Israelis protested in Tel Aviv on November 9, 2024, expressing growing concern for hostages held in Gaza as Qatar announced it would pause its mediation efforts in the ongoing conflict. Thousands rallied with signs marking 400 days since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. Qatar’s decision to step back was due to a lack of “willingness and seriousness” from both sides in negotiations. Protesters criticized Qatar’s failure in mediation and blamed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Meanwhile, Israel’s retaliatory strikes have killed thousands in Gaza, with 97 hostages still held by Hamas.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah released the BJP's manifesto for the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections on November 10 in Mumbai. The manifesto emphasizes the state's economic growth, infrastructure development, and promises of a five trillion dollar economy. Key initiatives include Mission Olympics, support for farmers, and the 'Ladki Behen Yojana' for women's empowerment. Shah highlighted the BJP's commitment to fulfilling these promises after the election victory. He also criticized the MVA alliance, particularly Uddhav Thackeray, questioning their stance on national leaders. The Maharashtra polls are set for November 20, with vote counting on November 23.

British Hindus expressed discontent after UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Diwali celebration at 10 Downing Street included meat and alcohol on the menu. The event, attended by community leaders and politicians, featured traditional Diwali elements like diyas and a Kuchipudi dance performance. However, the inclusion of lamb kebabs, beer, and wine shocked some attendees. Satish K Sharma, a prominent British Hindu pandit, criticized the “lack of sensitivity” compared to last year’s vegetarian menu hosted by Rishi Sunak. Insight UK also voiced concerns, urging greater respect for religious sentiments at such events in the future.

Qatar announced it has paused its role as mediator in ceasefire and hostage negotiations between Israel and Hamas, citing lack of willingness from both sides to engage in talks. The suspension follows the U.S.'s reported demand for Hamas to close its Doha office, with officials accusing Hamas of rejecting ceasefire proposals. Qatar clarified that the mediation halt was communicated to both parties, emphasizing it would resume only when they are ready to negotiate. The Gulf nation has played a key role in previous peace talks involving Israel and Hamas, but tensions have strained the ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Inderjeet Gosal, the organizer of the Khalistan referendum in Canada, was arrested following the violent attack on Brampton’s Hindu Sabha temple on November 3, where Khalistani extremists clashed with Hindu-Canadian devotees. Peel Regional Police charged Gosal, 35, with Assault with a Weapon and released him under conditions. Videos captured protesters wielding flags and sticks as weapons, sparking widespread condemnation from Indian and Canadian leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canada’s opposition leader, Pierre Poilievre, denounced the attack, calling for justice. Canada’s Indian High Commission has since urged authorities to strengthen security at consular events.

Thousands of protesters gathered in Valencia, Spain, condemning the government’s handling of severe floods that left over 220 people dead and nearly 80 missing. Demonstrators accused regional leader Carlos Mazon of issuing a flood alert too late, sparking anger across communities devastated by the late warning. Protesters, chanting "Killers!" and holding banners reading "Our hands are stained with mud, yours with blood," called for Mazon’s resignation. Authorities say an official monitoring body failed to notify them in time, while critics argue local organizations responded faster to the national weather service warnings issued days earlier.

President-elect Donald Trump confirmed that Indian-origin Nikki Haley, former UN Ambassador, and ex-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will not be included in his upcoming administration. Trump, posting on Truth Social, thanked them for past service but stated, “I will not be inviting former Ambassador Nikki Haley, or former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, to join the Trump Administration.” Haley, a former South Carolina governor, previously opposed Trump during the Republican primaries but later endorsed him. Both Haley and Pompeo had been seen as strong candidates for top Cabinet roles, adding intrigue to Trump’s selection process.

Qatar has withdrawn as a key mediator in ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas, citing a lack of sincere commitment to negotiations. According to a diplomatic source, Qatar informed both sides that it would no longer mediate unless they demonstrate genuine willingness for peace. Qatar’s message included a warning to Hamas that its political office in Doha “no longer serves its purpose.” Previously, Qatar’s role was backed by the U.S. and involved in recent talks. However, these efforts failed to produce a breakthrough, leading Qatar to end its involvement for now.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a defense treaty with North Korea, formalizing a strategic partnership with leader Kim Jong Un. The treaty, announced in June after the two leaders met in Pyongyang, states that Russia and North Korea will support each other in case of an armed attack. This mutual defense agreement was ratified by Russia’s parliament, and the decree appeared on an official Russian government website. The partnership marks a new level of cooperation between the countries amid ongoing global tensions.

UK Queen Camilla will miss the Remembrance events this weekend as she recovers from a chest infection, Buckingham Palace announced. Camilla, 77, had planned to attend the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday and the Cenotaph service on Sunday. While disappointed, she will mark the occasion privately. King Charles, still undergoing cancer treatment, and the Princess of Wales, who recently completed chemotherapy, will attend both events. Prince William called 2024 a "brutal" year due to his wife’s and father’s health challenges but expressed pride in how his family has handled their struggles.