Israeli soldiers storm Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza to root out Hamas terrorists US intelligence says are hiding in an underground command centre as Palestinian authorities call for ceasefire to evacuate trapped civilians

sraeli soldiers have stormed Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza to root out Hamas terrorists US intelligence has said are hiding in an underground command centre as Palestinian authorities have called for a ceasefire to evacuate trapped civilians.

The Israeli military entered the hospital early Wednesday morning in a 'precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a specified area' of the facility, the IDF said in a statement.

The army surrounded the facility as part of its ground offensive against Hamas. Israeli authorities claim the militants conceal military operations in the facility, which is supported by an earlier statement by the White House.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said yesterday that Hamas and Islamic Jihad 'operate a command and control node from Al-Shifa in Gaza City'.

'They have stored weapons there and they're prepared to respond to an Israeli military operation against that facility,' he added, citing US intelligence sources.

In recent weeks, Israeli defence forces have 'publicly warned time and again that Hamas' continued military use of the Al-Shifa Hospital jeopardies its protected status under international law,' the military said.

'Yesterday, the IDF conveyed to the relevant authorities in Gaza once again that all military activities within the hospital must cease within 12 hours. Unfortunately, it did not.

'The IDF has also facilitated wide-scale evacuations of the hospital and maintained regular dialogue with hospital authorities. We call upon all Hamas terrorists present in the hospital to surrender.'

Hamas and hospital staff have denied the Israeli accusations that it uses the hospital for cover. Military officials gave no further details but said they were taking steps to avoid harm to civilians.

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https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12749281/Israel-Hamas-battle-outside-Shifa-hospital-terrorist-gunmen-sheltering.html

Prince Andrew faces renewed calls to meet FBI investigators after Duke of York's friend and fashion mogul Peter Nygard was convicted on four counts of sexual assault

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12750227/Prince-Andrew-faces-renewed-calls-meet-FBI-investigators-Duke-Yorks-friend-fashion-mogul-Peter-Nygard-convicted-four-counts-sexual-assault.html

Prince Andrew is facing renewed calls to meet FBI investigators after the Duke of York's friend and fashion mogul Peter Nygard was convicted on four counts of sexual assault.

Nygard - who once hosted Andrew in the Bahamas - was found guilty of assaulting four women at his Toronto home after luring them into a room without a door handle.

The Canadian designer, 82, was convicted on Sunday after a six-week trial.

Now victims of Prince Andrew's friend, paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, have accused the prince of being dishonest over his claim to want to help them get justice.

Spencer Kuvin, who represents several women abused by Epstein, told The Mirror: 'If Prince Andrew is innocent, he should provide a full interview to the FBI.

'His continued silence in the face of multiple close friends being convicted of sexual assault – Ghislaine Maxwell and now Peter Nygard – reeks of a guilty conscience.'

Another victim of Epstein's abuse, 35, said: 'Andrew's words were just hollow. It is clear to many he never had any intention of helping any of us.'

Andrew reportedly agreed to a £12million payout to Virginia Giuffre, who claimed she was 'Epstein's sex slave' and said the Duke slept with her. Andrew denied the claims and admitted no liability.

Nygard appeared emotionless as the verdict was handed down after the jurors' fifth day of deliberation.

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USS Marinette's executive officer Commander Jonathan Volkle dies by suicide while combat ship is moored in Ohio

• Commander Jonathan Michael Volkle died by suicide on board the USS Marinette while it was moored in Cleveland, Ohio last month

• The 44-year-old had served in the Navy since 2007 specializing as a surface warfare officer and expert in US-Japanese relations

• It comes as the Navy grapples with soaring suicide rates and mental health issues in its ran

A married US Navy officer and father-of-two has died by suicide while his ship was moored in Cleveland, Ohio.

Commander Jonathan Michael Volkle was found dead on board the USS Marinette on October 27, the Navy confirmed.

The 44-year-old 'was found unresponsive and later pronounced deceased,' a statement from US Surface Force Atlantic said.

'Our thoughts go out to the Volkle's family during this incredibly difficult period, and we would ask their privacy be respected.

'Littoral Combat Ship Squadron (LCSRON) 2 is providing chaplain and mental health support to the ship's crew. Cmdr. Janet Brooms will be assigned as executive officer.'

The second in command of the Littoral Combat Ship had served in the Navy after enlisting in 2007, working as a career surface warfare officer.

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https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12749115/USS-Marinettes-executive-officer-Commander-Jonathan-Volkle-dies-suicide-combat-ship-moored-Ohio.html