20 November 2025
Gaza
Hamas attacked IDF troops in breach of the ceasefire agreement. Israel then hit targets in Gaza and killed some of Hamas’ commanders. The strikes also killed at least 32 Palestinian citizens. Hamas is saying that Israel’s response is an escalation.
Ukraine
The latest US proposal to end the war heralds Russia’s demands of Ukraine to cede territory, cut the size of its army and put limitations on its weaponry, including the relinquishing of its long-range missile capability. President Trump apparently signed off on the peace proposal earlier this week.
Russia
For the first time since the beginning of the war, Russia is selling its physical gold from the Russian Central Bank Reserves. It is believed that Russia has 2,300 tons of physical gold in its reserves, making it the fifth largest in the world. The National Wealth Fund had 405.7 tons of Russian gold held virtually, and the Finance Ministry sold 57% of that, 232.6 tons, to cover budgetary shortfalls.
Philippines
A former Philippine mayor, who has been accused of spying for China, has been sentenced to jail for human trafficking. Some 800 Filipinos and foreigners were rescued from a scam hub operating in her small town of Bamban.
Kenya
According to Amnesty International, Kenyan authorities paid a network of internet trolls to threaten and intimidate young protesters in the recent anti-government demonstrations. Amnesty also report that the government employed surveillance and disinformation to target organizers of the mass protests, which took place between 2024 and 2025.
Pakistan
Pakistani security forces killed seven terrorists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province. It is believed that they were members of the Pakistani Taliban. Operations like this continue in the KP province. There has been no impact yet to the ceasefire with the Afghan Taliban.
Social media wires
Ukrainian F-16 chasing a Russian Kh-type missile
Trains on fire in Russia again. It keeps happening.
Featured Photo: “Steve Witikoff meets with Putin”, Kremlin – Wikimedia Commons, 2025
The Wires Brief is a daily breaking news report incorporating wire service news and social media updates. DefRep cannot verify the authenticity of social media reporters nor the accuracy of social media updates. Feature photos are altered with grayscale.