Netflix's latest sci-fi series, based on the Chinese novel 'The Three-Body Problem', begins with a scene from the Cultural Revolution, depicting a 'struggle session' where a physics professor is beaten to death. The series then transitions to a contemporary setting in Oxford, featuring a group of multi-ethnic post-graduate science students.

US special forces have been deployed to Taiwanese-controlled islands likely to be involved in the event of a Chinese invasion. Taiwanese Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng confirmed the presence of US troops training the Taiwanese armed forces, with reports indicating the involvement of the islands of Kinmen and Penghu. Chiu emphasized the importance of cooperation with friendly entities to address military blind spots and shortcomings.

China has engaged with the Gaza crisis by holding a meeting with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Qatar, marking its first direct involvement since the conflict began on October 7. The meeting, conducted by former Chinese ambassador to Lebanon Wang Kejian, signals a shift from the Israeli and Western stance on the issue. While details of the discussion were not disclosed, a subsequent meeting between Wang and Qatari official Mohammed al-Khulaifi emphasized calls for a ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and a resolution to the Palestinian situation.

China has accused the United States of attempting to contain its rise through trade sanctions and other tactics, which it describes as 'unfathomable absurdity.' Despite improved relations following a meeting between President Xi Jinping and President Joe Biden, China remains critical of US policies. Wang Yi, an adviser to President Xi and acting foreign minister, highlighted the differences between China and the West on issues such as trade and international relations.

Four Filipino sailors were injured during a clash with Chinese coast guard vessels in the South China Sea, as tensions escalated over disputed sovereignty. The Philippines government reported that two supply vessels were harassed with water cannons while approaching a navy ship at Second Thomas Shoal. The water cannons broke the windshield of the supply vessel Unaizah May 4, leading to injuries and a minor collision. China's response to the incident was not included in the text.

China is set to revive its 'panda diplomacy' by sending two pandas to San Diego Zoo in the United States, a move seen as a softening of President Xi's stance amidst tensions with Washington. This gesture comes as the number of pandas in Western zoos has decreased, highlighted by the recent return of Britain's last pandas to China from Edinburgh.

Relations between Britain and China have improved due to Chinese citizens' reactions to Lionel Messi's absence from an exhibition game in Hong Kong. Viewing Messi's benching as a snub to both Hong Kong and China, Chinese social media users have expressed support for British sovereignty over the Falkland Islands on the Argentinian embassy's social media, paralleling the language used by the Communist Party regarding Taiwan.

China has inaugurated the Qinling scientific research base in Antarctica, which President Xi claims will enhance scientific understanding and promote peace and sustainable development. Despite these assertions, the US, Australia, and New Zealand harbor concerns that the base could be used to monitor military activity in the southern hemisphere. In response to the development of the Qinling station, Australia has announced a significant investment in their own Antarctic efforts.

Hamas is considering a proposal to end the war in Gaza, which includes the potential release of Marwan Barghouti, a Palestinian political prisoner and potential presidential candidate. Barghouti is seen by Israelis as a terrorist responsible for murders, while his supporters liken him to Nelson Mandela. The Israeli government has not confirmed any agreement to his release.

Israeli forces continue to encounter strong resistance from Hamas in northern Gaza, despite earlier claims of being able to reduce military operations in the area. Questions arise regarding the Israeli government's war strategy as Hamas remains active in Gaza City after months of conflict. The IDF reported the death of 15 Hamas fighters recently, while US intelligence estimates suggest thousands of Hamas fighters have been killed, yet Hamas's operational capabilities appear unhampered.

Ten-year-old Razan Arafat, who lost her parents, siblings, and her own foot in an airstrike, wakes up daily facing cold, thirst, and hunger in a tent near al-Muwasi beach in southern Gaza. With food and aid scarcely reaching her, Razan's situation reflects the looming threat of famine in Gaza.

Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries have expressed support for potential US air strikes against the Houthi rebels in Yemen, who have been disrupting shipping in the Red Sea. This stance aligns with US efforts to contain the conflict in Gaza between Israel and Hamas from escalating across the region, as Hamas's allies in Lebanon, Iran, and Iraq have been targeting Israel and US bases, as well as Red Sea shipping.

Jimmy Lai, a 76-year-old Hong Kong newspaper publisher, denied charges of sedition and collusion with foreign powers, including Britain and America, during his trial. The prosecution accused him of using the fight for freedom and democracy as a guise to encourage foreign intervention against China's national security law in Hong Kong. Lai's trial, which began in December after delays, continued under tight security, and his lawyers' attempt to dismiss the sedition charge was rejected.

The mother of Yotam Haim, one of three Israeli hostages accidentally killed in Gaza, has forgiven the soldiers responsible and encouraged them to continue their fight against Hamas. The incident has led to sorrow in Israel and an investigation, while international allies urge the Israeli government to reduce violence and focus on freeing hostages taken by Hamas on October 7. The conflict in Gaza has reportedly resulted in over 20,000 deaths, including 8,000 children.

Israel has arrested scores of medical staff in Gaza, including Ahmed Kahlot, head of Kamal Adwan Hospital, and Mohammed Abu Salmiya, director of al-Shifa Hospital. The Shin Bet released a video of Kahlot confessing to being recruited by Hamas, claiming that 16 hospital staff were also Hamas members and that the group had offices in the hospital. The video's release sparked condemnation from pro-Palestinian groups.

A hacker group known as Gonjeshke Darande, which has been previously linked to Israel, claimed responsibility for a cyberattack that disabled petrol pumps across Iran, leading to an estimated 70% of the nation's pumps being out of action and causing significant disruption.

Binyamin Netanyahu has criticized President Putin for Russia's support of a UN Security Council vote calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, which Israel considers equivalent to surrender. Netanyahu conveyed his frustration during a phone call, referencing Russia's own use of force in conflicts such as Chechnya, Syria, and Ukraine. The Israeli leader expressed annoyance at anti-Israel positions taken by Russian representatives at the UN and other international platforms.

Binyamin Netanyahu has criticized President Putin for Russia's support of a UN Security Council vote calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, which Israel views as equivalent to surrender. Netanyahu conveyed his frustration during a phone call, referencing Russia's own use of force in international conflicts and expressing annoyance at anti-Israel positions by Russian representatives.

Hamas's attack plans for October 7 on Israel were more ambitious than previously realized, targeting military bases deep inside Israel. The Israeli military disclosed evidence on Monday, including instructions, maps, and booklets on weaponry found on Hamas fighters and in raids in Gaza. The intelligence, including maps of Gaza, Hamas tunnels, and command points, is being utilized by Israel in their current operations.

In 2002, an Israeli missile strike in Gaza killed a Hamas commander, ten children, and five other civilians, sparking controversy. Two decades later, Israel's aerial campaign has resulted in approximately 6,000 children and 4,000 women killed, according to the Gaza health ministry, with the Israeli military not significantly contesting these figures. The increase in civilian casualties suggests a shift in the rules of engagement and a decrease in remorse for such outcomes.

Israeli forces were advancing into southern Gaza, with residents and refugees instructed to evacuate ahead of a new wave of air strikes. This shift in focus from northern Gaza, where Israeli forces had surrounded Hamas fighters, to the entire Gaza Strip was confirmed by Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari. The military's ground operation was confronting and killing terrorists, according to Hagari.

Israeli negotiators are offering Hamas an extension of the current ceasefire until Sunday morning in exchange for the release of all remaining civilian women and children hostages. Around 100 were taken during the October 7 attacks, with 60 released by Tuesday night and another ten expected to be freed on Wednesday. The ceasefire was initially set for four days but has been extended by two more. President Biden commented on the situation via a personal social media account.

President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu believe there is a good chance the ceasefire in Gaza will be extended beyond its four-day term, which is due to end on Tuesday morning. The terms of the truce allow for a possible extension of up to ten days, during which ten Israeli hostages and 30 Palestinian prisoners would be released daily. However, neither side has confirmed this arrangement, and Israel has strategic concerns about agreeing to it.

In Gaza, bodies from Israel’s bombing campaign are decomposing, overwhelming rescue workers. Up to 1,800 people, including 940 children, are missing, feared trapped under rubble. The UN OCHA reports limited rescue missions due to fuel shortages, and the Red Crescent has cut ambulance operations. The Palestinian Civil Defence expresses humanitarian and environmental concerns over the situation.

An explosion at al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza killed hundreds, with witnesses attributing the strike to Israel, which coincided with President Biden's visit to the Middle East. Israel denied involvement in the incident, which resulted in a significant death toll, including women and children, and is considered one of the deadliest single explosions in the conflict's recent history.

Israel released photographs alleging Hamas, labeled a terrorist group, murdered individuals including a baby during massacres last weekend. The images, deemed too graphic by The Times, were circulated on Israeli government social media to highlight the severity of the attacks. This follows unverified claims by some Israeli soldiers of beheadings by Hamas.

Ali Jadallah was forced to search through the rubble of his destroyed two-storey family home with his bare hands, looking for his sister Doaa and two of his brothers. Civil defence had already rescued his mother and one brother, but there was no sign of life from the others.

The UK could face an additional 18,000 to 35,000 cancer deaths within a year due to Covid-19 related treatment delays, as predicted by cancer data research hub Data-Can. Experts like Professor Karol Sikora and Professor Gordon Wishart have expressed concerns over the backlog of cancer care. The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Radiotherapy has proposed a six-point plan to improve services. NHS England has responded by repurposing Nightingale hospitals for cancer testing, while acknowledging the need to balance cancer treatment with Covid-19 risks.