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.

In twin Israeli strikes on the Jabalia refugee camp, over 80 people were killed, with at least 50 casualties in an attack on the UN-run Al-Fakhura school. UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths denounced the tragedy, emphasizing that shelters and schools should be places of safety and learning. The school housed thousands of displaced Palestinians. Videos verified by AFP depicted a grim scene with bodies covered in blood, raising concerns about civilian safety. The Israeli army, while not specifically commenting on the strikes, stated its intention to expand operations targeting terrorists and Hamas infrastructure in Gaza.

In a compassionate initiative led by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the first plane carrying 15 individuals, including children in critical need of medical aid, arrived in Abu Dhabi. Departing from El Arish Int'l Airport in Egypt, the mission aims to provide medical treatment for 1,000 Palestinian children from Gaza. UAE's hospitals stand ready to offer comprehensive care, emphasizing international standards. Sheikh Mohamed previously allocated a $20 million humanitarian aid package and established a field hospital in Gaza. The UAE's ongoing efforts include dispatching 51 planes with 1,400 tonnes of supplies to support relief in coordination with international organizations.

The APEC summit concludes with Pacific Rim leaders supporting World Trade Organization (WTO) reform but revealing divisions on conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. The joint communique of the 21 economies, including Russia, China, the US, and Australia, doesn't mention the conflicts, focusing on trade. The summit highlighted the Biden-Xi meeting, aiming to ease US-China tensions. Apec, centered on trade, faced challenges as Biden's push for regional cooperation met trade obstacles. Disagreements emerged on addressing geopolitical issues, with Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia supporting messages from the Arab-Islamic summit on Gaza. No accord on Russia's invasion of Ukraine, but condemnation expressed.

Israeli forces on Saturday demanded the evacuation of Gaza's al-Shifa hospital "within one hour," AFP reported. Loudspeaker announcements instructed all 2,300 patients, staff and civilians sheltering inside to immediately depart the premises on foot, according to witnesses. Al-Shifa, Gaza's largest hospital, has been an area of focus for Israeli troops who believe Hamas militants are operating underground. The facility houses thousands of patients and displaced Palestinians amid dire shortages caused by the ongoing conflict. Hospital administrators said evacuating extremely ill patients is impossible. The evacuation order comes as fighting enters a seventh brutal week.

A magnitude 6.7 earthquake off Mindanao island, Philippines, has claimed at least six lives. In General Santos City, three people died, including a couple crushed by a collapsing concrete wall and another woman in a mall. In Sarangani province, two fatalities are confirmed, with two missing due to a landslide. Davao Occidental province reported a 78-year-old man crushed by a rock. Despite power restoration and passable roads, the earthquake highlights the region's vulnerability within the Pacific "Ring of Fire," prone to volcanic activity and earthquakes.

Pope Francis will separately meet next week with relatives of hostages held by Hamas and a delegation of Palestinians with family in Gaza, the Vatican confirmed on Friday. The meetings on Wednesday are "exclusively humanitarian" to show the Pope's spiritual closeness to suffering on both sides, said Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni. Earlier reports said 12 relatives of Israeli hostages will meet the Pope before his general audience. The Palestinian meeting is seen as a humanitarian gesture by the Pope to hear grievances from both sides.The humanitarian meetings come amid ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas.

UN aid deliveries to Gaza were suspended again due to fuel shortages and communication blackouts, exacerbating hunger and homelessness amidst Israel's ongoing offensive. The UN warned of imminent starvation without supplies. Israel continues strikes in northern Gaza, taking control of an Islamic Jihad commander's base and killing Hamas fighters at a school housing weapons. Israel also found a Hamas tunnel under Al Shifa hospital, a hub overflowing with patients that Israel accuses Hamas of using as a shield and base. At least 18 Palestinians were reportedly killed by an Israeli strike on a refugee camp. Israel has not commented on the incidents. The war is nearing 7 weeks with no ceasefire in sight despite international calls.

  In a widely shared video, Secretary of US tate Antony Blinken visibly winces and shakes his head after President Joe Biden referred to Chinese President Xi Jinping as a "dictator" following their four-hour meeting on November 15. Blinken's discomfort is evident as Biden reaffirms his stance, calling Xi a "dictator" due to his role in leading a communist country. The incident occurred as the US and China aim to address their differences. The meeting covered various issues, fostering open communication despite underlying tensions between the two nations. The encounter reflects the ongoing challenges in US-China relations.

King Charles III marked his 75th birthday with a special reception at Buckingham Palace, honoring Indian nurses and international medics contributing to the UK's National Health Service (NHS). Approximately 400 nurses from India, the Philippines, and other nations attended, emphasizing their significant role in the UK's healthcare sector. The monarch, working through his birthday, expressed appreciation for their contributions, receiving a rendition of 'Happy Birthday' and a birthday card. The event showcased the deep links between the UK and India, with newly appointed Health Secretary Victoria Atkins expressing gratitude and anticipating closer ties during her prospective visit to India. (Picture courtesy: @RoyalFamily/X)