Five people, including a 15-year-old girl, were killed after Russia launched more than 50 missiles and 500 drones across Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky said. The strikes hit several regions, including Lviv, Zaporizhzhia, Chernihiv, and Sumy, leaving over 73,000 people without electricity. Four members of one family died in Lapaivka near Lviv. Poland scrambled fighter jets as missiles neared its airspace, and NATO aircraft were also deployed. Zelensky urged faster air defense support, saying, “We need more protection.” Ukraine’s energy ministry confirmed power plant damage, and emergency outages were reported as winter nears. (PC: BBC)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed optimism that the release of all hostages held in Gaza will be announced in the coming days. This statement comes as Israel continues to negotiate with Hamas following a significant hostage crisis that has seen citizens of multiple nations taken. The hostages' release is seen as a crucial step toward easing tensions in the region, although the specifics of the negotiations remain unclear. Netanyahu’s comments offer a glimmer of hope for the families awaiting the return of their loved ones. (PC: Reuters)  

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg has alleged severe mistreatment by Israeli forces following her arrest during the Gaza aid flotilla mission. She claimed she was dragged, beaten, and forced to hold and kiss the Israeli flag, then detained in a bedbug-infested cell without adequate food or water. The flotilla, carrying over 400 international activists, was intercepted while attempting to reach Gaza. Israel has denied all abuse allegations, insisting detainees received proper treatment, food, and medical care in accordance with international standards.    

The United Kingdom’s Carrier Strike Group, led by aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, began Exercise Konkan with the Indian Navy in the Western Indian Ocean on October 5. The four-day drill includes ships, submarines, and aircraft from both nations. For the first time, British and Indian carrier groups — HMS Prince of Wales and INS Vikrant — are training together. The exercise aims to build strong defence cooperation and improve sea and air operations. After the drill, UK ships will visit Mumbai and Goa to celebrate closer military ties and showcase the growing UK-India partnership.

Sanae Takaichi has made history by becoming the first woman to lead Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). A former Economic Security Minister and a staunch conservative, Takaichi secured the LDP presidency by defeating Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi in a runoff vote. Her victory positions her to become Japan’s first female prime minister, as the LDP holds a majority in the lower house of parliament. Takaichi is known for her hawkish stance on China and her admiration for former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. She is also a regular visitor to the Yasukuni Shrine, a site associated with Japan's wartime militarism, which has drawn criticism from neighboring countries. Her leadership marks a significant shift in Japan's political landscape, highlighting the increasing influence of women in Japanese politics. (PC: AP)

Police have been given extra time to question four people arrested after the terror attack at a Manchester synagogue on Thursday. Three men remain in hospital after a car and knife attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation. The attacker, 35-year-old Jihad al Shamie, was shot dead by police. He was on bail for an alleged rape. Two men, aged 30 and 32, and two women, aged 46 and 61, are being held on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts. Police said the investigation is moving quickly. Two men, Adrian Daulby and Melvin Cravitz, were killed while stopping the attacker. (PC; PA)

Families of Israeli hostages in Gaza said they feel both hope and fear after Hamas replied to US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan. Hamas agreed to release all remaining hostages but asked for more talks. Trump said Hamas is “ready for lasting peace” and urged Israel to stop bombing Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is ready to act on the first phase of the plan. In Tel Aviv, thousands gathered calling “bring them home.” Families said they hope for the safe return of their loved ones soon but fear another deal may collapse. (PC: BBC)

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)