During his Angelus prayer, Pope Francis reiterated his plea for peace in Ukraine and the Middle East, emphasizing the importance of sustained efforts to end ongoing conflicts. Addressing the crowds in St. Peter's Square, he specifically prayed for the troubled populations of Ukraine and the people in Palestine and Israel. Noting the presence of Ukrainian flags, the Pope asserted that peace is attainable with good will, rejecting resignation in the face of war. He condemned war as a profit source for weapon manufacturers and called for collective efforts towards a world free from conflict.

Qatar's Prime Minister suggests that the Israel-Hamas hostage deal faces only "minor" challenges related to practical issues, expressing confidence in reaching an agreement. Qatar has been mediating talks resulting in the release of four hostages so far. Israel, in response to the October 7 attacks, has vowed to dismantle Hamas. The U.S. is actively involved in brokering a potential deal, refuting rumors of a significant breakthrough. The situation remains tense as Israel insists on a complete captive release before a ceasefire. The negotiations, marked by ups and downs, focus on logistical hurdles, bringing hope for the safe return of hostages.

Amid Israeli airstrikes in northern Gaza, a UN team, coordinated with the IDF, risked their lives to assess Al-Shifa Hospital's dire situation. The World Health Organization (WHO) disclosed a "desperate" scene, branding the hospital a "death zone." Shelling signs and a mass grave with over 80 buried people were evident. Al-Shifa, crippled by shortages, redirects patients to the overwhelmed Indonesian Hospital. With 25 health workers and 291 patients, WHO calls for an immediate ceasefire. Plans for evacuating patients and staff are underway, emphasizing the urgency of humanitarian assistance in the conflict-stricken region.

Despite conflicting reports, the White House stated on Saturday night that no deal has been confirmed for a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Earlier, The Washington Post suggested a Qatari-brokered agreement, proposing a five-day truce in exchange for hostages. A spokesperson emphasized continuous efforts to secure a resolution. Israel, adamant on dismantling Hamas after the October 7 attacks, is preparing to escalate its offensive. In Gaza, authorities raised the death toll to 12,300, including 5,000 children. As air strikes target militants and civilian casualties are reported, international mediation persists in the seventh week of the conflict.

In an overnight assault, Russian drones targeted Ukraine's infrastructure, resulting in power outages in over 400 towns. President Zelenskiy commended the air force for downing 29 Iranian-made Shahed drones. Despite the energy ministry ensuring adequate electricity, 1,550 consumers were affected. Zelenskiy acknowledged the crucial role of accuracy in defense but warned of heightened Russian strikes as winter approaches. Last winter saw extensive damage, leaving millions without essential services. An oil refinery in Odesa and infrastructure in Chernihiv were hit, with one civilian wounded. The nation braces for potential winter attacks on energy infrastructure. [ Representative image ]

In a potential breakthrough, the United States, Israel, and Hamas have reportedly reached a tentative agreement to temporarily halt hostilities and secure the release of dozens of hostages, including women and children, in Gaza. According to the Washington Post, the detailed six-page deal outlines a five-day ceasefire during which initial releases of hostages would occur every 24 hours. The pause aims to facilitate humanitarian aid and will be closely monitored by overhead surveillance. As anticipation builds, there is no immediate response from the White House or the Israeli prime minister's office.

Fifteen UK government departments have allegedly been monitoring potential critics on social media and compiling "secret files" to prevent them from speaking at public events. Under the guidelines issued to government departments like education, health, culture, media and sport, environment, food, and rural affairs, officials are advised to check experts’ Twitter, Facebook, and Google to identify critics in the past 3-5 years. Human rights lawyers have slammed the "dangerous" monitoring uncovered by the Observer. The revelations are seen as embarrassing for the Conservative government which champions free speech and criticized universities for allowing students to “no platform” experts with whom they disagree.

In twin Israeli strikes on the Jabalia refugee camp, over 80 people were killed, with at least 50 casualties in an attack on the UN-run Al-Fakhura school. UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths denounced the tragedy, emphasizing that shelters and schools should be places of safety and learning. The school housed thousands of displaced Palestinians. Videos verified by AFP depicted a grim scene with bodies covered in blood, raising concerns about civilian safety. The Israeli army, while not specifically commenting on the strikes, stated its intention to expand operations targeting terrorists and Hamas infrastructure in Gaza.

In a compassionate initiative led by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the first plane carrying 15 individuals, including children in critical need of medical aid, arrived in Abu Dhabi. Departing from El Arish Int'l Airport in Egypt, the mission aims to provide medical treatment for 1,000 Palestinian children from Gaza. UAE's hospitals stand ready to offer comprehensive care, emphasizing international standards. Sheikh Mohamed previously allocated a $20 million humanitarian aid package and established a field hospital in Gaza. The UAE's ongoing efforts include dispatching 51 planes with 1,400 tonnes of supplies to support relief in coordination with international organizations.

The APEC summit concludes with Pacific Rim leaders supporting World Trade Organization (WTO) reform but revealing divisions on conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. The joint communique of the 21 economies, including Russia, China, the US, and Australia, doesn't mention the conflicts, focusing on trade. The summit highlighted the Biden-Xi meeting, aiming to ease US-China tensions. Apec, centered on trade, faced challenges as Biden's push for regional cooperation met trade obstacles. Disagreements emerged on addressing geopolitical issues, with Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia supporting messages from the Arab-Islamic summit on Gaza. No accord on Russia's invasion of Ukraine, but condemnation expressed.