ISRAEL

In the past, the BRICS grouping has largely focused on economic issues, which makes Tuesday's meeting a one-of-kind session as the league of nations pushes for a greater say in the global order, which has largely been dominated by the West.

Israel and Hamas agreed to a four-day truce that would see the Palestinian group release dozens of hostages taken on October 7, both sides announced Wednesday.

The Houthi rebels said they hijacked a cargo ship with links to israel and took 25 crew members hostage.

A key natural gas facility resumes production as energy providers in Egypt breathe a sigh of relief.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ruled out a ceasefire in Gaza on Thursday, saying the military was performing "exceptionally well," but insisted Israel does not plan to reoccupy the Palestinian territory.

War in the Middle East has shaken up regional energy markets, as Israel's natural gas facilities hang in limbo and Egypt's energy grid struggles to stay online.

Israel's campaign to crush Hamas ground into its second month Wednesday as its forces battled the Palestinian militants in Gaza City, despite mounting calls for a ceasefire.

The killing of the Palestinian people has "infuriated all the free nations of the world," Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said, adding that this would have "extra-regional consequences."

Determined to destroy Hamas whose October 7 attack left 1,400 dead in Israel and saw over 240 hostages taken, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed no letup despite mounting international calls for a ceasefire.

In politics, there will be a new debate of Republican presidential candidates; Donald Trump takes the stand in the civil trial against his family and company.

US President Joe Biden is calling for humanitarian pauses in the Israel-Hamas conflict that would involve a "temporary, localized" cessation of hostilities -- well short of a general ceasefire -- a senior White House official said Thursday.

This is the second case involving an Indian expatriate in Kuwait who is being deported by the Middle Eastern country for being vocal about their pro-Israeli stance.

Egypt is preparing to treat wounded Palestinians from the bombarded Gaza Strip starting Wednesday, with the opening of a border crossing to people after weeks of war, medical and security sources said.

India abstained from voting on a UN resolution that called for an immediate humanitarian truce in the Israel-Hamas crisis last Friday.

"It would be an understatement to say we fear for ourselves. It is frightening to realize that Hamas's rockets have range to reach not only us but Jerusalem and some parts of the north," said 55-year-old Isaac Thangjom.

Families of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, the Islamist group which carried out brutal attacks on Israel on October 7, called Thursday for access for the Red Cross to treat their relatives.

Fighting in the war-torn Gaza Strip raged for a 20th day Thursday after Hamas militants launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing at least 1,400 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli officials.

US President Joe Biden said Wednesday that Israel has the right to respond to the October 7 Hamas attack but must do everything it can to protect civilians.

Ambassador R. Ravindra said India is "deeply concerned" about the loss of civilian lives in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The Israel-Palestine conflict began in the mid-20th century when Israel was established in 1948, leading to displacement and tensions with Palestinians. Rooted in historical, religious, and territorial disputes, the conflict continues to this day, with peace efforts and violence marking its history.

Modi wrote on Twitter about his talks with the Jordanian King on the developments in West Asia, and shared concerns about terrorism, violence and loss of civilian lies.