Gaza war: US and UK raise pressure on Israel to protect hospitals
Israel is facing mounting international pressure to protect civilians trapped in Gaza's hospitals, as it released what it said was evidence of a Hamas base in one medical facility.
US President Joe Biden said that Al-Shifa hospital "must be protected" from intense fighting around the complex.
His comments came as Israel released video of what it said was a Hamas hideout under the Rantisi hospital.
It accuses Hamas of using hospitals to hide military bases. Hamas denies this. read more
Israel is facing mounting international pressure to protect civilians trapped in Gaza's hospitals, as it released what it said was evidence of a Hamas base in one medical facility.
US President Joe Biden said that Al-Shifa hospital "must be protected" from intense fighting around the complex.
His comments came as Israel released video of what it said was a Hamas hideout under the Rantisi hospital.
It accuses Hamas of using hospitals to hide military bases. Hamas denies this. read more
Israel-Gaza war: US says Hamas has command centre under Al-Shifa hospital
The US says it has intelligence that Hamas has a command centre under Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City.
National Security spokesman John Kirby said the group stored arms there and were prepared for an Israeli attack.
This is the first time the US has independently backed claims by close ally Israel that Hamas uses hospitals to hide its bases. Hamas denies this.
The statement came as Israel faced mounting global pressure to protect civilians trapped in the hospitals. read more
The US says it has intelligence that Hamas has a command centre under Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City.
National Security spokesman John Kirby said the group stored arms there and were prepared for an Israeli attack.
This is the first time the US has independently backed claims by close ally Israel that Hamas uses hospitals to hide its bases. Hamas denies this.
The statement came as Israel faced mounting global pressure to protect civilians trapped in the hospitals. read more
Xi Jinping arrives in the US as his Chinese Dream sputters
When Xi Jinping stepped off his plane in San Francisco for the Apec summit, it was in circumstances very different to the last time he landed on American soil.
Five years ago, when he was wined and dined by Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, Mr Xi was in charge of a China still on the ascendancy.
It had a buoyant economy outperforming forecasts. Its unemployment rate was among the lowest in years. While consolidating his power for a second term, Mr Xi proudly pointed to China's "flourishing" growth model as something other countries could emulate. read more
When Xi Jinping stepped off his plane in San Francisco for the Apec summit, it was in circumstances very different to the last time he landed on American soil.
Five years ago, when he was wined and dined by Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, Mr Xi was in charge of a China still on the ascendancy.
It had a buoyant economy outperforming forecasts. Its unemployment rate was among the lowest in years. While consolidating his power for a second term, Mr Xi proudly pointed to China's "flourishing" growth model as something other countries could emulate. read more
US and China agree to resume military communications after summit
The US and China have agreed to resume military-to-military communications in an effort to ease rising tensions, President Joe Biden says.
"We're back to direct, open, clear communications," he said following a rare meeting with China's President Xi Jinping in California on Wednesday.
It was the first time the pair had spoken in person in more than a year.
But there were still signs of tension between the two - Mr Biden repeated his view that Mr Xi is a dictator. read more
The US and China have agreed to resume military-to-military communications in an effort to ease rising tensions, President Joe Biden says.
"We're back to direct, open, clear communications," he said following a rare meeting with China's President Xi Jinping in California on Wednesday.
It was the first time the pair had spoken in person in more than a year.
But there were still signs of tension between the two - Mr Biden repeated his view that Mr Xi is a dictator. read more
Al-Shifa Hospital director in Gaza says no water or oxygen left
The director of the Gaza Strip's main hospital raided by Israeli soldiers says the facility has now run out of oxygen and water, and patients "are screaming from thirst".
Muhammad Abu Salmiya said the conditions were "tragic" in Al-Shifa, where there were more than 650 patients, 500 medical staff and 5,000 displaced people.
Israeli tanks were surrounding the hospital in Gaza City, he said, with drones buzzing overhead and Israeli soldiers still moving around inside, as their search of the complex lasted a second day. read more
The director of the Gaza Strip's main hospital raided by Israeli soldiers says the facility has now run out of oxygen and water, and patients "are screaming from thirst".
Muhammad Abu Salmiya said the conditions were "tragic" in Al-Shifa, where there were more than 650 patients, 500 medical staff and 5,000 displaced people.
Israeli tanks were surrounding the hospital in Gaza City, he said, with drones buzzing overhead and Israeli soldiers still moving around inside, as their search of the complex lasted a second day. read more
Bowen: Ceasefire demands will grow without proof of Hamas HQ at Al-Shifa
It is now days since Israeli forces entered Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, and what appears to be happening on Friday is that they are continuing their search for evidence of this being a key Hamas command centre.
We have to remember that there is no independent scrutiny inside the hospital; journalists cannot move freely into Gaza, and any who are reporting from the site are working under the aegis of the Israeli military.
The evidence Israel has produced, so far, I do not believe to be convincing in terms of the kind of rhetoric Israelis were using about the set-up at the hospital, which suggested this was a nerve centre for the Hamas operation. read more
It is now days since Israeli forces entered Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, and what appears to be happening on Friday is that they are continuing their search for evidence of this being a key Hamas command centre.
We have to remember that there is no independent scrutiny inside the hospital; journalists cannot move freely into Gaza, and any who are reporting from the site are working under the aegis of the Israeli military.
The evidence Israel has produced, so far, I do not believe to be convincing in terms of the kind of rhetoric Israelis were using about the set-up at the hospital, which suggested this was a nerve centre for the Hamas operation. read more
China navy used sonar pulses against divers, Australia says
Australia has accused China's navy of using sonar pulses in an incident in international waters that resulted in Australian divers suffering injuries.
The Australian defence minister said a Chinese warship had resorted to "unsafe and unprofessional" actions during the encounter off Japan earlier this week.
The warship approached an Australian frigate as divers were clearing fishing nets from its propellers, he said.
The Chinese ship then emitted dangerous sonar pulses, the minister added. read more
Australia has accused China's navy of using sonar pulses in an incident in international waters that resulted in Australian divers suffering injuries.
The Australian defence minister said a Chinese warship had resorted to "unsafe and unprofessional" actions during the encounter off Japan earlier this week.
The warship approached an Australian frigate as divers were clearing fishing nets from its propellers, he said.
The Chinese ship then emitted dangerous sonar pulses, the minister added. read more
WHO says Gaza's al-Shifa hospital a death zone, as hundreds leave
The World Health Organization (WHO) has described al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City as a "death zone" after a visit to the complex.
A joint UN team led by the WHO assessed the hospital for one hour following its occupation and evacuation by the Israeli military.
The team said they saw evidence of shelling and gunfire and observed a mass grave at the hospital's entrance.
They were told it held the remains of 80 people.
Following an evacuation which the hospital director said was ordered by the Israeli army but which the army said was requested by the director, 300 critically ill patients remain in al-Shifa - formerly the largest and most advanced hospital in Gaza. read more
The World Health Organization (WHO) has described al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City as a "death zone" after a visit to the complex.
A joint UN team led by the WHO assessed the hospital for one hour following its occupation and evacuation by the Israeli military.
The team said they saw evidence of shelling and gunfire and observed a mass grave at the hospital's entrance.
They were told it held the remains of 80 people.
Following an evacuation which the hospital director said was ordered by the Israeli army but which the army said was requested by the director, 300 critically ill patients remain in al-Shifa - formerly the largest and most advanced hospital in Gaza. read more
Sacked OpenAI boss Sam Altman to join Microsoft
Sam Altman is joining Microsoft, the tech-giant has announced, ending speculation he might return to OpenAI just 48 hours after his chaotic ousting.
Microsoft chief executive Satya Nadella wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that Mr Altman would be joining Microsoft to lead "a new advanced AI research team".
Meanwhile, ex-Twitch CEO Emmett Shear will become OpenAI's new boss.
Writing on X, he called the job a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity". read more
Sam Altman is joining Microsoft, the tech-giant has announced, ending speculation he might return to OpenAI just 48 hours after his chaotic ousting.
Microsoft chief executive Satya Nadella wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that Mr Altman would be joining Microsoft to lead "a new advanced AI research team".
Meanwhile, ex-Twitch CEO Emmett Shear will become OpenAI's new boss.
Writing on X, he called the job a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity". read more
Binance chief Changpeng Zhao pleads guilty to money laundering charges
The Binance chief executive, Changpeng Zhao, has resigned after pleading guilty to money laundering violations.
"I made mistakes, and I must take responsibility. This is best for our community, for Binance, and for myself", he said in a post on X.
The Justice Department said it was requiring Binance, the largest crypto-exchange in the world, to pay $4.3bn (£3.4bn) in penalties and forfeitures.
It said Binance had helped users bypass sanctions across the world. read more
The Binance chief executive, Changpeng Zhao, has resigned after pleading guilty to money laundering violations.
"I made mistakes, and I must take responsibility. This is best for our community, for Binance, and for myself", he said in a post on X.
The Justice Department said it was requiring Binance, the largest crypto-exchange in the world, to pay $4.3bn (£3.4bn) in penalties and forfeitures.
It said Binance had helped users bypass sanctions across the world. read more
Sam Altman: Ousted OpenAI boss to return days after being sacked
OpenAI co-founder Sam Altman will return as boss just days after he was fired by the board, the firm has said.
The agreement "in principle" involves new board members being appointed, the tech company added.
Mr Altman's sacking on Friday astonished industry watchers and led to staff threatening mass resignations unless he was reinstated.
"I am looking forward to returning to OpenAI," Mr Altman said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. read more
OpenAI co-founder Sam Altman will return as boss just days after he was fired by the board, the firm has said.
The agreement "in principle" involves new board members being appointed, the tech company added.
Mr Altman's sacking on Friday astonished industry watchers and led to staff threatening mass resignations unless he was reinstated.
"I am looking forward to returning to OpenAI," Mr Altman said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. read more
Guns N' Roses Axl Rose accused of 1989 sexual assault in lawsuit
Former model Sheila Kennedy has sued Guns N' Roses frontman Axl Rose for alleged sexual assault and battery.
According to her lawsuit, the popular rock musician attacked her during a violent hotel room encounter in New York in 1989.
Ms Kennedy was diagnosed with anxiety and depression due to the alleged assault, the lawsuit says.
Mr Rose's representatives did not respond to BBC News' requests for comment. read more
Former model Sheila Kennedy has sued Guns N' Roses frontman Axl Rose for alleged sexual assault and battery.
According to her lawsuit, the popular rock musician attacked her during a violent hotel room encounter in New York in 1989.
Ms Kennedy was diagnosed with anxiety and depression due to the alleged assault, the lawsuit says.
Mr Rose's representatives did not respond to BBC News' requests for comment. read more
China: WHO seeks data on 'pneumonia clusters' in children
The World Health Organization (WHO) has asked China for more information on "clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia" reportedly spreading among children in the north of the country.
Non-state media reports say paediatric hospitals in parts of the country are overwhelmed with sick children.
Chinese authorities have attributed a spike in flu-like illnesses this winter to the lifting of Covid measures.
The WHO is urging people in China to take measures to reduce transmission. read more
The World Health Organization (WHO) has asked China for more information on "clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia" reportedly spreading among children in the north of the country.
Non-state media reports say paediatric hospitals in parts of the country are overwhelmed with sick children.
Chinese authorities have attributed a spike in flu-like illnesses this winter to the lifting of Covid measures.
The WHO is urging people in China to take measures to reduce transmission. read more
Dublin riot sees clashes with police after five hurt in stabbings
Vehicles have been set on fire and shops looted in Dublin after a knife attack that left a number of people, including three children, injured.
A five-year-old girl and a woman in her 30s were seriously hurt in the attack after 13:40 local time.
It happened on Parnell Square East in the city centre, outside the children's school Gaelscoil Choláiste Mhuire.
A man in his 40s who was also seriously injured is a person of interest, police said. read more
Vehicles have been set on fire and shops looted in Dublin after a knife attack that left a number of people, including three children, injured.
A five-year-old girl and a woman in her 30s were seriously hurt in the attack after 13:40 local time.
It happened on Parnell Square East in the city centre, outside the children's school Gaelscoil Choláiste Mhuire.
A man in his 40s who was also seriously injured is a person of interest, police said. read more
Israel-Gaza: Families' relief as hostages released
Families of 13 Israeli hostages released by Hamas have spoken of their relief at their return.
The group, which includes young children and elderly women, are now back in Israel after being brought by the Red Cross from Gaza into Egypt.
Soon after, 39 Palestinian detainees were released across the Beitunia checkpoint in the West Bank.
Ten Thai nationals and one Filipino were also released by Hamas, in a deal separate to the one mediated by Qatar. read more
Families of 13 Israeli hostages released by Hamas have spoken of their relief at their return.
The group, which includes young children and elderly women, are now back in Israel after being brought by the Red Cross from Gaza into Egypt.
Soon after, 39 Palestinian detainees were released across the Beitunia checkpoint in the West Bank.
Ten Thai nationals and one Filipino were also released by Hamas, in a deal separate to the one mediated by Qatar. read more
Israel-Gaza: Four-year-old girl among released hostages
A four-year-old Israeli-American girl who was kidnapped by Hamas during its 7 October attack in southern Israel was among the 17 hostages released by the group on Sunday.
Avigail Idan was just three at the time she was taken hostage from her home, where her parents were attacked and killed by Hamas gunmen.
She turned four while she was held hostage by Hamas.
Avigail's family said: "We hoped and prayed today would come."
"There are no words to express our relief and gratitude that Avigail is safe and coming home," said Liz Hirsh Naftali, Avigail's great aunt, and Noa Naftali, her cousin, in a statement. read more
A four-year-old Israeli-American girl who was kidnapped by Hamas during its 7 October attack in southern Israel was among the 17 hostages released by the group on Sunday.
Avigail Idan was just three at the time she was taken hostage from her home, where her parents were attacked and killed by Hamas gunmen.
She turned four while she was held hostage by Hamas.
Avigail's family said: "We hoped and prayed today would come."
"There are no words to express our relief and gratitude that Avigail is safe and coming home," said Liz Hirsh Naftali, Avigail's great aunt, and Noa Naftali, her cousin, in a statement. read more
COP28: UAE planned to use climate talks to make oil deals
The United Arab Emirates planned to use its role as the host of UN climate talks as an opportunity to strike oil and gas deals, the BBC has learned.
Leaked briefing documents reveal plans to discuss fossil fuel deals with 15 nations.
The UN body responsible for the COP28 summit told the BBC hosts were expected to act without bias or self-interest. read more
The United Arab Emirates planned to use its role as the host of UN climate talks as an opportunity to strike oil and gas deals, the BBC has learned.
Leaked briefing documents reveal plans to discuss fossil fuel deals with 15 nations.
The UN body responsible for the COP28 summit told the BBC hosts were expected to act without bias or self-interest. read more
How Hamas built a force to attack Israel on 7 October
Five armed Palestinian groups joined Hamas in the deadly 7 October attack on Israel after training together in military-style exercises from 2020 onwards, BBC News analysis shows.
The groups carried out joint drills in Gaza which closely resembled the tactics used during the deadly assault - including at a site less than 1km (0.6 miles) from the barrier with Israel - and posted them on social media.
They practised hostage-taking, raiding compounds and breaching Israel's defences during these exercises, the last of which was held just 25 days before the attack. read more
Five armed Palestinian groups joined Hamas in the deadly 7 October attack on Israel after training together in military-style exercises from 2020 onwards, BBC News analysis shows.
The groups carried out joint drills in Gaza which closely resembled the tactics used during the deadly assault - including at a site less than 1km (0.6 miles) from the barrier with Israel - and posted them on social media.
They practised hostage-taking, raiding compounds and breaching Israel's defences during these exercises, the last of which was held just 25 days before the attack. read more
Freed Hamas captives tell of fear, squalor and hunger
Bare benches for beds in "suffocating", airless rooms. Little to no food. A child captive forced by Hamas to watch the carnage of 7 October on video.
Stories emerging from those freed from Gaza - mostly through their relatives - paint a picture of weeks spent in squalor, uncertainty and fear.
One hostage, Ruti Munder, 78, said she learned her son was killed in Israel by listening to a radio used by guards.
Deborah Cohen claimed her 12-year-old nephew was made to watch videos of the Hamas rampage through southern Israel. read more
Bare benches for beds in "suffocating", airless rooms. Little to no food. A child captive forced by Hamas to watch the carnage of 7 October on video.
Stories emerging from those freed from Gaza - mostly through their relatives - paint a picture of weeks spent in squalor, uncertainty and fear.
One hostage, Ruti Munder, 78, said she learned her son was killed in Israel by listening to a radio used by guards.
Deborah Cohen claimed her 12-year-old nephew was made to watch videos of the Hamas rampage through southern Israel. read more
Key Dutch party sees 'no basis' for talks with Wilders
A major Dutch political party has said it will not enter talks with anti-Islam leader Geert Wilders about forming a coalition cabinet for now.
The New Social Contract party said Mr Wilders's election manifesto risked breaching the Dutch constitution.
Mr Wilders's Freedom party (PVV) last week shocked critics by winning a dramatic general election victory but failed to secure a majority.
To become prime minister, he needs the backing of other parties. read more
A major Dutch political party has said it will not enter talks with anti-Islam leader Geert Wilders about forming a coalition cabinet for now.
The New Social Contract party said Mr Wilders's election manifesto risked breaching the Dutch constitution.
Mr Wilders's Freedom party (PVV) last week shocked critics by winning a dramatic general election victory but failed to secure a majority.
To become prime minister, he needs the backing of other parties. read more
Released Palestinians allege abuse in Israeli jails
Palestinian prisoners released from Israeli jails say that guards carried out abuse and collective punishment in the weeks after the Hamas attacks on Israel on 7 October.
They have described being hit with sticks, having muzzled dogs set on them, and their clothes, food and blankets taken away.
One female prisoner has said she was threatened with rape, and that guards twice tear-gassed inmates inside the cells. read more
Palestinian prisoners released from Israeli jails say that guards carried out abuse and collective punishment in the weeks after the Hamas attacks on Israel on 7 October.
They have described being hit with sticks, having muzzled dogs set on them, and their clothes, food and blankets taken away.
One female prisoner has said she was threatened with rape, and that guards twice tear-gassed inmates inside the cells. read more