The day’s top stories from BBC News, including the latest from Gaza, on US politics and about the Ukraine conflict. Delivered twice a day on weekdays, daily at weekends.
Tensions have risen since Venezuela renewed a claim to the the oil-rich Essequibo region, which for decades has been part of Guyana. Also: Congolese church leaders say they've found numerous cases of irregularities during the recent elections, and why 2023 was a bumper year for discoveries of new species around the world.
Beijing warns of escalating risk to its citizens as the conflict between the Burmese military and rebel groups intensifies. Also: Rights groups say the Indian government is continuing to target journalists by putting spyware on their phones, and we look at an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest sing-a-thon.
The Danish shipping giant has scheduled several dozen container vessels following the deployment of a US-led naval alliance to safeguard international trade. Also: A high level US delegation is in Mexico to discuss the migration crisis, and we hear from the man behind the book Around The World In 80 Games.
Israel claims to have carried out strikes on at least 200 Hamas targets in 24 hours as the military expands its offensive. Also: dozens of barnacle-encrusted packages of cocaine wash up on beaches in Australia, and the impact of book bans on school children across the US.
IDF is reportedly extending ground operations to central Gaza. Also: Daihatsu pauses car production over safety scandal, and what experiences will A.I. bring us in 2024?
Russia has confirmed damage to its warship in the Black Sea. Also: thousands of migrants are en route from southern Mexico to the US border, and the first black referee in 15 years takes to the English Premier League football field.
Our annual review of the happiest stories in the world. We look back on the successful rescue mission from a dangling cable car in Pakistan. Also: the children who survived forty days lost in the Colombian jungle. And a round-up of our favourite animal stories from around the world.
Pope Francis said Jesus' message of peace is being drowned out by what he called the "futile logic of war". Also: Serbia protestors try to storm Belgrade City Hall, and scientists develop unique ways of collecting information about smells -- to preserve them for future generations.
A UN envoy Hans Grundberg says Yemenis were watching and waiting for peace. Also: Israel says it holds hundreds of Hamas members, and two babies in two days for mum with double womb.
Our weekly collection of the happiest stories in the world. This week, how cooking is bringing generations together in the Netherlands. Also: how polar bear pawprints can help conservation efforts. And an unexpected visitor found in a Christmas tree.
Former President says constitutional rules protect him from charges of attempting to overturn the last election. The UN security council passes a resolution aiming to bring more humanitarian aid to Gaza; and why France grounded an aircraft carrying 300 passengers on its way to Nicaragua.
It is the worst mass shooting in Europe since the 2015 terror attacks in Paris. Also: China announces new restrictions for online video games, and Spain's Christmas lottery 'El Gordo' dishes out millions of dollars
It found the entire population of two-point-two million people was suffering acute shortages. Also: Fourteen people are killed in a mass shooting at a university in the Czech capital, Prague. The gunman, a student, is also dead. And, the ABBA show that's giving hundreds of millions of dollars to London's economy.
A court rules that clubs are allowed to join. An attempt to set up a European Super League collapsed two years ago. Also: Mounting insecurity in Sudan's Gezira state has led two leading aid agencies to halt operations, and the Ukrainian sports star who has moved from the tennis court to the battlefield.
The Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterates his commitment to continuing the offensive until Hamas is destroyed, as the number of people reported dead by Hamas passes twenty thousand. Also: Washington releases a close associate of the Venezuelan president in exchange for prisoners held by Caracas, and we hear about the Nigerian film that's making waves and is tipped to be nominated for an Oscar.
It's after a Colorado court decision that he's ineligible to run in the state's primary contest because of his actions ahead of the January 6 riot. Also: Talks are continuing in Egypt over a possible pause in the fighting in Gaza, and the 8-year-old girl who beat a chess master 30 years her senior.
Washington has become increasingly isolated in its staunch support for Israel's military campaign. Also: Sudan's army admits losing control of the central city of Wad Madani in a battle that's caused a quarter of a million people to flee, and we hear about festive drinks to get you into the Christmas spirit.
The city of Wad Madani in al Jazira state had been home to those escaping the civil war. Also: we hear from one of the Thai hostages released by Hamas about his time in captivity, and Iceland experiences a spectacular volcanic eruption near the capital, Reykjavik.
One of the Israeli hostages is seen addressing the camera and calling for their release. Also: Ukraine cuts military operations as aid dries up, and the Warhammer game is to be made into a film and TV show.
Lloyd Austin is expected to press for a reduction in the intensity of the offensive in Gaza. Also: Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi wins a third term in office, and record rainfall causes flooding in the northern Australian state of Queensland.
Humanitarian aid has entered Gaza directly from Israel through the Kerem Shalom crossing for the first time in more than two months. Also: Serbia's Vucic claims election victory for his party, and a new rooster weathervane is fitted to Notre Dame spire in Paris.
Three hostages were mistakenly killed in Gaza on Friday by Israeli troops in an area of intense fighting. Also: Vatican court convicts former Pope adviser of financial crimes, and Brazilian bossa nova musician Carlos Lyra dies aged 90.
Our weekly collection of the happiest stories in the world. This week, the Somalian man who has brought the power of books to children living in refugee camps. Also: how a fascination with electricity inspired a Congolese woman to create a robotic medical tool. And the cyclist who took to the Olympic track after fleeing Afghanistan.
The Israeli military said the the three men were shot and killed by troops who were operating in northern Gaza. Also: Giuliani must pay $148m over false US election claims, and the Italian historian who is cooking up a controversy with a carbonara recipe.
EU leaders said the aid negotiations would resume early next year. Also, a court rules that Prince Harry was a victim of phone hacking by a British newspaper group, and a state memorial service is held in Australia for the entertainer Barry Humphries.
European Council President Charles Michel says it is a "clear signal of hope" for the Ukrainian people and the continent as a whole. Also: Israeli leaders tell the visiting White House national security adviser that the war in Gaza will last until 'absolute victory' is achieved over Hamas. And in football, the English Premier League appoints its first female referee.
Hungary resists Kyiv's bid to join the European Union and its pleas for aid. The EU's top diplomat said supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression was crucial to Europe's own stability. Also: President Putin resumes his annual press conferences, and why there's a marked increase in road deaths in Africa.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says there can be no truce with Gaza until his forces have defeated Hamas. Also: As US Republicans launch an impeachment inquiry against Joe Biden, the president's son Hunter refuses a congressional subpoena to testify behind closed doors. And, what it takes to write a classic Christmas song.
The COP28 president said nations had "confronted realities and... set the world in the right direction". Also: Experts warn that Sudan is heading towards what's being called a "hunger catastrophe" after months of conflict. And, how Netflix's 'Stranger Things' universe is opening up a whole new chapter in a whole new format.
Analysts say this latest General Assembly vote acts as a powerful measure of international opinion, even though the United States opposed it. Also: Negotiations are continuing at the UN climate summit in Dubai where the search for consensus on a final agreement has continued deep into the night, and how to say no to all those Christmas party invitations without causing offence.
