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Lebanon Says Israeli Strike Near Palestinian Refugee Camp Kills 13
An Israeli Strike Near Palestinian Refugee Camp Kills 13 people in southern Lebanon, marking the deadliest attack since the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah began one year ago. The strike hit the Ein el-Hilweh camp near the coastal city of Sidon on Tuesday evening, sparking international concern about the fragile peace in the region.
Lebanon’s health ministry confirmed that at least 13 people died in the attack. Additionally, several others suffered injuries, and ambulances rushed them to nearby hospitals for treatment. The ministry urged local residents to donate blood to help the wounded survivors.
According to Lebanon’s state news agency, a drone initially targeted a car in the parking lot near the Khalid bin Al-Walid Mosque. Subsequently, three missiles struck both the mosque and the nearby Khalid bin Al-Walid Center. Videos from the scene showed emergency workers loading badly mangled bodies onto trucks while smoke billowed from the targeted area.
The Israeli Defense Forces stated they targeted a Hamas training compound in the Ein el-Hilweh area. Furthermore, military spokesperson Lt Col Avichay Adraee said the army would “continue to act forcefully against Hamas’s attempts to establish a foothold in Lebanon.” The IDF claimed the location served as a base for planning and carrying out attacks against Israel.
Moreover, Israel said it took measures to reduce civilian harm before the strike. These measures included using precision munitions, conducting aerial observations, and gathering intelligence information. However, the high death toll raised questions about the effectiveness of these precautions.
Hamas strongly rejected Israel’s claims about a training compound. The Palestinian group called the accusations “pure fabrication and lies” designed to justify the attack. Instead, Hamas stated the strike hit an “open sports field frequented by young men from the camp.”
The group emphasized that it maintains no military installations in Palestinian refugee camps throughout Lebanon. Therefore, Hamas condemned the strike as an unprovoked attack on civilians. Several witnesses from the camp supported Hamas’s version of events, describing the victims as young men who had gathered at a recreational area.
Ein el-Hilweh represents the largest Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon. The overcrowded and densely packed camp houses an estimated population of more than 60,000 Palestinian refugees, although the actual number may be higher. Many families have lived there for generations since fleeing or being expelled from their homes during the creation of Israel in 1948.
The camp sits on the outskirts of Sidon, a historic coastal city approximately 40 kilometers south of Beirut. Its narrow streets and crowded conditions make it particularly vulnerable to air strikes. Consequently, any attack on the camp typically results in high casualties and widespread damage.
Hamas fighters in the area prevented journalists from reaching the scene immediately after the strike. Nevertheless, footage emerged showing ambulances rushing through the narrow streets as residents searched for survivors amid the destruction.
This attack marks the third Israeli strike on Lebanon on Tuesday alone. Earlier in the day, drone strikes targeted vehicles in Blida and Bint Jbeil, killing two additional civilians. Therefore, the total death toll for November 18, 2025, reached 15 people killed by Israeli forces.
Israel has regularly carried out air strikes on people and places in Lebanon since the ceasefire deal with Hezbollah. Most strikes have targeted Hezbollah positions, but Israel has also attacked Hamas members in the country. Several Hamas officials have died in Lebanese strikes since October 2023, including senior leaders.
The current tensions stem from the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on southern Israel that killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages being taken. Israel’s military response in Gaza has killed at least 69,483 Palestinians, according to the territory’s health ministry.
One day after the October 7 attack, Hezbollah began firing rockets at Israel in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Israel responded with shelling and air strikes in Lebanon. The conflict escalated dramatically in late September 2024 when Israel launched an intense bombing campaign and ground incursion into southern Lebanon.
Lebanese authorities reported that Israel’s attacks killed about 4,000 people during the 13-month conflict, including many civilians. Furthermore, more than 1.2 million residents fled their homes. Israeli authorities said more than 80 soldiers and 47 civilians died in the hostilities.
Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire in November 2024. However, violations have occurred regularly since then. The ceasefire deal did not address the situation with Hamas or other Palestinian groups operating in Lebanon.
The attack on Ein el-Hilweh has raised concerns about the stability of the ceasefire agreement. International observers worry that continued Israeli strikes could reignite the broader conflict. Meanwhile, Lebanese officials have protested what they describe as violations of Lebanese sovereignty.
The United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) continues monitoring the situation. However, the force has faced its own challenges, including an incident where Israeli forces reportedly fired on UNIFIL personnel near the border.
The Israeli strike near Palestinian refugee camp kills 13 incident highlights the ongoing tensions in the region despite the formal ceasefire. While Israel maintains it targets only militants, critics argue that strikes in densely populated civilian areas inevitably result in innocent casualties. The international community continues calling for restraint from all parties to prevent further escalation.
Australian all-rounder Matthew Short believes he deserves another chance in the Indian Premier League. After turning 30 last month and recovering from an injury-filled year, he entered the IPL 2026 auction with renewed confidence. Moreover, he feels much better prepared than his first IPL appearance in 2023.
What Went Wrong in 2023?
Short joined Punjab Kings (PBKS) as a replacement for injured Jonny Bairstow in 2023. However, his IPL debut didn’t go as planned. He played only six matches and struggled to make an impact. Furthermore, he admitted the experience overwhelmed him completely.
“I was probably rushed into it a little bit,” Short confessed to ESPNcricinfo. “That was my first-ever overseas tournament, so straight into the IPL was a pretty big deal.”
The pressure affected his performance significantly. Consequently, he moved away from his natural game and couldn’t handle the spotlight. Additionally, the massive stadiums, huge crowds, and intense media attention created challenges he wasn’t ready for.
The Journey to Redemption
Since that disappointing stint, Short has worked hard on both his skills and mindset. He identified the mental side of cricket as crucial for success. Therefore, he sought help from sports psychologist David Reid.
How Short Improved
| Area | What He Did |
|---|---|
| Mental strength | Worked with psychologist David Reid |
| Match experience | Played in multiple overseas leagues |
| Leadership skills | Captained Adelaide Strikers for 2 years |
| Performance | Dominated Big Bash League consistently |
Notably, Short has been exceptional in the Big Bash League over the past four seasons. He scored nearly 500 runs more than his closest rival during this period. This consistent performance proves his ability to handle pressure situations.
Why He’s Ready Now?
Short now brings valuable experience from various competitions worldwide. He learned to stay in the moment and block out distractions. Moreover, his captaincy experience with Adelaide Strikers taught him decision-making under pressure.
“Having three or four good seasons under my belt now in the Big Bash, and playing in different comps around the world, it definitely gives you the confidence,” he explained. “I’d be a lot more ready for it now if selected.”
Key Improvements Since 2023
- Better understanding of pressure management
- Experience playing in different conditions globally
- Strong leadership qualities developed
- Consistent performance record
- Mental clarity and focus
The Auction Challenge
Short entered the IPL 2026 auction with a base price of ₹1.5 crore (approximately AUD 250,000). However, competition remains fierce. Dozens of overseas players fight for just 31 available foreign slots across all teams.
Despite these challenges, Short maintains a balanced perspective. “If I don’t get picked up, there are always other opportunities,” he said philosophically. “My wife and I always say, ‘Let the universe decide.'”
CSK Takes a Chance
Eventually, Chennai Super Kings picked Short for ₹1.50 crore at his base price. This gives him the second chance he desperately wanted. Meanwhile, CSK gains an experienced all-rounder who can contribute with both bat and ball.
The franchise clearly sees value in his recent form and leadership qualities. Furthermore, his ability to adapt to different conditions makes him a versatile option for CSK’s squad.
What This Means for His Career?
This opportunity could define Short’s international T20 career. If he performs well, doors to other leagues might open. Additionally, consistent IPL performances often lead to national team opportunities.
His journey shows important lessons about handling failure. Instead of giving up after 2023, he worked on his weaknesses. Consequently, he returns stronger and more prepared.
In conclusion, Matthew Short now gets his redemption story. From being overwhelmed in 2023 to confidently ready in 2026, his transformation reflects dedication and mental strength. Cricket fans will eagerly watch whether this second chance produces the results he and CSK hope for.
The Indian government recently introduced the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Bill in Lok Sabha to completely reshape how universities and colleges operate. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced this reform would simplify regulations and help Indian institutions compete globally. However, the proposal has sparked intense debate across the country.
Why Does India Need This Change?
Currently, India has nearly 60,000 educational institutions, including 1,200 universities. Despite this growth, the system faces major problems. Multiple regulators like UGC, AICTE, and NCTE often overlap in their functions. Consequently, institutions deal with repeated paperwork and conflicting guidelines.
For instance, teacher education institutions report to NCTE for standards but also run programs under UGC rules. This creates unnecessary confusion and wastes time. Moreover, the current system makes it difficult for universities to adopt modern teaching methods quickly.
What Will Replace the Old System?
The Bill proposes dissolving existing regulators and creating one apex body with three independent councils:
The Three-Council Structure
| Council | Main Function |
|---|---|
| Standards Council | Sets quality benchmarks for education |
| Regulatory Council | Grants permissions and monitors compliance |
| Accreditation Council | Evaluates and rates institutions |
Furthermore, these councils will work independently but coordinate through the apex body. This structure aims to eliminate conflicts of interest and duplication of work.
Key Features of the Reform
The Bill introduces several important changes:
- Greater autonomy for universities to design courses
- Interdisciplinary learning options across different fields
- Student feedback as a critical component of accreditation
- Transparent data available publicly for all institutions
- Strict action against fake universities and fraudulent practices
- New credit system to support reskilling and upskilling
Additionally, the government plans to introduce a fresh ranking framework alongside the existing NIRF system. This will help students make better choices about their education.
Funding: A Major Change
Notably, the regulatory body will no longer control funding. Instead, the Ministry of Education will directly handle grants to institutions. Officials explain this separation reduces conflicts of interest. Nevertheless, regulatory reports will heavily influence funding decisions.
The Debate: Support vs. Concerns
Supporters argue:
- The reform simplifies complicated regulations
- It aligns with the National Education Policy 2020 goals
- Universities gain flexibility to innovate
- One framework means less paperwork
Critics worry:
- Too much power is concentrated in the central government
- State universities might lose autonomy
- Federal balance could weaken
- Teachers’ groups fear reduced institutional freedom
Opposition MPs have particularly raised concerns about centralization. They question whether states will maintain meaningful control over their universities. Meanwhile, student organizations demand wider consultation before passing the Bill.
What Happens Next?
A 31-member Joint Parliamentary Committee will examine the Bill thoroughly. The committee must submit its report by the end. During this time, they will hold consultations with various stakeholders.
Minister Pradhan emphasizes the Bill won’t disturb state universities’ functioning. He says education remains on the Concurrent List, meaning both the center and the states share responsibility. Therefore, the reform focuses on coordination rather than taking over state powers.
In conclusion, the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Bill represents India’s ambitious attempt to modernize higher education. While the government promises simplified regulations and global competitiveness, critics demand careful scrutiny to protect institutional autonomy. The coming weeks will determine whether this reform achieves its goal of creating a world-class education system or becomes another point of federal tension.
The IPL auctioneer Mallika Sagar will once again take center stage at the IPL 2026 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi on December 16, 2025. Cricket fans have grown familiar with her calm and confident presence during these high-stakes events. Moreover, she brings a unique blend of expertise from both art and sports auctions.
From Art Galleries to Cricket Stadiums
Sagar’s journey began in Mumbai in 1975. Interestingly, her passion for auctioneering sparked after reading a book about a female auctioneer. She studied Art History at Bryn Mawr College in the United States. After graduation, she joined prestigious auction houses internationally.
At just 26 years old, she made history. She became Christie’s first Indian woman auctioneer in New York. She specialized in modern and contemporary Indian art. Later, she returned to Mumbai and worked with renowned galleries like Pundole’s Art Gallery.
Breaking Into Sports Auctions
Her transition to sports proved groundbreaking. In 2021, she became the first female auctioneer for the Pro Kabaddi League. Subsequently, she conducted the inaugural Women’s Premier League auction in 2023. Furthermore, she has led multiple IPL auctions since then.
A big shoutout to Mallika Sagar for conducting the IPL auction with absolute grace, clarity, and confidence. 🎤👏#IPL2026Auction #PunjabKings pic.twitter.com/8Nkid699JW
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) December 16, 2025
Key Milestones in Mallika Sagar’s Career
| Year | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 2001 | Started at Christie’s New York |
| 2021 | First female auctioneer, Pro Kabaddi League |
| 2023 | Conducted first WPL auction |
| 2023 | First woman IPL auctioneer (Dubai) |
| 2024 | Led IPL 2025 mega auction (Jeddah) |
| 2025 | Conducting IPL 2026 mini-auction (Abu Dhabi) |
What Makes Her Special?
Sagar brings several qualities that make her exceptional:
- Calm authority during high-pressure situations
- International experience from top auction houses
- Deep understanding of auction dynamics
- Professional composure that commands respect
Additionally, she has proven herself in different sports leagues. She recently conducted the WPL 2026 auction last month. This shows her versatility across cricket formats.
The Road Ahead
The IPL 2026 auction will feature 350 shortlisted players from over 1,300 registrations. Recently, 19 more names joined the auction pool. Teams will compete for top talent at the Etihad Arena.
Her role extends beyond calling out bids. She manages timing, maintains fairness, and ensures smooth proceedings. Consequently, her presence has become synonymous with professional sports auctions in India.
In conclusion, IPL auctioneer Mallika Sagar continues to inspire many aspiring auctioneers, especially women. Her unconventional path from fine art to cricket demonstrates that passion and skill can open doors in unexpected places. As she takes the podium in Abu Dhabi, she represents not just an auctioneer but a trailblazer who has redefined possibilities in Indian sports.
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