US President Donald Trump has urged all sides in the Gaza conflict to “move fast” as key peace talks begin in Egypt. The talks involve mediators from the US, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, and aim to reach a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. Hamas has agreed to parts of Trump’s 20-point peace plan, including releasing hostages and handing Gaza’s control to Palestinian technocrats. However, fighting continues in Gaza, with Israeli air strikes killing 65 people in the past 24 hours. Trump said the first phase of the deal could be completed this week, calling time “critical.” (PC: BBC)

US President Donald Trump said he believes the hostages in Gaza will be freed “very soon” as peace talks begin in Egypt. Hamas has accepted parts of a 20-point US peace plan, including releasing hostages and allowing Palestinian technocrats to govern Gaza. However, it has not agreed to disarm. Israeli strikes in Gaza continued, with 65 more deaths reported. Trump said the deal would benefit Israel and the Arab world. Israeli and Hamas delegations are set to meet separately with mediators from the US, Qatar, and Egypt to discuss a ceasefire and hostage release. (PC: BBC)

At least five people were killed after Russia launched over 50 missiles and 500 drones across Ukraine on Sunday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. The strikes hit several regions, including Lviv, Zaporizhzhia, and Chernihiv, damaging energy facilities and leaving thousands without power. Four people died in Lviv and one in Zaporizhzhia. Poland scrambled fighter jets to protect its airspace during the attacks. Zelenskyy urged the US and Europe to speed up air defence aid, calling for stronger protection against “aerial terror.” Russia has not commented on the strikes, which come as winter nears and power cuts worsen. (PC: AP)

Crucial peace talks between Hamas and Israel will begin in Egypt on Monday, aiming to end the Gaza war. The US and Israel are pushing for the quick release of hostages under a 20-point peace plan. Hamas has agreed to some parts of the plan but wants more discussions. Israeli air strikes continued in Gaza on Sunday, killing at least 65 people, despite US calls to stop bombing. Leaders from Egypt, the US, and Qatar will attend the talks. The discussions are seen as a major chance to reach a ceasefire after nearly two years of conflict. (PC: Reuters)

Former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez was arrested at a hospital in Indianapolis after being stabbed in a downtown incident. Police said Sanchez faces three charges — battery, unlawful entry of a vehicle, and public intoxication. The stabbing happened near Senate Avenue and West Washington Street around 12:30 a.m. on October 4. Locals expressed shock over the incident. Sanchez, now a Fox Sports commentator, was in the city for Sunday’s Colts vs. Raiders game. He retired from the NFL in 2019 and is married to actress Perry Mattfeld. (PC: AP)

Five people, including a 15-year-old girl, were killed after Russia launched more than 50 missiles and 500 drones across Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky said. The strikes hit several regions, including Lviv, Zaporizhzhia, Chernihiv, and Sumy, leaving over 73,000 people without electricity. Four members of one family died in Lapaivka near Lviv. Poland scrambled fighter jets as missiles neared its airspace, and NATO aircraft were also deployed. Zelensky urged faster air defense support, saying, “We need more protection.” Ukraine’s energy ministry confirmed power plant damage, and emergency outages were reported as winter nears. (PC: BBC)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed optimism that the release of all hostages held in Gaza will be announced in the coming days. This statement comes as Israel continues to negotiate with Hamas following a significant hostage crisis that has seen citizens of multiple nations taken. The hostages' release is seen as a crucial step toward easing tensions in the region, although the specifics of the negotiations remain unclear. Netanyahu’s comments offer a glimmer of hope for the families awaiting the return of their loved ones. (PC: Reuters)  

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg has alleged severe mistreatment by Israeli forces following her arrest during the Gaza aid flotilla mission. She claimed she was dragged, beaten, and forced to hold and kiss the Israeli flag, then detained in a bedbug-infested cell without adequate food or water. The flotilla, carrying over 400 international activists, was intercepted while attempting to reach Gaza. Israel has denied all abuse allegations, insisting detainees received proper treatment, food, and medical care in accordance with international standards.    

The United Kingdom’s Carrier Strike Group, led by aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, began Exercise Konkan with the Indian Navy in the Western Indian Ocean on October 5. The four-day drill includes ships, submarines, and aircraft from both nations. For the first time, British and Indian carrier groups — HMS Prince of Wales and INS Vikrant — are training together. The exercise aims to build strong defence cooperation and improve sea and air operations. After the drill, UK ships will visit Mumbai and Goa to celebrate closer military ties and showcase the growing UK-India partnership.

Sanae Takaichi has made history by becoming the first woman to lead Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). A former Economic Security Minister and a staunch conservative, Takaichi secured the LDP presidency by defeating Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi in a runoff vote. Her victory positions her to become Japan’s first female prime minister, as the LDP holds a majority in the lower house of parliament. Takaichi is known for her hawkish stance on China and her admiration for former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. She is also a regular visitor to the Yasukuni Shrine, a site associated with Japan's wartime militarism, which has drawn criticism from neighboring countries. Her leadership marks a significant shift in Japan's political landscape, highlighting the increasing influence of women in Japanese politics. (PC: AP)