The Israel Defense Forces said it discovered "dozens of weapons and military devices" in underwater searches by its navy off Gaza. The IDF said the Hamas weapons found included explosive devices, belts, ammunition, boats, and more. The report is unverified. In Gaza, a UN minute of silence honored 101 staff killed in the conflict. A Hamas health ministry spokesman said an Israeli tank has reached the al-Shifa hospital gate as fighting intensifies nearby. Israel alleges a Hamas base under the hospital, which Hamas denies. With the hospital lacking fuel, 32 patients have died in 3 days, Hamas health officials said. Israel claimed to have left 300 liters of fuel near the hospital, but Hamas refused it. As conflict rages, Israel cites a weapons haul while Gaza hospitals continue to struggle.

The Hamas terror group had more ambitious plans beyond its October 7 onslaught, seeking to spark a broader war, a Washington Post report says. Officials found maps suggesting Hamas wanted to reach the West Bank and larger Israeli cities with the brutal incursion. Terrorists had supplies for deeper, days-long attacks. "They planned a second phase, including in major Israeli cities," an Israeli official said. The findings also shed new light on the tactics and methods used by Hamas to deceive Israel’s vaunted intelligence establishment and thwart initial efforts by the Israel Defense Forces to stop the attack. The goal was a symbolic blow against Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Hamas murdered 1,200 civilians on October 7 and abducted 240. But its plans for havoc went further, aiming to unleash chaos deep inside Israel. [Image Courtesy: Reuters]

Roads are closed and public transport disrupted in Northern Ireland as Storm Debi made landfall. Police urged people to avoid travel. Amber and yellow alerts are in place for wind and rain. About 3,000 homes lost power, mainly in Craigavon, Newry and Downpatrick. In the Republic of Ireland, 100,000 homes and businesses have no power as Debi peaks. Roads are shut in Ballymena due to fallen trees, and a landslip occurred on the A2 in Glenarm. Translink said Lisburn bus station is closed with delays on buses and trains. The Met Office warns of flooding risks just weeks after previous storm flooding. Northern Ireland is being hammered by Storm Debi with widespread power outages, road closures, and transportation disruption.

In a historic and unexpected move, former British Prime Minister David Cameron has been appointed Foreign Secretary by PM Rishi Sunak. Cameron, who resigned as an MP in 2016, has been made a life peer by the King to enable his dramatic Cabinet comeback. Downing Street announced Cameron's surprise return to frontline politics, despite not currently being an elected politician. It is only the second time since WWII that an ex-PM has come back to government. Ministers typically require Lords membership for accountability. Cameron was spotted entering No 10 as the reshuffle began. His appointment as Foreign Sec represents a remarkable political revival for the former Conservative leader.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has appointed James Cleverly as the new Home Secretary, sacking Suella Braverman as part of a cabinet reshuffle. Cleverly's appointment comes two days before a Supreme Court ruling on the Rwanda deportation policy Braverman championed. This summer, Cleverly had publicly appealed to remain as Foreign Secretary. The reshuffle is seen as Sunak's attempt to reset his premiership after criticism he was not "bold enough" since becoming PM. Braverman's exit follows a rocky tenure as Home Secretary. The shake-up comes just days before the autumn budget statement. Sunak has moved swiftly to put his stamp on government, installing ally James Cleverly at the Home Office after firing Suella Braverman.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has fired Home Secretary Suella Braverman from his cabinet after she penned an unauthorized article in the Times newspaper criticizing police handling of recent protests. In the inflammatory article, Braverman claimed there was a "perception" that police officers favored left-wing protesters over right-wing groups. Her comments were blamed for stoking tensions amid clashes between protesters and police during Armistice Day events over the weekend. This is the second time in less than a year that Braverman has been forced to resign from her position as Home Secretary under a Conservative government. Her dismissal is expected to be part of a wider reshuffle of Sunak's cabinet team.

Speculation rises over a potential cabinet reshuffle by UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, with discussions already underway regarding the possible removal of Home Secretary Suella Braverman. Braverman faces scrutiny for an article accusing the Metropolitan Police of double standards in policing protests. While Sunak expressed confidence in her, Labour urges her dismissal, and Downing Street investigates how the article was published against edits. The situation intensifies as Braverman doubles down on calls for action against pro-Palestine protests, sparking debates on her impact on escalating tensions.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasizes the importance of military pressure in the mission to bring back Israeli civilians held by Hamas during a meeting with affected families. Gallant commits to exploring all avenues, either through operations or agreements, and states that only military pressure will advance their goal. Meanwhile, the Gaza side reports over 11,000 casualties, including thousands of children, in the ongoing conflict. The defense establishment remains focused on defeating Hamas and securing the release of hostages, with no specified timeframe for the ongoing conflict.

Storm Debi unleashes chaos in Ireland, leaving almost 60,000 homes powerless as gusts reach 130km/h. A Status Red wind warning continues for eight counties, including Dublin and Wicklow, extending the alert to 9 am. Structural damage, falling trees, and power outages are expected, prompting school closures until 10 am. Met Éireann urges caution, emphasizing potential danger to life. Storm's impact felt nationwide, disrupting transportation, causing flight cancellations, and posing hazardous road conditions. Authorities advise staying indoors during the "short sharp storm." The UK Met Office issues warnings for Northern Ireland, anticipating flooding and travel disruptions. [ photo courtesy: zoom_earth/X ]          

New York City glowed with Diwali fervor as the iconic Empire State Building lit up in vibrant orange, celebrating the festival of lights. Mayor Eric Adams and Deputy Commissioner Dilip Chauhan joined the Hindu community at the Bhakti Center, emphasizing the cultural significance of Diwali. The Federation of Indian Associations partnered with the Empire State Building, creating a breathtaking display. Mayor Adams, who declared Diwali a school holiday in June, encouraged the global spread of light. Over 1500 people gathered for a joyous Diwali celebration at the Bhakti Center, marking a historic moment in New York's recognition of the festival.