Families escorted out of the Covid-19 Inquiry dismissed Boris Johnson's apology, describing it as a "slap in the face" amidst the Partygate scandal. During the inquiry, Johnson admitted to "inevitable" mistakes and stated "Can I just say how glad I am to be at this inquiry and how sorry I am for the pain and the loss and the suffering of the Covid victims," before he was cut short by disruptions from bereaved individuals. Kathryn Butcher, whose sister-in-law died in March 2020, rejected the apology, stating, "It's been insult after insult. I didn't want an apology, it's meaningless." Johnson faces a two-day grilling defending government decisions and addressing allegations of prioritizing economic concerns over tough restrictions. Butcher asserted "The behaviour of the government since the start of this pandemic, despite making mistake after mistake after mistake, just continued, and then we get slapped in the face with Partygate." 

In an exceptional step, UN Secretary-General Guterres invoked Article 99 to compel the Security Council to address Gaza ceasefire demands. The UN chief wrote on X: "I've just invoked Art.99 of the UN Charter - for the 1st time in my tenure as Secretary-General. Facing a severe risk of collapse of the humanitarian system in Gaza, I urge the Council to help avert a humanitarian catastrophe & appeal for a humanitarian ceasefire to be declared." UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric revealed Guterres activated the rarely used UN Charter provision given the "scale of loss of human life" enabling him to flag "any matter threatening international peace." Describing it a “dramatic constitutional move”, Dujarric expressed hopes to spur ceasefire pressure internationally, calling it "arguably the most important invocation" and the chief's "most powerful tool”. Meanwhile, Hamas leaders asserted “no negotiations” without Israeli offensive halting even as 16,248 Palestinians and around 1,200 Israelis have died in the war since October 7.

Suella Braverman, recently sacked as Home Secretary, told PM Rishi Sunak that the Conservative Party faces "electoral oblivion" if he does not urgently tackle illegal immigration. In her first Commons speech since being fired, Braverman demanded that Sunak enforce controversial plans to deport illegal migrants to Rwanda. She warned that migrant numbers are overwhelming public services and endangering national security. Braverman admitted she may have used insensitive language in the past but said she refuses to stand by while the government fails to control borders. She claimed human rights laws have obstructed the Rwanda policy from starting and insisted any new legislation must enable deportation flights before the next election. Braverman told Sunak it is "now or never" for the Tories to curb immigration or face extinction at the hands of voters.

In a heated meeting, families of Israelis held by Hamas confronted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of deception and intensifying calls for his resignation. The emotionally charged gathering witnessed chaos as returned hostages recounted alleged mental and physical abuse. Reuven Yablonka, whose son remains captive, described the scene, saying, "There was chaos and yelling; they shouted that they want all the hostages to come home." Leaked audio featured Netanyahu explaining the challenges of simultaneous releases, stating, "If there was a chance to bring them all in one fell swoop, do you think anyone here would object?" Concerns arose over tactics potentially endangering hostages, with one woman challenging Netanyahu, "You prioritize politics over the hostages." Families expressed frustration, with Dani Miran calling the government's handling a "farce" and adding to the mounting pressure on Netanyahu to step down.

Saudi Arabia has reportedly urged the United States to exercise restraint in responding to Yemen's Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea amid escalating tensions. The Houthis, aligning with Iran, target ships and attack Israel, further complicating the regional conflict. Riyadh seeks to prevent further escalation, with sources indicating satisfaction with the US handling so far. As Houthi attacks threaten vital shipping lanes, including those crucial for oil transport, Saudi Arabia's plea aligns with its efforts for stability. The situation unfolds against the backdrop of broader regional dynamics, with Saudi Arabia navigating peace talks in Yemen amid the Hamas-Israel war.

Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson expressed remorse for the "pain and loss" caused by the Covid-19 pandemic during a public inquiry. Facing criticism for alleged indecisiveness, Johnson acknowledged "unquestionable" mistakes and took personal responsibility. Protesters disrupted his testimony, but he continued, stating, "Inevitably we got some things wrong." Johnson emphasized decisions aimed at saving lives and preventing healthcare overload. With nearly 130,000 UK Covid deaths, he defended actions, claiming success in preventing NHS overwhelm. The inquiry probes his pandemic handling, scrutinizing timing, understanding of advice, and critiques from former aides Cummings and Cain.

The UK government has chosen veteran television executive Samir Shah to be the new chairman of the BBC. The 71-year-old Shah previously held senior roles at the BBC including head of current affairs and political journalism. He currently serves as CEO of an independent production company that supplies programming to the BBC and other broadcasters. Shah said he was “delighted” to be selected and emphasized the BBC’s cultural importance in British life. If approved, he will replace former chairman Richard Sharp who resigned earlier this year over controversy related to his ties with Boris Johnson. Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer stated Shah has the experience and ambition to guide the BBC through today’s challenging media landscape. His journalistic background was welcomed by observers who see it as an asset for upholding the BBC’s independence and public mission during a difficult financial period.

“With the war between Israel and Hamas and the polarisation it causes in our society, with the upcoming holiday season, there is a huge risk of terrorist attacks in the European Union,” Home Affairs Chief Ylva Johansson warned ahead of ministerial talks in Brussels as online extremism surges amid recent violence. Johansson pledged an additional €30 million to protect places of worship from the divisiveness fueled by the conflict. She also urged implementing EU measures to crack down on hate speech and funding of militant networks. Spain's Home Affairs Minister Fernando Grande Marlaska said the tensions "could sharpen polarisation and fuel terrorism", asserting "Clearly, we can't permit this." With EU alarm over terror risks from worsening societal splits caused by the Gaza war, urgent coordination was underlined to counter radicalization and bitterness spreading online. [Video Courtesy: euronews X handle]

Southwark Council has seen a sharp rise in bed bug infestations, with a 40% increase in complaints over the last year. The borough experienced 629 pest control call outs for the bloodsucking insects in 2022-23, up from 515 the previous year. The surge comes after cases dropped during 2020 and 2021 due to pandemic restrictions limiting home visits. Southwark officials attribute the jump to resumed in-person inspections, but neighboring boroughs Lambeth and Lewisham have not faced the same trend. While their case numbers also initially declined, neither has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels. With Southwark residents battling the nocturnal nuisances, the council insists the borough does not face a growing problem. But for those dealing with the itchy onslaught, that provides little comfort.

Hospitals in Gaza are overwhelmed by waves of casualties as Israel escalates its military campaign against Hamas. Medical facilities have run out of beds and are now treating patients on floors covered in blood. Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza is inundated, with tents set up outside for the displaced. Victims include many children, like a toddler wounded when his street was bombed who will turn two in days. With safe shelter lacking, panicked residents flee to hospitals. Israel says it is clearing out militants in Gaza's north and south, but its bombardment is taking a devastating toll on civilians. As injured Palestinians flood in, medical staff struggle to save lives amid chaos. With no end in sight, the situation continues to deteriorate by the hour.