Israel released a video on Sunday allegedly showing a Hamas tunnel under Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, a frequent target in its 7-week war. Israel's military said engineers found a 55-meter tunnel 10 meters deep leading to a blast-proof door used "to block Israeli forces." Though Hamas admits to having many tunnels, it denies placing them at civilian sites like hospitals. The tunnel's purpose beyond the door, remains unclear. Israel says the shaft was found in a hospital shed containing munitions. Amid its bombardment of Gaza, Israel pointed to the video as justification while Hamas still rejected claims it hides military tunnels in civilian infrastructure.

In response to escalating violence, the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, in coordination with UN agencies including the WHO, successfully evacuated 31 premature babies from Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza. The hospital, labeled a "death zone" by the WHO, has been a focal point in Israeli operations. Gaza health authorities report over 12,000 deaths, including 5,000 children, as Israel continues its campaign. Despite WHO's call for immediate evacuation, 291 patients and 25 health workers remain at Al-Shifa. Eight babies have died since November 11 due to electricity shortages. The crisis deepens as Gaza faces ongoing humanitarian challenges.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US officials reject reports of a ceasefire deal with Hamas, contradicting The Washington Post's claims. The proposed five-day pause aims to release over 50 hostages taken by Hamas during the conflict. Netanyahu denies any existing deal but emphasizes the priority of hostage release. Amid intensifying ground operations, Israel enters the "next stage" in the six-week war, focusing on southern Gaza. The White House dismisses the alleged agreement, stating no deal is confirmed. Qatar, a key mediator, suggests minor logistical hurdles remain, signaling potential progress in ceasefire talks.

During his Angelus prayer, Pope Francis reiterated his plea for peace in Ukraine and the Middle East, emphasizing the importance of sustained efforts to end ongoing conflicts. Addressing the crowds in St. Peter's Square, he specifically prayed for the troubled populations of Ukraine and the people in Palestine and Israel. Noting the presence of Ukrainian flags, the Pope asserted that peace is attainable with good will, rejecting resignation in the face of war. He condemned war as a profit source for weapon manufacturers and called for collective efforts towards a world free from conflict.

Qatar's Prime Minister suggests that the Israel-Hamas hostage deal faces only "minor" challenges related to practical issues, expressing confidence in reaching an agreement. Qatar has been mediating talks resulting in the release of four hostages so far. Israel, in response to the October 7 attacks, has vowed to dismantle Hamas. The U.S. is actively involved in brokering a potential deal, refuting rumors of a significant breakthrough. The situation remains tense as Israel insists on a complete captive release before a ceasefire. The negotiations, marked by ups and downs, focus on logistical hurdles, bringing hope for the safe return of hostages.

Amid Israeli airstrikes in northern Gaza, a UN team, coordinated with the IDF, risked their lives to assess Al-Shifa Hospital's dire situation. The World Health Organization (WHO) disclosed a "desperate" scene, branding the hospital a "death zone." Shelling signs and a mass grave with over 80 buried people were evident. Al-Shifa, crippled by shortages, redirects patients to the overwhelmed Indonesian Hospital. With 25 health workers and 291 patients, WHO calls for an immediate ceasefire. Plans for evacuating patients and staff are underway, emphasizing the urgency of humanitarian assistance in the conflict-stricken region.

Despite conflicting reports, the White House stated on Saturday night that no deal has been confirmed for a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Earlier, The Washington Post suggested a Qatari-brokered agreement, proposing a five-day truce in exchange for hostages. A spokesperson emphasized continuous efforts to secure a resolution. Israel, adamant on dismantling Hamas after the October 7 attacks, is preparing to escalate its offensive. In Gaza, authorities raised the death toll to 12,300, including 5,000 children. As air strikes target militants and civilian casualties are reported, international mediation persists in the seventh week of the conflict.

In an overnight assault, Russian drones targeted Ukraine's infrastructure, resulting in power outages in over 400 towns. President Zelenskiy commended the air force for downing 29 Iranian-made Shahed drones. Despite the energy ministry ensuring adequate electricity, 1,550 consumers were affected. Zelenskiy acknowledged the crucial role of accuracy in defense but warned of heightened Russian strikes as winter approaches. Last winter saw extensive damage, leaving millions without essential services. An oil refinery in Odesa and infrastructure in Chernihiv were hit, with one civilian wounded. The nation braces for potential winter attacks on energy infrastructure. [ Representative image ]

In a potential breakthrough, the United States, Israel, and Hamas have reportedly reached a tentative agreement to temporarily halt hostilities and secure the release of dozens of hostages, including women and children, in Gaza. According to the Washington Post, the detailed six-page deal outlines a five-day ceasefire during which initial releases of hostages would occur every 24 hours. The pause aims to facilitate humanitarian aid and will be closely monitored by overhead surveillance. As anticipation builds, there is no immediate response from the White House or the Israeli prime minister's office.

Fifteen UK government departments have allegedly been monitoring potential critics on social media and compiling "secret files" to prevent them from speaking at public events. Under the guidelines issued to government departments like education, health, culture, media and sport, environment, food, and rural affairs, officials are advised to check experts’ Twitter, Facebook, and Google to identify critics in the past 3-5 years. Human rights lawyers have slammed the "dangerous" monitoring uncovered by the Observer. The revelations are seen as embarrassing for the Conservative government which champions free speech and criticized universities for allowing students to “no platform” experts with whom they disagree.