Russian President Vladimir Putin announced his intention to stay in power for at least six more years. He made the declaration at a Kremlin ceremony honoring soldiers fighting in Ukraine. Putin awarded the 'Hero of Russia' medal to troops and families of fallen soldiers. A lieutenant colonel born in Ukraine pledged allegiance, saying "Russia needs you." In response, Putin confirmed "I will run for the post of president" in the next election. He expressed conviction that together they will achieve their goals, signaling lengthy continuation of his leadership amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

The Israel-Hamas war enters its third month, with Israel intensifying its ground assault in central and south Gaza. Israeli forces bomb a family home in Khan Younis, resulting in 10 casualties. In a separate incident, Israeli troops attempt to free hostages in Gaza, leading to clashes with militants. Meanwhile, three Hezbollah terrorists and a Syrian are killed in an alleged Israeli drone strike in southern Syria. The Biden administration seeks congressional approval for the sale of 45,000 shells for Israel's tanks amid growing concerns about the humanitarian impact of the conflict. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas calls for an immediate end to the war.

BBC anchor Maryam Moshiri issued an apology after a video of her flashing a middle finger gesture went viral. The incident occurred right before she went live for the 12pm bulletin. In the clip, a smiling Moshiri is seen holding up her middle finger as the broadcast switches on, before instantly assuming a professional demeanor to anchor the news. She later explained she was joking around by counting down to the broadcast using hand gestures for the director. At "one" she turned her finger without realizing she was on-air. Moshiri called it a "private joke with the team" not intended for viewers. The embarrassing gaffe put the media organization's professional standards under scrutiny while amusing many online.

The United States vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution that called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The resolution had support from 13 out of 15 members, but was opposed by the US and Israel. US Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood argued the resolution would allow Hamas to continue ruling Gaza and perpetuate future conflicts. Most other countries and the UN Secretary-General urged an urgent ceasefire to protect civilians, though Israel demanded the return of hostages first. Hamas condemned the US veto as unethical support for killing Palestinians.

The Palestinian Authority is reportedly working with U.S. officials on a plan to administer Gaza after the conflict, according to Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh. The desired outcome is for Hamas, currently in control of Gaza, to become a junior partner under the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), contributing to the establishment of an independent state encompassing the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem. Shtayyeh emphasizes the need for Palestinian unity and dismisses Israel's goal of completely defeating Hamas as unrealistic. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu counters, asserting that the Palestinian Authority is not the solution. The conflict has resulted in over 17,170 Palestinian casualties.    

Speaking Thursday in the House of Lords, the Archbishop of Canterbury criticized new UK visa rules requiring Britons earn £38,700 to bring foreign spouses or dependents, which take effect next spring. The rules aim to cut migration after it reached record highs last year. “There is a cost to be paid in terms of the negative impact this will have on married and family relationships,” the Archbishop said, arguing that “a lack of strong families undermines our whole society.” He contended the government “must not set a series of hurdles” for families. The rules have drawn criticism from some Conservatives and Labour, who say it unfairly targets Britons who fall in love with foreign partners, especially those with lower incomes.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a dire state of Gaza's health system, warning it can't endure further losses of ambulances or hospital beds. Christian Lindmeier, WHO spokesman, described the situation as "horrible beyond belief," emphasizing that only 14 of Gaza's 36 hospitals are operational. The ongoing conflict has devastated vast areas, displacing 80% of the population, facing severe shortages of essentials. Lindmeier pleaded for a ceasefire, citing patients bleeding on the floor and trauma wards resembling battlefields. A planned medical convoy had to be suspended due to security concerns, amplifying the urgency of humanitarian intervention in Gaza.        

A senior Hamas leader, who is in exile abroad, accused Israel of a "heinous crime against innocent civilians" after images circulated of Palestinian men stripped to their underwear in Gaza. Izzat El-Reshiq said the men were captured at a school being used as a shelter, urging rights groups to expose this and secure their release. Israel TV showed the footage, saying they were captured Hamas fighters. Some Palestinians recognised relatives and denied links to any group. An Israeli spokesperson said they were apprehended in Hamas strongholds. Rights groups and relatives raised concerns over humanitarian law violations. London-based Arabic outlet Al-Araby Al-Jadeed said its correspondent Diaa Kahlout was among those detained, heightening calls for their release.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday announced he will run in the 2024 presidential elections, seeking to extend his rule. "I've had different thoughts at different times, but this is a time when a decision has to be made. I will run for the office of president," Putin said. According to reports by Russian media outlets, Putin told Lieutenant Colonel Artyom Zhoga, a Russian military officer, about his decision to participate in the upcoming vote at a Kremlin ceremony. Russian media quoted the officer saying all of Russia and its "reunified territories" support Putin's decision to heed the "request to participate". Though Putin has governed Russia for over two decades as president or prime minister, he is yet to formally announce his candidacy for the March 2024 polls. 

Former UK Prime Minister David Cameron, in his new role as UK Foreign Secretary, urged Republican lawmakers during a visit to Washington to provide Ukraine with more long-range weapons. "There is nothing that will drive Russia further back and put Putin more on the back foot than actually seeing that Crimea, which is legally part of Ukraine, is properly under attack from Ukrainian forces," Cameron said. This would require sending additional long-range weapons to Ukraine. Cameron argued that aid to Ukraine so far has been "tremendous value for money," saying that for 10% of the U.S. defense budget, "nearly half of Russia's prewar military assets have been destroyed." The comments come as Republicans recently blocked $44 billion in new aid to Ukraine in the Senate.