Israeli air-and-artillery strikes in Gaza have resulted in nearly 200 deaths overnight. Qatar has brokered an aid deal between Israel and Hamas amidst the ongoing conflict.

The Gaza Media Office reports that generators at Al-Aqsa Hospital in Gaza have shut off, putting ICU and nursery patients at risk due to the lack of fuel.

A teenage survivor of the Itaewon Halloween crowd crush in Seoul was found dead in a suspected suicide. The high schooler, who had been receiving psychological counseling for trauma after the event, was found in a motel without a suicide note. The tragedy, which occurred as people celebrated Halloween in the Itaewon district, resulted in 158 deaths. The aftermath has seen public grief and anger towards authorities for their failure to control the crowds and prevent the disaster. A special police unit is investigating the incident, and two former senior officers have been arrested for allegedly destroying evidence. Bereaved families are demanding government accountability and a proper investigation into the deaths.

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered the Royal Thai Police to enforce stricter gun and drug controls following a mass shooting at a pre-school in Nong Bua Lamphu, which resulted in 37 deaths, including 24 children. The attack, carried out by a former police officer using a legally obtained firearm, has reignited debates on Thailand's gun culture and drug issues. The government has proposed revoking gun licenses for high-risk groups and implementing mental health checks for gun license applicants. Additionally, a crackdown on drugs has been called for, with a focus on the Golden Triangle's illegal drug trade.

Nattiwan Rakkunjet was sentenced to death in Bangkok for poisoning her two children, resulting in one's death, to solicit donations on social media. She was found guilty after doctors discovered she had been lacing her children's food with corrosive substances. Her daughter died in 2019, and her son was hospitalized in 2020 with similar symptoms. Nattiwan was arrested in May 2020, and the court ordered her to return part of the funds and confiscated items bought with the donation money.

Victims trafficked to scam operations in Myanmar's Kayin state face torture and death, with some not realizing their location until too late. Nepali victim Ashraf and others describe severe abuse and exploitation, with escape often requiring large cash payments. Governments and NGOs can only offer support after victims return to Thailand, where they face legal challenges due to expired visas. Mechelle Moore of Global Alms highlights the underreported scale of the issue, with many victims choosing immediate deportation over formal complaints.

Dubai, known for its opulence and strict law enforcement, has become a hub for a Chinese-run criminal underworld linked to the online scam industry. Workers from Asia, lured by false job promises, are forced into cyber fraud, generating billions of dollars. Despite the UAE's reputation for safety, its business-friendly environment has attracted criminal activities, including scam operations. The Financial Action Task Force has placed the UAE on a watch list for money laundering. Victims are often hired for legitimate jobs in Dubai, only to be trafficked to Southeast Asia for cyber-slavery. The Chinese embassy has warned against these scams, and international organizations are recognizing the UAE's role in this criminal industry. Dubai's free trade zones, with minimal oversight, have become fertile ground for these illicit activities. Scammers operate with caution to avoid attention, blending in with legitimate businesses, and the industry appears to be growing, with easy access to visas for Dubai.

Imran Khan, Pakistan's ousted prime minister, faces charges of corruption, terrorism, and sedition, which he claims are politically motivated to prevent him from campaigning for upcoming elections. Despite surviving an assassination attempt, Khan is determined to fight for his country against what he describes as a corrupt elite. He criticizes the current government and military for economic mismanagement and suppressing free speech, while also discussing his stance on the Taliban in Afghanistan and gender equity in Pakistan.

A Chinese drone manufacturer, Xi'an Bingo Intelligent Aviation Technology, has denied allegations of negotiating with Russia's military to produce 'kamikaze' drones, following a report by Der Spiegel. The company stated it has no commercial contact with Russia. The report comes amid concerns from the U.S. and Western countries about China potentially aiding Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Chinese state-owned defense companies have reportedly exported technology to Russia since the conflict began. China has proposed a peace plan for Ukraine, which has been met with skepticism by the U.S. State Department. Meanwhile, China's top diplomat Wang Yi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, reaffirming their opposition to the U.S.-led world order.

In Uttar Pradesh, India, thousands of individuals, including Lal Bihari, have been falsely declared dead in land records as part of a scheme to illegally seize their property. These victims, often from marginalized communities such as Dalits, struggle for years to have their legal status corrected and reclaim their land. The issue stems from colonial-era land laws that empower revenue officials to declare a person dead, a declaration that is difficult to reverse. Efforts to fight these declarations involve legal battles, activism, and even theatrics, as the Indian legal system is slow and fraught with corruption. The Indian government's digitization of land records aims to reduce fraud and protect the poor, but challenges remain, especially for those without access to technology. The article features interviews with victims and experts, highlighting the complexities of land ownership and the ongoing fight against corruption in India.

At the Wonderfruit festival in Thailand, two deaths occurred, raising concerns about festival safety and medical care. Denise, a festival-goer, recounted inadequate medical response when her friends suffered from dehydration and hypothermia. The festival, known for its eco-conscious ethos, faced criticism for poor medical support, water shortages, and falling structures. The fatalities included Bangkok DJ Guillaume Wyss and Indonesian wakeboarder Kimo Rusna, with causes of death still under investigation but suspected to be drug-related. Despite a no-drugs policy, attendees reported widespread drug use. Organizers claimed to have scaled up medical and security staffing, but attendees reported difficulty in obtaining help. The festival's growing popularity has sparked a conversation about the importance of festival care and safety.

Amitabh Bachchan won interim legal protection from the Delhi High Court to prevent impersonation of his name, image, voice, and style. This action was prompted by scams using his show 'Kaun Banega Crorepati?' to deceive people. The court's decision affects impersonators like Shashikant Pedwal and others in the All India Look Alike Association, potentially ending their careers. Despite the uncertainty, Pedwal believes in the value of his work, which brings joy to fans. The case highlights the influence of India's wealthy stars and the precarious nature of the impersonation industry.

Malaysia's general election resulted in a hung parliament for the first time, with the far-right Islamist party Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) unexpectedly winning 49 seats. The opposition Pakatan Harapan (PK) secured the most seats at 82, but fell short of a majority. The incumbent Barisan Nasional had its worst performance with 30 seats. The hung parliament indicates a deepening political crisis in Malaysia, which has seen three prime ministers since February 2020. The rise of PAS, known for its conservative and controversial stances, suggests a shift towards a more conservative approach to Islam in the country. The election also saw the ousting of former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad from his parliamentary seat.

Thousands of individuals trafficked into Cambodia's scam industry have been freed following a government crackdown on illegal operations, yet the industry persists. Victims from across Asia were forced to work in fraud centers, and upon rescue, faced exploitation by immigration officials demanding bribes. Despite international pressure and media exposure, the crackdown has had limited impact, with operations relocating to remote areas or neighboring countries. The Cambodian government's actions have not addressed the root causes, such as corruption and the involvement of powerful elites. Efforts by Taiwan have been more effective in dismantling recruitment networks. The scam industry continues to target individuals from various countries, indicating that a more comprehensive approach is needed to dismantle the criminal organizations and their government protectors.

In Malang, Indonesia, families of victims of the Kanjuruhan Stadium disaster, which resulted in 135 deaths, are seeking justice by exhuming bodies for autopsies despite cultural taboos. Devi Athok, who lost two daughters, and other families doubt the police's narrative and the transparency of the investigation. The police have been criticized for using expired tear gas and for their overall handling of the incident. Activists and independent fact-finding teams are involved, and there is widespread community anger and distrust towards the police. The government has promised to cover medical expenses for survivors, but this has not been fulfilled, leading to community support initiatives.

The Itaewon Halloween disaster in South Korea resulted in at least 156 deaths, mostly young women, due to a crowd crush. The tragedy was not caused by a stampede but by people being squeezed so tightly that they could not breathe. Despite prior warnings and emergency calls, authorities failed to prepare for the predictable crowd and were slow to respond. Police Sergeant Kim Baek-gyeom was commended for his efforts to prevent further pressure on the trapped individuals. The lack of police presence and crowd control measures were highlighted as significant failures. The aftermath has led to investigations into the police's actions, with some officials being suspended and others criticized for their lack of timely response.

In Singapore, two men were convicted for separate but similar schemes where they posed as female professionals to deceive women into sending them nude photos and videos. Ooi Chuen Wei, posing as a gynecologist, duped 35 women, while Muhammad Nazri Sapar, posing as a lingerie consultant, tricked three women and also coerced a woman into sex work. Both used fake social media profiles to contact their victims and were convicted on charges including cheating by personation and criminal intimidation.

Australian scientists at CanTEST in Canberra have identified a new synthetic drug, CanKet, which is chemically similar to ketamine but with different effects. The substance was first detected in mid-August and has appeared several times since. Concerns have been raised about its safety due to the lack of data on its effects. The drug has been found in other regions, including New South Wales, and is believed to be imported. Experts advocate for more drug testing services to inform users and reduce risks.

Over 100 unionized Apple retail workers in Australia conducted the first nationwide strike in history, protesting against a new pay deal that fails to meet minimum standards such as weekends and set rosters. The strike is part of a global movement for better pay amid a cost of living crisis, with similar actions in the U.S. and Scotland. The Retail and Fast Food Workers Union in Australia is pushing for an improved pay deal, while Apple maintains that its workers are among the best-paid in the country. Further strike actions and a 'vote no' campaign are planned in response to Apple's latest offer, which is considered substandard by the unions.

Thailand's deputy prime minister attributed a recent nursery massacre, where an ex-police officer killed 37 people including 23 children, to drug addiction. However, the incident has raised concerns about systemic issues within the Thai police and military, as it follows a pattern of violence by uniformed individuals. Activists and politicians are calling for institutional reforms, especially in light of the country's history of violence by authorities, such as the 1976 Thammasat Massacre. Despite the government's promises to address the issues, skepticism remains about meaningful change, particularly with the upcoming general election.

Malaysia's lower house, the Dewan Rakyat, unanimously passed an anti-stalking law, marking a significant step in criminalizing harassment. The bill, which has been advocated for by groups like the Women's Aid Organisation since 2014, addresses harassment that does not involve physical aggression, such as following or attempting to communicate with a person. Deputy Minister Mas Ermieyati Samsudin and campaigners like Louise Tan of the Women's Aid Organisation welcomed the legislation, which prescribes up to three years in jail or a fine for stalking offenses. The bill's passage follows increased public scrutiny over stalking cases in Malaysia, highlighting the urgency for legal protections for victims. The bill now awaits approval from the upper house and the King of Malaysia.

Following a VICE World News exposé in May revealing child labor and poor living conditions at a eucalyptus plantation run by Toba Pulp Lestari in Indonesia, the company has relocated its workers from shabby barracks to a nearby village. The fate of the underage workers remains uncertain. Toba Pulp, owned by billionaire Sukanto Tanoto, has faced criticism for environmental pollution and land grabbing. The company denied employing minors and claimed to provide a safe work environment. Local NGO and government officials have been aware of the exploitative practices, but action was only taken after media attention. Advocates hope for continued media exposure to highlight the company's alleged violations.

Nang Mwe San, a Burmese OnlyFans model and former doctor, was sentenced to six years in prison by a military court for posting nude photos online, under charges of 'harming culture and dignity.' Her conviction is seen as politically motivated due to her participation in protests against the Myanmar military junta. Human rights activists and legal experts have condemned the ruling, and the international community has been urged to hold the junta accountable. The case is significant as it is potentially the first instance worldwide of someone being jailed for OnlyFans content. The article also mentions other recent sentences by the military regime, including the increased prison sentence of Htet Htet Khine and the sentencing of Australian economist Sean Turnell.

Singapore's only Olympic gold medalist, Joseph Schooling, is facing a ban from competitions, months of supervised urine tests, and potential detention after admitting to consuming cannabis four months ago while in Vietnam. Despite testing negative for drugs, Schooling's confession to Singapore's Ministry of Defence has led to an investigation by the Central Narcotics Bureau and potential penalties from the armed forces. Schooling, who is currently completing mandatory military service, will not be able to take leave to train or compete until 2024. His previous brand partnerships are at risk, though Hugo Boss has expressed strong support. Singapore maintains a zero-tolerance drug policy, with harsh penalties for drug offenses, including for consumption overseas.

Mohamed Aliff Mohamed Yusoff, a 29-year-old construction worker in Singapore, was sentenced to life imprisonment and 15 strokes of the cane for the murder of his girlfriend's 9-month-old baby, Izz Fayyaz Zayani Ahmad. The incident occurred on November 7, 2019, when Aliff slammed the child's head against the floorboard of his van, causing fatal brain hemorrhage. The court found Aliff guilty of murder in July, noting his lack of remorse and delay in seeking medical attention for the baby. The case has sparked discussions about Singapore's death penalty, particularly in comparison to its treatment of drug traffickers.

North Korea's state media claims a COVID-19 recovery with a fatality rate of 0.0016 percent, with 4.77 million recovered and only 74 deaths. Experts, including Colin Zwirko of NK News and Professor Shin Young-jeon, express skepticism, suggesting the figures are nearly impossible and potentially misleading due to underreporting and political motives. Despite the lack of new reported cases, the credibility of North Korea's data is questioned, with South Korea's Unification Minister Kwon Young-se noting issues but indicating the situation seems somewhat under control.

Thailand is poised to allow chemical castration for repeat sex offenders as an option for reduced prison sentences. The bill, approved by the Thai Senate and awaiting reaffirmation from the lower house, requires consent from the offender and approval by two medical specialists. The practice, aimed at reducing sex crime rates, will also involve 10 years of electronic monitoring. Chemical castration is controversial and seen by some as a human rights violation and ineffective at addressing the root causes of sexual violence. Critics argue that it fails to change the offender's mindset and that deeper cultural issues, such as victim-blaming, need to be addressed.

BTS announced they are taking a temporary break to focus on solo projects, which was initially misinterpreted as a 'hiatus.' Fans expressed shock and support, understanding the need for the band to prioritize mental health and deal with burnout, an identity crisis, and upcoming military conscription. The group has achieved significant milestones since their debut in 2013, but the relentless pace has led to exhaustion and creative challenges. Music critics in South Korea view the break as a positive step for the well-being of pop idols.

Foreign volunteers in the Ukrainian Foreign Legion, such as Polish carpenter Adam and Vietnamese-American Hieu Le, have shared their harrowing experiences of death and chaos during their service in Ukraine. The Yavoriv training base near the Polish border, a site for drills between NATO and Ukrainian forces, was struck by Russian missiles, resulting in casualties among Ukrainian forces and foreign recruits. The volunteers recounted the lack of structure and leadership, the threat of violence from within, and the psychological toll of their experiences. Despite the challenges, some like Adam consider returning to support the Ukrainian resistance with equipment, while others like Le plan to process their experiences before resuming civilian life.

In Myanmar, following the military coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi and her government on February 1, urban youth like Jack, a former cellphone store worker from Yangon, have joined the People's Defense Force (PDF) to resist the junta. The PDF, announced by the National Unity Government, has grown to potentially 20,000 fighters, many former civilians. These volunteer soldiers, trained by ethnic armed groups like the Karen National Liberation Army, face a brutal military known for its inhumane tactics, including against the Rohingya minority. Despite the risks and homesickness, fighters like Jack and Ko Aung, a musician turned PDF unit leader, remain committed to the pro-democracy cause, with the support of activists like Thinzar Shunlei Yi. The military's violence has escalated, with airstrikes displacing civilians and committing atrocities, such as a Christmas Eve massacre. The PDF has seen some success, but the challenge of overcoming the military's dominance since 1962 is daunting.

Two staff members from the international non-profit Save the Children were confirmed to be among at least 35 people killed in a Christmas Eve massacre by Myanmar’s military junta in Kayah State. The victims were forced from their cars, arrested, killed, and their bodies burned. The US Embassy in Myanmar condemned the act as barbaric, and the U.N. Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs expressed horror. Save the Children has called for the UN Security Council to hold the military accountable, and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has encouraged an arms embargo. The violence follows a coup d'etat on February 1, leading to over 1,300 deaths amid anti-coup protests and a crackdown by security forces.

Shui-Meng's husband, Sombath Somphone, was likely abducted by police in Vientiane, Laos, in 2012, with the Lao People's Revolutionary Party suspected to be behind his disappearance. Despite clear CCTV footage and international pressure from figures like Hillary Clinton and Desmond Tutu, Laotian authorities have not provided answers. Shui-Meng, who still runs her craft shop in Vientiane, published a book on Sombath's life and abduction, finding the writing process cathartic yet traumatic. As time passes, the likelihood of Sombath's return diminishes, and Shui-Meng struggles with the loss of normalcy in her life.

Yangon and Mandalay, major cities in Myanmar, were brought to a standstill by a 'silent strike' protest against the military government. The strike, organized by anti-junta protest groups, is part of the Civil Disobedience Movement that has been active since the February 1 coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's government. The protest aims to show the junta's lack of control and express grief for those killed in the resistance. Recent tensions escalated with a military vehicle running down protesters, resulting in deaths, and the sentencing of Aung San Suu Kyi to prison.

New Zealand's wastewater analysis has revealed record quantities of methamphetamine, indicating a potential rise in drug consumption. Between October and December 2021, an average of 17.3kg of meth was detected weekly, a 32% increase from the previous year. The spike in meth levels correlates with periods of strict COVID-19 lockdowns, raising concerns about pandemic-related substance abuse. Experts from Massey University and the New Zealand Drug Foundation have commented on the findings, with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime noting New Zealand's long-standing high levels of meth use. The data also suggests that despite significant drug seizures, methamphetamine use persists, prompting calls for a focus on harm reduction strategies.

Dr. Angelique Coetzee, a general practitioner and chair of the South African Medical Association, identified the Omicron variant when patients with similar symptoms sought treatment at her practice in Pretoria, South Africa. The World Health Organization confirmed Omicron as a variant of concern, which led to international travel restrictions. Coetzee and the South African government criticized the global response as premature, arguing that there is insufficient information about the variant. Despite the increase in hospitalizations in South Africa's Gauteng region, the WHO stated it is too early to make definitive statements about Omicron's severity or transmissibility. U.S. President Joe Biden implemented travel restrictions from several southern African countries, while South Africa contends that the travel bans are punitive for its quick identification of the variant.

The Hotel Renakse in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, once a bustling hub for the country's free press, now stands abandoned. It played a pivotal role in the early 1990s when the Associated Press and two of Cambodia's independent newspapers, the Phnom Penh Post and the Cambodia Daily, were established within its walls. Journalists like Nate Thayer and Michael Hayes were instrumental in reviving press freedom in post-war Cambodia. Despite its current dilapidated state, the Renakse's legacy lives on through the stories of those who worked there, although the newspapers it once housed have since faced their own struggles with maintaining independence.

The article recounts the story of Senyint S. Chim, who discovered a colorized photo of his brother, Khva Leang, a victim of the Khmer Rouge, in a Vice article. The photo, altered by artist Matt Loughrey, sparked controversy for adding smiles to prisoners' faces, which many, including Senyint, found disrespectful. The Vice article contained inaccuracies about Leang, misidentifying him and his background. The Cambodian community and organizations like the Documentation Center of Cambodia criticized the alterations for rewriting history and causing distress to survivors. The Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts threatened legal action, leading Vice to remove the images. Senyint's personal history, including his family's fate during the Khmer Rouge regime, is detailed, highlighting the emotional impact of the Vice article's misrepresentation.

Alastair McCready discusses the historical significance of aerial photography in French Indochina, highlighting its role in the colonial administration's efforts to map, survey, and tax populations during the 1920s and 1930s. The article features aerial photos from 1953 taken by Francois-Xavier Moussus, a French Air Force pilot, showcasing landmarks in Cambodia and Vietnam. The images offer a glimpse into the region just before Cambodia's independence and as the First Indochina War was reaching its peak.

On October 10, a World Cup 2022 qualifier match between Iran and Cambodia in Teheran marked a historic moment as 3,500 Iranian women attended a football match freely for the first time since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Despite Iran's expected victory with a 14-0 score, the match gained international significance due to the presence of female spectators.

In Ceuta, a Spanish enclave on the African continent, residents experience a dichotomy of extreme anxiety over immigration and a sense of normality in daily life. The town has seen violent attempts by migrants to scale the border fence, causing concern among local business leaders and government officials. Despite the tensions, there is a level of harmony between locals and migrants, with informal economic interactions taking place. The political landscape is shifting, with Spain becoming the leading destination for migrants by sea and the new Spanish government adopting a more sympathetic stance towards immigration. Overcrowding at the local migrant center, CETI, is an issue, but migrants are not detained and seek work in the town. The situation in Ceuta reflects broader challenges and changing attitudes towards immigration in Europe.

The article discusses the dire conditions faced by refugees and asylum seekers in Bangkok, Thailand, focusing on the story of RK, a 19-year-old Somali refugee. Despite being home to a significant refugee community, Thailand does not recognize the distinction between refugees, asylum seekers, and illegal immigrants under its law, leading to indefinite detention and lack of access to basic services. The UNHCR in Bangkok is constrained by financial shortfalls, and many refugees are forced into illegal employment and exploitation. The article also highlights the plight of children in detention, a practice that violates international law. Efforts by the Thai government to reform immigration practices have been slow, and the future for refugees in Bangkok remains uncertain.

The Ducor Palace Hotel in Monrovia, once a symbol of opulence in West Africa, now stands as a dilapidated relic following years of political instability and civil war in Liberia. Opened in 1960, it was a hub for the elite and political leaders until its decline began with the 1989 coup led by Charles Taylor. Despite attempts at renovation, including a failed initiative by Muammar Gadhafi's regime, the hotel remains a shell of its former glory, with its modernist brutalist architecture now housing squatters and serving as a cautionary site for urban explorers.