19 minutes ago Getty Images Israel’s defence minister has ordered the military to “seize additional areas in Gaza” if Hamas does not free all remaining hostages. Israel Katz said on Friday that the military would continue its ground operation in Gaza “with increasing intensity” until all of the hostages “both living and dead” were returned.…

15 hours ago Vicky Wong BBC News Reuters Volodymyr Zelensky has said Ukrainian and US officials will meet for peace talks in Saudi Arabia next Monday, after the Kremlin confirmed US-Russia talks there the same day. Ukraine’s leader said Russian President Vladimir Putin “must stop making unnecessary demands that only prolong the war”. Moscow’s demands…

Four Canadians were executed in China on drug-related charges earlier this year, Canadian authorities have confirmed. All of them were dual citizens and their identities have been withheld, Canada’s foreign minister Mélanie Joly said. A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Canada urged Ottawa to “stop making irresponsible remarks”, as pundits feared a further downturn…