Amid Gaza's escalating humanitarian crisis, women report being coerced into sexual acts by men, some linked to aid organizations, who promise essentials like food, money, water, or employment in return. Victims, including a 38-year-old mother of six, describe being manipulated under the guise of aid, leading to encounters marked by fear and shame. These exploitative tactics are often veiled in cultural norms or explicit propositions, such as "Let me touch you." Experts and aid workers highlight that such abuses are prevalent in conflict zones, with Gaza's dire conditions exacerbating women's vulnerability. (PC: NDTV)  

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel has accepted an “initial withdrawal line” in Gaza and pledged a ceasefire would begin “immediately” once Hamas confirms agreement. The plan also includes a large-scale hostage exchange and phased Israeli pullback. Israel’s military was ordered to pause strikes and shift to defensive posture, preparing to enact phase one of the peace plan. Hamas has expressed conditional acceptance of some terms, but has yet to fully agree to disarm. (PC: The Hindu)    

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he hopes to announce the release of hostages held in Gaza “in the coming days.” He said both diplomatic and military pressure brought progress. Netanyahu warned that Hamas “will be disarmed and Gaza demilitarised — the easy way or the hard way.” The comments came after Hamas accepted a US peace plan proposed by President Donald Trump. Trump warned Hamas to “move quickly or else all bets will be off.” Hamas still seeks talks on some parts of the plan. “I feel hope that I can hug my son again,” one mother said. (PC: X)

Pakistan’s interior minister and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief Mohsin Naqvi will receive the Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Excellence Gold Medal for his “courageous stance” during the Asia Cup trophy controversy. The issue began after India defeated Pakistan in the final and refused to take the trophy from Naqvi, who had earlier shared a controversial post. Naqvi then took away the trophy himself, sparking mockery online. He later said he never apologised to the BCCI and did nothing wrong. The award ceremony will be held in Karachi, with Bilawal Bhutto invited. The BCCI plans to raise the issue at ICC’s November meeting. (PC: Mint)

People in Gaza are shocked after US President Donald Trump said Hamas was ready for peace. Hamas gave a mixed response to Trump’s 20-point plan for Gaza. The group agreed to release Israeli hostages and let Palestinian technocrats run Gaza but avoided clear answers on other points. Trump welcomed the reply and asked Israel to stop bombing Gaza. Many Palestinians felt hope, while others feared it was a trap. Activist Khalil Abu Shammala said Hamas’s move was about staying in power. Residents now wait to see if peace talks will finally end the two-year-long war. (PC: BBC)

At least 30 people were injured after a Russian drone strike hit a railway station in Shostka, northeastern Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky said. In a post on X, he shared a video showing a burning train carriage and accused Russia of targeting civilians. “This is terrorism, which the world has no right to ignore,” Zelensky said. He added that emergency teams were helping victims at the site and urged Western nations to take real action against Russia. The attack struck while passengers and train staff were present at the station, causing widespread damage and panic. (PC: X)

Advisers to Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir have quietly pitched a plan to U.S. officials to build and operate a deep-sea port at Pasni, a coastal town close to Gwadar. The proposal excludes military basing, focusing instead on export access for Pakistan’s rich mineral deposits via a new rail corridor connecting to inland regions. Valued at around USD 1.2 billion, the initiative is designed to diversify Pakistan’s strategic partnerships and rebalance influence between China and the U.S. A formal parliamentary approval and diplomatic agreement remain to be seen.

Munich airport has resumed flights after being closed for the second time in 24 hours due to suspected drone sightings. The airport halted operations Friday evening, affecting around 6,500 passengers. On Thursday, at least 17 flights were grounded after similar drone sightings. Authorities in Germany and Belgium are investigating the drones’ origin, which remains unknown. Germany’s Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt plans to discuss anti-drone defenses with European ministers and introduce new laws to allow military action against drones. Delays are expected as flights gradually return to normal. EU nations consider a “drone wall” amid rising concerns over airspace security. (PC: BBC)

Hamas said it is ready to start talks after partly agreeing to US President Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan. The announcement came as Israel carried out airstrikes across Gaza, killing six people. Trump had given Hamas a Sunday deadline to accept the plan or face “grave consequences.” He called on Israel to stop bombing to secure the release of hostages safely. Netanyahu’s office said Israel is preparing to implement the first phase of Trump’s plan and may scale back military action. About 48 hostages remain, and the conflict has killed over 66,000 in Gaza. (PC: HT)

Olympic legend Usain Bolt revealed that Virat Kohli would be part of his dream relay team of cricketers. Bolt, on a tour in India, said he started as a cricketer before switching to sprinting. He added that Kohli is quick on the field and would fit perfectly in his team. Bolt also chose Brett Lee and Jonty Rhodes for the team. He said his cricket coach first noticed his speed and encouraged him to try track. Bolt also named Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, Courtney Walsh, and Ambrose among his favorite cricketers, adding he would have been a cricketer if not a sprinter. (PC: India Today)