Israel has confirmed that the remains of Joshua Mollel, a Tanzanian hostage killed during the Hamas-led attack on 7 October 2023, were handed over on Wednesday as part of a US-brokered Gaza ceasefire agreement. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office announced that forensic tests conducted at the National Centre of Forensic Medicine confirmed Mollel’s identity, and his family has been informed. Mollel, a 21-year-old agricultural intern, was killed at Kibbutz Nahal Oz during the attack, and his body was subsequently taken by Hamas fighters. His return leaves six deceased hostages—five Israelis and one Thai—still in Gaza. The Israeli government expressed its condolences to the Mollel family and reiterated its commitment to recovering all remaining hostages. Hamas’s military wing stated that Mollel’s remains were recovered in eastern Shejaiya, Gaza City, before being handed over to the Red Cross. The ceasefire deal, which began on 10 October, initially required Hamas to release 20 living and 28 deceased hostages within 72 hours. While all living Israeli hostages were released by 13 October, the recovery of deceased hostages has been slow, delaying progress on the second phase of the Gaza peace plan. Israel has accused Hamas of intentionally obstructing the recovery process, while Hamas claims the bodies are buried under rubble. The conflict, which began with the 7 October attack that killed approximately 1,200 people, has resulted in over 68,800 deaths in Gaza, according to Hamas-run health authorities.
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Qilihai Wetland in North China reports record bird counts, earlier migration
The Qilihai Wetland in Tianjin, northern China, has witnessed a historic surge in bird species this autumn, with migration patterns starting earlier than usual. Conservation officials reported that the wetland, a crucial stopover on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, has recorded 308 bird species, surpassing the previous high of 258 in 2021. This remarkable increase is attributed to an early cold snap in northern regions, which froze habitats and reduced food sources, prompting birds to migrate sooner. Among the early arrivals were oriental storks, a nationally protected species, which appeared nearly ten days earlier than in 2024. The wetland is currently at the peak of its migration season, hosting large flocks of Eurasian spoonbills, pied avocets, and black-tailed godwits. Notably, the Eurasian spoonbill population has doubled to over 3,000, setting a new record. Other rare species, such as white-naped cranes and common cranes, have also been observed in significant numbers. To support this ecological phenomenon, the reserve management has enhanced restoration efforts, implemented water level regulation, and deployed drones and smart monitoring systems for comprehensive surveillance. Over 600,000 birds are expected to pass through the wetland this season, underscoring its global importance as a migratory hub.
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Milu deer at Qingtongxia Reservoir Wetland Nature Reserve in Ningxia
The Qingtongxia Reservoir Wetland Nature Reserve, spanning an impressive 174.93 square kilometers, stands as the largest Yellow River tidal flat wetland in Ningxia, China. In a significant conservation effort, 35 milu deer were introduced to the reserve in September 2024. This initiative has proven successful, as six milu deer cubs have been born in the reserve to date. The thriving population of these rare deer highlights the effectiveness of the reserve’s ecological management and conservation strategies. A drone photograph captured on November 4, 2025, showcases the milu deer in their natural habitat, underscoring the reserve’s role in preserving biodiversity. The Qingtongxia Reservoir Wetland Nature Reserve continues to be a vital sanctuary for wildlife, contributing to the broader efforts of environmental conservation in the region.
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Ukraine says it has hit a major Russian oil refinery with long-range drones
In a significant escalation of hostilities, Ukrainian drones targeted a major oil refinery in Russia’s Volgograd region for the second time in nearly three months, according to a statement from Ukraine’s general staff on Thursday. The refinery, a critical facility in Russia’s Southern Federal District, processes over 15 million tons of crude annually, accounting for approximately 5.6% of the nation’s total refining capacity. While Russian officials did not confirm the attack, the local governor reported a fire at an unspecified industrial site in the region.
The strike, which occurred on Wednesday, underscores the intensifying energy warfare between the two nations. Ukraine’s strategy of targeting Russian oil infrastructure aims to disrupt Moscow’s oil export revenue, a vital source of funding for its ongoing invasion. Conversely, Russia has focused on crippling Ukraine’s power grid, leaving civilians without heat, light, and running water—a tactic Kyiv officials describe as ‘weaponizing winter.’
In addition to the Volgograd refinery, Ukrainian forces struck three fuel lubricant facilities in the Russian-occupied Crimean peninsula and a storage base for Russia’s Shahed drones in the Donetsk region. Meanwhile, in the Kostroma region northeast of Moscow, a Ukrainian aerial attack reportedly targeted energy infrastructure, though no casualties or power disruptions were reported. Unconfirmed media sources suggest the attack may have hit one of Russia’s largest hydroelectric power plants.
The Russian Defense Ministry claimed to have intercepted 75 drones overnight across multiple regions, including annexed Crimea. On the other side, Russia launched drone attacks on Ukraine’s eastern Dnipropetrovsk region, injuring eight people and causing structural damage to a four-story building. The Russian military also continued its assault on Ukraine’s rail infrastructure, disrupting transportation in the Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zaporizhzhia regions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged the relentless attacks on Ukraine’s power grid, emphasizing the efforts of repair crews and international support to restore essential services. As the conflict nears its fourth year, diplomatic efforts led by the U.S. have failed to curb the violence, with both sides locked in a cycle of reciprocal strikes on critical infrastructure.
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Implementation of 15th Five-Year Plan to offer more opportunities for Taiwan people, businesses: spokesperson
The implementation of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) is set to create significant opportunities for individuals and enterprises from Taiwan, according to Zhang Han, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office. Speaking at a press conference in Beijing on November 5, 2025, Zhang emphasized that the plan, recently adopted by the Communist Party of China (CPC) leadership, prioritizes the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and the advancement of national reunification. Zhang highlighted the mainland’s robust economic foundation, characterized by a super-sized market, a comprehensive industrial system, and a rich talent pool, which will further enhance its resilience and potential. The mainland plans to establish demonstration zones for cross-Strait integrated development, foster economic collaboration, and implement policies ensuring equal treatment for Taiwan compatriots in education, employment, and daily life. Additionally, efforts will be made to jointly preserve and promote Chinese culture. Zhang also noted that 23 Taiwan enterprises are participating in the eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, showcasing products across various sectors, including food, technical equipment, consumer goods, medical devices, healthcare, and service trade. She encouraged individuals from both sides of the Strait to explore business opportunities at the CIIE, which aligns with China’s commitment to expanding openness and fostering innovative trade development. Taiwan businesses are expected to benefit from the mainland’s new development pattern, leveraging the CIIE as a platform to expand sales channels and engage in extensive cooperation.
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The Louvre urged to speed up security upgrades in audit conducted before the heist
In a recent report, France’s Court of Auditors has called on the Louvre Museum to accelerate its security modernization plans, emphasizing the need for immediate action following the high-profile jewel heist on October 19. The report, which scrutinized the museum’s operations from 2018 to 2024, highlighted significant delays in upgrading safety and security systems, despite the ongoing risks. The theft, involving $102 million worth of Crown Jewels, exposed critical vulnerabilities in the museum’s defenses. Thieves used a truck-mounted basket lift to access the Apollo Gallery and escaped with the treasures within minutes. The report criticized the Louvre for prioritizing “visible and attractive operations,” such as acquiring new artworks and enhancing visitor experiences, over essential maintenance and security upgrades. A security modernization plan, initially proposed in 2018, has faced repeated delays, with technical work now scheduled to begin in 2025 and fully implemented by 2032. The estimated cost for the project is €83 million ($95 million), yet only €3 million ($3.5 million) has been invested since 2018. The museum has installed 134 digital cameras in recent years, but this falls short of addressing systemic issues. The Court of Auditors recommended reallocating resources from art acquisitions and room renovations to prioritize safety and security improvements. The broader “Louvre New Renaissance” plan, launched earlier this year, aims to modernize infrastructure, reduce crowding, and create a dedicated gallery for the Mona Lisa by 2031, with a projected cost of €800 million ($933 million). Following the heist, French Culture Minister Rachida Dati acknowledged “security gaps” and announced plans to install streetside anti-ramming and anti-intrusion devices within two months. Four suspects in the heist were arrested last week, though the stolen jewels remain unrecovered.
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UAE: VR experience takes visitors to Holy Kaaba, life in Makkah and Madinah 1,400 years ago
A groundbreaking virtual reality (VR) experience at the Sharjah International Book Fair has captivated visitors by transporting them back over 1,400 years to the early days of Islam. Developed by Ana Al Madina, the immersive project uses cutting-edge VR technology to recreate the streets, homes, and spiritual landmarks of Makkah and Madinah, offering a vivid glimpse into the birth of Islam. Visitors begin their journey in ancient Makkah, standing before the Kaaba, built with rough stones and surrounded by idols. The narrow alleys and bustling markets come alive, showcasing traders, residents, and a narrative detailing life before Islam. The experience then transitions to pivotal moments in Islamic history, including the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), his spiritual retreat in the Cave of Hira, and the first revelation. Dr. Adil Abdul Qadir, Manager of Ana Al Madina, emphasized the educational purpose of the project, aiming to help visitors understand the culture, lifestyle, and values of that era. The journey concludes with a modern-day view of the Kaaba, allowing users to step inside and experience its sacred serenity. Many visitors have been deeply moved, with some shedding tears as they feel they have truly traveled back in time. The VR experience also includes a segment on Madinah, highlighting the Prophet’s migration, the construction of Masjid Al Nabawi, and the establishment of a society based on compassion and justice. Dr. Adil stated, ‘This journey connects people to faith through knowledge, allowing them to not just see history but feel it.’
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Dubai’s new 60 affordable schools: How ‘game changer’ plan will give every child a chance
Dubai has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to establish 60 affordable schools over the next eight years, a move hailed as a ‘game changer’ for the city’s education landscape. Approved by the Dubai Executive Council under the ‘Policy to Expand and Promote Affordable High-Quality Schools,’ the plan aims to serve approximately 120,000 students and is a cornerstone of the Dubai Education Strategy 2033, which aspires to position the emirate among the world’s top ten cities for education quality. To incentivize investment, the government will offer discounts on fees and land leases, ensuring affordability without compromising educational standards. Education leaders, including Dino Varkey of GEMS Education, have praised the initiative for its potential to strengthen communities and provide every child with the opportunity to excel. However, they caution that balancing affordability with quality will be critical. Punit MK Vasu of The Indian High Group of Schools emphasized the importance of sustainable affordability, while Noufal Ahmed of Woodlem Education highlighted the policy’s role in fostering inclusivity and innovation. Despite challenges such as teacher recruitment and financial management, the initiative is expected to diversify and enhance Dubai’s education ecosystem, offering greater parental choice and improved learning opportunities for all.
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Two men arrested after fire at asylum accommodation
Two individuals in their 20s have been apprehended in connection with a suspected arson attack on a building in Drogheda, County Louth, which housed applicants for international protection. The incident occurred last Friday night, prompting an immediate response from emergency services. According to reports from Irish broadcaster RTÉ, five individuals, including four children, were rescued from the top floor of the building. Several of those rescued were transported to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital for medical evaluation. The Gardaí, Ireland’s national police service, launched an investigation into the fire, which they believe was intentionally set by unknown individuals. A spokesperson for the Gardaí emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, ‘This was an extremely dangerous act endangering the lives of the residents, including children, who were in their home at the time.’ The first suspect was arrested on Wednesday night, followed by a second arrest on Thursday morning. Both individuals are being held on suspicion of offenses under the Criminal Damage Act 1991. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to uncover the full details of the incident.
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Chinese researchers reveal nicotinamide’s heart-protective effect in tumor treatment
In a groundbreaking study, researchers from Lanzhou University have unveiled the heart-protective properties of nicotinamide, a derivative of B vitamins, in the context of tumor treatment. Published in the journal *Science China: Life Sciences*, the research sheds light on the mechanisms behind early cardiotoxicity induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), which are increasingly used in cancer immunotherapy. Led by Professor Bai Ming of Lanzhou University First Hospital, the study combined clinical data with experimental models to explore the role of PD-1 in cardiotoxicity and its underlying pathways. The team conducted randomized controlled trials to validate nicotinamide’s efficacy in preventing early cardiotoxicity linked to PD-1 therapy. Their findings revealed that nicotinamide, a clinically accessible drug, offers a safe and effective preventive strategy. This approach emphasizes early intervention, enabling the protection of heart function without compromising anti-tumor efficacy. Professor Bai highlighted the significance of the study in addressing safety concerns in cancer treatment, noting that nicotinamide could serve as a promising preventive measure against cardiac immune-related adverse events. The research underscores the potential for rapid clinical application, offering a synergistic treatment model that balances tumor control and heart health.