President Joe Biden announced the development of the United States' inaugural national strategy to counter Islamophobia and related forms of hate. The initiative aims to unite lawmakers, advocacy groups, and community leaders to combat hate against Muslims, Arabs, Sikhs, and others wrongfully perceived as Muslim. The move follows a surge in anti-Muslim and anti-Jewish incidents, exacerbated by recent conflicts. The White House emphasizes the need to ensure every American can live without fear based on their beliefs, emphasizing the nation's founding principles of freedom and safety for all.

US intelligence reveals Russia's Wagner Group's intentions to supply Hezbollah with the SA-22 (Pantsir-S1) air defense missile system. The move follows heightened clashes between Hezbollah and Israel, with discussions ongoing between Wagner mercenaries and Lebanon's Hamas-supporting militia. The system, previously used in the Russian-Ukraine war, could aid Hezbollah's defense against Israeli airstrikes. While not yet delivered, concerns rise over potential deployment in the Middle East. US presence in the region intensifies, aiming to deter Hezbollah from joining Hamas in attacks on Israel's borders.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed determination to secure "concrete measures" from Israel to reduce harm to Gaza civilians during his second crisis trip to the Middle East since the Hamas assault triggered the conflict. Despite President Biden's support for Israel, Blinken emphasized the need to address Palestinian suffering, advocating for humanitarian pauses for aid delivery. He affirmed the US commitment to respond to the humanitarian crisis, emphasizing the importance of focusing on both the current situation and planning for the aftermath, including the potential transition of Gaza to Palestinian Authority control.

The head of Israel's military said fuel could soon enter Gaza to power hospitals, appearing to reverse the longstanding refusal. But PM Netanyahu's office immediately rejected the suggestion, insisting no such move was approved. Responding to a reporter, Lt Gen Herzi Halevi said if Gaza hospitals imminently run out of fuel, it would be allowed via Egypt, overseen to ensure it doesn't reach Hamas. Israel has banned fuel shipments since the October 7 war began. Hospitals warn they'll cease operations as supplies dwindle, impacting dialysis, incubator, cancer, and ventilator patients per WHO. Shortly after Halevi's remarks, Netanyahu's office tersely stated the PM did not approve Gaza fuel entry. Israel accuses Hamas of stealing humanitarian fuel for terror purposes. On Wednesday, the IDF released a phone recording of what it said was a Hamas commander forcing a hospital to hand over some fuel.

The Israeli military stated it had completed the encirclement of Gaza City after attacking Hamas outposts, headquarters, and infrastructure. On October 13, Israel ordered civilians in northern Gaza, the most densely populated area in the Gaza Strip, to evacuate south. It's unclear how many remain in Gaza City, but images show widespread destruction across the city with empty streets as Israel pushes tanks towards downtown, specifically al-Shifa hospital. Tanks stationed on a southern road are advancing towards the coastal road, controlling the two main roads linking the city to the rest of Gaza. Witnesses said thousands fleeing north Gaza are heading to al-Shifa hospital seeking shelter. Heavy fire exchanges are occurring between Gaza militants and Israeli tanks trying to push forward downtown.

Angelina Jolie condemned the Israeli airstrikes in Gaza as the "deliberate bombing of a trapped population who have nowhere to flee." She shared a photo of destruction at Jabalia refugee camp, calling Gaza an "open-air prison" fast becoming a "mass grave." Jolie wrote: "40% of those killed are innocent children. Whole families are being murdered." She accused world leaders of being "complicit in these crimes" by refusing to demand a ceasefire and blocking the UN Security Council from imposing one, while "millions of Palestinian civilians - children, women, families - are being collectively punished and dehumanized." Jolie declared that by depriving Gaza of aid, "world leaders are complicit in these crimes" against international law.

Egypt's foreign ministry announced plans to evacuate approximately 7,000 foreigners and dual nationals from the war-torn Gaza Strip. The Rafah border crossing opened for the first time in weeks, allowing people to escape the deadly conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants. Assistant Foreign Minister Ismail Khairat stated that the evacuation involves individuals from over 60 nationalities, although specific details and timelines were not provided. Notably, 76 wounded Palestinians and 335 foreign passport holders, including citizens from Austria, Italy, France, Germany, and the US, have already crossed into Egypt. The Gaza conflict has claimed nearly 8,800 lives, with a significant impact on women and children, since the October 7 attacks initiated by Hamas.

President Joe Biden has urged for a temporary halt in the fighting in Gaza to facilitate the release of hostages held by Hamas, following Israeli airstrikes that have claimed nearly 200 lives in the Jabalia refugee camp. During a campaign fundraiser event, Biden responded to a rabbi's plea for a ceasefire, emphasizing the need for a pause to secure the prisoners' release. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with significant casualties reported, including civilians and Hamas fighters. Biden's call marks a subtle shift in the U.S. stance on the conflict, focusing on humanitarian concerns amidst ongoing violence.

A tornado warning was issued as Storm Ciarán, dubbed a "weather bomb", caused widespread disruptions in the UK. Hundreds of schools closed, flights were grounded, and train services heavily disrupted. Southeastern Railway advised people to avoid travel before 9am amid severe disruptions expected throughout Thursday. Major incidents were declared in Southampton, Isle of Wight, and Jersey as 70-80mph winds battered the south coast. The Met Office issued "danger to life" warnings as travel was disrupted across the land, air, and sea through Saturday.

Ghazi Hamad, a member of Hamas' decision-making political bureau, has issued a warning that the militant group would repeat the October 7 Israel terror attacks "again and again" until Israel is destroyed. Hamad emphasized that Israel has "no place on our land." He stated that Hamas' attack on Israel was justified, blaming Israel's existence for the pain, blood, and tears in the region. This statement comes after Israel's recent release of a video where a Hamas terrorist admitted to slaughtering women and children during the attacks. [ photo courtesy: screengrab from Twitter]