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Israel’s latest airstrikes in Gaza have killed at least 413 people, the Hamas-run health ministry has said, as the UN’s human rights chief branded the violence as “horrifying”.

A further 562 people were injured in the airstrikes, which put an end to a fragile ceasefire between Hamas, the militant group ruling Gaza, and Israel as they resumed overnight.

A statement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said: “From now on, Israel will act against Hamas with increasing military force”.

Evacuation orders have been issued by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) for a number of areas in Gaza, after the ceasefire had allowed for hundreds of thousands of displaced people to return to their homes across the enclave.

Evacuation orders map
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Evacuation orders map

The IDF said on X people should leave the neighbourhoods of Beit Hanoun, Khuza’a, Abasan al-Kabira and al-Jadida and head to shelters in Gaza City and Khan Younis.

That’s despite Gaza City and Khan Younis being among the areas where airstrikes were reported.

Northern Gaza, the Deir al-Balah and Rafah also came under attack.

Many of the dead from the latest strikes were children, according to Palestinian health ministry officials.

The Hamas-run government media office called the attacks a “blatant violation of all international and humanitarian conventions”.

In a statement, the Israeli PM’s office said Mr Netanyahu and defence minister Israel Katz ordered the IDF to “act forcefully” against Hamas.

It came after the militant group “repeatedly refused to release our hostages and rejected all offers it received from the US presidential envoy, Steve Witkoff, and from the mediators”.

“The operational plan was presented late last week by the IDF and approved by the political echelon,” the statement added.

In a passionate speech on Tuesday, the Palestinian ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour, said “we want peace”, adding that the choice facing the world was “crystal clear”.

He urged the assembly to “act with us to make peace… make war not acceptable… and [for] ceasefire to prevail”.

Brett Jonathan Miller, Israel’s deputy permanent representative at the UN reaffirmed their commitment to defeating Hamas and bringing home “every last hostage”.

He said a return to fighting was “a necessity” because the militant group had failed to release those being held and “repeatedly rejected all offers made by the US and the mediating countries”.

The UK’s ambassador to Israel, Simon Walters, said on X Israel’s attacks will neither help defeat Hamas nor bring hostages home and will only cause “more death”.

Read more:
What happened to the ceasefire?

AP pic
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AP pic

There are 59 Israeli hostages still being held by Hamas – 24 of whom are still believed to be alive.

For their release, Hamas wanted the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and an end to hostilities as part of the second phase of the deal.

Hamas, the militant group running Gaza and whose massacre of 1,200 people in southern Israel on 7 October 2023 sparked Israel’s powerful bombing of the enclave, has claimed it is “working with mediators to curb the aggression” seen on Tuesday.

“Hamas adhered to the ceasefire agreement and implemented it precisely, but the Israeli occupation reneged on its commitment and reversed it by resuming aggression and war,” an official said.

More than 48,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s retaliatory campaign since October 2023, Gazan health officials say.

‘I operated on children overnight – most of them are going to die’

A surgeon working in Gaza has described the “utter carnage and destruction” he witnessed on Tuesday morning during Israel’s air attack.

Dr Feroze Sidhwa is working at the Nasser Medical Complex in Deir Al Balah, where he said most of the people he has seen who were killed were women and children.

“I did six operations overnight,” he told Sky News Breakfast presenter Wilfred Frost.

“Half of them were small children, probably six and below, I wasn’t exactly sure. Most of them are going to die, unfortunately.”

He said this “carnage” is what should be expected “when you drop bombs on tents”.

The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to convene later on Tuesday for a briefing on Gaza.

UN High Commissioner Volker Turk said: “I am horrified by last night’s Israeli airstrikes and shelling in Gaza, which killed hundreds, according to the Ministry of Health in the strip.

“This will add tragedy onto tragedy.”

‘Unilaterally ending the ceasefire’

According to the Reuters news agency, a senior Hamas official said Israel was unilaterally ending the ceasefire agreement.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a Fox News interview that the Trump administration was consulted by Israel about the airstrikes on Monday.

Analysis: Israel is following through on its threat

The waves of airstrikes and tank fire throughout the night came as a surprise and brought an end to a ceasefire that lasted almost two months.

Only a small circle of IDF military commanders were aware of the plans, so Hamas had no forewarning. Neither did the civilians of Gaza, who have started to slowly rebuild what they can of their lives following the devastating war.

The IDF says it is targeting mid-ranking Hamas officials, although I’ve also seen pictures of dead and wounded children amongst the casualties.

Talks to extend the ceasefire and release more hostages had been ongoing in recent days, but Hamas and Israel couldn’t agree on the format of a continued truce.

Israel had already cut off humanitarian deliveries into Gaza and threatened a resumption of the war if Hamas didn’t change its position – they are now following through on that threat.

Israeli intelligence will have spent the last seven weeks of ceasefire gathering information of living Hamas commanders – these airstrikes will be an attempt to take them out and put pressure on Hamas to agree the ceasefire deal that Israel, and Washington, wants.

If they don’t, the IDF has already drawn up plans for an extensive campaign, and ground operations will follow. They have the White House’s backing.

‘Not a surprise’

The IDF and Shin Bet described the strikes as “extensive” – and said they were against “terror targets belonging to the Hamas terrorist organization in the Gaza Strip”.

Last week, the Gaza health ministry said nine Palestinians, including three journalists, were killed in an Israeli airstrike in the northern town of Beit Lahia.

A Palestinian source who lives in central Gaza told Sky News’ US correspondent Mark Stone that the strikes were “not a surprise”, saying: “I guess the strongest ones can do whatever they want.”

The source then said “we were sure that this war wouldn’t end” and added: “I wish they (Israel) would open the Rafah border crossing (into Egypt). I wish to leave. I cannot take it anymore.”

Al Aqsa Hospital in Gaza. Pic: AP
Image:
Al Aqsa Hospital in Gaza. Pic: AP

It comes almost two months after a three-phase ceasefire was reached by Hamas and Israel to pause the war.

Over the first phase of the ceasefire, which lasted six weeks, Hamas released 33 Israeli hostages held in Gaza and five Thai nationals, in exchange for about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.

But since the first phase officially concluded, both Israel and Hamas have failed to agree on how to progress with the second phase – which would see the release of the remaining Israeli hostages.

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Gazans wait for food as blockade continues

‘We are shocked’

Izzat al-Risheq, a senior Hamas official, said Mr Netanyahu’s decision to return to war amounts to a “death sentence” for the remaining hostages.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum hit out at the Israeli government’s decision to resume airstrikes in Gaza and accused it of backing out of the ceasefire, saying it “chose to give up on the hostages”.

“We are shocked, angry and terrified by the deliberate dismantling of the process to return our loved ones from the terrible captivity of Hamas,” the group said in a statement.

Mr Netanyahu’s decision to launch fresh airstrikes on the besieged enclave of Gaza comes as he faces mounting pressure at home over his handling of the hostage crisis.

Furthermore, his latest testimony in a long-running corruption trial was cancelled after the strikes, which resumed during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

US Middle East envoy Mr Witkoff had proposed extending the first phase of the ceasefire through to the end of Ramadan and Passover or until 20 April, which Hamas rejected.

At the start of March, Israel said it stopped all goods and supplies to Gaza after claiming Hamas was refusing to “accept the Witkoff outline for continuing the talks, which Israel agreed to”.

Hamas called it “a war crime and a blatant attack”.

Five days later, Israel said it had cut off the electricity supply to Gaza.

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Shein investigates after likeness of accused killer Luigi Mangione used to model shirt on fashion giant’s website

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Shein investigates after likeness of accused killer Luigi Mangione used to model shirt on fashion giant's website

Fashion giant Shein has opened an investigation after a shirt was advertised on its site, modelled by a man bearing a striking resemblance to Luigi Mangione, who is accused of murdering a US healthcare chief executive.

The image with Mangione’s likeness, wearing a white, short-sleeved shirt, has since been taken down.

Shein, one of the world’s biggest fast fashion retailers, told Sky News: “The image in question was provided by a third-party vendor and was removed immediately upon discovery.

“We have stringent standards for all listings on our platform. We are conducting a thorough investigation, strengthening our monitoring processes, and will take appropriate action against the vendor in line with our policies.”

The listing was taken down on Wednesday afternoon, according to reports.

As news of the image spread across social media on Tuesday, and ‘Luigi Mangione Shein’ reportedly began trending, many speculated that the picture had been created by AI or photo-shopped.

Some supporters of Mangione accused Shein of using his likeness, while his critics have also described using the photo as a new low.

More on Luigi Mangione

Mangione, 27, is facing trial for fatally shooting UnitedHealth’s insurance CEO, Brian Thompson, outside a New York City hotel in December.

UnitedHealthcare chief executive officer Brian Thompson.
Pic: UnitedHealth Group/AP
Image:
UnitedHealthcare chief executive officer Brian Thompson.
Pic: UnitedHealth Group/AP

Mr Thompson, 50, was shot dead as he walked to a Manhattan hotel where the company, the largest private health insurance firm in the US, was hosting an investor conference.

Mangione denies the state and federal charges against him, including first-degree murder “in furtherance of an act of terrorism”, two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of stalking and a firearms offence.

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty if he is convicted, saying Mangione targeted Mr Thompson and that he “presents a future danger because he expressed an intent to target an entire industry, and rally political and social opposition to that industry, by engaging in an act of lethal violence”.

After the killing, Mangione was portrayed as a folk hero by some of those opposed to the US healthcare system.

Rallies took place outside court during his appearances and some supporters pledged funds to his defence.

Read more on Sky News:
Chaos and violence on LA’s streets
China’s army of the future on show
France’s government ‘on the brink’

Shein, founded in China in 2012, has built its global reputation on inexpensive, fast-moving fashion trends that attract Gen Z and younger millennials. Its products are shipped to more than 100 countries.

In January, a senior company lawyer was unable to say if the company sells products containing cotton from Xinjiang, the region of China where it’s alleged members of the Uyghur ethnic group are forced to work against their will, accusations China denies.

Sky News has contacted Shein for comment.

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At least 15 killed after Lisbon’s iconic Gloria funicular derails

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At least 15 killed after Lisbon's iconic Gloria funicular derails

At least 15 people have been killed and 18 are injured after the iconic Gloria funicular in Lisbon derailed and crashed, emergency services have said.

Five of the injured are in a serious condition, the National Institute for Medical Emergencies said in a statement.

Footage from the site showed the tram-like funicular, which is popular with tourists, practically destroyed and emergency workers pulling people out of the wreckage.

Authorities would not identify the victims or disclose their nationalities, but said some foreign nationals were among the dead.

The UK Foreign Office has said it is in touch with authorities in Lisbon and is ready to “provide consular assistance if there are any affected British nationals”.

Lisbon’s mayor Carlos Moedas has said there will be three days of mourning for the victims of the “tragic accident”.

He added: “I extend my heartfelt condolences to all the families and friends of the victims. Lisbon is in mourning.”

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It is not immediately clear what caused the crash which happened at around 6pm – the start of evening rush hour.

Eyewitnesses told local media that the funicular careered down the hill, apparently out of control.

Images show how the yellow and white carriage fell apart as a result of the crash.

Pic: AP
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Pic: AP

Pic: AP
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Pic: AP

The Gloria, which can carry more than 40 people, is one of three funiculars in the Portuguese capital and is classified as a national monument.

It connects downtown Lisbon with the neighbourhood of Bairro Alto and is commonly used by both residents and tourists.

Two carriages attached to the same haulage cable run parallel to each other as they shuttle up and down the hill for a few hundred metres.

The second carriage was apparently undamaged, but footage aired by CNN Portugal showed it jolting violently, with several passengers jumping out of its windows, when the other one derailed.

Emergency services at the scene. Pic: AP
Image:
Emergency services at the scene. Pic: AP

Mr Moedas told the Portuguese news site Diario de Noticia: “It is a tragedy that has never happened in our city. The moment is for action and help. I thank you all for the response in a few minutes. The only thing I can say is that it is a very tragic day.”

It comes as Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has offered his condolences to families affected by the tragedy.

Meanwhile EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has written on X: “It is with sadness that I learned of the derailment of the famous ‘Elevador da Glória’. My condolences to the families of the victims.”

Portugal’s defence minister Nuno Melo said: “The accident in Lisbon with the Gloria elevator was a tragedy that caused strong commotion and consternation in Portugal and in the world… I express all my solidarity and offer heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.”

An investigation into the cause will begin once the rescue operation is over, the Portuguese government said in a statement.

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.

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Nuclear power, cyber troops and robot wolves – China’s army of the future on full display

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Nuclear power, cyber troops and robot wolves - China's army of the future on full display

China’s status as a military superpower was on full display as Beijing marked the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

Tens of thousands of troops, tanks and armoured vehicles moved through Tiananmen Square on Wednesday, along with a fearsome array of missiles. Fighter jets soared overhead.

While ostensibly a day to mark the decades since the end of the world’s biggest war, it’s clear that Xi Jinping was looking towards the future in the message he sent to the West.

“They want to advertise to the world that they’re doing old and new,” military analyst Michael Clarke told Sky News. “So they were showing the enormity of what they’ve got in in traditional terms, but also some of the new things.”

Indeed, the event featured many weapons and equipment that had never been seen in public before.

In this story, Sky News looks at what units and military hardware were on display in the Chinese capital.

Flags flutter as soldiers participate in a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Pic: Reuters
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Flags flutter as soldiers participate in a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Pic: Reuters

Land forces

Huge numbers of soldiers from various wings of China’s armed forces made up the bulk of the parade, marching in perfect lockstep in neat rows.

As well as the traditional elements from the army and navy, the procession also featured newer pieces like the cyberspace unit.

The new unit is in charge of cybersecurity defence measures, the Xinhua state news agency says, and also took part in live-fire drills.

Another new unit was the information support force, which was created in 2024 to build network information systems to support military combat readiness.

Tanks as part of the military parade
Image:
Tanks as part of the military parade

Nuclear triad on display for the first time

Also rolling through the square were an array of missiles, including those that form China’s strategic nuclear capability.

For the first time, Beijing unveiled its nuclear triad of air, land and sea-based missiles.

This included the JL-1 air-based long-range missile, JL-3 submarine-launched intercontinental missile, DF-61 land-based intercontinental missile, and the new type DF-31 land-based intercontinental missile.

The weapons are China’s strategic “ace” power to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and nation’s dignity, according to Xinhua.

China is one of four countries known to possess a nuclear triad, along with the US, Russia and India.

YJ-17 hypersonic anti-ship missiles. Pic: Reuters
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YJ-17 hypersonic anti-ship missiles. Pic: Reuters

Other missiles on display included hypersonic anti-ship missiles that China has previously tested against mockups of US aircraft carriers, such as the Yingji-19, Yingji-17 and Yingji-20.

“These are designed to frighten the United States,” Mr Clarke says, with reference to the Pacific Ocean where US warships patrol from their 7th Fleet headquarters in Japan.

Read more:
Analysis: President Xi’s message to the West
How China’s parade compares to other military spectacles

Drones and robot wolves

China also put a number of its unmanned weapon systems on display, evidence of the changing nature of modern warfare.

Arguably the most interesting were the so-called ‘robot wolves’.

'Robot wolves' carried on vehicles
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‘Robot wolves’ carried on vehicles

There were also underwater drones such as the AJX002, a long, black tube-shaped craft that looks like a narrow submarine with a rear propeller.

The military also showed off unmanned helicopters that are designed to be launched from ships.

Air-defence laser weapons that have been recently developed. Pic: Reuters
Image:
Air-defence laser weapons that have been recently developed. Pic: Reuters

Like other militaries, China has also been developing laser weapons to defend against drone attacks – one of which was on display today as well.

As attack drones get more advanced – and numerous – a counter drive to develop cheaper ways of shooting them down is ongoing.

“The one that they kept under wraps was this laser gun,” Mr Clarke said. “It was all under tarpaulin in the rehearsals – and suddenly there it was. It was like a big searchlight on a vehicle.

“Laser guns, despite James Bond films, are not quite as ground-breaking as people think, but there it was: a new laser gun.”

Air force

Beijing has developed a number of advanced aircraft in recent years, and several of them were on display on Wednesday.

Soaring above the parade were China’s two fifth-generation fighter jets, the Chengdu J-20 and Shenyang J-35A.

J-16D, J-20, and J-35A fighter jets fly over Tiananmen Square. Pic: Reuters
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J-16D, J-20, and J-35A fighter jets fly over Tiananmen Square. Pic: Reuters

Both have stealth capabilities and are designed to try to rival the US air force’s F-35 jet.

China has two of the five fifth-generation fighter jets currently known to operate globally. The others are the American F-35 (also operated by the UK and other allies) and F-22, as well as the Russian Su-57.

China showing off its range – and numbers

“What they’re showing here is that they’ve got a full panoply of weapons systems,” Mr Clarke says, pointing to the various land, sea and air assets.

“Whether they can link them together in combined arms warfare, we don’t know, because they haven’t fought a major war since the 1950s… but on paper it’s extremely impressive.”

He added: “It’s not as big as the American military yet, but it certainly rivals it. And it certainly worries American military planners.”

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