At least three people were killed and eight wounded when two Palestinian attackers fired on civilians at a crowded Jerusalem bus stop on Thursday before being shot dead. The militants arrived in a car armed with rifles and a handgun, rushing out to open fire as terrified people fled. Security footage showed soldiers and a civilian stopping the vehicle moments prior. The deadly incident occurred soon after Israel and Hamas agreed to further extend the Gaza truce for more hostage releases and aid passage. Earlier conflicting reports emerged over proposals to enable the truce extension. But Israel then confirmed Hamas provided an adherent hostage list shortly before the initial deadline expired. The peace remained precarious amid violence like the bus stop assault in Jerusalem.

Russia's Supreme Court ruled that the LGBT social movement is now considered extremist, amplifying restrictions on sexual orientation and gender identity. Activists fear arrests and prosecutions as the government intensifies its crackdown on expressions of non-traditional sexuality. President Putin, known for championing traditional values, aligns the move with safeguarding Russia's morals against Western influence. The decision, following a justice ministry request, threatens to drive vital support for LGBT individuals underground. More than 100 groups are already banned as "extremist" in Russia, marking a concerning trend of limiting dissent and diversity.

Elon Musk responds defiantly as advertisers abandon his social media platform X over an antisemitic content uproar. Musk apologizes for endorsing an anti-Jewish post, acknowledging it as one of his gravest mistakes. Denying antisemitism allegations, he rebuffs departing advertisers, telling them to "go f*** yourself" and rejecting potential blackmail attempts. The Tesla CEO faced criticism and major ad suspensions, including from Walt Disney, drawing condemnation from the White House. In Israel, Musk emphasized his opposition to hate speech while touring the site of a recent assault. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commends Musk's commitment to a better future, he stated "The fact that you came here speaks volumes of your commitment to try to secure a better future," during their conversation.

Israel and Hamas extend their truce for a seventh day, minutes before expiration. Mediation with Qatar facilitates the release of hostages, with 102 Israelis and 210 Palestinians freed. The temporary ceasefire, initially four days, has been prolonged twice. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken applauds the positive developments, emphasizing the need for continued humanitarian assistance. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres welcomes the truce extension but calls for a "true humanitarian ceasefire" amid Gaza's "epic humanitarian catastrophe." Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterates plans to resume war post-truce. The UN estimates over 1.8 million displaced in Gaza over the past seven weeks.

As migration levels hit record highs, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak strongly defended skilled migration in a speech to business leaders, praising the UK's "most competitive visa regime" for attracting top global talent. However, he faces pressure within his Conservative Party to curb migration, with former Home Secretary Suella Braverman allegedly having agreed to crackdowns when Sunak took office. Sunak singled out visas like the High Potential Individual route as making the UK the world's most appealing destination for innovation and growth. His remarks indicate determination to confront anti-immigration factions in his party as migration emerges as a dominant issue before elections.

The Israel-Hamas truce in Gaza is set to expire on Thursday after Hamas alleged Israel rejected its offer to extend the pause in return for releasing 7 more Israeli women and children hostages. The 4-day truce was already extended by 2 days on Wednesday which saw 16 hostages freed including 10 Israelis. In total, about 97 captives have been released since the start of the truce though 145 still remain per Israel. With the truce ending despite international calls for an extension, the 7-week Israel-Hamas war would resume in Gaza bringing back violence. Hamas said the 7 names it presented were the only Israeli women and kids left, along with 3 bodies, but Israel apparently turned down the offer leaving the temporary peace set to unravel.

Henry Kissinger, former U.S. Secretary of State and 1973 Nobel Peace laureate, has died at age 100. As Secretary of State under Nixon and Ford, Kissinger left an enduring imprint on American diplomacy through his role in historic events like China opening up, U.S.-Soviet arms control, Arab-Israeli ties and Vietnam peace agreement. Hailed for brilliance by some and decried as a war criminal by others, Kissinger remained influential in policy circles though his global travels were later constrained. Even in advanced age, he met world leaders, published a book and testified in Senate till July 2023. Despite a controversial Nobel, Kissinger was considered a transformative albeit divisive figure.

The Taliban-appointed Deputy Political Minister of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai has said the country's consulates in Mumbai and Hyderabad have reopened, dismissing claims of embassy closure in India. In an interview, he said Afghan missions are in contact with the Taliban government and functioning. This counters the Afghan Embassy's recent statements declaring permanent closure from November 23 due to Indian government challenges. Earlier in September, the Embassy had stopped operations hoping India's stance would change. However, India hasn't recognized the Taliban regime and the Embassy was run by previous Ghani government staff. MEA has not commented on the issue which remains ambiguous.

Yocheved Lifshitz, an 85-year-old Israeli woman recently freed after being kidnapped by Hamas, courageously confronted the group's leader, Yahya Sinwar. Lifshitz, a dedicated peace activist, questioned Sinwar on the violent treatment of advocates for peace. She recounted the encounter, stating, "I asked him how he is not ashamed to do such a thing to people who all these years have supported peace. He didn't answer. He was silent." Despite the harrowing ordeal, Lifshitz acknowledged humane treatment during her two-week captivity, shaking hands with a masked captor upon release. The incident highlights the complex dynamics in the ongoing conflict.

Hamas declares the heartbreaking death of 10-month-old Kfir Bibas, his 4-year-old brother Ariel, and their mother Shiri Bibas in a past Israeli bombardment in Gaza. The group alleges their demise, while Israel verifies the claim. Kfir's extended family had fervently appealed for their release after reports of them being handed over to another Palestinian militant group. Hamas had initially captured the family during an October 7 attack, and Kfir's abduction symbolized the brutality that triggered a subsequent Israeli military offensive. Tel Aviv witnesses gatherings demanding justice and the family's release.