Another deadly 24 hours in Gaza

Plus: Parasite star found dead, and woman shot in argument over Christmas presents

View this email online 27 December, 2023 Andy McFarlane Hello. We hope those of you who celebrate Christmas have enjoyed a festive break. Sadly, peace and joy remain in short supply in many parts of the world, and we have updates from both Gaza and Ukraine. By way of light relief, we look back at some of the ways celebrities have - often inadvertently - made us smile. Plus, scroll down for the tale of a seafaring cat. Top of the agenda Abbas condemns war as Israel says it will last months Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry says a total of 20,915 people - mostly women and children - have been killed. Credit: Getty Images. There has been no let-up to the war in Gaza, where the Hamas-run health ministry says at least 241 people have been killed in the space of 24 hours. Israel, which is reported to be expanding ground operations in central Gaza, says it hit more than 100 sites on Tuesday. Its army chief said the conflict will continue for months, as Israel tries to wipe out Hamas in response to the 7 October attacks that left 1,200 people dead. "There are no shortcuts when it comes to thoroughly dismantling a terrorist organisation," Herzi Halevi said. Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas - a political rival to Hamas - has spoken for the first time since the war began. He told an Egyptian TV channel the war in Gaza was a “grave crime” against his people and “beyond a war of annihilation". • Mass grave: Distressing footage has emerged of about 80 Palestinians being buried in Rafah. • 'Empty from happiness': Our correspondent Shaimaa Khalil reports from Bethlehem - in the occupied Palestinian territory of the West Bank - devoid of joy, with the usual Christmas celebrations cancelled in light of the war. • In the US: President Joe Biden's strong support for Israel is putting him at odds with key supporters and - in an election year - the stakes are immense, write Barbara Plett Usher and Anthony Zurcher. World headlines • Actor death: Lee Sun-kyun, best known for his role in the Oscar-winning film Parasite, has been found dead in his car, authorities in South Korea have confirmed. The 48-year-old had been under investigation for alleged drug use. • Ukraine war latest: Russia says its troops have captured the key eastern town of Mariinka. Moscow has also confirmed one of its warships was damaged in a Ukrainian attack on a Black Sea port, after footage of an explosion was shared. • 'Shot over Christmas gifts': Two teenage brothers have been arrested after their sister - a mum of two - was killed on Christmas Eve. Florida police said the shooting followed an argument over who was getting the most presents. • 'King of breakfast': Australian chef Bill Granger, credited with having "changed the entire breakfast game", has died aged 54. Read tributes to the man known as the "godfather" of avocado toast. • Apple Watch ban: The tech giant says it will appeal after sales of its Series 9 and Ultra 2 models were halted in the US because of a dispute over patent rights. AT THE SCENE | Solimões River, Brazil The communities isolated by drought The Amazon rainforest has experienced its worst drought on record in 2023. Bom Jesus de Igapo Grande, a community of 40 families, is among many that have become unreachable by river. Stephanie Hegarty, population correspondent There was no water to shower. Bananas, cassava, chestnuts and acai crops spoiled because they can't get to the city fast enough. Oliveira Tikuna wanted to show us. But as we turn from the broad Solimões river into the creek that winds towards his village, even he is taken aback. In parts it's reduced to a trickle no more than 1m (3.3ft) wide. Before long, the boat is lodged. "I'm 49… we've never seen anything like this before," Oliveira says. See pictures Beyond the headlines Flops and fails in culture in 2023 It's fair to say Harrison Ford's return as Indiana Jones wasn't universally judged a success. Credit: Getty Images "Celebrities provide a vital public service throughout the year by keeping us all entertained - even if it isn't always on purpose," writes our entertainment reporter Steven McIntosh. He's chosen 15 of his favourite mishaps, blunders, flops and fails of 2023, from box office bombs to live TV chaos. See the list Something different Why some poo floats And the reason scientists think its could be important. Get the answer And finally... As I type, a 40ft (12m) yacht called Sylph VI is sailing off Jervis Bay, southern New South Wales. Nothing surprising about that, given the boat is a veteran of the presitigious Sydney to Hobart yacht race. However, one of its crew is making history. Oli, a cat, is the first known feline in the race. Tiffanie Turnbull explains why his owner took him along. Tech Decoded Newsletter Decode the biggest developments in global technology with a twice-weekly email. Sign up here Do you have suggestions for what we cover in BBC News Briefing? You can email me to let me know what you think. And why not forward it to friends? They can sign up here. While you're at it, add [email protected] to your contacts list and, if you're on Gmail, pop the email into your “Primary” tab for uninterrupted service. 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