British PM Rishi Sunak landed in Israel on Thursday, a day after US President Joe Biden visited, to offer condolences and warn against escalation. Sunak's visit is part of diplomatic efforts to contain the crisis since Hamas' attack on Israel. He tweeted he stands with Israel against terrorism's evil. This comes as Australia accused Israel of collectively punishing Palestinians in the Gaza war sparked by Hamas attacks. On Wednesday, the White House said the Gaza hospital blast appeared to be from an errant Palestinian rocket, not Israeli forces. With tensions spiraling, world leaders are converging to restrain further violence amid the Gaza humanitarian crisis.

Another Hindu woman Rajeeta Meghwar Kolhi has become a victim of Pakistan's endless cycle of kidnappings and forced conversions of minority women. Rajeeta managed to escape her abductor after being kidnapped 2 months ago but Pakistan's courts ignored her pleas to be reunited with parents. Activists highlighted double standards as Muslim girls can choose to return to parents unlike Rajeeta who was sent to a shelter. Cricketer Danish Kaneria slammed Pakistan's courts for failing to deliver justice to abducted Hindu girls. Rajeeta's case underscores the human rights crisis as hundreds of minority women face forced conversions annually. Despite global criticism, Pakistan's legal system continues to enable such religious persecution.

Russia dispatched 27 tonnes of humanitarian aid for Gaza via a special plane from Moscow to El-Arish, Egypt, where it will be handed over to the Egyptian Red Crescent for distribution. Deputy Minister Ilya Denisov stated that the aid includes essential supplies like wheat, sugar, rice, and pasta. This effort aligns with US President Joe Biden's recent deal, enabling limited trucks to enter Gaza through the Rafah crossing from Egypt. The aid comes as a crucial lifeline for Gaza's one million displaced residents amid escalating Israeli air strikes.

Israel's Ambassador to India, Naor Gilon, expressed gratitude for India's solidarity and stated that Israel would welcome any assistance from India in securing the release of over 200 hostages held by Hamas. Gilon emphasized the need for global pressure on Hamas and highlighted India's influential position. Meanwhile, Israel agreed to limited humanitarian aid to Gaza, brokered by US President Joe Biden, aiming to provide relief amid the conflict. Gilon also claimed Hamas fears Israeli Defense Forces, and the recent hospital blast in Gaza was allegedly caused by Palestinian Islamic Jihad's rocket.

Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed a commitment to enhancing cooperation with Egypt to bring stability to the Middle East amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. During a meeting with Egypt's Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli in Beijing, Xi emphasized the need for joint efforts in the face of profound global changes. Egypt, which had mostly closed its border with Gaza, announced the sustainable passage of humanitarian aid through the Rafah crossing. The strengthened ties between China and Egypt were highlighted, with Egypt set to join the BRICS group of emerging economies, injecting new impetus into their cooperation.

In the wake of a fatal blast at a Gaza hospital, President Biden's talks with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu have led to an agreement allowing approximately 20 trucks of humanitarian aid into Gaza via Egypt's Rafah crossing. Israel agreed under the condition that Hamas doesn't divert aid. The supplies, overseen by the UN, include vital resources like food and medicine, set to reach Gaza by Friday. Despite this, aid organizations warn it might not meet the urgent needs of Gaza's 2.3 million residents. Fears of regional escalation persist, with UK Prime Minister Sunak advocating for increased aid access during his visit.

In an unprecedented protest at the US Capitol, pro-Palestinian demonstrators demanded an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Nearly 300 protesters were arrested as they chanted "ceasefire now," including members from Jewish organizations. Access to the Capitol complex was temporarily restricted, with police advising the use of underground tunnels. Preemptive security measures were in place, with bike-rack fencing erected. The protest followed the tragic Gaza hospital blast, sparking global demonstrations. The situation is now under control, but tensions persist amidst the ongoing conflict, with casualties on both sides exceeding thousands.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will visit Israel on Thursday amid efforts to de-escalate the conflict with Hamas. Sunak will offer condolences for civilian deaths and push for humanitarian aid access to Gaza. Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly will meet regional leaders to seek support for a peaceful resolution and release of UK hostages. The diplomatic efforts follow US President Biden's controversial visit backing Israel's account of the Gaza hospital blast that killed hundreds. With Israel threatening a Gaza ground offensive, Sunak said leaders must come together to avoid further escalation. His trip signals the UK wants to urgently use its diplomatic influence to contain the crisis.

The United States vetoed a U.N. resolution condemning violence against all civilians in the Israel-Hamas war, including "heinous terrorist attacks by Hamas" against Israel, and urging humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza. The Security Council vote saw 12 votes in favor, the United States against, and Russia and the United Kingdom abstaining. U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield explained that President Joe Biden was actively engaging in diplomacy in the region to secure hostage releases, prevent the conflict's escalation, and emphasize the importance of civilian protection. She stressed the need for informed actions aligned with the evolving situation and direct diplomacy efforts.  

Six airports across France were evacuated on Wednesday following emailed bomb threats, police said, amid heightened tensions after the Hamas attack in Israel and a fatal stabbing by an IS-linked individual. The evacuations aimed to investigate the threats at Lille, Lyon, Nantes, Nice, Toulouse and Beauvais near Paris. Aviation officials confirmed evacuations over threats at four airports which caused delays. Nice airport said a security perimeter was set up over an abandoned bag before operations resumed. With passengers confused over the evacuations, airport authorities later gave an all-clear. The threats follow previous recent hoaxes in France as security is tightened after recent attacks.