*) UN rights office calls for end to Israel's impunity over Gaza atrocities As Israel's war on Gaza marks a year, the UN warns of widespread violations of international law. Nearly 42,000 have died, and Gaza faces severe displacement, hunger, and disease. The UN stresses accountability is vital to end impunity and the cycle of conflict as Israeli attacks on civilians, schools, and hospitals continue, fueling violence. *) Israel to expand its offensive to south Lebanon coast The Israeli army plans to expand its operations against Hezbollah along Lebanon’s coast south of the Awali river. Army spokesperson Avichay Adraee warned civilians to avoid the shore, citing imminent maritime actions. In Israel's northwest, four areas have been declared "closed military zones," restricting access amid heightened tensions on the Lebanon border. *) A year on, Netanyahu has failed families of Israeli hostages Families of hostages held by Hamas gathered near Prime Minister Netanyahu's residence, accusing him of stalling efforts to secure their loved ones' release. About 100 hostages remain in Gaza, many are feared dead. Emotions ran high as families demanded action, with one mother saying, "We won’t let you rest until all of them are back." During the gathering, Israel confirmed another hostage’s death. *) Shocking surge in Islamophobia as anti-Muslim hatred skyrockets in UK Anti-Muslim hatred in the UK has surged, with Tell MAMA recording 4,971 incidents between October 2023 and September 2024. The NGO's report highlights the rise of verbal abuse, threats and violence, particularly targeting visibly Muslim individuals. Major urban centres, including London, saw the most cases. The group calls for urgent action to curb this growing hostility. *) US researchers win Nobel for cracking gene regulation US scientists Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun won the Nobel Prize in Medicine for discovering microRNA, a breakthrough in gene regulation. The Nobel Assembly calls it “a completely new principle” essential for life. The duo celebrated virtually, with Ruvkun excitedly preparing for December's Nobel gala. Their work has significant implications for understanding cell physiology and diseases like cancer.