Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Monday to discuss the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and security issues in West Asia. PM Modi expressed deep concern over the recent terrorist attacks, violence and loss of civilian lives. He reiterated India's longstanding position on the Israel-Palestine issue, emphasizing the need for a two-state solution. The leaders also discussed bilateral cooperation including the Chabahar port project. Last month at the UN, India called for pursuing lasting peace in Palestine while announcing humanitarian aid for Gaza amid the conflict. India has maintained its stance of supporting both Israel and Palestine's causes while urging restraint and dialogue to resolve tensions.

A group of Muslim travelers praying at a Paris airport before flying to Jordan has sparked controversy in secular France. Photos of the prayer at Charles de Gaulle airport circulated online, prompting backlash from politicians and the airport operator. While France allows freedom of religion, public displays in spaces like airports are limited. The airport operator called the incident "regrettable" and said border police were instructed to prohibit this. The controversy comes amid heightened Israel-Hamas tensions. Critics accused the airport of letting its space be used as a mosque against France's secular principles.

Jatinder Singh, a British Sikh summoned for jury service, was barred from entering Birmingham Crown Court due to his kirpan, causing him embarrassment and feelings of discrimination. Despite adhering to guidelines, Singh was denied participation, prompting the Sikh Federation UK to appeal to Justice Minister Alex Chalk. The Ministry of Justice claimed surplus jurors as the reason for his release. The Courts and Tribunals Service apologized and reinforced security protocols. The incident has sparked outrage, highlighting the need for cultural understanding and respect for religious practices in public institutions. [ Representative Image ]

Amid growing pressure for a ceasefire, Israel said it conducted major strikes after cutting Gaza in two, with troops encircling the main city. A military spokesperson said forces reached Gaza City's southern coast, surrounding it. The bombardment came as PM Netanyahu again vowed no truce until all hostages are freed, stating "we will simply continue until we win." Israel said its air force hit around 450 Hamas targets in the past 24 hours, including missile launch sites. The navy also struck headquarters and observation posts. Troops took control of a Hamas facility with tunnels and training areas. Since Israel's retaliatory offensive after Hamas's surprise multi-front attack on October 7 that killed 1,400 Israelis, over 9,700 Palestinians have reportedly died, mostly women and children. US Secretary of State Blinken visited Turkey today for the first time since the war started. He met Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Ankara as international pressure mounts despite Israel's refusal to halt operations before hostage rescues. [Image Courtesy: Reuters]

Israeli forces have encircled Gaza City, intensifying their military operations against Hamas despite international calls for a ceasefire. The Israeli military launched significant strikes on Hamas targets, focusing on dismantling the militant group's underground infrastructure. Israeli officials estimate that infantry forces will enter Gaza City within the next 48 hours. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, on a Middle East tour, met with Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas but faced Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's firm stance on continuing the offensive until all hostages held by Hamas are released. The conflict has entered its thirtieth day, with over 9,730 Palestinians reported killed by the Hamas-controlled health ministry.

Hollywood actor Jon Voight expressed disappointment with his daughter, Angelina Jolie, for her anti-Israel comments amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Jolie had posted on social media condemning Israel's actions in Gaza, calling it an "act of terror" and criticizing the lack of humanitarian ceasefire efforts. Voight responded with a video, defending Israel's right to protect its land and people. He urged people to recognize that Hamas was harming its own population. Voight's response highlighted the family's divergent views on the conflict.

With the Israel-Hamas war reaching a grim milestone, Israel's military announced the encirclement and division of Gaza City into two parts, intensifying attacks. The besieged area faced its third total communications outage since the conflict began, heightening tensions. The Hamas-run health ministry reported over 9,770 casualties in more than four weeks of war, underscoring the humanitarian crisis. Israeli forces escalated bombardments, marking a significant stage. Despite international calls for a ceasefire, Israel persisted, emphasizing their containment of Gaza City. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's diplomatic efforts included a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and a surprise visit to Iraq, addressing regional concerns amid escalating violence.

Krupesh Hirani, a British-Indian London Assembly member, successfully tabled a motion urging the Metropolitan Police to address rising instances of anti-Hindu hate crimes. The motion, backed unanimously, calls for detailed recording of hate crimes by religion. Hirani cited the Crime Survey for England and Wales, highlighting Hindus as the second most targeted group for religious hate crimes. Despite being underreported, Hindus faced 291 hate crimes in 2022-2023. The move, ahead of Diwali celebrations, emphasizes the need for police accountability in addressing "Hinduphobia" and ensuring the safety of the Hindu community in London.

A tense hostage situation persists at Hamburg Airport, Germany, with a 35-year-old man and a 4-year-old girl held captive inside a car parked under a plane. The ordeal began when the gunman breached security gates, firing shots and hurling burning bottles. Authorities suspect a custody battle, as the girl's mother alerted police about the abduction. Terminal buildings were evacuated, leading to the cancellation of 60 flights, affecting over 3,000 passengers. Negotiators and psychologists are on-site, working to resolve the situation as the standoff enters its 12th hour.

Israeli Minister of Heritage Amichai Eliyahu faced severe criticism after suggesting a nuclear bomb as a possible option against the Hamas terrorist group in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opposition leader Yair Lapid condemned Eliyahu's remarks, emphasizing Israel's adherence to international law. Eliyahu also labeled Gaza residents as "Nazis" and opposed humanitarian aid, triggering outrage. The conflict, intensified by Hamas's October 7 attack, has led to a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Despite global calls for a ceasefire, Netanyahu remains resolute, rejecting any surrender to Hamas. Casualty figures on both sides remain disputed.