French President Emmanuel Macron praised Qatar for its crucial role in securing the release of two American hostages held by Hamas since the October 7 attack on Israel. Macron expressed confidence in further releases, emphasizing ongoing discussions through various channels, including direct contact with Hezbollah, to free more hostages. He revealed France's efforts to prevent escalation on Lebanon's southern border and acknowledged the delicate regional situation. Macron did not rule out a visit to the region in the coming days, underscoring diplomatic initiatives amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared an unwavering commitment to victory in Gaza, dismissing any pause in the military's operations. Despite Hamas releasing two American hostages, Netanyahu affirmed the ongoing fight and emphasized efforts to bring back all abducted individuals. The conflict, the deadliest in Gaza's history, has claimed over 4,100 Palestinian lives and 1,400 Israeli casualties, including those captured by Hamas during the incursion. The situation remains tense, with Netanyahu's statement reflecting Israel's determination to continue the military offensive.

The Israeli military conducted overnight airstrikes on numerous Hamas sites across Gaza, including command centers and infrastructure, according to the IDF. Anti-tank missile launch sites and sniper positions in high-rise buildings were also targeted. At least 46 Palestinians were killed in the Israeli air raids per reports, with multiple civilian fatalities. 24 were killed in a strike on the al-Motawwaq family in Jabalia. The al-Ajrami family also suffered 10 fatalities. Additionally, 7 died in raids on Deir el-Balah and al-Bureij refugee camp. The IDF released footage of the strikes which comes amid an escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

The Biden administration is set to revamp the H-1B visa program, allowing US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations. Proposed changes, aimed at streamlining eligibility and enhancing efficiency, include altering the selection process to prevent misuse, expanding exemptions for non-profit organizations, and providing flexibility to F-1 students and rising entrepreneurs. The Department of Homeland Security emphasized attracting global talent, reducing employer burdens, and preventing fraud. Advocates for immigration reform welcomed the proposed regulations, marking a significant step toward improving the H-1B visa system and ensuring the competitiveness of American industries.

India's space agency, ISRO, achieved a significant milestone in its Gaganyaan Mission as it successfully tested the Crew Escape System. The test, conducted using the Test Vehicle (TV-D1) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, validated crucial motors for astronaut safety, including low-altitude, high-altitude, and jettisoning motors. The system, akin to fighter jet ejection seats, safeguards astronauts by ejecting them to a safe distance in case of emergencies. ISRO's success paves the way for India's first manned space mission, with plans to send astronauts by 2025 and explore the Moon by 2040.

The United States and the United Kingdom have expressed concern over India's demand for Canada to reduce its diplomatic presence, following allegations related to the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Both nations urged India to cooperate with Canada's ongoing investigation and uphold diplomatic norms outlined in the 1961 Vienna Convention. While the US and the UK value their ties with India as a counterbalance to China, their direct criticism signifies a significant stance in the diplomatic row. Canada withdrew 41 diplomats from India in response to New Delhi's demand, temporarily suspending in-person operations in several Indian cities and warning of visa processing delays.

According to London's Metropolitan Police data, antisemitic and Islamophobic hate crimes have spiked in the UK capital since the Israel-Gaza conflict began. From October 1-18, antisemitic offenses rose 1,353% to 218 from 15 last year. Islamophobic crimes increased 140% to 101 from 42. The Met is working with Jewish and Muslim communities, visiting places of worship and deploying extra police. 21 hate crime arrests have been made so far. Most protests have occurred without major incident, though 15 were arrested at a large demonstration last Saturday. Over 1,000 officers will police another major protest on Saturday. The Met vowed to intervene against hate crimes while protecting lawful protest rights.

Hamas said its military wing has released two American hostages, a mother and daughter, for "humanitarian reasons" from around 200 captives taken during its October 7 attacks in Israel. Hamas provided no details on the release timing. Israel said most abducted hostages remain alive in Gaza, including minors and elderly. Between 10-20 were found dead. 100-200 people are still considered missing since the attacks, Israel's deadliest ever, which killed over 1,400. Israel has responded with relentless bombardment killing over 4,000 in Gaza, mostly civilians per Hamas health officials. The American hostages' release comes amid Qatar's mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas.

A TUI Boeing 737 jet carrying passengers skidded off the runway while landing at Leeds Bradford Airport amid Storm Babet's strong winds. The plane got stranded on the grass but there were no reported injuries. However, all flights at the airport were temporarily halted with some diverted. It comes as Storm Babet caused a third UK death - a man caught in floodwater in Shropshire. Earlier, a woman in Scotland and a second person in Angus were confirmed dead from the storm's impacts. Babet also led to dramatic flood rescues in Nottinghamshire. The airport incident occurred as the rare red weather alert storm continues wreaking havoc across Britain.

Scotland has been battered by Storm Babet, with a third person dying amid the severe weather. A 56-year-old man was killed when his van hit a tree near Forfar, while a 67-year-old woman was swept to her death in the Water of Lee. A rare red weather warning is in effect in northeast Scotland, while amber and yellow warnings cover the UK. England has seen homes flooded, transport disruptions, and road and school closures. A jet skidded off a runway at Leeds Bradford Airport, which is now closed, due to wet and windy conditions. Wales is also facing flooding that has closed schools and caused travel problems. Storm Babet is causing chaos and dangerous conditions across the UK, with three confirmed deaths so far in Scotland.