The four-day humanitarian pause in Israel's assault on the Gaza Strip is crucial for allowing humanitarian agencies to bring much-needed supplies to the stricken Palestinian enclave. However, the short window of four days may not be enough to meet the vast humanitarian needs in Gaza. The damage caused by more than a month of bombardment by the Israeli Defense Forces has left Gaza in dire conditions.

During the first two weeks of the assault, Gaza was completely cut off from access as it was placed under siege by Israel. Since October 21, some aid has been allowed into the strip, but it is only a fraction of the monthly volume of goods and aid that Gaza used to receive.

The situation in Gaza is dire. Fuel shortages have forced bakeries to shut down, causing food prices to rise significantly. Many shops and markets are closed, and even when people manage to find food, they struggle to obtain fuel to cook it. The scarcity of safe drinking water and destroyed sanitation infrastructure raise the risk of disease.

Limited access to Gaza will still be a challenge even during the four-day pause, as supplies can only be brought in through the Rafah border crossing with Egypt. However, the European Union and other humanitarian agencies are stepping up efforts to increase aid delivery during this time.

The pause in fighting presents an opportunity to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, but it remains to be seen if it will be enough to meet the needs of the people.

The shock election results in the Netherlands have left many onlookers unsure of what happens next. Far-right populist Geert Wilders and his Freedom Party (PVV) have made significant gains in the national vote, leading some experts to compare it to the "Trump moment" in the United States. While Wilders and the PVV may have won the most seats in the election, it is uncertain if they will have enough support to form a coalition government. The most obvious path to office for Wilders is a coalition with the center-right Freedom and Democracy Party (VVD), but their anti-Islam, anti-immigration, anti-European Union policies may prove to be a sticking point. Additionally, it is unclear what Wilders' victory means for the future of Dutch and European politics. The rise of populist movements in Europe is not a new phenomenon, and Wilders' ability to navigate coalition dynamics and compromise on policies will shape the direction of Dutch governance and its relationship with the EU.

Caio Benicio, a 43-year-old Brazilian Deliveroo driver, is being hailed as a hero after successfully subduing an attacker outside Colaiste Mhuire on Parnell Square in Dublin. The attacker had already injured three children and two adults before Benicio intervened. In an audio message shared on WhatsApp, Benicio described how he witnessed the attack while on his motorcycle and immediately took action. He hit the attacker with his motorcycle helmet, causing him to fall to the ground. Benicio's brave act has gone viral among the Brazilian community in Ireland.

The violent scenes in Dublin continued after the knife attack, with reports of riots and clashes between protesters and police. Vehicles were set on fire, police vehicles were damaged, and shops were looted. The unrest has prompted authorities to advise the public to avoid the North City Centre area and suspend public transportation services. Garda Commissioner Drew Harris described the disorder as being caused by a "complete lunatic faction driven by far-right ideology."

The courageous actions of Caio Benicio highlight the bravery and selflessness of ordinary individuals who step up in times of crisis to protect others.

The director of al-Shifa Hospital, Muhammad Abu Salmiya, has been arrested by the Israeli army in Gaza, along with several other senior doctors, according to sources. The arrest occurred during Salmiya's travel in a World Health Organization-operated convoy with patients and medical personnel. The Israeli Broadcasting Authority and Salmiya's cousin, Adham Abu Selmiya, have also confirmed the arrest. The Gaza Ministry of Health has expressed concerns and demanded an explanation from the World Health Organization regarding the detainment of medical staff traveling with patients. Officials at the ministry have halted coordination with the WHO until they receive a report explaining the situation. The hospital has been a focus of Israel's ground offensive in northern Gaza, with the Israeli army alleging that Hamas fighters used a tunnel complex beneath the facility for staging attacks, a claim that both Hamas and hospital officials have denied. The arrest of medical personnel adds to the growing tension and fear in the Palestinian community, as attacks have targeted various groups within Gaza.

Senator Ted Cruz faces backlash for social media post

The car explosion near the Rainbow Bridge, a border crossing between Ontario and New York, led to speculation and heightened tensions as news of the incident spread worldwide. Initial reports suggested the possibility of a terrorist attack, with prominent commentators and politicians, including Senator Ted Cruz, spreading the information.

However, officials quickly dismissed the theory, stating that there was no indication of a terrorist attack. New York Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized this point, stating that the investigation was ongoing but there was no sign of terrorist activity. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also reassured the public that the authorities were taking the incident "extraordinarily seriously."

While there were two fatalities in the car explosion, law enforcement officials confirmed that the damage to the Rainbow Bridge itself was superficial. The bridge is expected to reopen soon, pending a decision from US authorities.

Senator Ted Cruz faced backlash for his social media post in which he referred to the incident as a "terrorist attack." Democrats criticized Cruz for keeping the post up even after it was found that the initial reports were false. Cruz's post has since been widely criticized and has sparked further debates on the responsible use of social media in disseminating accurate information.

In conclusion, the Rainbow Bridge incident did not involve a terrorist attack, as initially speculated. Officials have clarified that there is no indication of terrorism and the investigation is ongoing.

Residents of Livingston, Kentucky can now return home after a train derailment caused a chemical fire and prompted evacuations. The CSX train derailed on Wednesday near Livingston, a remote town with about 200 people in Rockcastle County. Two of the 16 cars that derailed were carrying molten sulfur, which caught fire after the cars were breached. The fire has now been extinguished, according to CSX spokesperson Bryan Tucker. Authorities and CSX officials reviewed air monitoring data and determined it was safe for residents to return home. The potential release of sulfur dioxide gas from the fire is still being evaluated. The governor of Kentucky, Andy Beshear, declared a state of emergency in response to the derailment.

Sources:

- AP

- CNN

- LEX 18

President Joe Biden expressed his optimism for the release of 3-year-old Abigail Mor Edan and other hostages held by Hamas, but provided no additional updates on the delay. Speaking to reporters in Massachusetts, Biden said he was "keeping his fingers crossed" and might provide more information on Friday. The White House also stated that they remain "hopeful" that the release will begin on Friday as the parties work out final logistical details.

Officials described the negotiation process as "extremely excruciating" and revealed that Biden has been actively involved in the negotiations, speaking with the leaders of Israel, Egypt, and Qatar. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also stressed the need for the establishment of a Palestinian state in phone calls with counterparts from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.

The hostage deal, which will provide at least a four-day truce and allow for increased humanitarian aid into Gaza, was welcomed by Blinken during his call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. Efforts to increase the flow of aid into Gaza and evacuate foreign nationals from the area were also discussed during the calls with Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Emirati Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

There is still uncertainty as to when the release will occur, but Biden's hopeful expression indicates that progress is being made in the negotiations.

As Americans prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, heightened security measures and tensions surrounding the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza have set a different tone for the holiday. The war in the Middle East has prompted officials to increase precautions at airports and shopping malls, as well as along the route of New York's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Thanksgiving is usually a joyous occasion that brings together family and friends for turkey dinners and parades. However, this year, the holiday takes place against the backdrop of a war that has exacerbated antisemitism and Islamophobia in the United States. The FBI has warned Congress that the threat of terrorist attacks is at its highest in nearly a decade.

Pro-Palestinian protesters have also made their presence known during the Macy's parade, briefly interrupting the celebration and forcing the parade to divert around them. There have also been instances of vandalism, with a pro-Palestinian group spray-painting "Free Palestine" on the pillars of the New York Public Library's main branch.

Despite the tensions, New York Mayor Eric Adams has emphasized the city's commitment to free speech while also stating that property destruction and harm to individuals will not be tolerated. However, concerns over slower economic demand have retailers worried about a lackluster holiday shopping season.

As Americans gather to give thanks, the conflict in Gaza and its impact on social tensions and economic indicators loom large over this year's Thanksgiving celebrations.

Mexican national security forces have arrested Nestor Isidro Perez Salas, also known as "El Nini," who is believed to be the head of security for the sons of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman. Perez Salas, a top assassin for the Sinaloa Cartel, was apprehended in Culiacan, Mexico, and is now being sought for extradition to the United States. U.S. officials have accused Perez Salas of committing numerous crimes, including murder, torture, and kidnapping of rivals, witnesses, and others who opposed the Chapitos. He is also facing federal charges of narcotics, firearms, and witness retaliation crimes. The U.S. government had offered a $3 million reward for information leading to his capture. This arrest is seen as a significant blow to the Sinaloa Cartel and a victory for U.S.-Mexico cooperation in combating drug trafficking and violence.

In a lawsuit filed just before the deadline for the Adult Survivors Act, New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman in 1993 while they both worked for the City of New York. The accuser, whose identity has not been disclosed, filed the lawsuit against Adams, the NYPD's Transit Bureau, and the Guardian Association. The summons claims sexual assault, battery, employment discrimination, retaliation, hostile work environment, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The accuser is seeking at least $5 million in damages and attorney's fees. Adams, who was an NYPD officer at the time, denies any knowledge of the accuser and denies any wrongdoing.

The lawsuit comes at a challenging time for Adams, who is already dealing with plummeting approval ratings, a federal investigation into his campaign fundraising, and unpopular budget cuts. The accusation also coincides with the expiration of the Adult Survivors Act, which allows individuals to file claims of sexual assault even if the statute of limitations has expired.

Adams and his spokesperson have vehemently denied the allegations, emphasizing that Adams does not recall ever meeting the accuser and would never harm anyone. The court will now determine the veracity of the claims.

Former President Donald Trump has renewed his attacks on Judge Arthur Engoron and his law clerk in a Thanksgiving Day post on his Truth Social platform. Trump accused the judge and the clerk of political bias and corruption, alleging that they criminally defrauded him and the state of New York. This comes in the midst of his $250 million civil fraud trial in New York, where Trump is accused of inflating his wealth on financial statements.

A gag order had previously been imposed on Trump, preventing him from attacking the judge's staff. However, a New York appeals court temporarily blocked the gag order last week after Trump's attorneys argued it was unconstitutional. The pause will continue until at least November 27, when a panel of appeals court judges will consider the issue.

Judge Arthur Engoron had imposed the gag order after Trump made critical comments about his law clerk on social media and to reporters. Engoron argued that Trump and his lawyers were falsely accusing the clerk of bias against them and improper influence on the trial.

The New York Unified Court System has not yet responded to Trump's latest attacks.

Thanksgiving is a holiday that has been celebrated in the United States for centuries. However, the traditional narrative has often overlooked the true history of the holiday from an Indigenous perspective. Native American communities recognize Thanksgiving as the National Day of Mourning and advocate for the recognition of the Wampanoag people's true history.

Many Indigenous activists and scholars argue that the first Thanksgiving was actually an accident. The Wampanoag people have existed in present-day Massachusetts long before and after the pilgrims' first harvest feast in 1621. According to Native American accounts, the Wampanoag ended up at the feast due to a misunderstanding when the Plymouth colonists were shooting their muskets off in the air.

The Indigenous perspective on Thanksgiving challenges the conventional narrative and highlights the ongoing struggles faced by Native American communities. By acknowledging the true history of Thanksgiving, it becomes an opportunity for reflection and understanding.

While Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude and celebration for many Americans, it is important to remember the complex and often overlooked history behind the holiday from an Indigenous perspective. By recognizing and honoring the true history of Thanksgiving, we can foster a more inclusive and accurate understanding of the holiday.

The National Archives and Records Administration recently shared the recipe for former First Lady Rosalynn Carter's favorite dessert in remembrance of her passing. The recipe for the classic strawberry cake was posted on X, allowing fans to make the iconic dessert in her honor. The recipe calls for simple ingredients like a package of yellow or white cake mix, strawberry Jello, cooking oil, chopped nuts, eggs, flour, and frozen or fresh strawberries with sugar. After mixing all the ingredients and beating the mixture well, it is baked in an angel food pan at 345°F for 45 minutes or until done. The cake can be served plain or with whipped cream.

Additionally, the National Archives shared a couple of other recipes from Rosalynn Carter, including a cheese ring and an eggplant soufflé. These recipes provide a glimpse into the culinary preferences of the former First Lady and allow fans to recreate her favorite dishes. Rosalynn Carter passed away peacefully at the age of 96 in her hometown of Plains, Georgia. Her legacy as a tireless advocate for mental health and her contributions to the country will always be remembered.

Finland has closed all but one of its passenger crossings with Russia in response to an unusually high number of migrants entering the country. Over 700 migrants from countries such as Yemen, Afghanistan, Kenya, Morocco, Pakistan, Somalia, and Syria have entered Finland via Russia in the past few weeks. Finland accuses Russia of funneling migrants to the border, a charge that the Kremlin denies. Last week, Finland closed four border stations, and now, all remaining passenger crossings, except for the northernmost one, Raja-Jooseppi, have been closed for a month. The Finnish Border Guard has increased patrols along the 1,340-kilometer frontier with Russia and will receive additional resources from the European Union's border agency Frontex to strengthen control activities. Frontex plans to deploy 50 border guards and other staff to Finland, along with patrol cars and equipment. Finland's Prime Minister Petteri Orpo stated that Russia started this influx of migrants and called for Russia to stop it. Despite the closure of most border crossings, Finland expects an influx of migrants in the coming weeks.

Taiwan's opposition parties, the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Taiwan People's Party (TPP), have failed to reach an agreement on a joint ticket for the upcoming presidential election. The attempt to forge a united front against the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) collapsed in acrimony during a televised meeting.

The disagreement over polling emerged as the main obstacle to a joint presidential run. The KMT is fielding Hou Yu-ih as its candidate, while the TPP has chosen Ko Wen-je. The KMT also announced pro-China media personality Jaw Shaw-kong as Hou's running mate, and the TPP selected one of its lawmakers, Cynthia Wu.

Terry Gou, the billionaire founder of Foxconn, who had previously announced his intention to run as an independent, has lagged behind the other candidates in opinion polls and it is uncertain whether he will register for the election before the deadline.

The failure to unite the opposition parties has given the DPP's William Lai a strong position in the upcoming election. Lai, the current Vice President, is running as the DPP candidate, with Hsiao Bi-khim as his running mate.

The January 13 election is taking place amid increased military and political pressure from Beijing, which considers Taiwan its own territory. The DPP maintains that the people of Taiwan should determine the island's future.

Wednesday's fiery crash at the Rainbow Bridge near Niagara Falls caused concern and led to a shutdown of all four bridges between the US and Canada. The car involved in the accident hit a barrier at an "extraordinarily high rate of speed," soaring into the air before crashing into a Customs and Border Protection booth and bursting into flames. While one officer sustained minor injuries, the car was "basically incinerated" and debris was scattered across the scene.

The incident prompted federal investigators to examine the crash as a possible act of terrorism. However, within hours, officials shared preliminary findings suggesting there was no indication of terrorist motivation. US Attorney Trini Ross of the Western District of New York stated, "But we will continue to stay vigilant. We will continue to make sure that the information we have is passed onto the public."

Both US President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau were briefed on the incident as the investigation unfolded. The Rainbow Bridge and the other three bridges have since reopened, but the effects of this incident were far-reaching. The heightened state of alert surrounding the crash caused increased anxiety and stress levels among the public. The Buffalo-Niagara International Airport implemented security checks on all cars and passengers, resulting in traffic delays on one of the busiest travel days of the year.

Although the investigation remains ongoing, officials have stated that there is no sign of terrorist activity thus far. The focus now shifts to understanding the details of the crash and determining whether it was an accident or an intentional act.

Video footage from several news organizations showed demonstrators blocking the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York to protest the treatment of Palestinians by Israel in the ongoing war. Protesters, donning white jumpsuits, crossed spectator barricades along the parade route. They carried a banner that read "Liberation for Palestine and Planet" and their jumpsuits included words such as "Capitalism," "Colonialism," and "Racism."

The climate advocate coalition, Seven Circles Alliance, claimed responsibility for the demonstration, protesting what they called "the ongoing ethnic cleansing and genocide of Palestinians." Some demonstrators glued themselves to the pavement and poured a reddish liquid over each other, seemingly to mimic blood. Police officers attempted to remove and handcuff the protesters as the parade continued past them.

The New York City Police Department is confirming the total number of people arrested, and Macy's has not yet responded to requests for comment. Additionally, one person was taken into custody for pro-Palestinian graffiti outside of the New York Public Library's main branch.

Pro-Palestinian protesters also defaced the front of the New York City Public Library, spray-painting the words "Free Palestine" on the building's pillars and bloody handprints on its base. The Library stated that it strongly supports the right to protest but the vandalism will be costly to repair. No arrests have been reported so far.

Overall, it appears that protesters did disrupt the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and deface the New York Public Library to protest the treatment of Palestinians.

Israel announced on Thursday that it had been subjected to the largest attack from Lebanon since the escalation of the Gaza conflict early last month. About 50 projectiles were fired at the towns of Upper Galilee, marking the largest bombardment in northern Israel. Sirens sounded in Israeli towns near the Lebanese border, and direct hits were detected in homes in the Manara area, although there were no casualties. The Israeli Army Radio reported that two anti-tank missiles were fired at a lighting pole in the Galilee Panhandle area, causing damage but no injuries. Meanwhile, Lebanese Hezbollah claimed responsibility for targeting two Israeli infantry gatherings in northern Israel and the Ein Zeitim Israeli military base with 48 Katyusha rockets in Safed. The clashes on Lebanon's border with Israel have displaced nearly 50,000 people and resulted in the deaths of at least 13 civilians in Lebanon since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman he worked with in 1993, according to a legal summons filed in New York Supreme Court. The woman, who is seeking at least $5 million in damages, alleges sexual assault, battery, employment gender discrimination, retaliation, a hostile work environment, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The summons was filed just before the deadline for the New York Adult Survivors Act, which allows adult sexual assault survivors to sue within one year, regardless of the statute of limitations. Adams denies knowing the accuser and vehemently denies the allegations.

The summons lists the city, the New York Transit Police Department, the New York Police Department Guardians Association, and three other undisclosed entities alongside Adams. It does not provide specific allegations against them. The NYPD and the association have been contacted for comment. There are currently no records of the accuser working for the NYPD. These allegations come at a challenging time for Adams, as he faces decreasing approval ratings, a federal probe into his campaign fundraising, and opposition to his budget cuts.

Thanksgiving is set to feature a division matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks. Both teams will be missing key starters on offense as they face off in a highly anticipated game.

The 49ers will be without starting right guard Spencer Burford, who is dealing with a knee injury. While his absence may not be significant, Jon Feliciano is poised to step in as a solid replacement. Seattle, on the other hand, will be missing running back Kenneth Walker III, who sustained an oblique injury in their previous game. Rookie Zach Charbonnet will look to fill the void.

The absence of Walker might make it easier for the 49ers to focus on the dynamic Seahawks' wide receiver duo of D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, who have troubled the 49ers in the past. Additionally, Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith may not be at full health after suffering an elbow injury.

Both teams will be missing key players, but the Thanksgiving matchup is still expected to be exciting. The 49ers, favored by more than a touchdown, will look to overcome injuries and maintain their lead in the NFC West standings.

Sources:

- ESPN: "49ers-Seahawks injury report: Seattle is down 3 starters"

- NBC Sports: "49ers vs. Seahawks odds, line: 2023 Thanksgiving Day NFL picks, predictions from expert on 18-7 run"

- CBS Sports: "49ers vs. Seahawks odds, line, spread: 2023 Thanksgiving Day NFL picks, predictions from dialed-in expert"

The Seattle Seahawks players made a grand entrance as they arrived at Lumen Field for their Thanksgiving night showdown with the San Francisco 49ers. The players arrived in style, stepping out of their vehicles and heading into the stadium ready for the game.

Tight end Will Dissly, linebacker Bobby Wagner, and cornerback Devon Witherspoon were among the players captured by photographer Edwin Hooper as they arrived at the stadium. The images showcased their determination and focus as they prepared to face off against their division rivals.

The arrival of the players highlighted the significance of this Thanksgiving night matchup. The Seahawks were looking to secure a win and strengthen their position in the NFC West standings. The game was expected to be intense and competitive, with both teams vying for a crucial victory.

As the players made their way into the stadium, there were no reports of any injuries, ensuring that the Seahawks had their key players available for the game.

With their stylish arrival at Lumen Field, the Seahawks players set the tone for what promised to be an exciting and highly-anticipated Thanksgiving night showdown.

The San Francisco 49ers have made some roster moves ahead of their Thanksgiving matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. The team has activated cornerback Samuel Womack from injured reserve, making him available for tonight's game. Womack had been sidelined with an MCL injury since September 16. To make room for Womack, the 49ers waived cornerback Shemar Jean-Charles, who had been dealing with a shoulder injury. Jean-Charles had appeared in five games and recorded one tackle.

In addition to Womack's activation, the 49ers also announced the elevation of offensive linemen Jesse Davis and Corey Luciano from the practice squad. This move provides valuable depth, especially with starting guards Aaron Banks and Spencer Burford listed as questionable to play due to toe and knee injuries, respectively.

However, not all news is positive for the 49ers. The team has ruled out defensive lineman Robert Beal Jr., who was previously questionable with a hamstring injury. Beal will not be available for tonight's game.

With these roster moves, the 49ers are adjusting their lineup for their Thanksgiving showdown against the Seahawks.

Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf has been known for his trash talking on the field, but he has found a way to continue his taunting without drawing penalties. Metcalf revealed that he has been learning American Sign Language (ASL) in order to communicate with opponents without using his voice. He explained that he started taking ASL classes on his off days to avoid getting flagged for mouthing off. During a recent game against the Los Angeles Rams, Metcalf put his newfound skills to use after scoring a touchdown against cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon. He signed Witherspoon's jersey number and the phrase "my son" to taunt him. Although the Seahawks lost the game, Metcalf did not receive an unsportsmanlike penalty for his actions. This is not the first time the Seahawks have engaged in creative trash talking. Safety Jerrick Reed previously trolled an opponent by wearing a ski mask. Seahawks fans will now be eagerly awaiting to see if Metcalf continues his ASL trash talking when they face the San Francisco 49ers on Thanksgiving Day.

Seattle native and two-time Cy Young Award-winning pitcher Blake Snell will be raising the 12th Man Flag for the Seattle Seahawks' Thanksgiving matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. The Shorewood High School graduate has had an impressive career in Major League Baseball, recently winning his second Cy Young Award with the San Diego Padres. Snell's appearance at Lumen Field has sparked speculation about the possibility of him signing with the Seattle Mariners. Although the Mariners may not be actively seeking starting pitching at the moment, bringing Snell back home to Seattle could help mend the strained relationship between the organization and its fans. As a free agent, Snell has garnered a lot of interest from various teams, but a surprise signing with the Mariners would certainly excite the 12th Man. While it remains uncertain where Snell will end up, for now, he will have the opportunity to be a part of the football festivities on Thanksgiving Day.

Seattle Seahawks tight end Colby Parkinson did not participate in his most recent practice, raising questions about his availability for the upcoming game against the Los Angeles Rams. Despite being targeted 19 times this season, Parkinson has only 13 receptions for 141 yards and zero touchdowns. With injuries to other pass catchers on the Seahawks' roster, Parkinson's absence could have a significant impact on the team's offense.

The Rams, who have allowed an average of 217.2 passing yards per game, present a mediocre pass defense. However, they have given up 100 or more receiving yards to five opposing players this season and have allowed eight touchdowns to opposing receivers. This suggests that Parkinson could have an opportunity to make an impact if he is able to play.

As his injury status remains uncertain, fans can keep an eye on his progress while also signing up for Underdog fantasy football and taking advantage of a 100% deposit match up to $100. Betting odds and prop bets for Parkinson's performance against the Rams are available on BetMGM Sportsbook, including a receiving yards prop of 7.5. However, it should be noted that Parkinson has yet to score a touchdown this season despite having been targeted in the red zone five times.