Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasizes the importance of military pressure in the mission to bring back Israeli civilians held by Hamas during a meeting with affected families. Gallant commits to exploring all avenues, either through operations or agreements, and states that only military pressure will advance their goal. Meanwhile, the Gaza side reports over 11,000 casualties, including thousands of children, in the ongoing conflict. The defense establishment remains focused on defeating Hamas and securing the release of hostages, with no specified timeframe for the ongoing conflict.

Storm Debi unleashes chaos in Ireland, leaving almost 60,000 homes powerless as gusts reach 130km/h. A Status Red wind warning continues for eight counties, including Dublin and Wicklow, extending the alert to 9 am. Structural damage, falling trees, and power outages are expected, prompting school closures until 10 am. Met Éireann urges caution, emphasizing potential danger to life. Storm's impact felt nationwide, disrupting transportation, causing flight cancellations, and posing hazardous road conditions. Authorities advise staying indoors during the "short sharp storm." The UK Met Office issues warnings for Northern Ireland, anticipating flooding and travel disruptions. [ photo courtesy: zoom_earth/X ]          

New York City glowed with Diwali fervor as the iconic Empire State Building lit up in vibrant orange, celebrating the festival of lights. Mayor Eric Adams and Deputy Commissioner Dilip Chauhan joined the Hindu community at the Bhakti Center, emphasizing the cultural significance of Diwali. The Federation of Indian Associations partnered with the Empire State Building, creating a breathtaking display. Mayor Adams, who declared Diwali a school holiday in June, encouraged the global spread of light. Over 1500 people gathered for a joyous Diwali celebration at the Bhakti Center, marking a historic moment in New York's recognition of the festival.

As Storm Debi approaches the UK, the Met Office issues amber warnings for gale force winds up to 80mph and heavy rain. The storm, originating in the Republic of Ireland, is expected to hit northern England and parts of north Wales in the morning. There is a potential danger to life, bringing flying debris, large waves, and potential flooding. The amber warning is in place from 06:00 GMT to midday in south-west Northern Ireland. Northern England and Wales face yellow warnings for wind from 04:00 to 18:00. Parts of north-east Scotland, previously affected by Storm Babet, are warned of rain between 10:00 and 21:00. Red weather warnings are in place in Ireland. The world watches as the fourth storm of the season hits, following the recent disruptions caused by Storms Ciarán and Babet.

The UK is bracing for the impact of Storm Debi, forecast to hit within hours bringing severe 80mph winds and heavy rain. The Met Office issued multiple "danger to life" warnings across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland as the fourth major storm this season is set to sweep across Ireland before reaching northern England and parts of Wales and Scotland on Monday. Yellow wind alerts are in place from 4am to 6pm in areas including Manchester, Liverpool, and Bangor. The Met Office warned of “danger to life” from flying debris, “fast flowing or deep floodwater”, and large waves in some areas. Northern Ireland is under both wind and rain warnings from as early as 3am till 2pm as the storm hits. Aberdeenshire in Scotland faces a heavy rain warning from 10am until 9pm on Monday. Parts of north-east Scotland that were also battered by Storm Babet last month are likely to see heavy rain. The Met Office said Storm Debi poses a deadly threat, just weeks after Storms Babet and Ciarán caused severe damage. With heavy rain and 80mph winds forecast, the UK is battening down for life-threatening conditions as Storm Debi slams into the country.

A crew member of the popular TV and Netflix series “Fauda” has died during Israel’s war against the Palestinian militant outfit Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Matan Meir, a 38-year-old Sergeant Major General (Reservist) from the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), died in the line of duty in Gaza, The Jerusalem Post reported. The show's creators expressed condolences, calling Meir "an integral crew member" whose loss has left cast and crew "heartbroken". Meir fought in the IDF's 697th Battalion. 'Fauda', lauded as one of Israel's most popular shows, was created by former IDF soldiers Lior Raz and Avi Isaacharoff and picked up by Netflix in 2016. Isaacharoff paid tribute to Meir on social media, noting he was killed in battle in northern Gaza. Meir hailed from Odem and served in the IDF's 551st Brigade. (Image Source: @FaudaOfficial on X)

Heavy fighting near Gaza's largest hospital, Al-Shifa, has created a "catastrophic situation." Reports indicate patients and staff trapped, ambulances unable to evacuate wounded, and life-support systems without electricity. Three newborns died after the hospital went "out of service." Conflicting reports emerge as the Hamas-controlled Ministry of Health claims the hospital is surrounded, while Israel denies firing on it. Aid agencies express deep concern, with Doctors Without Borders noting constant bombardment hindering evacuations. The World Health Organization loses contact with hospital contacts, deeming the situation "deeply worrisome and frightening." Global calls for immediate action amplify.

Leaders at the Arab-Islamic Summit in Saudi Arabia strongly criticized Israel's conduct in the Gaza conflict, with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi urging Islamic countries to label the Israeli army a "terrorist organization." The emergency meeting, merging the Arab League and OIC, follows Hamas's October attacks, resulting in a high civilian death toll. Despite calls for a ceasefire, Israel, backed by the US, remains unyielding. Regional divisions emerged on proposed actions, highlighting the complex dynamics at play. The summit's significance is underscored by the attendance of key leaders, including Raisi's historic visit to Saudi Arabia.  

Groups of far-right football hooligans and protesters hijacked Armistice Day in London Saturday, perpetrating extreme violence against police and attempting to disrupt the city's pro-Palestine march. Police condemned the pre-meditated attacks by mobs armed with weapons who injured 9 officers at the Cenotaph war memorial. The thugs arrived early, chanting abuse at police and looking to stir confrontation. Over 150 arrests were made, mostly far-right extremists. Separately, officers intercepted march breakaways firing fireworks. Scottish FM Humza Yousaf accused Home Secretary Suella Braverman of inflaming tensions. At the march, the Palestinian ambassador remembered lives lost and called for ceasefire. The far-right's orchestrated violence cast a shadow over remembrance events, as they hijacked Armistice Day to unleash attacks on the pro-Palestine march attended by over 3,00,000 people today. [Image Courtesy: Metropolitan Police UK]

In a statement issued after the pro-Palestine march in London today PM Rishi Sunak criticized the "violent, wholly unacceptable scenes" from the "EDL thugs" and "Hamas sympathizers" in London. A total of 126 people were arrested across the day, with at least 92 of those being far-right protestors. Skirmishes broke out near the Cenotaph war memorial as far-right groups tried to approach the rally. Sunak in his statement said their actions "utterly disrespect" the spirit of remembrance, adding the EDL were "attacking police officers and trespassing on the Cenotaph." Sunak condemned those "singing antisemitic chants and brandishing pro-Hamas signs." He said that he would be meeting the Met Police Commissioner soon and added: "All criminality must be met with the full and swift force of the law." Sunak denounced the "despicable actions of a minority" that undermine peaceful protesters, saying both EDL violence and Hamas support "do not defend the honour of our Armed Forces, but utterly disrespects them."