Hurricane Melissa caused extensive damage in Jamaica, especially in Western Jamaica, with widespread power outages and blocked roads. Meanwhile, renewed Israeli strikes in Gaza have resulted in significant Palestinian casualties, impacting the fragile ceasefire. The US faces disruptions in air travel due to a government shutdown affecting air traffic controllers. Additionally, the US obesity rate has decreased, partly due to increased use of weight-loss drugs. The newsletter also covers social issues like cancer support and controversies over Shein's store in Paris.
The Syrian government announced a comprehensive ceasefire after days of violence in Druze areas, while Israel conducted extensive strikes on Gaza targets. The region remains tense with ongoing conflicts involving Hezbollah, Iran, and various factions, amid efforts by regional and international actors to stabilize the situation.
Israeli security forces confirmed the killing of Hakham Muhammad Issa al-Issa, a senior Hamas military leader and co-founder of its training academy, in Gaza strikes, as part of ongoing military operations targeting Hamas figures involved in recent attacks.
Families of Israeli hostages held by Hamas militants in Gaza are demanding an immediate government explanation about the fate of the captives after the Israeli army intensified strikes on the Palestinian territory. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum expressed anger over the lack of communication from the government regarding the well-being of the hostages and requested a meeting with ministers. Israel has been conducting air and artillery strikes on the Hamas-run Gaza Strip, with the armed wing of Hamas claiming that almost 50 hostages have been killed since October 7.
