NEED TO CATCH up? The Journal brings you a round-up of today’s news.

IRELAND

Five year old twins Ben and Louis McPhillips from Mullingar officially turn on Christmas FM for 2023. Andres Poveda Andres Poveda

• The Irish Ambassador Israel expressed surprise at the Israeli government’s criticism of the Taoiseach’s statement in relation to the release of Irish-Israeli hostage Emily Hand.
• Workers gathered in Dublin city centre this afternoon in a show of solidarity following last Thursday’s attack in Parnell Square and subsequent riots in the capital.
• Pressure remains high on both the Justice Minister and Garda Commissioner following the events of last Thursday, with Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald saying the “days of excuses” are over. 
• A Joint Policing Committee was today told Dublin City centre will see an increased garda presence up to and after the Christmas period amid concerns about security after riots last week.
• Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys announced the details of three cost-of-living supports that will be paid to thousands of households this week. 
• A man was hospitalised following an incident involving multiple people – several of whom were armed with weapons – on Talbot Street in Dublin last night. 
• President Michael D Higgins said a new documentary about the suicide of a young Traveller boy should be seen in every household and school in the country.
• Dublin City Council said it is working on options for next year’s Dublin Marathon route and that it will “preferably” begin and end within the city centre.

INTERNATIONAL

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, centre, speaks to soldiers as he visits the Gaza Strip Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

#GAZA A humanitarian pause in fighting between Israel and Hamas will be extended by two days, mediator Qatar said today, as an initial four-day truce in Gaza was set to expire.

#VERMONT An American man was charged with attempted murder in Vermont over the shooting of three men of Palestinian descent, in a crime the US president Joe Biden has reacted with “horror” towards.

#TOBACCO New Zealand’s plans for world-leading anti-smoking laws will be revoked, Christopher Luxon confirmed after being sworn in as prime minister, in a move described as a “huge win for the tobacco industry”.

#VATICAN Pope Francis is receiving antibiotics intravenously to treat a lung inflammation and will scale back some appointments – but he does not have pneumonia or fever, the Vatican said.

PARTING SHOT

Five year old twins Ben and Louis McPhillips from Mullingar officially turn on the Christmas FM for 2023. Andres Poveda Andres Poveda

It’s back (almost). 

Christmas FM is returning to the airwaves tomorrow at midday to play Christmas tunes around the clock between now and the big day.

This will be the 16th year Christmas FM has brought festive tunes to the airways. 

The station has said it will play both classic songs and newer hits in the lead-up to Christmas Day.

Click here to find out what the main FM radio frequencies for Christmas FM are.