The Israel Defense Forces revealed a reinforced tunnel, including living quarters, beneath Gaza's Al Shifa Hospital, branding it a Hamas 'terror complex.' Israeli officials allege Hamas used the hospital for weapons storage and command centers, claims contested by medical staff and Palestinians. The two-meter-high tunnel, accessed through the hospital grounds, was showcased with drone footage, emphasizing accusations of Hamas employing hospitals as shields. The military displayed seized weapons outside Al Shifa. Amid international criticism, Israel's Gaza campaign faces scrutiny with medical officials reporting around 13,000 deaths in the strip. The hospital has been a focal point in the conflict, with Israel stating 1,200 casualties since Hamas' October attack.

In a press conference held on November 22, Israel's PM Benjamin Netanyahu declared that he has instructed the Mossad to act against the heads of Hamas wherever they are. This decision follows reports that Hamas leaders Ismail Haniyeh and Khaled Mashaal anticipate continuing their rule in Gaza post-war. Netanyahu emphasized that there is no truce obligation regarding targeting Hamas chiefs, even those abroad. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant echoed a stern stance, stating that all Hamas leaders are "living on borrowed time." Meanwhile, Israel's national security adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi, announced the delay of the hostage release under the Gaza truce, stating negotiations continue, and the release won't happen before Friday.

The FBI concludes the Rainbow Bridge car crash and explosion near Niagara Falls were not terrorism-related, passing the case to Niagara Falls Police for a traffic investigation. New York Governor Kathy Hochul confirms no evidence of a terrorist attack, stating, "No explosive materials, no terrorism nexus." A speeding vehicle struck a U.S. border checkpoint, exploding and going airborne. The driver and passenger died; one booth agent was injured. Investigation complexities arise due to extensive damage. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas emphasizes the incident's non-terrorism nature. Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau vows thorough inquiry; heightened security measures implemented at border crossings.

The commencement of a short-term Israel-Hamas ceasefire, allowing for the release of hostages and humanitarian aid into Gaza, is postponed until Friday, according to Israel's National Security Council Director Tzachi Hanegbi. The deal, not in jeopardy, aims for Hamas to release 50 hostages over four days, reciprocated by Israel releasing Palestinian prisoners. President Biden anticipates the release of three Americans. If initial phases succeed, more hostages may be released, extending the pause in fighting. Israel insists the war continues until all objectives are met. A center in Doha will monitor hostage transfers, involving the Red Cross.    

Pakistan has formally applied for BRICS membership and is seeking Russia's backing to join the bloc in 2024 when Moscow takes over the presidency. Pakistan's ambassador to Russia expressed hopes of obtaining support from member states, especially Russia. BRICS is set to expand with the addition of six new members in 2023. While China has indicated a favorable position towards Pakistan's inclusion, India has commented only on general expansion plans. Pakistan previously alleged a BRICS member blocked its participation in the group's decisions last year. The next summit will occur in Russia in 2024, where Pakistan hopes agreement can be reached on accepting new partner states.

Explosion at the Rainbow Bridge border crossing between the U.S. and Canada near Niagara Falls killed two people and prompted the closure of all four bridges connecting the countries Wednesday. New York Governor Kathy Hochul said state police and the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force are investigating the vehicle blast, the cause of which remains unclear. U.S. media reported the car exploded after speeding through a checkpoint into a barrier. Canadian PM Justin Trudeau has been briefed as multiple agencies aid the probe. Witnesses described a loud blast and smoke. It's unknown whether the incident was intentional, but authorities are treating it as extremely serious. (Image courtesy: @nicksortor on X)

Hamas has just released a statement on the truce agreement with Israel. Hamas said, "This result is a testament to the persistent and commendable efforts of Qatar and Egypt." The terms of the agreement between Israel and Hamas are as follows: 1) A ceasefire enacted by both parties across Gaza; 2) The intensified entry of trucks carrying humanitarian aid, relief supplies, medical assistance, and fuel to all regions of the Gaza Strip; 3) The release of 50 hostage Israeli women and children below the age of 19, in exchange for the release of 150 Palestinian women and children in Israeli prisons; 4) No Israeli air traffic in the south of Gaza whatsoever for four days; 5) No Israeli air traffic in the north of Gaza for six hours daily, from 10am to 4pm; 6) Freedom of movement for civilians, particularly along Salah al-Din road. "The terms of this agreement were formulated with the vision of serving our people and bolstering their steadfastness in the face of aggression, always mindful of their sacrifices, suffering, and concerns." Meanwhile, the Israel Defence Forces claim to have uncovered and destroyed 400 Hamas tunnels inside Gaza since it launched ground operations after the October 7 attacks that killed more than 1,200 Israelis.

Egypt's state-run Qahera TV has reported the truce between Israel and Hamas to allow the release of some hostages will begin at 10am local time tomorrow (8am UK time). During the exchange, Israel will free 150 Palestinian women and children prisoners held in Israeli jails in return for 50 hostages held by Hamas from their October 7 attack. According to Sky News, Gazans desperately want an enduring ceasefire, not temporary relief from endless war. The 4-day truce and minor aid do little for the war-ravaged population struggling to survive amid a looming ground invasion that edges south. Palestinians hoped to move north to check homes, and relatives and bury loved ones trapped in rubble, but can reportedly only travel south, with Israel controlling and encircling the north while destroying alleged Hamas tunnels. In a voice note to Sky News, Gaza journalist Shadi Abu Ahmed voiced desperation, saying "Israelis will go crazy after the ceasefire. We are terrified." He said, "Every 5 minutes you have an explosion and people dying."

Within Israel's government, splits emerged regarding the 4-day ceasefire Gaza truce deal to allow aid and free captives, a move praised internationally. Hardline National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir voted against it alongside other ministers saying, "The outline is a dangerous precedent, which changes the equation and may bring more events.” However, President Isaac Herzog backed the agreement saying, "The reservations are understandable, painful, and difficult, but given the circumstances I back and support the decision of the Prime Minister and the Government to move forward with the deal to release hostages." Herzog called it "a moral and ethical duty" to pursue prisoner releases through negotiations alongside military operations. Despite ministerial divisions, Israel will free 150 Palestinian women and children prisoners held in Israeli jails in return for 50 hostages held by Hamas. PM Benjamin Netanyahu said the "first hostages should be free within 48 hours" and the truce will extend "for every 10 more hostages released." The Israeli army, however, stated troops continue operating in Gaza, neutralizing a militant tunnel, identifying terrorists, and locating weapons during recent raids. The military also said it directed aircraft to keep striking "terrorist infrastructure" in Gaza. Meanwhile, Pope Francis declared Israel-Hamas violence has gone "beyond wars" into "terrorism", asserting "This is not war. This is terrorism." After talks with bereaved families, Francis said "I heard directly how 'both sides are suffering' in the conflict."

Israel and Hamas announced a deal Wednesday for a four-day ceasefire in Gaza to exchange hostages. Israel will free 150 Palestinian women and children prisoners held in Israeli jails in return for 50 hostages held by Hamas. PM Benjamin Netanyahu said the "first hostages should be free within 48 hours" and the truce will extend "for every 10 more hostages released." Hamas called it a "humanitarian truce" allowing aid entry and prisoner releases. Qatar’s foreign ministry said early on Wednesday that the start time of the deal would be announced in the next 24 hours. US Secretary Antony Blinken hailed "tireless diplomacy" leading to "significant progress". The European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, and UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron urged full implementation so "life-saving aid can reach Gaza." Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Iran’s foreign minister, will make a regional tour following the deal's announcement. Despite the truce deal, Israel's military continues "striking terrorist infrastructure" in Gaza. Al Jazeera reports, “Israeli air raids have intensified during the last couple of hours across the Gaza Strip” and “conditions remain dire”