A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect in Lebanon on Wednesday after 14 months of conflict that claimed thousands of lives. Announced by U.S. President Joe Biden, the agreement aims for a permanent cessation of hostilities. Israeli forces will withdraw from southern Lebanon within 60 days, with Lebanese forces set to take over the territory. Mediated by Lebanese parliamentary speaker Nabih Berri, the deal received backing from France, with both nations pledging support for Lebanon's economic recovery and security. The conflict, sparked in October 2023, saw extensive cross-border attacks, displacing civilians and devastating infrastructure on both sides.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to address the nation following a security cabinet meeting to discuss a potential ceasefire with Hezbollah. Earlier today, Israeli airstrikes targeted central Beirut, killing 7 and injuring 37, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. Strikes focused on areas linked to Hezbollah, prompting mass evacuations and chaos in the city. Israel's military reported 10 rockets fired from Lebanon into northern Israel, with some intercepted. As tensions escalate, both sides face international pressure to halt the violence. Lebanon's foreign minister expressed hope for a ceasefire deal by tonight. Netanyahu's statement is expected shortly.

Bangladeshi Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, arrested on sedition charges, delivered a powerful message from a prison van, urging peaceful protests. “We want a united Bangladesh,” he said, flashing a victory sign outside a Dhaka court. Das was detained for allegedly disrespecting the national flag during an earlier rally. Protests by his supporters intensified, with police using batons and tear gas to disperse crowds. India expressed concern, urging Bangladesh to protect minorities. Das, a former ISKCON member, denied disrespecting the flag, and his arrest is viewed by supporters as an attack on minority voices in Bangladesh.

Unidentified drones were seen overnight at RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, and RAF Feltwell, US air bases in Britain. This follows similar sightings last week.   The US Air Forces in Europe confirmed ongoing monitoring of the airspace with help from the RAF. The drones have not been identified as hostile, and there is no reported impact on residents or infrastructure.   "We retain the right to protect our installations," a US Air Force spokesperson said.   The UK Ministry of Defence stated it takes such threats seriously and is supporting the US response to ensure safety at the sites.

Bangladesh police used teargas and batons to disperse Hindu protesters in Dhaka and Chittagong following the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a Hindu leader associated with ISKCON. Das was arrested at Dhaka airport on sedition charges, linked to an October rally where he allegedly disrespected Bangladesh’s national flag. Protests turned violent as over 2,000 supporters blocked a police van carrying Das. Police claimed protesters threw bricks, injuring one officer. India expressed concern over the safety of Hindus and minorities in Bangladesh, urging authorities to protect them amidst reports of attacks and vandalism targeting minority communities.

Russia claims Ukraine launched two attacks using US-made long-range ATACMS missiles in recent days. The Russian defence ministry reported strikes on the Kursk region, including Lotaryovka and the Kursk-Vostochny airfield. In Saturday's attack, five missiles were fired, with two hitting their target, damaging a radar and injuring people. On Monday, eight missiles were launched, with one causing injuries and infrastructure damage. Russia has vowed to respond, though Kyiv and Washington have not confirmed the use of ATACMS. The Russian defence ministry shared images of the alleged missiles, but their authenticity remains unverified.

Israel launched its largest airstrikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, targeting Hezbollah positions, including command and weapons facilities. 8 Israeli jets carried out the strikes, hitting 20 locations. A separate airstrike hit central Beirut, killing 3 and injuring over 20 people, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. This escalation occurred just hours before Israel’s cabinet meeting to discuss a potential 60-day ceasefire with Hezbollah. The proposed deal involves Israeli troops withdrawing from Lebanon and Hezbollah moving away from the Israeli border. Meanwhile, Hezbollah continues to fire rockets into Israel as violence persists in southern Lebanon.

The US State Department urged Pakistan to "respect human rights and fundamental freedoms" as protests intensify. Spokesman Matthew Miller stated, "We call on protesters to demonstrate peacefully and refrain from violence, and we call on Pakistani authorities to respect human rights and ensure respect for Pakistan's laws and constitution." Over 4,000 supporters of Imran Khan’s PTI party have been arrested since Friday, with internet services cut in some areas. Clashes with security forces have resulted in six officers' deaths, including four paramilitary rangers. The government imposed a lockdown in Islamabad, as tensions rise despite restrictions.

A tourist boat, Sea Story, sank in the Red Sea near Marsa Alam, Egypt, on Monday, leaving three people dead and 13 missing. The boat, carrying 44 passengers, capsized within minutes after being hit by a large wave. Rescuers saved 28 people, including British, Irish, German, and other nationals. Some passengers were trapped in cabins, making escape impossible, according to Red Sea Governor Amr Hanafi. Egyptian military forces are leading search efforts. The boat was on a five-day trip from Port Ghalib to Hurghada Marina. The sinking followed weather warnings of rough seas issued by the Egyptian Meteorological Authority.

Thousands of Imran Khan supporters protested in Islamabad, demanding the release of the jailed former prime minister. They defied roadblocks and tear gas as they marched towards the city. Clashes between Khan’s Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and security forces have left six officers dead, including four paramilitary rangers and two policemen. Dozens have been injured in the unrest, which began on Monday. The government imposed a lockdown on Islamabad, sealing roads with shipping containers. Protests intensified despite warnings from authorities and restrictions on mobile services. Security remains tight as tensions escalate across the capital. Investigations into the violence are ongoing.