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This is the world in brief from the economist.

Our top stories.

The Israel defense forces said they had carried out a targeted raid on Thursday in northern Gaza using tanks and infantry units in, quote, preparation for the next stages of combat.

Hamas's military wing said that almost 50 hostages abducted during the attack on Israel on October 7th have been killed by Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip.

A claim that has not been independently verified.

Meanwhile, an official at the World Health Organization said that Gaza's humanitarian crisis had reached, quote, catastrophic proportions.

Just 12 lorries managed to deliver aid to the enclave overnight, according to the Red Crescent.

Lika Changd, a former Prime Minister of China, died of a heart attack aged 68.

State media reported.

He had stepped down as the Communist Party's second most powerful official in March, after nearly a decade in the job.

Mr Lee was considered a pragmatic reformist, but had been sidelined throughout his tenure by Xi Jinping, China's leader.

He was replaced as Prime Minister by Lee Chang, Mr Xi's close ally.

America's GDP grew at an annual rate of 4.9% in the third quarter, up from 2.1% in the second quarter and the fastest rate in almost two years.

The economy remains strong, despite high interest rates, void by robust consumer spending and higher wages.

But the scorching pace may eventually slow as bond yields continue to rise.

Maine's governor said that 18 people were killed and 13 injured in mass shootings at a restaurant and bowling alley in Lewiston, the state's second largest city.

Hundreds of police officers continued to search for Robert Card, who was issued an arrest warrant for murder.

Residents of several cities were warned to shelter at home.

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