Negotiations for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza have resumed in Cairo, despite ongoing Israeli bombardment of the southern Gaza city of Rafah. International pressure mounts on Israel to halt the attacks as fears of a ground offensive loom over the densely populated area. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejects ceasefire proposals by Hamas, vowing "total victory" within months. US President Joe Biden urges civilian protection in the region. Talks involve releasing Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Amid warnings of a "terrifying" assault on Rafah, efforts continue to broker a temporary truce amidst escalating violence.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's withdrawal from the race for prime minister and pledge of support for Nawaz Sharif's PML-N has bolstered the former Pakistan PM's bid for a fourth term. Bhutto's announcement, coupled with Shehbaz Sharif's reaffirmation of Nawaz Sharif's candidacy, signals a potential comeback for the veteran politician. Sharif's resurgence follows a tumultuous period marked by legal battles and exile. The development comes after Pakistani voters delivered a fractured mandate in the February 8 polls, with independent candidates and Sharif's PML-N emerging as significant players in the National Assembly.

UK employers are scrambling to submit skilled worker visa applications ahead of impending immigration rule changes set to raise costs. Companies fear salary requirements for overseas hires will surge under proposed alterations, prompting a rush to secure current status and hiring plans. Immigration lawyers note clients retracting job offers due to salary concerns. Home Office intensifies employer scrutiny amid visa fraud crackdown. Concerns mount over minimum salary increase from £26,200 to £38,700 in April, potentially impacting sectors like hospitality and manufacturing. The complexity of new rules prompts businesses to reassess recruitment strategies.

A massive fire broke out at the newly constructed Oceana water park in Gothenburg, Sweden, causing chaos and destruction. Sixteen individuals sustained minor injuries, and one person is reported missing. The cause of the blaze remains unknown. The fire quickly spread through several yet-to-be-opened waterslides, with witnesses capturing harrowing footage of the flames and explosions. The water park, set to open later this year, was part of an expansion of the Liseberg Amusement Park. Authorities evacuated nearby buildings and urged residents to stay indoors due to thick smoke. Firefighters continue to battle the blaze as investigations into the incident are ongoing.          

US President Joe Biden faced online trolling and criticism following a public appearance with Jordan's King Abdullah II at the White House. During the event, Biden appeared momentarily disoriented, prompting scrutiny over his cognitive abilities. Video footage capturing the moment circulated widely on social media platforms, with some Republicans seizing the opportunity to question Biden's fitness for office. Former Trump administration officials and political commentators joined in, mocking Biden's demeanor. The incident reignited concerns about Biden's mental acuity, with recent reports highlighting lapses in memory. Public surveys consistently reflect skepticism about Biden's suitability for the presidency, further intensifying as the election draws near.

President Biden emphasizes the need to safeguard civilians in Rafah, Gaza, as Israel considers expanding its ground operation. With over a million Palestinians densely packed in Rafah, Biden insists on credible efforts to ensure their safety amidst heavy airstrikes and looming military action. International concerns mount, with warnings of devastating consequences and calls for restraint from key allies like the UK and the EU. Hamas warns of potential casualties in the tens of thousands and jeopardizing hostage negotiations. The death toll rises, with over 164 Palestinians killed and nearly 68,000 wounded since the conflict erupted, highlighting the urgent need for diplomatic solutions to prevent further bloodshed.

A man in his 40s was arrested in London after allegedly threatening passengers and a bus driver with an unknown substance, leading to a three-hour standoff with police. The incident occurred on the 109 bus in Brixton, prompting police intervention in Thornton Heath. Police, dressed in chemical suits, surrounded the bus as passengers evacuated. The substance was later determined to be non-corrosive, and the man was arrested after being tasered. He was subsequently taken to hospital, with police suspecting drug use. No hostages were reported, and the man faces charges of affray. His condition is deemed non-life-threatening.

As Pakistan grapples with its post-election landscape, talks between traditional powerhouses PML-N and PPP have emerged to form a coalition, sidelining PTI-backed independents despite winning the most seats. Imran Khan's PTI, whose candidates secured 95 seats, faces challenges as Khan remains jailed and the party was barred from direct contesting. Election integrity concerns linger, with internet blackouts and vote count delays fueling suspicion. Analysts predict PTI may form a robust opposition instead. Amid uncertainty, analyst Ayesha Jalal warns of a tricky post-election political crisis, emphasizing the challenges of managing coalitions and their impact on economic reforms.          

Despite tacit army support, Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN) faces defeat in Pakistan's general elections, as reported by Al Jazeera. Sharif's party, once favored for victory, secures only 75 seats in the national assembly, trailing PTI-backed independents by 20 seats. Sharif, aiming for coalition partners, acknowledges the need for support to form a government. Analysts attribute PMLN's decline to the fallout from their alliance with PPP under the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), economic challenges, and failure to adapt to shifting public opinion. The election outcome exacerbates Pakistan's political and economic turmoil, prompting calls for Sharif to gracefully concede and engage with PTI for stability.

Israel successfully conducts a rescue operation in Rafah, Gaza, freeing two Israeli-Argentine hostages, Fernando Simon Marman and Louis Har, amid intense air strikes. The hostages, from Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak, were found in good medical condition and taken to Sheba Medical Center. The operation involved heavy exchanges of fire, with Israeli forces engaging multiple locations simultaneously. Conflicting reports on Palestinian casualties emerged, with estimates ranging from 50 to 100 people killed. The rescue follows warnings from the international community against Israel's planned offensive in Rafah, where 1.5 million seek refuge. Despite calls for caution, Israel plans to proceed with its operation, sparking concerns about civilian safety and potential casualties.