ISRAELI FORCES SURROUND KHAN YOUNIS AS UNICEF DEEMS SAFE AREAS INADEQUATE"

Israeli forces initiated a major ground assault in southern Gaza, particularly targeting Khan Younis, marking the most intense day of combat in the five-week-long ground operations against Hamas militants. The military, backed by warplanes, claimed to have reached the heart of Khan Younis while encircling the city. General Yaron Finkelman, the commander of the military’s Southern Command, stated that it was the most intense day since the start of the ground operation.

Hamas' armed wing reported significant clashes in various areas of Khan Younis, claiming the destruction or damage of 24 Israeli military vehicles. Gaza health officials disclosed a large number of casualties in an Israeli strike on houses in Deir al-Balah, north of Khan Younis, with at least 45 reported dead. The Israeli military chief of staff, Herzi Halevi, announced the commencement of the "third phase" of ground operations, focusing on the south after gaining control of much of the north.

The ongoing assault has forced 80% of Gaza's 2.3 million residents from their homes, creating overcrowded conditions in the southern areas where displaced people seek shelter. Hospitals, particularly Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, are struggling to cope with the influx of wounded individuals. Unicef criticized the designated "safe" areas by Israel as inadequate, describing them as tiny, barren patches or street corners, lacking essential resources such as water. Amid the escalating conflict, Hamas official Osama Hamdan stated that there would be no negotiations or exchange of detainees until Israel ceases its aggression against Gaza.

QATAR SLAMS INTERNATIONAL INACTION ON GAZA CONFLICT AND URGE FOR CEASEFIRE RENEWAL

Qatar's ruler criticized the international community's "shameful" inaction on the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, emphasizing the ongoing killing of innocent civilians. He expressed Qatar's continuous efforts to renew the truce but emphasized the need for a permanent ceasefire. The ruler called on the UN Security Council to fulfill its legal responsibility and compel Israel to engage in credible negotiations for a just solution to the Palestinian issue.

ISRAEL ARRANGING PUMPS TO FLOOD GAZA TUNNELS: REPORT

Israel has assembled a large system of pumps that may be used to flood Hamas’ tunnels under the Gaza strip in a bid to drive out fighters, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday, citing US officials. Around the middle of November, Israel’s army completed the set-up of at least five pumps about a mile north of the Al-Shati refugee camp that could move thousands of cubic meters of water per hour, flooding the tunnels within weeks, the report said. It was not clear whether Israel would consider using the pumps before all hostages were released, according to the story. Hamas has said it has hidden cap tives in “safe places and tunnels”.Israel first informed the US of the option last month, the WSJ said, reporting that officials did not know how close the Netanyahu government was to carrying out the plan. Israel has not made a final decision to go ahead or rule it out, the officials said.

DATA SHOWS HAMAS ATTACK PLANNED FOR YEARS: ISRAEL

Jerusalem : Israeli intelligence officers claim that data retrieved from Hamas militants after the October 7 attack indicates years of planning with a high level of detail and readiness. Digital devices, including mobile phones, computers, tablets, GPS devices, GoPro cameras, maps, and notebooks, reveal extensive plans for attacking bases and kibbutzim. Israel has reactivated the military intelligence unit Amshat to analyze millions of pieces of electronic data from Arabic documents. The information found includes satellite photos and precise plans of attacked kibbutzim, indicating a level of detail that suggests inside information. A checklist discovered instructs militants to cover the eyes and tie the hands of adult hostages, with a directive to "kill those who cause problems or seek to escape." Additionally, a conversation guide with around 50 Hebrew expressions, including "shut up" and "don't move," was found.

U.S. PUTS SANCTIONS ON EXTREMIST ISRAELI SETTLERS OVER ATTACKS

WASHINGTON: The U.S. said on Tuesday it would refuse visas for extremist Israeli settlers who attack Palestinians. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the U.S. would refuse entry to those involved in “undermining peace, security or stability in the West Bank” or who takes actions that “unduly restrict civilians’ access to essential services.”

PUTIN TO DISCUSS GAZA WAR DURING HIS TRIP TO SAUDI ARABIA AND UAE

MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin will make a one-day trip to the UAE and Saudi Arabia focused on the Israeli-Hamas war and host the Iranian president in Moscow this week, the Kremlin said Tuesday. Putin will make working visits to both countries on Wednesday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

MYANMAR JUNTA CHIEF SEEKS POLITICAL SOLUTION WITH REBELS

Myanmar’s junta chief has called on ethnic armed groups battling the military across the country to find a political solution, state media reported on Tuesday.

The junta is reeling from coordinated offensives near the borders with China, India and Thailand, in what analysts say is the biggest threat to its rule since it seized power in 2021.

Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing “warned that if armed organisations keep on being foolish, residents of the relevant regions will suffer bad impacts”, according to the Global New Light of Myanmar. “So, it is necessary to consider the lives of the people, and those organisations need to solve their problems politically,” he said.

In late October, three groups launched a joint offensive across northern Shan state, capturing towns and seizing vital trade hubs on China border. More than 250 civilians, including children, are feared to have died since the launch of the offensive in October, according to UN field reports.

AFGHAN TALIBAN MUST REFORM BEFORE FULL DIPLOMATIC TIES: CHINA

China stated on Tuesday that the Taliban government in Afghanistan must undertake political reforms, enhance security, and improve relations with neighboring countries before gaining full diplomatic recognition. Although Beijing does not currently recognize the Taliban rulers, both countries host each other's Ambassadors and maintain diplomatic engagement. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin emphasized the need for Afghanistan to respond to international expectations, establish an open and inclusive political structure, and pursue moderate and stable domestic and foreign policies. Wang also urged Kabul to combat terrorist forces, foster harmonious relations with global and neighboring nations, and integrate into the international community. While no country has officially recognized the Taliban government, China suggested that diplomatic recognition would naturally follow as concerns from all parties receive stronger responses.

UK MIGRATION CURBS IRK INDIAN STUDENTS AND BIZ PROFESSIONALS

London : New restrictions on legal migration to the UK have raised concerns among Indian students and business professionals, prompting warnings that they may explore alternative opportunities. The Home Secretary, James Cleverly, announced plans to reduce migration by increasing the minimum salary threshold for skilled worker visas from £26,200 to £38,700, reviewing the graduate visa route, prohibiting overseas care workers from bringing dependents, eliminating the shortage occupation list, and raising the immigration health surcharge. The proposed changes could affect both the UK and Indian professionals, impacting businesses and the economy. Representatives from business and student associations cautioned that the UK's move to raise the salary threshold might divert skilled Indian professionals to other economies. Indian professionals have played a crucial role in addressing skill shortages in the UK, contributing their expertise. However, the proposed restrictions could discourage Indian companies doing business in the UK and hinder the contributions of Indian professionals to the UK economy. Amit Tiwari, National President of the Indian National Students Association, UK, emphasized that Indian students contribute significantly to the UK economy and warned that the proposed measures could lead to an economic disaster. Sanam Arora, founder and chair of the National Indian Students and Alumni Union, expressed concern that changes to the graduate route could negatively impact Indian students. The proposed restrictions are believed to affect care workers specifically, with Indian doctors and nurses expected to be exempt. However, critics argue that not allowing dependents for care workers is unfair, and the proposed measures are driven by internal politics. Some argue that controlling immigration is essential to manage healthcare costs in the UK, while others highlight the significant role of migration in the country's economic growth.

BRITAIN & RWANDA SIGN NEW TREATY TO REVIVE ASYLUM PLAN

London : The governments of Britain and Rwanda signed a treaty on Tuesday that aims to revive a plan to send asylum-seekers to the East African country that has been blocked by UK courts.

UK home secretary James Cleverly said the agreement signed with Rwanda foreign minister Vincent Biruta would “address all the issues” raised by the UK Supreme Court when it ruled last month that the controversial policy was unlawfulbecause Rwanda is not a safe country for refugees. Britain’s top court said asylum-seekers faced “a real risk of ill-treatment” and could be returned by Rwanda to the home countries they had fled.

The treaty includes a promise by Rwanda not to send asylum-seekers back to their home countries, even if their applications are refused.

DEATH TOLL RISES TO 23 AFTER ERUPTION OF INDONESIA’S MOUNT MARAPI

BATU PALANO: Rescuers searching the hazardous slopes of Indonesia’s Mount Marapi volcano found more bodies among the climbers caught by a surprise eruption two days ago, raising the number of confirmed and presumed dead to 23. Over 50 climbers were rescued after the eruption on Sunday, and 11 others were initially confirmed dead.

AT LEAST 85 DIE IN MISTAKEN DRONE HIT BY NIGERIA ARMY

Abuja (Nigeria) : At least 85 people have died in a mistaken drone attack by the Nigerian army during a religious gathering in the northwest. Authorities confirmed the casualties, including children, women, and the elderly, and announced a probe into the incident. Since 2017, around 400 civilians have been killed in airstrikes aimed at armed groups in Nigeria's north. The recent victims were observing Mawlid alNabi, the Muslim holiday marking the Prophet Muhammad's birthday. The incident highlights a concerning trend of miscalculated airstrikes in the country, drawing criticism from figures like former vice-president Atiku Abubakar.