Israel has issued a warning after Elon Musk offered communication support to war-torn Gaza through his Starlink satellite internet service. Israel's communication minister Shlomo Karhi expressed concerns that the service could be utilized for "terrorist activities" by Hamas militants. Musk's announcement followed criticism from US representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez regarding Israel's communication blackout in Gaza. The blackout, affecting 2.3 million people, hampers emergency services and humanitarian efforts. While Musk assured support for Gaza aid groups, concerns persist about potential misuse. SpaceX has not clarified how Starlink connections would be safeguarded against unauthorized use by Hamas.

Former Vice President Mike Pence has ended his campaign for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination after facing fundraising and polling struggles. Pence announced the suspension of his White House bid at a Republican event in Las Vegas. He becomes the first major candidate to exit the race dominated by his former running mate Donald Trump. Pence's decision comes over two months before the Iowa caucuses, saving him from failing to qualify for the next GOP debate. Once Trump's most loyal deputy, their relationship soured when Trump incorrectly insisted Pence could overturn the 2020 election. Pence's withdrawal deals a blow as he failed to gain traction despite years of preparation.

New York City has established a new office to provide asylum-seekers with free, one-way tickets to leave the city as its shelter system reaches full capacity. With over 130,000 migrants arriving since last year, Mayor Eric Adams says shelters are so overwhelmed that people may soon be forced to sleep on streets. The new reticketing center builds on existing efforts to transport migrants elsewhere voluntarily. Adams has limited adults to 30 days in shelters, seeking to suspend a legal mandate to house the homeless as winter nears. The city says 20,000 have received stay limit notices, with less than 20% exceeding time limits remaining in shelters.

Hamas has demanded the release of all Palestinian prisoners held in Israel in exchange for releasing Israeli hostages seized by the militant group. A Hamas spokesperson stated "the price to pay" for the Israeli hostages is emptying Israel's prisons of Palestinians. This comes as Israel said it is expanding its ground offensive in Gaza, with the military still active in the field. Amid the escalating conflict, Gaza has been largely cut off, with internet and phones down, isolating 2.3 million residents. Israel has ramped up operations as Hamas vowed to respond with "full force" to the ongoing attacks. The prisoner exchange demand underscores the high stakes as violence intensifies.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel has begun the second phase of its war in Gaza with ground operations against Hamas militants. He vowed to "destroy the enemy above ground and below ground." With Gaza residents cut off from communications, Israel pressed forward after weeks of airstrikes. Netanyahu said the war will be long and hard, but Israel will rescue over 200 hostages held by Hamas. He said the goals are to destroy Hamas' governing and military capabilities. Israel has blockaded and bombed Gaza since Hamas' October 7 attack killed 1,400 Israelis. Gaza health officials say 7,650 Palestinians have been killed so far in Israel's campaign. Netanyahu said "we are only at the start."

The UN human rights chief warned of potentially thousands more civilian deaths as Israel conducts a major ground offensive in Gaza. Volker Turk said given the military operations so far amid Gaza's decades-long occupation, he is alarmed by the prospect of "catastrophic consequences" from large-scale ground invasions. Israel has sent troops and armored vehicles into Gaza, backed by heavy airstrikes that knocked out most communications there. The Palestinian death toll has topped 7,700 since fighting erupted in early October. Over 1.4 million Gazans have been displaced, with many seeking shelter at UN sites. More than 1,400 Israelis were killed in Hamas's initial attacks.

Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered in London on Saturday, demanding an end to Israel's attacks in Gaza. Similar rallies were anticipated in other UK cities. Home Secretary Suella Braverman had urged police to interpret certain chants as violent expressions. The protests come as Israel intensifies its strikes three weeks after Hamas attacked its territory. In Manchester, thousands attended a pro-Palestinian rally. International calls for a ceasefire continue. The protests are part of a global wave demanding cessation of hostilities and access for aid into Gaza, where thousands have been killed amid escalating conflict.

Amid the communication blackout in Gaza caused by intense Israeli bombardment, US representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez questioned the ethics of cutting off communication to 2.2 million people. Responding, Elon Musk announced that Starlink, created by SpaceX, would support connectivity for internationally recognized aid organizations in Gaza. Starlink, SpaceX's satellite network, aims to provide affordable internet access to isolated areas. The disruption hindered emergency services, with the Palestinian Red Crescent Society losing contact with Gaza operations. Palestinian telecom provider Jawwal cited destruction of international routes, and internet monitor NetBlocks reported a significant decline in connectivity.

At least 32 people died and 18 remain missing after a methane explosion caused a fire at ArcelorMittal Temirtau's Kostenko mine in Kazakhstan. Operator ArcelorMittal said 206 of the 252 people at the mine were evacuated, with 18 seeking medical care. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev declared a national day of mourning on October 29th. He also ordered officials to halt investment cooperation with ArcelorMittal as the government and company finalize a deal to nationalize the steel mill. ArcelorMittal said it is committed to completing the transfer of ownership to minimize disruption.

London has witnessed a disturbing surge in hate crimes, with antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents nearly doubling in just over a week. The escalation follows the recent Israel-Hamas conflict, leading to growing tensions in Britain. Commander Kyle Gordon reported 408 antisemitic incidents and 174 Islamophobic offences recorded in the British capital this month, compared to 28 and 65 respectively during the same period last year. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations and Jewish group vigils have been held, and law enforcement has made 75 conflict-related arrests, emphasizing their strict response to hate crimes.