#US efforts to show it retains significant influence over the Israeli government were dealt a double blow yesterday when the Israeli defence minister said it would take months to complete the task of rooting out #Hamas, and a leaked US intelligence assessment revealed up to 45% of the 29,000 air-to-ground munitions that #Israel has dropped on #Gaza since 7 October have been unguided “dumb bombs”.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/15/biden-in-a-bind-as-netanhayu-ready-to-flout-any-us-attempt-to-rein-in-israel

The protest, which followed another demonstration on Friday night, erupted after an official from the Israel Defense Forces revealed Saturday that the hostages “had a stick with a white cloth on it” before they were killed. #Israel #Gaza

Anger at Israeli government mounts after military admits to mistakenly killing hostages
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/israel-hamas-war-hostages-killed-idf-white-cloth-protests-netanyahu-rcna130049

"We have this exchange of fire between #Israel and #Hezbollah and the trend line is one of escalation. This is the most worrying thing about the situation, this trend of escalation. Nobody wants to have a full-scale war but we can get there anyway.” Orna Mizrahi, a former Israeli deputy national security adviser #Gaza #Hamas

Fears grow of all-out Israel-Hezbollah war as fighting escalates | Israel | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/17/fears-grow-of-all-out-israel-hezbollah-war-as-fighting-escalates-lebanon

Recent attacks by #Iran-aligned Yemeni #Houthi militant group on vessels forced leading shipping companies including Maersk to reroute around the #CapeOfGoodHope to avoid the #SuezCanal, the shortest shipping route between #Europe and #Asia. #Israel #Gaza

Companies rush to avert disruption from #RedSea attacks as shipping rates rise
https://www.rappler.com/business/companies-rush-avert-disruption-red-sea-attacks-shipping-rates-rise/

Muslim–majority #Malaysia has long championed #PalestinianRights and causes. Like nearby #Indonesia, #Brunei, #Bangladesh, the #Maldives and #Pakistan, it does not recognize #Israel.

The ongoing bombardment of #Gaza by Israel’s military following #Hamas’ deadly October 7 attacks has sparked mass rallies in Malaysia and put domestic political pressure on Anwar.

Malaysia bans Israeli owned and linked shipping citing ‘cruelty against the Palestinian people’ | CNN
https://edition.cnn.com/2023/12/20/asia/malaysia-israel-shipping-ban-palestine-support-intl-hnk/index.html

The #Iran-backed #Houthis have repeatedly targeted vessels in the vital shipping lane with strikes they say are in support of #Palestinians in #Gaza, where #Israel is battling militant group #Hamas.

More than 20 countries join US-led coalition to protect #RedSea shipping
https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20231222-more-than-20-countries-join-us-led-coalition-to-protect-red-sea-shipping

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#WASHINGTON – A chemical tanker that was struck on Dec 23 off the coast of India was targeted “by a one-way attack drone fired from Iran”, the Pentagon said.The #DroneStrike occurred 200 nautical miles (370km) off the coast of #India, it added. No US Navy vessels were in the vicinity. #Israel #Gaza #ArabianSea

Tanker off India hit by attack drone fired from #Iran: Pentagon | The Straits Times
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/south-asia/tanker-ship-off-india-hit-by-attack-drone-fired-from-iran-pentagon

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A total of twenty countries have agreed to take part in the multi-national naval security coalition. Of those 20, only a fraction will supply actual ships or other major assets to help the cause. In addition, #Spain, #Italy, and #France have rejected the #US demand that their vessels fall under U.S. Navy command. #RedSea #Iran #Israel

Cracks Form In New Naval Coalition, #DroneStrikes Spread To #IndianOcean (#ArabianSea)
https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/cracks-form-in-new-naval-coalition-drone-strikes-spread-to-indian-ocean

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"#Bethlehem is a message. It is not a city, it is a message of #peace to the whole world. From this sacred place we convey a message of peace…stop the war, stop the blood, the killing and the revenge,” said Father Ibrahim Faltas, a friar at the vigil.#Israel

Somber Bethlehem marks #Christmas with vigil as bombs rain on #Gaza
https://www.rappler.com/world/middle-east/somber-bethlehem-marks-christmas-vigil-bombs-rain-gaza/

Nearly three months after the start of the war between #Israel and #Hamas, the humanitarian situation in the #GazaStrip is catastrophic according to the #UnitedNations, with 85 percent of the population displaced. #PopeFrancis

Pope deplores 'desperate humanitarian situation' in Gaza, calls for immediate ceasefire
https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20231225-pope-deplores-desperate-humanitarian-situation-in-gaza-calls-for-immediate-ceasefire

Three stealth-guided missile destroyers were deployed “in various areas of the sea” to “maintain a deterrent presence” considering the “recent spate of attacks in the Arabian Sea”, the ministry said in a statement late on Monday. It was also using long-range maritime patrol aircraft for “domain awareness”, it said. #DroneStrikes

#India’s navy deploys warships to #ArabianSea after tanker attack | #IsraelGazaWar #Israel #Iran
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/12/26/indias-navy-deploys-warships-to-arabian-sea-after-tanker-attack

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Paul, who until October worked on the US’s foreign arms transfers, said he was concerned by the expedited process as it could bypass the state department’s pre-transfer controls. “There’s no review of human rights, there’s no review of regional balance, there’s none of the conventional arms transfer policy review that would normally happen,” he said.

#GazaWar puts #US’s extensive weapons stockpile in #Israel under scrutiny | #IsraelGazaWar | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/27/gaza-war-puts-us-extensive-weapons-stockpile-in-israel-under-scrutiny

Edan Kleiman, who himself was wounded inside the #GazaStrip in the early 1990s, said he thinks Israeli authorities are not grasping the severity of the situation. He said the number of wounded is likely to stretch close to 20,000 once those diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder are included. #Israel #Gaza

Associated Press reports that the number of Israeli service personnel injured during the war against #Hamas has now reached roughly 3,000.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2023/dec/28/israel-gaza-war-live-macron-calls-for-lasting-ceasefire-as-israel-intensifies-attacks-on-gaza?page=with:block-658d53c58f083c8fda16ad01#block-658d53c58f083c8fda16ad01

#Cyprus, the closest #EU member state to the #MiddleEast, has offered to establish a humanitarian corridor to collect, inspect and store aid before shipping it to #Gaza, about 230 miles (370km) away.

#Israel grants preliminary approval for maritime aid corridor from Cyprus to Gaza
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2023/dec/28/israel-gaza-war-live-macron-calls-for-lasting-ceasefire-as-israel-intensifies-attacks-on-gaza?page=with:block-658d96678f08eff61a0b199f#block-658d96678f08eff61a0b199f

“#Russia now has an interest in prolonging this conflict in the #MiddleEast,” said a senior European diplomat in #Moscow, speaking on conditions of anonymity. He said he feared an all-out #Israel-#Hezbollah war would further derail any help for #Ukraine.

Why are ties between Russia and Israel ‘at lowest point since fall of the #SovietUnion’? | Russia | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/30/why-are-ties-between-russia-and-israel-at-lowest-point-since-fall-of-the-soviet-union

US news outlet #Axios and Israeli website #Ynet, both citing unnamed Israeli officials, reported that Qatari mediators had told #Israel that #Hamas was prepared to resume talks on new hostage releases in exchange for a #ceasefire. #Qatar

https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2023/dec/31/israel-gaza-war-live-netanyahu-targets-control-of-gaza-egypt-border-in-many-months-of-war-on-hamas?page=with:block-659101bc8f083c8fda16c580#block-659101bc8f083c8fda16c580

Lana Nusseibeh, the envoy of the #UnitedArabEmirates, expressed the uneasiness of the Arab world that in the absence of “bold and perhaps uncomfortable decisions” to reverse the drift towards regional conflict, “the alternative is the hellscape of #Gaza expanded into the #WestBank, #Israel, #Lebanon, and other parts of the #MiddleEast”.

Middle East is sliding closer to the edge of a wider regional conflict | Israel-Gaza war | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/31/middle-east-sliding-closer-wider-regional-conflict-israel-iran-us

The captain and crew deserve a big fat New Year bonus.
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The #MaerskHangzhou was struck by a missile at around 1730 GMT on Dec 30 about 100km south-west of Al Hodeidah, #Yemen. Then a US warship shot down another two anti-ship ballistic missiles.

Later at around 0330 GMT on Dec 31, the same ship was attacked by #Houthi rebels in four small boats. #Israel #Iran

#Maersk pauses #RedSea sailings
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/maersk-pauses-red-sea-sailings-after-houthi-attack-on-container-ship

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More details on the Houthi attacks on the #MaerskHangzhou container ship. #Iran #Israel

U.S. forces killed boat crews in a Houthi ship attack in the Red Sea : NPR
https://www.npr.org/2023/12/31/1222339528/u-s-forces-say-they-killed-the-boat-crews-in-a-houthi-ship-attack-in-the-red-sea

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The warning comes after the #US military said four boats from #Houthi-controlled areas in #Yemen fired at the #MaerskHangzhou and came within metres of the vessel as US helicopters fired back. #Iran #Israel #Gaza

#Britain ‘considering airstrikes’ on Houthi rebels after Red Sea attacks | Middle East and north Africa | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/31/britain-considering-airstrikes-on-houthi-rebels-after-red-sea-attacks

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#Iran confirms deploying warship to #RedSea as tensions rise

Iranian state media confirmed #Tehran sent a warship to the Red Sea as the area rapidly militarises.

The #IRISAlborz , part of the 94th Naval Fleet of the Iranian army, travelled through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait near #Yemen to arrive at the Red Sea. #Israel #Houthi #Gaza

source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/1/1/israel-hamas-war-live-new-year-in-gaza-under-non-stop-israeli-bombardment

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In 2020 #Iran's frigate warship, the #IRISAlborz, was upgraded with new indigenously developed combat systems including an improved fire control system (FCS) and an electronic warfare system (EWS).

It's almost certain the #Houthis asked for backup after #US combat helicopters sank three Houthi raider boats attacking the #MaerskHangzhou in the #RedSea. #Israel

source: https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/iranian-navy-upgrades-alborz-frigate-with-new-combat-systems

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Under the plan, originally proposed by #Nicosia last month, ships would travel to #Cyprus for security checks before heading 370 kilometers to #Gaza's coast in a route that would avoid Egyptian or Israeli borders.

#Israel green-lights Cypriot aid plan for #Palestinians as military pounds Gaza – POLITICO
https://www.politico.eu/article/israel-green-lights-cypriot-aid-plan-for-palestinians-as-military-pounds-central-gaza/

After the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by #Hamas, #Netanyahu suspended efforts to change the country's judiciary.

On Monday, Netanyahu's #Likud party said the ruling was against the will of the people at a time of war.

In landmark ruling, #Israel's #SupremeCourt rejects right-wing changes to judiciary

https://www.npr.org/2024/01/01/1222400537/israel-supreme-court-ruling-judiciary-changes

#Israel will appear at #InternationalCourtOfJustice: Israeli media

Israel “will not boycott” proceedings launched by #SouthAfrica at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Israel’s National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi has said, the Israeli news site Ynet is reporting.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/1/2/israel-hamas-war-live-almost-22000-palestinians-killed-by-israel-in-gaza

TEL AVIV — Israel says five of its military brigades, including many reservists, will be withdrawing from the #GazaStrip this week in an effort to pace itself for an expected long-term conflict and to mitigate damage to Israel’s economy.

#Israel withdrawing some units from #Gaza
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/israel-withdrawing-units-gaza-rcna131800

“I don’t think he has the ability [to respond]" , says Amit Segal, chief political analyst at #Israel’s Channel 12. “Prior to the war, his allies (far-right ministers, Itamar) Ben Gvir, and (Bezalel) Smotrich would have demanded him to do so and dragged him to do it. Now they can’t because it’s a war and after the war, I think it will be the least of his problems.”

Israel’s #SupremeCourt deals huge blow to #Netanyahu, but one he may have to swallow | CNN
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/01/02/middleeast/israels-supreme-court-analysis-intl/index.html

Officials say four people were killed in the attack, including a “senior #Palestinian official”, Reuters reports, quoting two unnamed security sources. The Associated Press, citing #Hezbollah TV, named the person as “top #Hamas official #SalehArouri” #Israel #Lebanon

https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/jan/02/israel-gaza-war-live-israeli-military-kills-four-alleged-palestinian-militants-in-west-bank-idf-says?page=with:block-65943a318f08f167df68dffd#block-65943a318f08f167df68dffd

#Hamas confirms deputy head killed in reported Israeli #DroneStrike

An Israeli drone strike killed the deputy head of Hamas, #SalehAlArouri, in #Beirut, reports on Tuesday said. His death, which was confirmed by a Hamas radio station, would be a significant blow to the group in #Gaza #Israel #Lebanon
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/jan/02/israel-gaza-war-live-israeli-military-kills-four-alleged-palestinian-militants-in-west-bank-idf-says?page=with:block-65943e088f0892175dae604b#block-65943e088f0892175dae604b

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Who was Saleh al-Arouri?

The death of #Hamas’s deputy leader, #SalehAlArouri, in a reported drone strike in #Beirut on Tuesday is a significant victory for the #Israel Defense Forces as the military campaign against the group in Hamas continues.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/jan/02/israel-gaza-war-live-israeli-military-kills-four-alleged-palestinian-militants-in-west-bank-idf-says?page=with:block-659442918f083d1e9a9aeb87#block-659442918f083d1e9a9aeb87

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Witness reports spoke of two explosions 15 minutes apart in the south-central city of #Kerman tearing into the crowds that had gathered to mark the death of #Suleimani, once regarded as the most powerful figure in the Middle East, and responsible for extending Iranian influence in #Lebanon, #Syria and #Iraq.

Almost 100 dead in blasts at #Iran memorial for assassinated commander | Iran | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/03/dead-in-blasts-at-memorial-for-assassinated-iranian-commander

Crack legal teams are being assembled, countries are issuing statements in support of #SouthAfrica, and #Israel has said it will defend itself in court, reversing a decades-old policy of boycotting the #UN’s top court and its 15 elected judges.

The first hearing in #TheHague is set for 11 and 12 January.

Stakes high as South Africa brings claim of genocidal intent against Israel | #ICC | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/04/stakes-high-as-south-africa-brings-claim-of-genocidal-intent-against-israel

At least 84 people died when two blasts ripped through the crowd near #Suleimani’s tomb in the city of #Kerman, four years after he was killed by a US drone strike in #Baghdad. Suleimani had been a staunch enemy of IS, which resents the damage he did to its cause in #Iraq and #Syria. #ISIS #Israel

#IslamicState claims responsibility for Iran bombings that killed at least 84
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/04/iran-kerman-attack-islamic-state-suspicion-border-afghanistan-pakistan

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The ship sent a message on the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations portal, saying five to six unknown armed personnel had boarded on Thursday evening, the statement said.

At least 15 Indian crew members were on board the #MVLilaNorfolk, which was hijacked near #Somalia’s coast. #Houthi #Israel

#India navy says responding to Liberian-flagged vessel hijack in #ArabianSea | Shipping News | Al Jazeera
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/5/india-navy-says-responding-to-liberian-flagged-vessel-hijack-in-arabian-sea?traffic_source=rss&utm_source=press.coop

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Wow, if our own secretary of defense tried this stunt he'd be fired and out a job by morning 🙄
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Under the plan, #Israel’s war in the territory would continue until it had secured the return of the #hostages taken on 7 October, dismantled #Hamas’s “military and governing capabilities” and removed any remaining military threats.

Gallant unveiled the plan to the press before submitting it to prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s war cabinet, #PostWarGaza

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/05/israel-defence-minister-yoav-gallant-gaza-plan-after-war-hamas-palestine-control-antony-blinken-visit

The commander-in-chief of #Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said at the funeral on Friday for the victims of twin #IslamicState bombings two days earlier that their deaths would be avenged. #IRGC #KermanBombing #IsraelGazaWar
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/jan/05/middle-east-crisis-live-updates-antony-blinken-israel-palestine-gaza-hamas?page=with:block-6597b2b88f0825b4df60e6ce#block-6597b2b88f0825b4df60e6ce

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