ISRAEL-HAMAS HOSTAGE TALKS INTENSIFY AS CONFLICT PERSISTS IN GAZA

Hamas militants engaged in a fierce battle with Israeli forces as they attempted to penetrate Gaza's largest refugee camp, even as officials from both sides expressed optimism about nearing a deal to release hostages. Following Hamas's cross-border attack on October 7, leading to the taking of approximately 240 hostages, Israel initiated an invasion of Gaza. While Israeli forces have gained control of significant areas, Hamas continues guerrilla-style resistance in densely populated urban zones.

Despite the ongoing conflict, Israel's hope for the release of a substantial number of hostages in the coming days was conveyed by Ambassador Michael Herzog. Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman al-Thani stated that remaining obstacles were minimal, mainly involving practical and logistical aspects. The White House acknowledged progress in the "very complicated" negotiations.

Concurrently, Israel prepared to extend its offensive into Gaza's southern region, marked by increased airstrikes. According to Gaza's Hamas-run government, Israeli bombardments since October 7 resulted in at least 13,000 Palestinian casualties, including 5,500 children. Heavy fighting in Jabalia, Gaza's largest camp, continued, with an Israeli airstrike causing further casualties after a temporary military action pause.

INDIA-BOUND SHIP SEIZED BY HOUTHIS, 25 HOSTAGES TAKEN

Jerusalem : Houthi rebels seized an Israeli-linked cargo ship in the Red Sea, taking over two dozen crew members hostage. The vessel, traveling from Turkiye to India, was hijacked by the Iran-backed rebels, who cited its connection to Israel. The rebels warned of targeting ships linked to Israel until the end of the conflict with Hamas. Israel's PM blamed the Houthis for the attack on Galaxy Leader, a vehicle carrier, but confirmed no Israelis were on board. The Houthis claim to be treating the crew "in accordance with their Islamic values."

TRUMP PLEDGES AGGRESSIVE IMMIGRATION AGENDA DURING BORDER VISIT

Donald Trump is set to visit the US-Mexico border to advocate for a more extensive immigration agenda, exceeding the policies of his first term as president. Scheduled to speak in Edinburg, Texas, Trump will outline proposals, including terminating all open-borders policies of the Biden administration on his first day back in the White House. This aggressive stance involves initiating the largest domestic deportation operation in American history. The former president also aims to revive and expand the travel ban, implement "ideological screening" for immigrants, strengthen border wall construction, and enforce stricter measures on legal asylum seekers, including the reimposition of Title 42.

‘A FORTIFIED TUNNEL FOUND UNDER SHIFA’

Israel Sunday said it had found a tunnel dug by Palestinian militants under Gaza’s biggest hospital, Al-Shifa. The military said the tunnel was 10m deep and running 55m to a blast-proof door. “This type of door is used by the Hamas terrorist organisation to block Israeli forces from entering the command centres and the underground assets belonging to Hamas,” it said in a statement accompanied by video. It did not say what was beyond the door. The tunnel was accessed via a shaft discovered in a shed within the Shifa compound that contained munitions, it added. AFP

‘30 PREMATURE BABIES EVACUATED FROM AL-SHIFA’

At least 30 premature babies were evacuated from Gaza's Al-Shifa Hospital due to a power blackout and shortages caused by Israeli-Palestinian clashes. The newborns will be transferred to Egyptian facilities. The fate of the infants gained global attention as images showed doctors struggling to care for them amid equipment failures. A WHO team reported 291 patients still at Al-Shifa, including 32 critically ill babies, trauma patients, and others with severe injuries. The evacuation was confirmed by the health ministry, but details remain limited.

CHINA TO HOST DELEGATIONS FROM ARAB, MUSLIM NATIONS

Beijing : Top foreign policy officials from the Palestinian Authority and four Muslimmajority countries will visit China on Monday and Tuesday, Beijing announced, as the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas claims thousands of civilian lives. The visiting delegation is set to include the foreign ministers of the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt and Indonesia, as well as the secretary-general of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

“During the visit, China will have in-depth communication and coordination with the joint delegation of foreign ministers of Arab and Is lamic countries to promote a de-escalation of the current Palestinian-Israeli conflict, protecting civilians, and justly resolving the Palestinian issue,” Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said in a statement on Sunday.

PML-N MOOTS PLAN B TO MAKE NAWAZ SHARIF PAKISTAN PM FOR A RECORD FOURTH TIME

PML-N has formulated a Plan B for Nawaz Sharif's potential fourth term as Pakistan's Prime Minister, stating that if legal obstacles arise, they will address them if elected. The 73-year-old leader returned from exile, facing appeals against convictions in corruption cases. Although legal challenges and disqualification issues loom, PML-N Punjab president Rana Sanaullah affirmed the party's commitment to resolving any hurdles if they regain power in the upcoming February 8 elections.

FAR-RIGHT OUTSIDER MILEI WINS ARGENTINA PRESIDENTIAL RUN-OFF ELECTION

Far-right libertarian Javier Milei secured victory in Argentina's presidential run-off, defeating economy minister Sergio Massa. Former President Donald Trump congratulated Milei, drawing parallels with his own slogan, "Make Argentina Great Again!" Milei's unconventional proposals, including dismantling the central bank, resonated with voters amid economic challenges. Despite initial expectations, he secured nearly 56% of the vote against Massa's 44%, surprising pollsters. Milei, often compared to Trump and Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro, faces the responsibility of addressing Argentina's economic woes, including inflation and a crisis.

INVESTORS PUSH FOR RETURN OF FIRED OPENAI CEO, SAM ALTMAN

Major investors in OpenAI, including Microsoft and venture firm Thrive Capital, are reportedly working to bring back Sam Altman as the CEO after his unexpected termination. Altman, a prominent figure in the AI revolution, is supported by various investors, although concerns have been raised about the potential risks associated with OpenAI's technology. The board of directors stated that new leadership is necessary for the company to move forward, leading to the departure of key figures, including co-founder Greg Brockman. Sequoia Capital, another investor, expressed support for Altman and Brockman, whether they return to OpenAI or embark on a new venture. Altman is considering a return but seeks changes in the board and governance structure, and there are discussions about creating a new company with former OpenAI employees who resigned after his termination.

JAPANESE TROOPS STORM ISLAND IN SIMULATED ATTACK

Tokunoshima : Japanese marines in amphibious assault vehicles stormed an island beach at the edge of the East China Sea on Sunday in a simulated attack to dislodge invaders from territory that Tokyo worries is vulnerable to attack from China.

As tensions run high with neighbours China, Russia and North Korea, the drill on the southwest island of Tokunoshima capped an 11-day series of exercises nationwide dubbed 05JX, meant to show the readiness of ground, sea and air forces to defend Japan’s territory and infrastructure, including nuclear power plants.

Ground self-defence force amphibious assault vehicles launched from two maritime self-defence force landing ships anchored offshore. Other troops arrived in semi-inflatable rubber boats, with heavy equipment carried to shore on military hovercraft.

B’DESH SC UPHOLDS VERDICT BARRING KEY PARTY FROM POLLS

Bangladesh’s highest court on Sunday upheld a ban on the country’s largest Islamist party taking part in polls, lawyers said, as political tensions worsen ahead of key January elections.

Jamaat-e-Islami was banned from contesting polls in 2013 after High Court judges ruled its charter violated the secular constitution of the Muslim-majority nation of 170 million people.

Jamaat was also barred from participating in elections in 2014 and 2018, and so moved to the Supreme Court to challenge the order.

Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan dismissed the appeal.

Jamaat has joined the main Opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in holding a two-day nationwide strike.

CLERICS HELD FOR SEXUAL ABUSE IN PAK MADRASSA

Islamabad : Two clerics have been arrested in Punjab, Pakistan, in connection with the reported sexual abuse and torture of students at an unregistered madrassa, Jamia Al-Mustafa, in Chakwal. The arrest followed a victim's disclosure to his father, prompting other students to come forward. Preliminary investigations revealed instances of sexual assault and torture, with medical examinations confirming assault marks on the victims' bodies. The accused teachers were dismissed from their positions, and police secured a four-day physical remand for them after presenting the case in court. With over 2.2 million children studying in madrassas in Pakistan, many from impoverished regions, the incident highlights concerns about child protection in such institutions.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: AT LEAST 21 DEAD AFTER STORM BRINGS TORRENTIAL RAIN

At least 21 people have died in the Dominican Republic due to heavy rain, causing evacuations and widespread damage. A tunnel collapse in Santo Domingo claimed nine lives, triggering an investigation. Over 13,000 residents were evacuated as rain caused floods, power cuts, and damaged infrastructure. The country's president called it the "largest rainfall event ever," with ongoing storms and rescue efforts. More than 2,500 people were rescued, and 2,600 homes were affected. Communication is disrupted in 45 communities. The rainfall, linked to a tropical depression, is expected to persist, with many provinces under weather alerts.

MORE THAN 500 ROHINGYA REFUGEES LAND IN INDONESIA FROM MYANMAR

BIREUEN: Three boats filled with more than 500 Rohingya refugees landed in Indonesia’s westernmost province on Sunday, a UN agency said. The mostly Muslim Rohingya are heavily persecuted in Myanmar, and thousands risk their lives each year on long sea journeys, often in flimsy boats, to try to reach Malaysia or Indonesia.

NICARAGUAN SHEYNNIS PALACIOS WINS CROWN AT MISS UNIVERSE 2023

SAN SALVADOR: Nicaragua's Sheynnis Palacios was crowned Miss Universe 2023 on Saturday at the 72nd edition of the pageant, held this year in El Salvador. Palacios, 23, received the crown and sash from her predecessor, R'Bonney Gabriel from the United States. Miss India Shweta Sharda had made it to the list of top 20 contestants.