Amidst a ceasefire, six Palestinians, including a minor, were fatally shot by Israeli forces in the West Bank. The Palestinian health ministry reported five deaths in Jenin and one in Yatma near Nablus, with six others injured in Jenin. The Israeli military spokesperson's office is verifying the incident. Official Palestinian news agency WAFA stated that Israeli forces, entering Jenin from multiple directions, surrounded hospitals and the Red Crescent Society's headquarters. The tragic incident raises concerns about the stability of the ongoing ceasefire in the region. [ photo: htTweets/X ]

In the ongoing four day truce, Hamas fulfilled its commitment by releasing 17 hostages on Saturday, including 13 Israelis and four Thai nationals. 39 Palestinian prisoners are released by Israel in exchange. The temporary pause faced a brief setback over aid concerns, but Qatar and Egypt intervened, ensuring continuity. Israel has now received the list for the third batch of hostages, initiating notifications to families. The four-day truce, aiming for 50 Israeli hostages in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners, is being closely monitored. As diplomatic efforts persist, U.S. President Biden expressed hope for an extension with each additional release, maintaining a fragile yet crucial equilibrium in the region.    

The four-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas continues to hold on its second day, enabling over 150 aid trucks stocked with food, water, medical supplies and fuel to enter Gaza. It is the largest delivery since fighting erupted in October. Gazans are using the pause to search for supplies, check on loved ones, gather vital belongings from damaged homes, and retrieve bodies from under rubble. Despite progress, humanitarian groups emphasize that more aid is still urgently needed, with over 1 million displaced residents crowded into shelters. Both sides hope talks can pave way for a lasting truce to be implemented. But years of conflict loom heavy as fears remain that violence could ultimately still resume even during this brief, yet unstable, period of calm.

On the second day of the Israel-Hamas truce, Hamas is set to release 14 Israeli hostages in exchange for 42 Palestinian prisoners. The four-day pause has allowed critical humanitarian aid into Gaza, offering a brief respite for civilians amid seven weeks of conflict. Egypt indicates positive signals for a truce extension. On the first day, Hamas released 24 hostages, and Israel freed 39 Palestinians. Talks involve the release of more detainees, with Hamas committed to freeing at least 50 Israeli hostages, and Israel releasing 150 Palestinian prisoners, mainly women and minors, during the truce. The hostage release is expected to occur today.      

The Metropolitan Police will distribute leaflets at the upcoming pro-Palestinian march in London, outlining language restrictions for protesters. In response to criticism, the Met aims to prevent extremist views by clarifying unacceptable language, warning against racist, terrorist-supporting, or celebratory expressions. With 1,500 officers deployed, the force emphasizes a new approach, directly informing protesters about speech limits. Protection of war memorials and prevention of breakaway protests are priorities. The move precedes a major antisemitism march on Sunday, where right-wing activist Tommy Robinson is expected. "Mutual aid" officers from other forces will support operations.      

In the most extensive drone strike of the war, Russia targeted Kyiv, injuring five and damaging buildings. Ukrainian President Zelenskiy reported over 70 Iranian-designed Shahed kamikaze drones launched, with most intercepted. Kyiv's mayor, Klitschko, stated the attack injured an 11-year-old and caused widespread damage, including a nursery fire from a downed drone. The assault coincided with Ukraine's commemoration of the 1932-33 Holodomor famine. Zelenskiy condemned the "wilful terror," linking it to Russia's invasion. Energy ministry noted power outages in nearly 200 buildings, raising concerns of an impending aerial campaign on Ukraine's energy system.      

US Vice President Kamala Harris faced criticism for her Thanksgiving post featuring a gas stove, reigniting concerns over the Biden administration's alleged plan to ban such appliances. The post triggered backlash from Republicans, with Senator Ted Cruz highlighting perceived hypocrisy. Earlier rumors of a gas stove ban surfaced in January, prompting conservative backlash against government overreach. Despite clarifications from officials, Harris's post became a lightning rod for criticism, with Senate Republican staffer Charles Correll III stating, "Gas stoves for me but not for thee." The controversy aligns with a previous House bill aiming to prevent a ban on gas stoves.      

The Chinese military asserts that the American naval destroyer USS Hopper entered China's territorial waters without approval, prompting China to label the United States as a 'security risk creator' in the South China Sea. The People's Liberation Army's Southern Theatre Command deployed naval and air forces to track and monitor the vessel, according to an official WeChat post. This incident follows China's accusation against the Philippines for involving "foreign forces" in South China Sea patrols. Tensions rise as the US and China engage in talks on maritime issues, highlighting concerns about perceived "dangerous and unlawful" Chinese actions in the region.

The Union Health Ministry is closely tracking the recent H9N2 avian flu and pediatric respiratory illness outbreaks in China. While reassuring that India currently faces low risk, the ministry noted WHO concerns about the surge in China and lack of details. Expert Dr Ajay Shukla said the respiratory illness spike could stem from lockdown-weakened immunity rather than unusual pathogens. He added that while specifics remain unavailable, the illnesses are possibly bacterial not viral. With no impact in India yet, Shukla stated experts are on "wait and watch" as WHO presses China for transparent data-sharing on the undiagnosed pneumonia wave striking its children post-COVID. He advised precautions if India reports any cases.

A huge fire erupted in a shopping mall in Pakistan's Karachi on Saturday, killing at least 11 people. The blaze started early morning at the multi-storey RJ Mall, trapping many inside. Around 50 were rescued but officials say more remain trapped as rescue efforts continue. Survivor Rauf Hamid said smoke was so thick people didn't understand what was happening. Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab confirmed 11 deaths on X. The fire's cause is unclear. Many of the injured are hospitalized. Geo News said the fire brigade is struggling to contain the raging blaze and fears of more deaths are rising.