The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported ongoing strikes in the Gaza Strip, claiming to have killed the military head of a terror organization. In a Telegram post, the IDF stated they targeted numerous Hamas structures and killed terror operatives, including senior members from different organizations. Among them was Rafat Harb Hussein Abu Hilal, the head of the military branch of the 'Popular Resistance Committees' in Rafah. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak arrived in Israel to express solidarity. Reports from local media mentioned intensified bombings in Gaza, resulting in casualties. Seven Palestinians, including teenagers, were killed in various areas of the occupied West Bank.  

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak visited Israel on Thursday to advance President Biden's efforts in securing aid for Gaza. Sunak's office stated his goal of expediting a humanitarian aid route in Gaza and ensuring the safe return of British citizens trapped there. His regional itinerary included meetings with various leaders, although specific details remained undisclosed. During his visit to Tel Aviv on Wednesday, President Biden reiterated strong support for Israel's actions against Hamas, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding Gaza's civilian population. He also announced a $100 million aid package for Gaza and the West Bank, contributing to international efforts to address the situation

UK councils amassed nearly ₹20,000 crore in revenue during 2022-23 from parking fees, permits, fines, and car park rents, with London councils leading the way. The exorbitant charges, up to £6 per hour, have sparked outrage among drivers, prompting many to switch to public transportation. Hammersmith, Fulham, Kensington, and Chelsea councils in West London raked in £41 million in profits alone. The figures, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, do not include earnings from clean air zones and low-traffic neighborhoods. Frustrated residents highlighted the financial burden, emphasizing the impact on their daily lives.

British PM Rishi Sunak landed in Israel on Thursday, a day after US President Joe Biden visited, to offer condolences and warn against escalation. Sunak's visit is part of diplomatic efforts to contain the crisis since Hamas' attack on Israel. He tweeted he stands with Israel against terrorism's evil. This comes as Australia accused Israel of collectively punishing Palestinians in the Gaza war sparked by Hamas attacks. On Wednesday, the White House said the Gaza hospital blast appeared to be from an errant Palestinian rocket, not Israeli forces. With tensions spiraling, world leaders are converging to restrain further violence amid the Gaza humanitarian crisis.

Another Hindu woman Rajeeta Meghwar Kolhi has become a victim of Pakistan's endless cycle of kidnappings and forced conversions of minority women. Rajeeta managed to escape her abductor after being kidnapped 2 months ago but Pakistan's courts ignored her pleas to be reunited with parents. Activists highlighted double standards as Muslim girls can choose to return to parents unlike Rajeeta who was sent to a shelter. Cricketer Danish Kaneria slammed Pakistan's courts for failing to deliver justice to abducted Hindu girls. Rajeeta's case underscores the human rights crisis as hundreds of minority women face forced conversions annually. Despite global criticism, Pakistan's legal system continues to enable such religious persecution.

Russia dispatched 27 tonnes of humanitarian aid for Gaza via a special plane from Moscow to El-Arish, Egypt, where it will be handed over to the Egyptian Red Crescent for distribution. Deputy Minister Ilya Denisov stated that the aid includes essential supplies like wheat, sugar, rice, and pasta. This effort aligns with US President Joe Biden's recent deal, enabling limited trucks to enter Gaza through the Rafah crossing from Egypt. The aid comes as a crucial lifeline for Gaza's one million displaced residents amid escalating Israeli air strikes.

Israel's Ambassador to India, Naor Gilon, expressed gratitude for India's solidarity and stated that Israel would welcome any assistance from India in securing the release of over 200 hostages held by Hamas. Gilon emphasized the need for global pressure on Hamas and highlighted India's influential position. Meanwhile, Israel agreed to limited humanitarian aid to Gaza, brokered by US President Joe Biden, aiming to provide relief amid the conflict. Gilon also claimed Hamas fears Israeli Defense Forces, and the recent hospital blast in Gaza was allegedly caused by Palestinian Islamic Jihad's rocket.

Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed a commitment to enhancing cooperation with Egypt to bring stability to the Middle East amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. During a meeting with Egypt's Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli in Beijing, Xi emphasized the need for joint efforts in the face of profound global changes. Egypt, which had mostly closed its border with Gaza, announced the sustainable passage of humanitarian aid through the Rafah crossing. The strengthened ties between China and Egypt were highlighted, with Egypt set to join the BRICS group of emerging economies, injecting new impetus into their cooperation.

In the wake of a fatal blast at a Gaza hospital, President Biden's talks with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu have led to an agreement allowing approximately 20 trucks of humanitarian aid into Gaza via Egypt's Rafah crossing. Israel agreed under the condition that Hamas doesn't divert aid. The supplies, overseen by the UN, include vital resources like food and medicine, set to reach Gaza by Friday. Despite this, aid organizations warn it might not meet the urgent needs of Gaza's 2.3 million residents. Fears of regional escalation persist, with UK Prime Minister Sunak advocating for increased aid access during his visit.

In an unprecedented protest at the US Capitol, pro-Palestinian demonstrators demanded an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Nearly 300 protesters were arrested as they chanted "ceasefire now," including members from Jewish organizations. Access to the Capitol complex was temporarily restricted, with police advising the use of underground tunnels. Preemptive security measures were in place, with bike-rack fencing erected. The protest followed the tragic Gaza hospital blast, sparking global demonstrations. The situation is now under control, but tensions persist amidst the ongoing conflict, with casualties on both sides exceeding thousands.