Senior Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh has appealed to Pakistan for assistance in the prolonged Israel-Hamas war during a dialogue in Islamabad. Haniyeh praised Pakistan as "brave" and expressed hope that its support could curb Israel's alleged atrocities. He accused Israel of violating international terms and criticized nations maintaining diplomatic ties with Israel. Haniyeh emphasized Palestinians' expectations from Pakistan, labeling Jews as the "biggest enemies" of Muslims. As the conflict reaches its two-month mark, international leaders urge a Gaza ceasefire, while Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu rejects talks, vowing to eliminate Hamas.

The fourth Republican Presidential Debate, hosted by News Nation in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, witnessed a dynamic face-off. Indian-American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy emerged as a central figure, leading in speaking time alongside Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley faced tough criticism for her corporate affiliations, with opponents questioning her track record. A heated exchange between Ramaswamy and Chris Christie unfolded over Ukraine war positions. The debate also delved into topics like sending US troops to Gaza, with Christie challenging opponents on their reluctance to discuss former President Donald Trump. Ramaswamy's assertive performance showcased the intensifying competition within the Republican field.              

Amid Israel's 60-day offensive in Gaza, the focus has shifted to Khan Younis as Israeli forces target it as Hamas's stronghold. The southern city, home to about 400,000 people, is now depicted as the key center for Hamas's leadership, including Yahya Sinwar and Mohammed Deif. The IDF aims to catch or eliminate senior Hamas figures, expanding operations in the south. Despite extensive destruction, the top leadership remains elusive. The intensified assault raises concerns for civilians, with evacuation orders shrinking safe areas. The conflict continues to inflict pain and fear, prompting UN warnings about the lack of safety in Gaza.

The British government's plan to deport some asylum seekers to Rwanda suffered a major setback Wednesday when immigration minister Robert Jenrick resigned from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's cabinet. Jenrick quit over an emergency bill introduced by Sunak to overcome a Supreme Court ruling that blocked earlier deportation attempts. The new legislation aims to give ministers power to ignore human rights laws and European court injunctions to pave the way for deportation flights expected next spring. But Jenrick said the bill doesn't go far enough, while others warned it could face more legal fights. The controversial policy is a centerpiece of Sunak's approach to deterring a surge in migrants crossing the English Channel.

Families escorted out of the Covid-19 Inquiry dismissed Boris Johnson's apology, describing it as a "slap in the face" amidst the Partygate scandal. During the inquiry, Johnson admitted to "inevitable" mistakes and stated "Can I just say how glad I am to be at this inquiry and how sorry I am for the pain and the loss and the suffering of the Covid victims," before he was cut short by disruptions from bereaved individuals. Kathryn Butcher, whose sister-in-law died in March 2020, rejected the apology, stating, "It's been insult after insult. I didn't want an apology, it's meaningless." Johnson faces a two-day grilling defending government decisions and addressing allegations of prioritizing economic concerns over tough restrictions. Butcher asserted "The behaviour of the government since the start of this pandemic, despite making mistake after mistake after mistake, just continued, and then we get slapped in the face with Partygate." 

In an exceptional step, UN Secretary-General Guterres invoked Article 99 to compel the Security Council to address Gaza ceasefire demands. The UN chief wrote on X: "I've just invoked Art.99 of the UN Charter - for the 1st time in my tenure as Secretary-General. Facing a severe risk of collapse of the humanitarian system in Gaza, I urge the Council to help avert a humanitarian catastrophe & appeal for a humanitarian ceasefire to be declared." UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric revealed Guterres activated the rarely used UN Charter provision given the "scale of loss of human life" enabling him to flag "any matter threatening international peace." Describing it a “dramatic constitutional move”, Dujarric expressed hopes to spur ceasefire pressure internationally, calling it "arguably the most important invocation" and the chief's "most powerful tool”. Meanwhile, Hamas leaders asserted “no negotiations” without Israeli offensive halting even as 16,248 Palestinians and around 1,200 Israelis have died in the war since October 7.

Suella Braverman, recently sacked as Home Secretary, told PM Rishi Sunak that the Conservative Party faces "electoral oblivion" if he does not urgently tackle illegal immigration. In her first Commons speech since being fired, Braverman demanded that Sunak enforce controversial plans to deport illegal migrants to Rwanda. She warned that migrant numbers are overwhelming public services and endangering national security. Braverman admitted she may have used insensitive language in the past but said she refuses to stand by while the government fails to control borders. She claimed human rights laws have obstructed the Rwanda policy from starting and insisted any new legislation must enable deportation flights before the next election. Braverman told Sunak it is "now or never" for the Tories to curb immigration or face extinction at the hands of voters.

In a heated meeting, families of Israelis held by Hamas confronted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of deception and intensifying calls for his resignation. The emotionally charged gathering witnessed chaos as returned hostages recounted alleged mental and physical abuse. Reuven Yablonka, whose son remains captive, described the scene, saying, "There was chaos and yelling; they shouted that they want all the hostages to come home." Leaked audio featured Netanyahu explaining the challenges of simultaneous releases, stating, "If there was a chance to bring them all in one fell swoop, do you think anyone here would object?" Concerns arose over tactics potentially endangering hostages, with one woman challenging Netanyahu, "You prioritize politics over the hostages." Families expressed frustration, with Dani Miran calling the government's handling a "farce" and adding to the mounting pressure on Netanyahu to step down.

Saudi Arabia has reportedly urged the United States to exercise restraint in responding to Yemen's Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea amid escalating tensions. The Houthis, aligning with Iran, target ships and attack Israel, further complicating the regional conflict. Riyadh seeks to prevent further escalation, with sources indicating satisfaction with the US handling so far. As Houthi attacks threaten vital shipping lanes, including those crucial for oil transport, Saudi Arabia's plea aligns with its efforts for stability. The situation unfolds against the backdrop of broader regional dynamics, with Saudi Arabia navigating peace talks in Yemen amid the Hamas-Israel war.

Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson expressed remorse for the "pain and loss" caused by the Covid-19 pandemic during a public inquiry. Facing criticism for alleged indecisiveness, Johnson acknowledged "unquestionable" mistakes and took personal responsibility. Protesters disrupted his testimony, but he continued, stating, "Inevitably we got some things wrong." Johnson emphasized decisions aimed at saving lives and preventing healthcare overload. With nearly 130,000 UK Covid deaths, he defended actions, claiming success in preventing NHS overwhelm. The inquiry probes his pandemic handling, scrutinizing timing, understanding of advice, and critiques from former aides Cummings and Cain.