ISRAEL: Dozens of soldiers had their phones hacked by Hamas supporters posing as young women and were tricked into downloading an app giving away information about their location, a military spokesman said yesterday.

The “women” sent links which they said would allow them to exchange photos. But it led to malware being downloaded onto the phone that allowed for it to be remotely manipulated, and to take photos and recordings without the owner’s knowledge.

Lieutenant Jonathan Conricus said there was “no significant breach of information” before the ruse was uncovered.

INDIA: Four men convicted of the rape and murder of a young student on a bus will be executed on March 3, a court ruled yesterday dismissing an appeal against the death sentences.

The murder of the woman known as Nirbhaya sparked protests across the country over government inaction over violence against women.

Six men were originally implicated in the murder. One suspect was found dead in his jail cell, while the youngest of the group, who was a minor at the time of the killing, was released after three years in juvenile detention

LEBANON: Hezbollah unveiled a giant statue of assassinated Quds commander General Qasem Soleimani on the country’s border with Israel on Saturday.

Observation towers were erected in the town of Maroun al-Ras as hundreds turned up to the unveiling ceremony.

The statue had a Palestinian flag with its outstretched arm pointing towards Israel, signifying the aim of Hezbollah to liberate Palestine from Israeli occupation.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: Elections were suspended yesterday after problems with a new electronic voting system meant virtual ballot papers would not upload properly, the electoral board confirmed.

More than seven million people were eligible to vote in municipal elections with candidates for around 4,000 posts in 158 municipalities.

Officials are investigating the cause of the problem. No new date has been set for the election.