, and military bases, unleashing indiscriminate violence. Innocent families were slaughtered in their homes, and graphic footage of the atrocities spread across social media, leaving the world in shock. The massacre triggered a swift and massive retaliatory response from Israel, escalating into a full-scale war. The attack not only reignited long-standing tensions in the region but also left deep scars on both sides of the conflict, setting the stage for the 15 months of devastation that followed. Humanitarian aid is expected to flood the region, with 600 trucks of supplies entering Gaza daily. The second phase will see Hamas release the remaining hostages, primarily male soldiers, in exchange for further prisoner releases and a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Over 1,000 Palestinian security prisoners are set to be freed – including at least 250 terrorists – in return for the hostages, Times of Israel reports. Biden says phase two will usher in a “permanent end to the war”. In the third and final phase, the bodies of hostages who did not survive captivity will be returned to their families. In exchange, Gaza would receive a three- to five-year reconstruction plan overseen by international authorities. Over 1.9 million Palestinians have been displaced since the start of the bloody war – with many of their homes decimated in the conflict. One of the key sticking points which prevented a deal from being reached sooner was the timeline for Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza. Israel has always been adamant about staying in Gaza as to prevent any future surprise Hamas attack similar to October 7. Netanyahu has refused to waiver on removing troops from the Philadelhpi Corridor, which borders Gaza and Egypt, and the Netzarim Corridor which splits North Gaza from the South. Far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich has said in the past that the Philadelphi corridor is a “red line” which shouldn’t be crossed. But a senior Israeli official close to the ceasefire talks says Hamas “folded” on its demands over the Philadelphi Corridor, Times of Israel reports. UK PM Sir Keir Starmer described the ceasefire deal is “long overdue” and called for a “huge surge in humanitarian aid” to Gaza. The Mega AgencyUnited States President Joe Biden gives remarks as US Vice President Kamala Harris and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken look on[/caption] GettyPeople gather in front of Israeli Consulate to celebrate after the announcement of an cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas[/caption] GettyRelatives of Israeli hostages held in Gaza are continuing their sit-in protest in a tent set up following the ceasefire agreement[/caption]