Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated that a complete victory over Hamas would result in the total destruction of Gaza. He envisioned civilians being relocated to a southern humanitarian zone, eventually emigrating to other countries. Smotrich also voiced his aspiration for the formal annexation of the West Bank during the current government's tenure, a move that defies international concerns.

The UN Security Council convened closed-door consultations on the India-Pakistan situation following Pakistan's request, amidst heightened tensions. Secretary-General Guterres expressed concern over the escalating tensions, particularly after the Pahalgam terror attack, urging restraint and offering UN support for de-escalation. India anticipates no significant outcome from the discussion, viewing it as a perception-shaping effort by Pakistan.

The US Embassy in India has announced the availability of thousands of student visa appointments across its Mission. This announcement follows Ambassador Eric Garcetti's statement in April, emphasizing the high priority placed on student visas. In 2023, the US issued over 140,000 student visas in India, surpassing all other countries for the third consecutive year, and processed a record 1.

Early Monday, Israeli air strikes in northern Gaza resulted in the deaths of at least 19 people, including women and children, according to Gaza's civil defense agency. The strikes targeted apartments northwest of Gaza City and a house in Beit Lahiya.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet has approved a gradual expansion of the offensive against Hamas in Gaza, according to Kan. The military is issuing call-up orders for reserve forces to bolster the campaign. Netanyahu convened the cabinet to discuss the war's next stage, aiming to increase pressure to return hostages and defeat Hamas.

British counter-terrorism police have apprehended five men, including four Iranian nationals, across multiple locations in England. The arrests, which took place on Saturday in Swindon, London, Stockport, Rochdale, and Manchester, are linked to a suspected terrorism plot targeting a specific premises. Authorities are currently investigating potential motivations and assessing any further risks to the public.

Russian drone swarms targeted Kharkiv and Dnipro, resulting in at least one fatality and numerous injuries, including children and a pregnant woman. The attacks, which struck residential areas and civilian infrastructure, occurred amidst calls for ceasefires and shifting mediation efforts. Kharkiv, near the Russian border, has endured frequent attacks since the full-scale invasion began.

A man has surrendered to Italian police for allegedly killing a Muslim worshipper in France. The incident occurred in La Grande Combe. The suspect filmed the attack and shouted insults. French authorities are investigating the possibility of an Islamophobic motive. Emmanuel Macron condemned the act. The Grand Mosque of Paris also condemned the attack.

Pakistan and China have reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace and opposition to unilateral policies during a call between their foreign ministers, following a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan has offered to join an independent probe into the incident and asserted its readiness to respond to any Indian aggression.

Israeli strikes in Gaza have killed at least 49 people in the last 24 hours, as Arab mediators attempt to revive ceasefire negotiations. Airstrikes, including one that flattened a house in Gaza City, resulted in multiple fatalities.

Kremlin announced that Ukrainian troops have been forced from Russia's Kursk region, with Putin hailing it as a defeat for Kyiv. Simultaneously, Trump and Zelenskyy met at the Vatican to discuss ending the three-year war, hinting at potential high-level talks and ceasefire proposals.

Canada's election on Monday follows a campaign dominated by concerns over US President Trump's threats. Mark Carney, replacing Justin Trudeau, is favoured, emphasising his experience to counter Trump's policies. Poilievre focused on domestic issues like rising costs, but Trump's influence and Carney's appeal have tightened the race.

Donald Trump criticized Volodymyr Zelenskyy for prolonging the conflict by refusing to cede Crimea to Russia in peace talks. Zelenskyy asserted that Ukraine wouldn't concede territory, including Crimea, which Trump claims was lost under Obama's watch. Trump questioned why Ukraine didn't fight for Crimea earlier, arguing its status shouldn't impede negotiations.

Bangladesh has refuted India's claim of systematic persecution of Hindu minorities following the death of Bhabesh Chandra Roy. The government insists it protects all citizens' rights, regardless of religion. While India condemned the killing and urged protection for minorities, Bangladesh stated the victim knew his companions and awaits viscera analysis to determine the cause of death, urging against speculation.

President Trump's immigration policies face increasing scrutiny as the Supreme Court intervened to halt the deportation of Venezuelan migrants under the Alien Enemies Act. Trump criticized the judiciary, while Democrats warned of a constitutional crisis. Senator Amy Klobuchar accused Trump of undermining constitutional rights.

A magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border, with tremors felt across Pakistan, including Islamabad and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The quake, at a depth of 92 km, caused panic among residents, particularly in Lower Dir and surrounding regions. This marks the second quake in Pakistan within a week, highlighting the region's seismic activity.

Amid heightened security for Easter celebrations, a gunman targeted a church in Manampitiya, Sri Lanka, damaging windows but causing no injuries. Police have arrested a suspect, citing a personal dispute with the pastor as the motive. This incident occurs six years after the devastating 2019 Easter Sunday bombings that killed 279 people.

Under President Trump, the U.S. is increasing its use of AI and surveillance to track and arrest immigrants, raising concerns about accuracy and privacy. Agencies like DHS and CBP are using tools like facial recognition and social media monitoring to track immigrants and justify warrants.

Pakistan has expelled over 80,000 Afghan nationals since late March as part of its Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan, with a final deadline of April 30 for those without valid visas. The repatriation drive comes amid accusations from Pakistan blaming Afghan citizens for militant attacks and crimes, which Afghanistan rejects, calling it forced deportation.

Donald Trump reportedly blocked an Israeli plan to strike Iranian nuclear sites as the US pursues a new nuclear deal with Tehran. This decision came after Israel sought US assistance for the attack in May. Trump instead announced direct talks with Iran, despite their increasing uranium enrichment levels nearing weapons grade.

A senior Hamas official stated on Monday that the group is willing to release all Israeli hostages in exchange for a comprehensive prisoner swap and a guaranteed end to the war in Gaza. Negotiations in Cairo, mediated by Egypt and Qatar, stalled as Hamas accused Israel of obstructing a ceasefire.

Maldives plans to eradicate smoking. A new law will prohibit tobacco sales to those born after January 2007. This phases out smoking for future generations. The law is set to take effect on November 1, 2025. Penalties for violations are being developed. Britain has a similar law in progress. New Zealand repealed its generational smoking law last year.

President Trump stated he anticipates a swift decision regarding Iran, following positive discussions in Oman where both nations agreed to meet again this week. While threatening military action if a nuclear deal isn't reached, Trump met with advisors and expressed optimism about the Iran situation. A second round of nuclear talks is reportedly scheduled for next Saturday in Rome.

Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada defended the recent public executions as part of Islamic law, rejecting Western criticism and emphasizing the comprehensive nature of Islam beyond mere rituals. This statement follows the execution of four men convicted of murder in sports stadiums, drawing condemnation from rights groups and the UN.

In Afghanistan, four men were publicly executed on Friday, marking the highest number of executions in a single day since the Taliban's return to power in 2021. The executions, carried out in three provinces, bring the total to ten under the current regime.

Israeli aircraft struck a residential block in war-ravaged northern Gaza, killing at least 23 people, health officials said, as the renewed fighting in the devastated Palestinian enclave showed no signs of letting up.

Tragedy struck the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, as a roof collapse resulted in at least 18 fatalities and over 120 injuries. Rescue teams are diligently searching the wreckage for survivors, while authorities investigate the cause of the incident.

South Korea's cabinet is set to finalize a June 3 date for a presidential election following the removal of Yoon Suk Yeol. This decision will be made official at a meeting on Tuesday. Yoon was ousted for violating his official duty by declaring martial law and deploying troops.

Marine Le Pen, recently convicted of embezzling public funds, led a Paris rally claiming the verdict was politically motivated. Le Pen's party likened the situation to a 'judicial coup,' while thousands of supporters voiced defiance. This event marks an effort to challenge the credibility of France's legal system before the 2027 presidential race.

A second unvaccinated child in West Texas has died from a measles-related illness, as the outbreak spreads to neighboring states and Mexico. The CDC is assisting with response efforts, and health officials emphasize the importance of the measles vaccine, which is 97 percent effective after two doses.

Indonesia's senior economic minister announced that the nation will not retaliate against U.S. tariffs, opting instead for diplomacy and negotiations to protect bilateral trade relations and economic stability. A high-level delegation will be sent to the U.S.

Pakistan is set to expel 3 million Afghan immigrants, focusing on those living illegally. As of April 10, deportations will begin, with specific deadlines imposed for those holding different documentation. The Taliban has requested a more organized process for returning citizens, while affected Afghans fear uncertainty in a country they barely know.

President Donald Trump announced plans to impose secondary tariffs of 25% to 50% on Russian oil within a month if Russia does not agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine. He expressed his anger towards Russian President Vladimir Putin's criticism of Ukrainian leadership and emphasized his commitment to ending the war.

Myanmar, already weakened by four years of civil war, faces new hardships following a 7.7-magnitude earthquake that killed more than 1,600 people. The existing humanitarian crisis is exacerbated by a devastated infrastructure, inadequate healthcare, and disrupted communication, complicating relief efforts amid ongoing conflict.

A small plane traveling from Iowa to Minnesota crashed into a house in a Minneapolis suburb on Saturday, killing at least one person. The house was destroyed, but the residents were unharmed. The plane, a single-engine SOCATA TBM7, had departed from Des Moines International Airport and was headed to Anoka County-Blaine Airport.