*) Gaza hospital hit in intense Israeli raid for second day

Explosions and shootings have once again rocked Gaza's largest hospital, Al Shifa, and its surrounding neighbourhoods as Israeli forces storm through the facility for a second day.

This latest raid deals a devastating blow to the already-strained Al Shifa medical complex, which had only partially resumed operations after a destructive Israeli raid in November.

Reports indicate that thousands of Palestinian patients, medical personnel, and displaced individuals are currently trapped within the sprawling hospital compound, with heavy fighting raging in the nearby districts.

*) Canada to halt future arms exports to Israel — report

A Canadian government source revealed that Canada is ceasing its arms shipments to Israel.

The decision marks a significant shift as Ottawa has only exported "non-lethal" shipments such as communications equipment to Israel since its war on blockaded Gaza.

According to the source, no arms exports have occurred since January.

Israel has historically been a major recipient of Canadian arms, receiving over $15 million worth of military materials in 2022 and $19 million in 2021, as reported by Radio Canada.

*) US, Israel defence chiefs to meet in Washington

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant is scheduled to meet with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin next week in Washington.
This confirmation comes from a US defence official speaking anonymously to disclose details not yet public.

The meeting's agenda is reported to include discussion of securing the release of hostages, humanitarian aid to Gaza and protecting those in Rafah.

*) UN chief alarmed by killings of civilians in Myanmar

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed deep concern over reports of continued military air strikes on villages in Myanmar's Rakhine state.

Locals reported that more than 20 people were killed in these strikes on Monday alone.

The clashes in Rakhine state have intensified since November, following an attack by the Arakan Army on security forces, effectively ending a ceasefire established after the military coup in 2021.

And finally…

*) Japan hikes rates for first time in 17 years

Japan's central bank has scrapped its negative interest rate as it finally began unwinding one of the world's most aggressive monetary easing programmes.

Implemented in 2013, the unconventional policy aimed to stimulate economic growth and inflation following Japan's prolonged period of economic stagnation, often referred to as the "lost decades."

In a historic move, the Bank of Japan raised its short-term policy rate for the first time in 17 years from -0.1 percent to a range between zero and 0.1 percent.