Israeli military strikes across the Gaza Strip have resulted in the deaths of at least 17 Palestinians, including eight individuals killed at a school in Gaza City that served as a shelter for displaced families, according to medics.

In a separate incident, medical personnel reported that eight people, including children, lost their lives at the Musa Bin Nusayr School, which was housing internally displaced persons.

The Israeli military claimed that the strike targeted Hamas militants reportedly operating from a command center located within the school, alleging that these militants utilized the facility to plan and conduct attacks against Israeli forces. Additionally, in Gaza City, four Palestinians died when an airstrike struck a vehicle.

In two other airstrikes carried out in Rafah and Khan Younis in the southern part of the enclave, at least five more Palestinians were reported killed. In the northern Gaza town of Beit Lahiya, where Israeli forces have been active since October, Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, stated that the military ordered the evacuation of the hospital, directing staff to relocate patients and injured individuals to a nearby medical facility. However, he noted that accomplishing this task was “next to impossible” due to a lack of ambulances available for patient transport.

Israeli operations have been ongoing in the towns of Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun, as well as the Jabalia refugee camp, for nearly three months. Palestinians have accused Israel of engaging in “ethnic cleansing” aimed at depopulating these areas to establish a buffer zone, an allegation that Israel denies. The Israeli government maintains that its military campaign is intended to combat Hamas militants and prevent their reorganization, asserting that hundreds of militants have been killed and military infrastructure dismantled since operations began.

Simultaneously, armed factions of Hamas and Islamic Jihad claim to have inflicted significant casualties on Israeli soldiers through ambushes during this period. Efforts to mediate a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas have yet to yield results. Sources close to the negotiations indicated that, while Qatar and Egypt have been able to mitigate some disputes between the involved parties, fundamental obstacles remain.

The escalation of violence began following an attack by Hamas-led fighters on Israeli communities on October 7, 2023, which resulted in 1,200 Israeli fatalities and over 250 hostages being taken. Current Israeli estimates suggest around 100 hostages are still being held, though the status of many remains uncertain.

Meanwhile, authorities in Gaza report that Israel’s ongoing military campaign has led to the deaths of over 45,000 Palestinians and the displacement of a substantial portion of the 2.3 million residents in the region, with significant portions of the coastal area now in ruins.

Ukrainian drones targeted high-rise buildings in the Russian city of Kazan on Saturday, drawing unsettling comparisons to the September 11 attacks in the U.S. when planes struck New York’s Twin Towers in 2001.

Tatarstan’s governor, Rustam Minnikhanov, reported that eight drones were deployed, with six striking residential buildings, one hitting an industrial site, and another being shot down over a river.

Local officials stated that there were no reported casualties. In response to the attacks, flights at Kazan’s airport were suspended, and all public events were canceled for the weekend. The Defence Ministry indicated that the city experienced three waves of drone strikes between 7:40 a.m. and 9:20 a.m., with no casualties reported according to local authorities.

The mayor of Kazan announced on Telegram that all planned mass gatherings would be canceled and temporary accommodations would be provided for evacuees.

The Baza Telegram channel, linked to Russian security sources, released video footage that purportedly shows an aerial object colliding with a high-rise building, resulting in a substantial explosion. The authenticity of the footage has not been verified.

These attacks were not acknowledged by Ukraine, aligning with its security policy, and followed a Ukrainian strike on Friday that targeted a town in Russia’s Kursk border region, killing six individuals, including a child, using U.S.-supplied missiles.

In a separate development, Moscow launched 113 drones into Ukraine overnight on Saturday, according to Ukrainian officials. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that 57 of these drones were shot down, while an additional 56 were considered “lost,” likely due to electronic jamming.

Additionally, Oleh Syniehubov, the governor of Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, stated that eight people were injured in drone strikes on the regional capital, also named Kharkiv, on Friday night.

The incident occurred amidst increasingly bold attacks following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s comments during his end-of-year news conference on Thursday, where he proposed a “high-tech duel” with Kyiv. He claimed that Russia’s new hypersonic ballistic missile was immune to air defenses.

On Friday, a Russian hypersonic missile strike on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, resulted in at least one death and seven injuries. On the same day, Ukraine launched an attack on the town of Rylsk in Russia’s Kursk border region using United States-supplied missiles, which killed six people, including a child.

Ukrainian officials said that overnight into Saturday, Moscow unleashed 113 drones on Ukraine, with 57 of them being intercepted. An additional 56 drones were deemed “lost,” likely due to electronic jamming.

Rey Mysterio Sr., a revered name in the world of Mexican professional wrestling, has passed away at the age of 66. The tragic news was confirmed by his family on December 20, 2024. Mysterio Sr. was not only a prominent figure in the wrestling world but also the beloved uncle of WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio and grand uncle to current WWE star Dominik Mysterio.

Mysterio Sr., born Miguel Angel Lopez Dias, carved out a remarkable career spanning more than three decades in the lucha libre scene. Known for his high-flying style and unparalleled athleticism, he became a legendary figure in Mexican wrestling. He secured multiple championship titles, notably with leading organizations such as the World Wrestling Association and Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide, a company often referred to as Mexico’s version of WWE.

In addition to his success in Mexico, Mysterio Sr. also showcased his skills on the international stage, including a memorable appearance at the prestigious World Championship Wrestling (WCW) event, Starrcade, in 1990. His legacy is one of great influence, inspiring countless fans and future athletes with his innovative moves and dedication to the craft of wrestling.

The news of his passing was shared by Lucha Libre AAA on social media, where they expressed their condolences and sent heartfelt prayers to his family. “Our deepest sympathies go out to the family of Rey Mysterio Sr.,” the organization wrote in a tribute.

Lucha Libre, a vibrant form of professional wrestling native to Mexico, is known for its flamboyant masked wrestlers and breathtaking aerial maneuvers. Mysterio Sr.’s contributions to this unique style of wrestling will be remembered by fans around the world, ensuring his place as one of the sport’s most cherished figures.