The White House issued a stern warning to Israel, emphasizing the need to distinguish between Hamas militants and civilians in Gaza. The warning came as Israel intensified operations against Hamas, resulting in over 8,000 Palestinian casualties, half of them children, since the October 7 attack. President Biden stressed Israel's obligation to protect civilians in a call with Prime Minister Netanyahu. World leaders, including Britain's PM Rishi Sunak and France's President Macron, urgently called for humanitarian support for Gaza. UN Chief Guterres declared the situation a "humanitarian catastrophe," urging all parties to step back from the brink.

Israeli Interior Minister Moshe Arbel has requested the Population and Immigration Authority to investigate the potential revocation of Israeli citizenship from prominent Arab-Israeli actor Maisa Abd Elhadi. She has been indicted for alleged support of Hamas, expressing it on social media after the terror group's October 7 attack. Abd Elhadi, known for her role in the 2013 film “World War Z,” as well as several Israeli TV shows, faces charges of identifying with a terror organization and incitement to terror in a broader crackdown on Israelis suspected of supporting the attacks online. It remains uncertain whether she holds residency rights or citizenship in another country, and the legal feasibility of stripping her of Israeli citizenship is unclear.  

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized his intelligence chiefs, alleging they failed to warn him about Hamas's large-scale October 7 attack. This caused political turmoil in Israel and a divide within his war cabinet. Despite admissions of failure by top officials, including military and intelligence heads, Netanyahu hasn't taken responsibility for intelligence and operational lapses during Hamas's intrusion into southern Israel. He suggested that tough questions, even about his own leadership, would be addressed post-war. Israel's military spokesperson declined to comment, citing the ongoing conflict. Netanyahu's deleted post asserted that no warnings about Hamas's war intentions were given to him, as security officials believed Hamas sought a peaceful resolution.

In a distressing turn, Gaza residents stormed United Nations Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) facilities, seizing crucial supplies amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict. UNRWA expressed alarm over the breakdown of civil order after three weeks of war and Gaza's suffocating siege. Dwindling market resources and inadequate aid from Egypt intensified the crisis. UNRWA condemned the flawed convoy system, hindering essential deliveries. With over 50 staff casualties and restricted supplies, the agency struggles to meet soaring demands. Amid funding challenges, UNRWA, providing vital services in Gaza, West Bank, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon, faces an uphill battle in this dire humanitarian situation.      

Israel's military campaign against Hamas entered its 23rd day, with intense clashes continuing in the Gaza Strip. Israeli forces targeted Hamas operatives and infrastructure, including underground tunnels. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the start of the "second phase" of the war, emphasizing a relentless pursuit of Hamas. The death toll surpassed 8,000 in Gaza, and Israel mourned 1,400 casualties due to Hamas attacks. Amidst escalating tensions, Israel recalled its diplomatic staff from Turkey after President Erdogan criticized Israel's actions. Pro-Palestinian protests erupted globally, and Qatar-led negotiations between Israel and Hamas persisted, albeit at a slower pace.

Dhaka was marred by political violence as clashes between Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Awami League supporters escalated, leading to the death of a BNP activist and a police officer. The US Department of State condemned the violence, expressing concern. Amid rising tensions ahead of the 2024 elections, the US Embassy in Dhaka called for calm. Yesterday over 100,000 supporters of Bangladesh's main opposition parties rallied in Dhaka, demanding the Prime Minister's resignation for impartial elections. Clashes resulted in injuries, torched vehicles, and vandalized property. Law enforcement intervened, firing tear gas and using firearms to disperse the crowds. Investigations are ongoing into the incidents.

Israel has issued a warning after Elon Musk offered communication support to war-torn Gaza through his Starlink satellite internet service. Israel's communication minister Shlomo Karhi expressed concerns that the service could be utilized for "terrorist activities" by Hamas militants. Musk's announcement followed criticism from US representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez regarding Israel's communication blackout in Gaza. The blackout, affecting 2.3 million people, hampers emergency services and humanitarian efforts. While Musk assured support for Gaza aid groups, concerns persist about potential misuse. SpaceX has not clarified how Starlink connections would be safeguarded against unauthorized use by Hamas.

Former Vice President Mike Pence has ended his campaign for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination after facing fundraising and polling struggles. Pence announced the suspension of his White House bid at a Republican event in Las Vegas. He becomes the first major candidate to exit the race dominated by his former running mate Donald Trump. Pence's decision comes over two months before the Iowa caucuses, saving him from failing to qualify for the next GOP debate. Once Trump's most loyal deputy, their relationship soured when Trump incorrectly insisted Pence could overturn the 2020 election. Pence's withdrawal deals a blow as he failed to gain traction despite years of preparation.

New York City has established a new office to provide asylum-seekers with free, one-way tickets to leave the city as its shelter system reaches full capacity. With over 130,000 migrants arriving since last year, Mayor Eric Adams says shelters are so overwhelmed that people may soon be forced to sleep on streets. The new reticketing center builds on existing efforts to transport migrants elsewhere voluntarily. Adams has limited adults to 30 days in shelters, seeking to suspend a legal mandate to house the homeless as winter nears. The city says 20,000 have received stay limit notices, with less than 20% exceeding time limits remaining in shelters.

Hamas has demanded the release of all Palestinian prisoners held in Israel in exchange for releasing Israeli hostages seized by the militant group. A Hamas spokesperson stated "the price to pay" for the Israeli hostages is emptying Israel's prisons of Palestinians. This comes as Israel said it is expanding its ground offensive in Gaza, with the military still active in the field. Amid the escalating conflict, Gaza has been largely cut off, with internet and phones down, isolating 2.3 million residents. Israel has ramped up operations as Hamas vowed to respond with "full force" to the ongoing attacks. The prisoner exchange demand underscores the high stakes as violence intensifies.