The startling revelation emerged at the COVID inquiry, where Dominic Cummings is said to have claimed that then Chancellor Rishi Sunak suggested "just let people die" rather than go into another lockdown. The excerpt from British physician and former Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance's diary entry has created quite a stir. The entry detailed a heated October 2020 meeting where Boris Johnson, initially against a lockdown, faced off with Cummings, who argued for saving lives. Vallance described Johnson as "frustrated" and the situation in "complete shambles." The inquiry also exposed tensions over the "Eat Out To Help Out" scheme, with Sunak not informing advisers before declaring the scheme. Sky News reports that Vallance highlighted challenges in conveying scientific advice to Johnson, who he said was "bamboozled" and struggled with key concepts.

U.S. President Joe Biden expressed optimism about an imminent deal for the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Reports suggest Qatari mediators are brokering an agreement between Israel and Hamas, involving the exchange of 50 hostages for a three-day ceasefire. The hostages were taken during Hamas's cross-border attack into Israel on Oct. 7, prompting a deadly Israeli response. Biden's hopeful statement aligns with Israel's anticipation of a substantial hostage release in the coming days. The situation unfolds against the backdrop of heightened tensions and ongoing conflict in the region.

In the escalating Israel-Hamas conflict, Japan announces direct communication with Yemen's Houthi rebels following the seizure of the "Galaxy Leader," owned by an Israeli businessman and operated by a Japanese firm. The ship, en route to India, was allegedly seized by the rebels. Israel accuses Iran of orchestrating the act of terror, while Japan condemns the seizure, urging for the prompt release of the vessel and its crew. Tensions rise as global powers navigate the delicate situation, with the Red Sea's strategic significance adding complexity to the geopolitical landscape.

Israel accuses Yemen's Houthi rebels of seizing an India-bound cargo ship in the southern Red Sea, heightening concerns of regional tensions. The Bahamas-flagged "Galaxy Leader," allegedly British-owned and Japanese-operated, was en route to Pipavav, India, with 25 crew members of various nationalities. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu condemns the hijacking as an "Iranian act of terror" with global consequences. Satellite tracking places the ship southwest of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, a day before the reported seizure. Amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, fears grow of wider regional instability with the Red Sea's strategic importance in global trade.

Israel's military shares security camera footage, timestamped on October 7, claiming it reveals hostages being brought into Gaza's Al-Shifa hospital after being kidnapped during Hamas attacks on southern Israel. The video depicts armed individuals leading a man into the hospital and another injured man on a gurney. The hostages, said to be from Nepal and Thailand, remain unlocated. Israel asserts that Al-Shifa hospital serves as a Hamas base, intensifying military operations. Hamas, running Gaza, has not immediately responded to the accusations. Meanwhile, Gaza's Health Ministry discloses a grim toll, reporting over 13,000 Palestinians killed and 30,000 injured since October 7. Ongoing denials and disputes persist amid a dire humanitarian situation. [ photo courtesy: IDF/X ]      

Israel released a video on Sunday allegedly showing a Hamas tunnel under Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, a frequent target in its 7-week war. Israel's military said engineers found a 55-meter tunnel 10 meters deep leading to a blast-proof door used "to block Israeli forces." Though Hamas admits to having many tunnels, it denies placing them at civilian sites like hospitals. The tunnel's purpose beyond the door, remains unclear. Israel says the shaft was found in a hospital shed containing munitions. Amid its bombardment of Gaza, Israel pointed to the video as justification while Hamas still rejected claims it hides military tunnels in civilian infrastructure.

In response to escalating violence, the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, in coordination with UN agencies including the WHO, successfully evacuated 31 premature babies from Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza. The hospital, labeled a "death zone" by the WHO, has been a focal point in Israeli operations. Gaza health authorities report over 12,000 deaths, including 5,000 children, as Israel continues its campaign. Despite WHO's call for immediate evacuation, 291 patients and 25 health workers remain at Al-Shifa. Eight babies have died since November 11 due to electricity shortages. The crisis deepens as Gaza faces ongoing humanitarian challenges.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US officials reject reports of a ceasefire deal with Hamas, contradicting The Washington Post's claims. The proposed five-day pause aims to release over 50 hostages taken by Hamas during the conflict. Netanyahu denies any existing deal but emphasizes the priority of hostage release. Amid intensifying ground operations, Israel enters the "next stage" in the six-week war, focusing on southern Gaza. The White House dismisses the alleged agreement, stating no deal is confirmed. Qatar, a key mediator, suggests minor logistical hurdles remain, signaling potential progress in ceasefire talks.

During his Angelus prayer, Pope Francis reiterated his plea for peace in Ukraine and the Middle East, emphasizing the importance of sustained efforts to end ongoing conflicts. Addressing the crowds in St. Peter's Square, he specifically prayed for the troubled populations of Ukraine and the people in Palestine and Israel. Noting the presence of Ukrainian flags, the Pope asserted that peace is attainable with good will, rejecting resignation in the face of war. He condemned war as a profit source for weapon manufacturers and called for collective efforts towards a world free from conflict.

Qatar's Prime Minister suggests that the Israel-Hamas hostage deal faces only "minor" challenges related to practical issues, expressing confidence in reaching an agreement. Qatar has been mediating talks resulting in the release of four hostages so far. Israel, in response to the October 7 attacks, has vowed to dismantle Hamas. The U.S. is actively involved in brokering a potential deal, refuting rumors of a significant breakthrough. The situation remains tense as Israel insists on a complete captive release before a ceasefire. The negotiations, marked by ups and downs, focus on logistical hurdles, bringing hope for the safe return of hostages.