*) US submits UN resolution for 'immediate ceasefire' in Gaza

The United States has submitted a draft resolution to the UN Security Council, calling for an "immediate ceasefire" in Gaza linked to the release of hostages.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced it during his visit to Saudi Arabia, where discussions on the ongoing Israel's war on Gaza were held.

The resolution is aimed at addressing the escalating situation and garnering international support for peace efforts in the region.

*) Nearly 70 ex-US officials urge Biden to take hard line on Israel

A group consisting of nearly 70 former US officials, diplomats, and military officers has issued an open letter urging President Joe Biden to warn Israel of serious consequences should it deny civil rights and basic necessities to Palestinians, as well as expand illegal Zionist settlement activity in the occupied West Bank.

The letter calls for concrete action from the United States to oppose such practices, including potential restrictions on assistance to Israel consistent with US law and policy.

The group highlighted Israel's invasion, citing "repeated violations" of international law prohibiting indiscriminate killing and the use of weapons that fail to discriminate between combatants and civilians.

*) 'We have shown flexibility' to reach ceasefire deal in Gaza: Hamas

Palestinian group Hamas has expressed flexibility in reaching a ceasefire deal with Israel in Gaza.

Hamas leader Osama Hamdan stated during a press conference in Beirut that the resistance movement has demonstrated openness to an agreement, shifting the onus onto Israel to respond.

Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas have resumed in Doha, Qatar, aiming to establish a truce in Gaza.

Hamdan outlined Hamas's vision for a comprehensive agreement, emphasising key priorities such as halting aggression, facilitating the return of displaced individuals, withdrawing occupation forces from Gaza, and enabling aid entry.

*) UN warns Sudan among 'worst humanitarian disasters in recent memory'

The United Nations has issued a dire warning regarding the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, describing it as one of the worst in recent history after nearly a year of conflict.

Edem Wosornu, Director of Operations at the UN Office for the Coordination for Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), lamented the lack of action from the international community, labelling the situation a "humanitarian travesty."

Speaking on behalf of UNOCHA head Martin Griffiths, Wosornu emphasised the urgent need for attention and action, highlighting the significant scale of humanitarian needs, displacement, and hunger facing Sudanese civilians.

*) Musk's Neuralink unveils brain-chip patient playing online chess
Elon Musk's brain-chip startup, Neuralink, has achieved a significant milestone by live-streaming its first patient using a chip implanted in his brain to play online chess.

Noland Arbaugh, a 29-year-old who was paralysed below the shoulder following a diving accident, utilised the Neuralink device to control the cursor on his laptop while playing chess.

The implant, designed to enable individuals to control a computer cursor or keyboard solely through their thoughts, marks a remarkable advancement in neurotechnology.

Arbaugh, who received the implant from Neuralink in January, previously demonstrated the ability to control a computer mouse using his thoughts, as confirmed by Musk last month.