Hanan Elatr, the widow of slain journalist Jamal Khashoggi, has publicly demanded compensation and an apology from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, while urging former U.S. President Donald Trump to seek justice for her husband’s murder. In an interview with CNN, Elatr said the crown prince should personally apologize and take responsibility for the loss she suffered. She expressed deep pain at seeing Trump warmly welcome the Saudi leader during his recent Washington visit, calling it distressing and disappointing. Khashoggi, a U.S. resident and Washington Post columnist critical of the Saudi government, was killed inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018. U.S. intelligence reports released under President Joe Biden concluded that the crown prince approved the operation, though Trump previously denied his involvement. Elatr emphasized that compensation would represent accountability and closure from the Saudi government for the killing carried out by its officials.

Russia has proposed granting India unrestricted access to its fifth-generation Su-57 stealth fighter jet technology ahead of President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit to New Delhi. Rostec CEO Sergey Chemezov stated that Russia will initially supply Su-57 jets built domestically, with plans to gradually shift production to India. Moscow may also offer India its single-engine Su-75 Checkmate stealth fighter. This unprecedented offer includes full technology transfer covering engines, sensors, stealth materials, and artificial intelligence systems. Russian officials emphasized that India would gain the capability to independently develop advanced stealth fighters, a privilege previously denied by Western nations. The proposal also includes licensing for local production and integration of Indian weapon systems. Russia reaffirmed its long-standing defense partnership with India, highlighting continued cooperation despite international sanctions. The move is seen as a major step in strengthening bilateral defense ties and enhancing India’s self-reliance in advanced military aviation technology.

Two young men from Muksedpur upazila in Gopalganj, Bangladesh, have died and five others remain missing after a boat carrying migrants capsized in the Mediterranean Sea while traveling from Libya to Italy. The victims, Enamul Sheikh (27) and Anis Sheikh (35), reportedly paid local brokers about 2.1 million taka each to make the illegal journey last October. The accident occurred on November 13 near Libya’s Al-Khums coast, where two boats sank, one carrying 26 Bangladeshis. Four bodies were recovered by rescuers. Survivors described chaotic scenes as one boat collided with another, causing passengers in the middle section to drown. Families in the victims’ villages are mourning, demanding the repatriation of bodies and stricter action against human trafficking networks. Local officials acknowledged the ongoing issue of illegal migration despite government awareness campaigns promoting legal migration routes. Authorities are collecting information and have informed higher authorities for necessary measures.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Ankara on November 19 to discuss ways to restart the stalled peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. Erdogan emphasized Turkey’s desire to reinvigorate the diplomatic process through a comprehensive approach aimed at achieving lasting peace. He also expressed Ankara’s readiness to engage with Moscow to advance the dialogue. A senior Ukrainian official told Reuters that Kyiv had received 'signals' about U.S. proposals to end the war, which Washington had reportedly discussed with Russia, though Ukraine was not directly involved in drafting them. The peace process has remained stagnant since the Istanbul meeting in July, but Erdogan’s latest initiative signals renewed Turkish efforts to mediate between the warring sides. Erdogan also underscored the importance of U.S. participation in any future peace framework.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made an unannounced visit to Israeli troops stationed inside Syria’s occupied southern region, according to a report by The Jerusalem Post on November 19. A video released by the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office showed Netanyahu arriving by military aircraft in the occupied area, accompanied by the foreign minister, defense minister, and senior military officials. During the visit, he met with deployed soldiers and praised their service. The visit has drawn sharp criticism from the international community, with Syria and the United Nations expressing condemnation and concern over Israel’s continued military presence in the area. Israel has maintained forces in the buffer zone of the Golan Heights since the ouster of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad last year, a move that has heightened regional tensions and drawn scrutiny from global observers.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova has accused Western nations of pursuing policies in Ukraine reminiscent of Adolf Hitler’s plans to annihilate Slavic populations. In an interview with the Russian news agency TASS, Zakharova claimed that Western powers are not only using Ukraine as a tool to pressure Russia but also harbor intentions to destroy the Ukrainian people. She argued that similar ideas existed 85 years ago and compared current Western actions to the spread of Nazism and fascism in Ukraine during World War II. Zakharova further alleged that the West does not want an independent Ukraine but rather a compliant one under its influence. She also criticized Ukrainian leaders, including President Volodymyr Zelensky and former President Petro Poroshenko, accusing them of betraying their nation. Zakharova urged Ukrainians to protect themselves and their families by any means necessary.

At least 31 civilians were killed in two separate military operations conducted by the Malian army and allied fighters in the Ségou region, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW) as reported by Reuters. The first attack occurred on October 2 in Kamona village, where soldiers and militia members allegedly executed 21 men and set several houses on fire. A second assault took place in Bale village, about 55 kilometers away, leaving 10 more people dead, including one woman. Witnesses told HRW that the victims were accused of collaborating with Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda-linked militant group active in central and southern Mali. Neither the Malian military nor the African Union has issued an immediate response. HRW has urged Malian authorities to investigate the incidents and called on the African Union to take effective measures to halt the violence and ensure accountability for those responsible.

At least 28 Palestinians were killed and 77 others injured after Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) carried out airstrikes in Gaza despite an ongoing ceasefire. The attacks struck three sites in Khan Younis’s Al-Mawasi area and one building each in Gaza City’s Shujaiya and Zeitoun districts. According to Al Jazeera, entire families were wiped out in some strikes, deepening fear among Gaza’s residents. The IDF stated that the strikes were in response to gunfire from Hamas militants targeting Israeli troops in southeastern Gaza. It claimed all targets were Hamas-related and that the operations did not violate the ceasefire terms. Hamas condemned the attacks as a dangerous escalation and rejected Israel’s justification. The renewed violence raises concerns about the fragility of the truce and the potential for further escalation in the region.

Russia carried out a large-scale attack across western Ukraine, killing at least 26 people, including three children, and injuring around 93 others. The strikes, among the deadliest in the region since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022, targeted the city of Ternopil early Wednesday morning. According to reports, additional attacks hit Lviv and Ivano-Frankivsk regions, while drone strikes in Kharkiv injured more than 30 people. Ukraine’s Air Force said Russian X-101 cruise missiles struck residential buildings, causing significant destruction. President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that many victims remain trapped under debris. Ukrainian authorities reported that Russia used over 470 drones and 47 missiles during the assault, which also disrupted power supplies in several areas. The attacks mark a sharp escalation in the ongoing conflict as Ukraine seeks renewed diplomatic efforts to end the war.

A Palestinian political prisoner held in an Israeli detention center has allegedly been subjected to severe torture and sexual abuse, according to his lawyer, Ben Marmareli. In an interview with Canadian journalist Samira Mohieddin, Marmareli stated that his client is systematically abused, and the violence intensifies after each lawyer visit. The lawyer described visible injuries, including shoe marks, bruises, and deep wounds from handcuffs. He specifically mentioned the notorious Sde Teiman military detention center in southern Israel, claiming that all detainees there face sexual violence, which is recorded on surveillance cameras. A leaked video in August 2024 showing soldiers beating a Palestinian detainee sparked outrage and calls from human rights groups for an independent investigation. The controversy led to the resignation of Israeli military prosecutor Ifat Tomer-Yerushalmi in October. Rights organizations argue that these reports reinforce long-standing allegations of systematic abuse and inhumane treatment of Palestinian detainees, particularly those captured from Gaza.

Thirty Bangladeshi teenagers, including eleven children, have returned home from India after serving various prison terms for illegally crossing the border. The repatriation took place on Wednesday evening through the Petrapole-Benapole border under a special travel permit issued by both governments. According to Rekha Biswas, program officer of the Bangladesh National Women Lawyers’ Association, the returnees were detained by Indian police in different areas of Kolkata and later imprisoned in the city’s central jail. Following diplomatic coordination, they were granted travel permits to return to Bangladesh. Upon arrival, Benapole Immigration Police handed them over to Benapole Port Police, who will transfer them to three NGOs for temporary care and legal assistance before reuniting them with their families. Officials said the youths hail from Khulna and surrounding districts, and legal support will be provided to those who need it.

At least one Palestinian was killed and two others, a woman and her child, were injured in Israeli attacks on southern Gaza, according to local sources. The latest assault in the Qizan an-Najjar area near Khan Younis brings the total number of Palestinians killed since the October 10 US-brokered ceasefire to 280, with more than 650 injured in nearly 400 reported Israeli violations. The Gaza Government Media Office urged the United States, mediating nations, and the UN Security Council to act decisively to stop the attacks and enforce the ceasefire terms. Meanwhile, the UN Security Council approved a US-drafted resolution establishing a transitional administration and international stabilization force in Gaza as part of Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan. The plan envisions a path to Palestinian statehood, but implementation details remain unclear. On the ground, Palestinians continue to face severe shortages of food, water, and shelter, with UNRWA warning of worsening humanitarian conditions as aid deliveries remain far below promised levels.

At least 19 people were killed and dozens injured in a large-scale Russian drone and missile assault across Ukraine overnight, according to the State Emergency Service. The attacks, involving more than 470 drones and 48 missiles, struck multiple regions including Ternopil, Lviv, and Kharkiv, damaging residential buildings, energy facilities, and infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strikes, urging allies to strengthen sanctions on Moscow and provide additional air defense systems. The assault coincided with Zelenskyy’s visit to Turkiye aimed at reviving peace talks. Ukraine’s energy ministry reported widespread power outages, while Poland temporarily closed two airports amid heightened regional air defense activity. Meanwhile, Russia claimed to have intercepted four US-made ATACMS missiles allegedly launched by Ukraine toward Voronezh, with debris causing minor property damage but no casualties. The attacks mark an escalation in Moscow’s ongoing campaign targeting Ukraine’s energy and civilian infrastructure as Kyiv seeks greater Western military support.

China has once again suspended all seafood imports from Japan, citing safety concerns over Fukushima wastewater monitoring, though analysts say the move is politically motivated. The decision follows comments by Japan’s newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaiichi, who warned that a Chinese attack on Taiwan would threaten Japan’s existence and could require a military response. Beijing demanded Takaiichi retract her statement and urged Chinese citizens to avoid traveling to Japan. The renewed ban comes just weeks after China had partially lifted restrictions imposed in 2023, when Japan began releasing treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean. The suspension is expected to severely impact Japan’s seafood exporters and tourism industry, as China had been the destination for over one-fifth of Japan’s seafood exports. Japanese officials say they have not yet received formal notification from Beijing, while Tokyo has issued safety advisories for its citizens in China amid rising diplomatic tensions.

The 55-kilometer Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge, one of the world’s largest engineering feats, has become a major tourist attraction since its 2018 opening. Spanning the Pearl River Delta, the bridge took nine years to build at a cost of around USD 20 billion. Tourists are drawn to its vast structure, modern design, and panoramic sea views, making it a favorite spot for photography and sightseeing. Visitors particularly appreciate the tranquil scenery and the illuminated night views that create a distinct visual experience. The bridge connects Hong Kong, Macau, and Zhuhai, with 24-hour shuttle buses and cross-border coaches facilitating travel. Tourists must carry valid travel documents as the bridge crosses three jurisdictions. The best time to visit is between October and March for clear skies, while evenings offer the best lighting for photos. Nearby attractions include observation points, ferry tours, and city landmarks in Hong Kong, Macau, and Zhuhai.