A Jewish charity recorded over 4,000 antisemitic incidents in the last year, marking the highest number ever and nearly doubling the previous record. The surge in incidents coincided with Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7th. The Community Security Trust reported that most incidents involved abusive behavior, with 266 cases of assault and 182 of damage and desecration.

A member of Israel's war cabinet has issued a warning to Hezbollah about potential intensified military action along the Lebanon border in response to attacks on Israeli territory. Meanwhile, Israel continues heavy bombardment in Gaza, with the Hamas-run health ministry reporting 210 casualties in the last 24 hours.

The article recounts the harrowing experiences of Israeli citizens on kibbutzim near the Gaza Strip, where Hamas militants have caused significant loss of life and kidnappings. The community of Kibbutz Be'eri has been particularly affected, with a tenth of its population impacted. The Israeli public's anger is tangible, with no desire for ceasefire and a strong support for the IDF's forceful response. However, amidst the anger, there are voices like Ronnie Keider, a peace activist, who, despite the tragedy, still believes in the possibility of peace. The article also touches on the strategic shift of Israeli forces to the West Bank, which may have left the south vulnerable to the recent attacks. The events are compared to the Yom Kippur War and are seen as potentially shaping the future of the region.

Sara Sharif, a ten-year-old girl, was found dead at her home near Woking, Surrey. She appeared withdrawn and was not attending school. Her father, Urfan Sharif, a taxi driver known in the local community, called the police from Pakistan where he had flown with his partner and brother two weeks prior. Surrey Police, in collaboration with officers in Pakistan, are attempting to locate Sara's father, partner, and uncle.

Three people have died and a pastor is critically ill due to a suspected mushroom poisoning in Australia. Erin Patterson, who hosted a lunch in July where the victims fell ill, is the prime suspect. The symptoms were consistent with the ingestion of the toxic death cap mushroom. Patterson claims to be unaware of the cause.

The UK government has been focusing on reducing spending on hotel accommodations for asylum seekers by placing 3000 of them in alternative accommodations by autumn. The Home Office provided press tours of a barge, the Bibby Stockholm, which can house 500 people and is moored off the Dorset coast. Emily Wither boarded the barge to assess the situation and spoke with local residents who have varying concerns.

Following Turkey's earthquake in February, Syrian refugee Omar was separated from his son Ahmed amidst the destruction. Despite losing his firstborn and wife, Omar holds onto hope that Ahmed is alive. Many children were displaced, complicating the search for missing loved ones, especially for Syrian refugees facing language barriers and lack of resources. Fashion designer Nadine has shifted her focus to aiding Syrian families in their search. The story follows Omar's journey across South East Turkey, aided by Nadine's team, as they encounter both success and heartbreak.

Stephen Boden and Shannon Marsden have been convicted for the murder of their 10-month-old son, Finley Boden, who suffered 130 injuries including 57 bone fractures. The murder occurred shortly after Finley was returned to their care by social services in Derbyshire. He died on Christmas Day 2020.

An unprecedented winter storm is affecting millions in the United States during Christmas, with blizzards, flooding, and potentially record-breaking cold temperatures. The storm has resulted in at least 19 fatalities, left one and a half million people without power, and led to the cancellation of thousands of flights. The US weather service anticipates the coldest Christmas Eve on record for several cities.

The British Foreign Office has summoned Iran's diplomatic representative due to the violent suppression of protests in Iran. Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, accused the US and Israel of orchestrating 'riots' to destabilize the country. These comments come in the wake of protests triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini, 22, in police custody, marking the largest demonstrations in Iran in recent years.

Liz Truss has pledged to reveal a plan to address energy bills and prepare the UK for winter within a week if she becomes Prime Minister. She defended her tax-cutting policy as a means to grow the economy, despite criticism that it benefits the wealthy more than the poor. The Labour Party has criticized the lack of detail in her plan, highlighting the public's concern over the cost of living.

The Met Office has issued an amber extreme heat warning for much of England and Wales, starting tomorrow and lasting until Sunday. This is the longest warning of its kind so far, and while temperatures are not expected to reach the record highs of July, the prolonged heatwave poses an increased risk to vulnerable populations. The ongoing dry conditions are also adversely affecting agriculture.

A new series of plays titled Boys! Boys! Boys! is celebrating representations of masculinity through the generations at the King's Head Theatre in North London. The season honors Britain's gay pioneers, including Quentin Crisp, an artist and activist known for his memoir 'The Naked Civil Servant', which had its first public performance at the same venue in 1975.

Romanian witches are using the internet to conduct rituals and consultations, expanding their customer base globally. They have adapted traditional practices to digital platforms, including Facebook live streams. The witches, part of a community estimated to be around 4,000 strong, have also engaged in political activism, performing anti-corruption spells against Romanian lawmakers. Romania is considered one of the EU's most corrupt states, and the ruling Social Democrats have been criticized for reversing democratic reforms. The witches plan to continue their political rituals in conjunction with the European parliament elections.

Azam Jangravi protested Iran's compulsory hijab law by waving her headscarf on Tehran's Revolution Street, leading to her arrest and a three-year prison sentence for promoting indecency and breaking Islamic law. Facing the threat of losing her daughter and imprisonment, she fled Iran and is now awaiting asylum. Amnesty International reported that Jangravi was one of many women arrested for hijab protests, highlighting the government's severe measures against activists. Jangravi was motivated by the desire for a better future for her daughter and was inspired by other women's acts of protest.

Azam Jangravi protested Iran's compulsory hijab law by waving her headscarf on Tehran's Revolution Street, leading to her arrest and a three-year prison sentence for promoting indecency and breaking Islamic law. She fled Iran with her daughter Viana before her jail term began, seeking asylum. Amnesty International reported at least 39 women were arrested last year for hijab protests, with efforts to highlight the issue continuing despite government pushback.