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An Israeli strike on a mosque in Gaza killed at least 19 people, as Israel intensified attacks on militant groups in Gaza and Lebanon. The conflict, involving Hamas and Hezbollah, risks drawing in the U.S. and its allies. Israel also plans to target Iran after a missile attack. The strike hit a mosque sheltering displaced people, with Israel claiming it targeted a Hamas center. Meanwhile, Israel launched a new offensive in Jabaliya, northern Gaza, encircling the area with tanks and airstrikes.

The Haran family home in kibbutz Be’eri bears the scars of a brutal attack by Hamas militants last year, with scorch marks, bullet holes, and shattered windows. The attack left over 100 residents dead and 30 abducted. Many homes remain destroyed, serving as reminders of the trauma. Efforts for a ceasefire and hostage deal have repeatedly failed, frustrating families. Aerial photos in Be’eri’s administration building contrast the kibbutz’s pre-attack order with post-attack devastation. Residents like Amit Solvy mourn lost loved ones, highlighting the ongoing impact of the violence.

Tunisians are voting in a presidential election criticized as neither free nor fair, marking a setback in the country’s democratic journey since the Arab Spring. Incumbent President Kais Saied is expected to win, as key opponents are either imprisoned or absent from the ballot. Saied has dismantled democratic institutions, granting himself extensive powers through a new constitution. Observers warn this could be the end of Tunisia’s democratic transition. Saied, elected in 2019, reversed democratic gains with a 2021 power grab, leading to widespread voter apathy.

Supporters of former Pakistan PM Imran Khan rallied in Islamabad for his release, facing police roadblocks, internet cuts, and tear gas. The PTI party claimed leader Ali Amin Gandapur was abducted, though unverified. Protests led by Gandapur camped on the Islamabad-Peshawar highway. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi reported 80 police injuries and accused protesters of planning to disrupt the upcoming SCO meeting. Despite crackdowns, PTI held protests in Islamabad and Lahore, with Khan expressing pride in supporters. Naqvi urged PTI to delay gatherings due to diplomatic events.

The Israel-Gaza conflict, ignited by a Hamas attack on October 7, has escalated into a regional crisis. Israel’s response included a ground invasion, causing massive displacement. Tensions with Hezbollah in Lebanon have intensified, resulting in significant casualties, including Hezbollah leader Hasan Nasrallah. In Gaza, Israel’s military actions have led to severe humanitarian conditions. The U.S. has been involved diplomatically, despite tensions with Israeli leadership. The conflict has deepened instability across the Middle East.

Israel expanded its bombardment in Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah and Hamas fighters, including a Palestinian refugee camp in the north. Explosions rocked Beirut’s southern suburbs, prompting evacuations. Israel confirmed strikes near Beirut, with projectiles crossing into Israeli territory. Hezbollah claimed to have targeted Israeli soldiers. The conflict has killed at least 1,400 Lebanese and displaced 1.2 million people. Israel’s attacks have killed several Hamas officials and top Hezbollah leaders since the war began.

President Biden expressed uncertainty over whether Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is delaying a Gaza ceasefire to influence the upcoming US election. Biden emphasized his administration’s strong support for Israel, urging Netanyahu to remember this. Some Democrats suspect Netanyahu’s actions might harm their election prospects. Biden’s approval among Arab-Americans has declined due to US support for Israel, potentially affecting the election. Despite Biden’s push for a diplomatic agreement, Netanyahu denies a deal is near, complicating Biden’s efforts and impacting his and the Democratic Party’s standing.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized French President Emmanuel Macron and other Western leaders for advocating an arms embargo on Israel amid its conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Netanyahu condemned their stance as a “disgrace,” asserting that Israel is defending civilization against terrorism. He emphasized Israel’s fight on multiple fronts, including against Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran. Macron announced France would stop supplying arms to Israel but continue providing missile defense equipment, urging a political solution. Meanwhile, the IDF dismantled a Hezbollah command complex in Lebanon.

Chiang Mai, Thailand, faced severe flooding as the Ping River overflowed due to heavy rain. Authorities ordered evacuations, set up shelters, and worked to clear waterways. Efforts to evacuate elephants and other animals from sanctuaries were ongoing. The flooding, the second in six weeks, exceeded expectations. Train services to Chiang Mai were suspended, but the airport remained operational. Flooding affected 20 provinces, with 49 deaths since August. In Bangkok, authorities planned to release more water from the Chao Phraya Dam to prevent overflow.

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