Reportedly, the arrest warrants from the #ICJ will be out in two weeks. That should help push this forward🤞
---
The #US has been working with #Qatar and #Egypt to try to arrange a #ceasefire in order to free hostages held since the 7 October #Hamas attacks, and get more humanitarian aid into the enclave devastated by Israeli airstrikes. #Gaza

#Israel-Hamas ceasefire close to the goalline, US secretary of state says
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/jul/20/israel-gaza-hamas-war-international-court-justice-icj-occupied-palestinian-territories?page=with:block-669b67d38f083fc6a547a3bf#block-669b67d38f083fc6a547a3bf

Israel-Gaza war live: ceasefire ‘close to the goalline’, says US

US secretary of state Antony Blinken said that a long-sought ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was within sight

the Guardian

#JERUSALEM/#CAIRO, July 20 (Reuters) - Israeli fighter jets struck #Houthi military targets near #Yemen's #Hodeidah port on Saturday, killing at least three people and wounding 87, a day after a drone launched by the Iranian-backed group hit Israeli economic hub #TelAviv. #Israel #Gaza

Israeli jets strike Houthi targets in Yemen after Tel Aviv attack
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/houthi-tv-says-israeli-airstrikes-target-yemens-hodeidah-port-2024-07-20/

Even the #UK is starting to break lockstep with the #US, they have restarted funding the #UNRW.
---
The advisory opinion by judges at the #ICJ on Friday carries weight under #InternationalLaw and may weaken support for #Israel.

ICJ ruling against Israel’s settlement policies 'largely consistent with #EU positions', bloc's foreign policy chief says
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/jul/21/middle-east-crisis-live-israel-says-it-has-intercepted-missile-fired-from-yemen?page=with:block-669cb51a8f083fc6a547ab41#block-669cb51a8f083fc6a547ab41

Middle East crisis live: Israeli military confirms striking Hezbollah weapons depot in south Lebanon

Sirens sounded in Red Sea city of Eilat on Sunday in wake of Israeli strikes on Yemeni city of Hodeidah that drew vows of revenge from Houthis

the Guardian

#Harris’s absence during #Netanyahu’s controversial address underlines the mounting tension between the #Biden administration and the #RightWing prime minister, as the death toll from #Israel’s war in #Gaza surpasses 39,000. #Biden #KamalaHarris

Harris will not preside over the chamber when when Israeli Prime Minister #BenjaminNetanyahu addresses a joint meeting of Congress on Wednesday.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2024/jul/22/biden-drops-out-endorses-kamala-harris-election-updates?page=with:block-669f15988f083fc6a547be0d#block-669f15988f083fc6a547be0d

Harris secures support of majority of delegates – as it happened

Kamala Harris has secured the support of the majority of Democratic delegates, according to a spokesperson for Nancy Pelosi and US media, though has not been formally nominated

the Guardian

Efforts to reach a #GazaCeasefire deal, outlined by #Biden in May and mediated by #Egypt and #Qatar, have gained momentum over the past month. #Gaza

#Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin #Netanyahu, has told families of the estimated 116 hostages still held in #Gaza that a deal that would secure their loved ones’ release could be nearing, his office has said.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2024/jul/23/kamala-harris-says-she-is-looking-forward-to-accepting-democratic-nomination-as-she-secures-support-of-enough-delegates-live?page=with:block-669f51508f083fc6a547bf83#block-669f51508f083fc6a547bf83

Kamala Harris says she is looking forward to accepting Democratic nomination as she secures support of enough delegates – live

Vice president has secured the support of the majority of Democratic delegates, but has not yet been formally nominated

the Guardian

#Netanyahu is expected to meet #Biden, and #Harris, as he is under pressure from the highest echelons of the #IsraeliMilitary and much of the #IsraeliPublic to agree to a #ceasefire in #Gaza. #Israel

Netanyahu to arrive in #Washington as fears grow of wider war in #MiddleEast
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/22/lame-duck-or-legacy-maker-how-biden-announcement-could-affect-us-relations-with-foreign-leaders

Lame duck or legacy maker? How Biden announcement could affect US relations with foreign leaders

Announcement comes at turbulent time in world affairs, with conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza and a growing US-China rivalry

The Guardian

Various #PalestinianFactions, including rivals #Hamas and #Fatah, have agreed to end their divisions and form a #NationalUnityGovernment during negotiations in #China.

Senior Hamas official #HusamBadran said the most important point of the #Beijing declaration was to form a Palestinian national unity government to manage the affairs of #Palestinians. #Israel

Palestinian factions agree to end divisions after talks in #China
https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/23/palestinian-factions-accord-china-talks

Palestinian factions including Hamas agree to form future unity government

Diplomatic coup for China as Beijing declaration sets out deal to unite across territories and prepare for elections

The Guardian

More now about the #AntiWar protests on #CapitolHill, via AP:

Protesters against the #GazaWar staged a sit-in at a congressional office building Tuesday ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin #Netanyahu’s address to Congress, with #CapitolPolice making multiple arrests. #Israel

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2024/jul/23/kamala-harris-says-she-is-looking-forward-to-accepting-democratic-nomination-as-she-secures-support-of-enough-delegates-live?page=with:block-66a04c698f08b200a0085a53#block-66a04c698f08b200a0085a53

Trump team makes formal complaint about Biden-Harris campaign funds; Sanders denounces Netanyahu visit – live

Ex-president’s campaign claims money going to Harris is ‘$91.5m heist’; senator makes impassioned speech on eve of Israeli leader’s visit

the Guardian

“We have heard from defence and security forces that they're reaching the point of breaking a deal..And we have never before been in such a promising point at that sense.

Nothing should be distracting [us] at this point" - Ayelet Levy Shachar

#Israel

#Gaza release deal has to happen now, hostage's mother says
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cg3e05n1xy3o

Gaza release deal has to happen now, hostage's mother says

"She can survive this," Ayelet Levy Shachar says of her daughter, who's been held in Gaza for nine months.

#UnitedKingdom has said it will not proceed with efforts to question whether the #InternationalCriminalCourt (ICC) has jurisdiction to issue #ArrestWarrants for Israeli Prime Minister #BenjaminNetanyahu and Defense Minister #YoavGallant. #Israel #Gaza

#UK won’t challenge #ICC arrest warrant request for #Netanyahu, #Gallant
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/7/26/uk-wont-challenge-icc-arrest-warrant-request-for-netanyahu-gallant

UK won’t challenge ICC arrest warrant request for Netanyahu, Gallant

This is a breaking news story, more details to follow.

Al Jazeera

A rocket attack on a football ground in the Israeli-occupied #GolanHeights killed 12 people including children on July 27, Israeli authorities said, blaming #Hezbollah and vowing to respond against the Iran-backed Lebanese group.

Hezbollah denied any responsibility for the strike, the deadliest in Israel or Israeli-annexed territory since the start of the conflict in #Gaza.
#Lebanon

#Israel says Hezbollah rocket kills 12 at football ground, vows response
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/nine-people-killed-as-rocket-hits-football-pitch-in-israeli-occupied-golan-israel-media

Nine people killed as rocket hits football pitch in Israeli-occupied Golan - Israel media

JERUSALEM/BEIRUT - Nine people were killed in a rocket attack on a football ground in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights on Saturday, Israeli Channel 13 reported, amid an escalation of fire between Israel and armed groups in Lebanon. Read more at straitstimes.com.

The Straits Times

#EU foreign affairs chief #JosepBorrell on Saturday (27 July) called for a “political solution” to end the “madness” in #Gaza after the #Hamas-run territory’s health ministry said an Israeli strike on a school had killed 30 people.

"Ceasefire has to happen now. International #HumanitarianLaw has to be respected." Borrell said.

#Israel

EU top diplomat urges end to ‘madness’ after Gaza school strike
https://www.euractiv.com/section/global-europe/news/eu-top-diplomat-urges-end-to-madness-after-gaza-school-strike/

EU top diplomat urges end to 'madness' after Gaza school strike

EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell on Saturday (27 July) called for a "political solution" to end the "mad

EURACTIV

Israeli jets struck southern #Lebanon overnight as diplomats worked frantically to prevent a #RegionalWar after a rocket strike that killed 12 young people in the occupied #GolanHeights.

The Golan Heights was taken from #Syria by #Israel in the 1967 #MiddleEastWar and annexed in 1981 in a move not recognised by most countries.

Israel strikes Lebanon as diplomats try to prevent regional war
https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/28/israel-strikes-lebanon-diplomats-prevent-regional-war-golan-heights-hezbollah

Israel strikes Lebanon as diplomats try to prevent regional war

Jets strike south of country after rocket attack that killed 12 young people in Golan Heights blamed on Hezbollah

The Guardian

#Airlines suspended routes and canceled flights to #Beirut on Monday amid fears of a full-blown war between #Israel and Lebanese militant group #Hezbollah.

#Germany's national airline #Lufthansa said it had suspended five routes to and from the Lebanese capital until August 5 out of “an abundance of caution,” with its subsidiaries #SwissInternationalAir Lines and #Eurowings following suit.

Airlines suspend #Lebanon flights as fears of Israel-Hezbollah war grow
https://www.politico.eu/article/airline-suspend-lebanon-flight-israel-hezbollah-war-lufthansa-aegean-ethiopian-air/?utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS_Syndication&utm_source=press.coop

Airlines suspend Lebanon flights as fears of Israel-Hezbollah war grow

Lufthansa said it suspended five routes to and from the Lebanese capital until July 30 out of “an abundance of caution.”

POLITICO

The governments of the #UnitedStates, #UnitedKingdom, and #Germany have advised their citizens to leave #Lebanon, amid growing concerns that the Israeli assault on the beseiged #GazaStrip could trigger a wider conflict in the region. #Israel

#US, #UK, and Germany advise citizens to leave Lebanon following days of protests and cross-border exchanges.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/19/us-uk-germany-tell-citizens-to-leave-lebanon-as-regional-tensions-rise

US, UK, Germany tell citizens to leave Lebanon as regional tensions rise

US, UK, and Germany advise citizens to leave Lebanon following days of protests and cross-border exchanges.

Al Jazeera

Opposition Leader #YairLapid said the riots on Monday showed that #Netanyahu is “weak” and has lost control over his government, urging him to fire ministers involved in the break-ins.

“We are not on the brink of the abyss, we are in the abyss,” Lapid warned in a statement. “All the red lines were crossed today.” #Israel #PrisonerAbuse #Gaza

Bordering on anarchy’: #IDF chief sounds alarm after #RightWing mob breaks into 2nd base
https://www.timesofisrael.com/bordering-on-anarchy-idf-chief-sounds-alarm-after-right-wing-mob-overruns-2nd-base/

#IsmailHaniyeh, the political leader of #Hamas, has been killed by a strike in #Tehran in the early hours of Wednesday morning, the group said, only hours after #Israel claimed it had killed a top #Hezbollah commander in #Beirut.

Hamas blamed Israel for Haniyeh’s death, which one official described as a “grave escalation”. #Gaza

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh killed in Iran, says Palestinian group
https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/31/hamas-leader-ismail-haniyeh-death-raid-iran-home-israel-gaza-war

Iran vows revenge after Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh killed in Tehran

Death came hours after Israel said it killed a top Hezbollah commander in Beirut, fuelling fears of regional conflict

The Guardian

"My message to Australian citizens and residents in Lebanon is: now is the time to leave. If you are in #Australia and thinking of travelling to Lebanon, do not.

There is a real risk that the conflict in the region escalates seriously. The security situation could deteriorate quickly, with little or no notice" - Penny Wong

#Israel #Gaza

Now is the time to leave': Australian foreign minister urges #Australians to leave #Lebanon
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/jul/31/middle-east-crisis-live-updates-hamas-leader-ismail-haniyeh-killed-iran-israel-gaza-war?page=with:block-66aa458d8f089067a355e8eb#block-66aa458d8f089067a355e8eb

Middle East crisis live: Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh killed in Tehran as Iran vows ‘revenge’

Iran’s Supreme Leader said avenging Haniyeh’s death was ‘Tehran’s duty’; Israel has yet to comment

the Guardian

#Deif is believed to have been one of the masterminds of #Hamas’ 7 October attack on southern #Israel, which triggered the #Gaza war, now in its 300th day.

One of Hamas’ most dominant figures, Deif rose through the group’s ranks over 30 years, developing its network of tunnels and its bomb-making expertise.

Death of Hamas military leader Deif in July confirmed, Israel says
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/aug/01/middle-east-crisis-live-irans-supreme-leader-to-lead-prayers-at-hamas-leader-funeral-as-region-braces-for-fresh-unrest?page=with:block-66ab4dcc8f0814429273fec4#block-66ab4dcc8f0814429273fec4

Middle East crisis live: Head of Hamas’ military wing killed in Israeli airstrike in Gaza last month, says IDF

Mohammed Deif killed on 13 July after Israeli fighter jets hit Khan Younis, says Israel Defense Forces, as funeral takes place for Ismail Haniyeh

the Guardian

The timing and location of the dual attacks, targeting very high-profile commanders in densely populated capital cities, made them particularly humiliating for #Iran and #Hezbollah, raising the risk of a slide towards full-blown #RegionalWar as #Tehran seeks to re-establish a military deterrent.

#Israel #Gaza

Fears of escalation mount after Israeli killings of #Hamas and Hezbollah leaders
https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/31/israel-iran-hamas-hezbollah-lebanon-assassinations-middle-east

Fears of escalation mount after Israeli killings of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders

Iran vows revenge after airstrikes kill Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on same day as commander killed in Beirut

The Guardian

Haniyeh's former boss & mentor.
---
#Hamas sources said Meshaal is expected to be chosen as the paramount leader of the group to replace #IsmailHaniyeh, who was assassinated in #Iran in the early hours of Wednesday, with #Tehran and Hamas vowing retribution against #Israel.

#KhaledMeshaal, who survived #Mossad assassination attempt, tipped to lead Hamas

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/khaled-meshaal-who-survived-mossad-assassination-attempt-tipped-to-lead-hamas/ar-BB1r0KAj?ocid=emmx-mmx-feeds&PC=EMMX01

MSN

#Turkey had vetoed all #Nato engagement with #Israel since October, including joint meetings and exercises, viewing Israel’s “massacre” of #Palestinians in #Gaza as a violation of Nato’s founding principles.

Turkey has blocked cooperation between Nato and Israel since October because of the war in Gaza
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/aug/01/middle-east-crisis-live-irans-supreme-leader-to-lead-prayers-at-hamas-leader-funeral-as-region-braces-for-fresh-unrest?page=with:block-66ab873c8f08a0af63bb3c69#block-66ab873c8f08a0af63bb3c69

Middle East crisis live: Israel confirms death of Hamas military chief who masterminded 7 October attack

Mohammed Deif killed on 13 July after Israeli fighter jets hit Khan Younis, says Israel Defense Forces, as funeral takes place for Ismail Haniyeh

the Guardian

Bad, a very bad sign.
---
#Lufthansa Group has cancelled all its #passenger and #cargo flights to and from #TelAviv with immediate effect until 8 August, a spokesperson for the German airline said on Thursday.

“The reason for this is the current development in the region,” the spokesperson added.

#Israel #Gaza #Iran

source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/aug/01/middle-east-crisis-live-irans-supreme-leader-to-lead-prayers-at-hamas-leader-funeral-as-region-braces-for-fresh-unrest?page=with:block-66ab87788f08cbd70fcde7b4#block-66ab87788f08cbd70fcde7b4

Middle East crisis live: Israel confirms death of Hamas military chief who masterminded 7 October attack

Mohammed Deif killed on 13 July after Israeli fighter jets hit Khan Younis, says Israel Defense Forces, as funeral takes place for Ismail Haniyeh

the Guardian

The leader of #Hezbollah has said that the Lebanese group’s conflict with #Israel has entered “a new phase” after the back-to-back assassinations of a senior commander and #Hamas’s political chief that risk plunging the #MiddleEast into a regional war. #Gaza

Hezbollah chief says conflict with Israel is in ‘new phase’ after assassinations
https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/aug/01/funeral-for-hamas-political-leader-haniyeh-held-in-tehran-amid-security-fears

Hezbollah chief says conflict with Israel is in ‘new phase’ after assassinations

Hassan Nasrallah calls for revenge at funeral of Fuad Shukr as does Iranian president at funeral of Hamas’s political leader, Ismail Haniyeh

The Guardian

#KamalaHarris was at that meeting.
---
US President #JoeBiden told #israel's Prime Minister Benjamin #Netanyahu to agree to a #ceasefire with #Hamas as the #WhiteHouse’s frustrations over the continuation of the war in #Gaza grow.

"We have the basis for a ceasefire,” Mr Biden told reporters. “He should move on it and they should move on it now.”

#Biden tells Netanyahu to accept ceasefire in ‘very direct’ call
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/biden-tells-netanyahu-to-accept-ceasefire-in-very-direct-call

Biden tells Netanyahu to accept ceasefire in ‘very direct’ call

“We have the basis for a ceasefire. He should move on it now,” says President Joe Biden, referring to Israel’s leader. Read more at straitstimes.com.

The Straits Times

The #UnitedStates is sending a #CarrierStrikeGroup, a #FighterSquadron and additional #warships to the #MiddleEast as the region braces for possible Iranian retaliation to the killing of a senior #Hamas leader in #Tehran earlier this week.

#Israel #Iran #Gaza

#US sending warships and fighter squadron to Middle East as region braces for Iranian retaliation
https://edition.cnn.com/world/live-news/israel-hamas-haniyeh-iran-tensions-08-02-24#h_e64606e098e04eb3d92ff39ac55f8104

US moves warships to Middle East as regional tensions rise

Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh was buried Friday in Doha as his killing raises fears that Israel’s conflict with Hamas could spiral into a regional war.

CNN

Two Israeli officials confirmed the details of the Israeli channel 12 report and said the director of #ShinBet confronted #Netanyahu and told him that if he wants to back away from the Israeli proposal for a #HostageRelease and #CeasefireDeal, he should just say it.

#Israel

Israeli negotiators travel to #Cairo amid Netanyahu's new conditions for a #Gaza hostage deal

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/israeli-negotiators-travel-to-cairo-amid-netanyahu-s-new-conditions-for-a-gaza-hostage-deal/ar-AA1ob2vA?ocid=emmx-mmx-feeds&cvid=998e5eb189684e398be358d7345a9339&ei=24&PC=EMMX01

MSN

The #US told it's citizens there the same thing.
---
The British government on Saturday urged #UK nationals in #Lebanon to leave the country immediately amid growing fears of a regional war after the killing of #Hamas and #Hezbollah leaders this week, attributed to #Israel.

Leave now,’ UK tells British nationals in Lebanon
https://www.politico.eu/article/uk-us-to-nationals-in-lebanon-leave-now/?utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS_Syndication&utm_source=press.coop

‘Leave now,’ UK tells British nationals in Lebanon

U.S. embassy in Beirut encourages American citizens in the country “to book any ticket available.”

POLITICO

#AntiGovernment rallies erupted in several cities across #Israel this weekend, as tens of thousands of Israelis demanded that Prime Minister Benjamin #Netanyahu find a path to a deal with terror group #Hamas, in order to free more than 100 #hostages still held in #Gaza.

Anti-Netanyahu protests erupt in Israel over delayed hostage deal
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/08/03/middleeast/israel-hostage-deal-protest-int-latam/index.html

Anti-Netanyahu protests erupt in Israel over delayed hostage deal

There are currently 115 total hostages, living and dead, being held in Gaza, according to Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office and the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.

CNN
Everybody take a deep breath, and pray 🙏
---
#Jordan's foreign minister, #AymanSafadi, has made a rare visit to #Iran in a last-ditch effort to persuade it to hold back from attacking #Israel in response to the assassination of the #Hamas political leader, #IsmailHaniyeh, in #Tehran last week. #Gaza

Jordan in last-ditch effort to prevent Iran retaliating for Haniyeh killing
https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/aug/04/jordan-foreign-minister-visit-iran-haniyeh-killing
Jordan in last-ditch effort to prevent Iran retaliating for Haniyeh killing

Foreign minister’s rare visit to Tehran appears likely to fail given Iranian insistence on making a decisive response

The Guardian

The authorities in #Tehran issued a #NOTAM dispatch to pilots, instructing airplanes to avoid the airspace over the center, west, and northwest of the country.

Some pilots have already changed their routes. On flight-tracking maps, there's increasing traffic over #Iraq and a noticeable "emptiness" over #Iran

#Israel #Gaza

Iran's warning to aircraft sparks fear of imminent attacks
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/iran-s-warning-to-aircraft-sparks-fear-of-imminent-attacks/ar-AA1ohIng

MSN

Exporters seeking #ArmsSales licences are reportedly receiving messages from the Department for Business and Trade saying that applications are suspended pending the review.

#Whitehall sources insisted this did not represent a change in policy and might be administrative procedures.

#Gaza

#UK reportedly suspends arms export licence applications for #Israel ‘pending review’
https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/aug/06/uk-arms-export-licence-applications-israel-review

UK reportedly suspends arms export licence applications for Israel ‘pending review’

Government department denies policy change, saying applications will be considered on ‘case by case basis’

The Guardian

#VladimirPutin has reportedly told #Iran to avoid #CivilianCasualties in any retaliatory attack on #Israel for the assassination of the #Hamas political leader #ismailhaniyeh an underlining of the constraints it faces as it frames its response.

#Gaza

Putin reportedly calls for Iran to limit damage in any retaliation against Israel
https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/aug/06/putin-reportedly-calls-for-iran-to-limit-damage-in-any-retaliation-against-israel

Putin reportedly calls for Iran to limit damage in any retaliation against Israel

Leaders expect a military response over Hamas assassination but fears grow of escalation into regional war

The Guardian

Several hundred ultra-#OrthodoxJews (#Haredim) clashed with Israeli police at the entrance to the army base in #TelHashomer. This is where the first draftees from this community were supposed to report on Monday. Previously, they had been exempt from service for years; now, they are speaking of a "#Holocaust of #UltraOrthodoxJews."

#Gaza

Ultra-Orthodox Jews clash with police over military draft in #Israel
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/ultra-orthodox-jews-clash-with-police-over-military-draft-in-israel/ar-AA1okkJ8?ocid=emmx-mmx-feeds&PC=EMMX01

MSN

#US intelligence suggests
the goal for #Hamas is to survive — that would be victory for the group. #Sinwar likely believes Hamas can hold out while #Israel’s global standing deteriorates as the war in #Gaza, which has killed thousands of civilians, continues.

A senior Biden administration official put it bluntly: “He believes he’s winning.

Sinwar believes Hamas has upper hand in negotiations with Israel, officials say
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/06/11/politics/us-intelligence-sinwar-gaza/index.html

US intelligence suggests Sinwar believes Hamas has upper hand in negotiations with Israel, officials say

American Intelligence officials believe that Yahya Sinwar, the powerful leader of Hamas in Gaza who is thought to be the group’s key decisionmaker on any potential ceasefire deal, likely believes the group can survive Israel’s attempt to destroy it and feels confident it is well-positioned to approach negotiations from a place of strength, according to US officials familiar with recent assessments.

CNN

The statement said the three nations had forged a "framework agreement" that had "only the details of implementation left to conclude”.

#Israel said it would send negotiators to the proposed talks, which are pencilled in for 15 August in #Doha or #Cairo. Hamas did not immediately respond.

#GazaCeasefire #Gaza

#US, #Egypt and #Qatar call on Israel and Hamas to resume talks
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c07e99ver7ro

US, Egypt and Qatar call on Israel and Hamas to resume talks

Israel said it would send negotiators to the new talks. Hamas did not immediately respond.

Why it matters: The results of the coming week will indicate whether the region is going to sink even deeper into crisis and a widening perpetual war, — or if, for the first time since Oct. 7, there will be a significant change of course. The outcome could shape President #Biden's legacy.

#Israel #Egypt #Qatar #GazaCeaseFire

#US prepares for crucial week as #Gaza deal faces "now-or-never" moment
https://www.axios.com/2024/08/10/gaza-israel-hamas-hostage-deal-regional-war

U.S. prepares for crucial week as Gaza deal faces "now-or-never" moment

Top Biden administration officials are planning to head to the Middle East for a dramatic week of high-stakes diplomacy.

Axios

“I would imagine that he is going to devote a lot of time and energy to the situation in the #MiddleEast. He surely doesn’t want history to record that the final months of his tenure witnessed the outbreak of the first comprehensive Middle East war in decades, a war that he, like others, has been struggling to avoid." - Bill Galston, a former Clinton policy adviser

#Israel #Biden #Harris

Not done yet: still-smarting #JoeBiden to focus on his legacy in final months
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/10/joe-biden-final-months-legacy

Not done yet: still-smarting Joe Biden to focus on his legacy in final months

With a diary suddenly freed up by the end of his re-election bid, the president is looking to safeguard his achievements

The Guardian

His statement said: “This unimaginable situation is overwhelmingly due to recurring failures by the Israeli Defense Forces to comply with the rules of war."

#Israel

The #UN’s #HumanRights chief, #VolkerTürk has said that today marks “a grim milestone” with the news that the death toll from #Gaza has surpassed 40,000
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/aug/15/israel-gaza-war-live-ceasefire-talks-qatar-hamas-iran?page=with:block-66be096f8f08dd7a533a3629#block-66be096f8f08dd7a533a3629

Israel-Gaza war live: Gaza death toll passing 40,000 is ‘grim milestone’ says UN human rights chief as ceasefire talks begin

Death toll passes grim landmark with over 92,400 also injured since Israel’s military offensive began

the Guardian

Not going to happen.
---
Israeli Foreign Minister #IsraelKatz raised eyebrows on Friday when he said #Israel would expect international partners such as the #UK and #France to join Israel in responding to a potential strike from #iran “not only in defense, but also in attacking significant targets in Iran.”

Both France and the UK, however, have downplayed such a prospect.

#Gaza

Muted response from UK and France after Israeli FM calls for retaliation to any Iran strike
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/08/16/europe/israel-uk-france-iran-retaliation-intl-latam/index.html

Muted response from UK and France after Israeli FM calls for retaliation to any Iran strike

The UK has called for the need to break the “current destructive cycle of retaliatory violence” in the Middle East.

CNN

"This is a decisive moment – probably the best, maybe the last, opportunity to get the #hostages home, to get a #ceasefire and to put everyone on a better path to enduring peace and security,” #Blinken said on his ninth trip to the region since #Israel’s war on #Gaza began in October. #GazaCeasefire

Blinken says current talks ‘maybe last’ chance to free captives from Gaza
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/8/19/blinken-says-current-talks-may-be-last-push-to-end-israels-war-on-gaza

Blinken says current talks ‘maybe last’ chance to free captives from Gaza

Visiting Israel, Blinken is stepping up US diplomatic pressure to secure a ceasefire despite continuing rifts.

Al Jazeera

#HusseinHaridi, former Egyptian assistant foreign minister and former ambassador, says that “in principle,” all parties are in agreement on the ceasefire deal, but “differences in opinion remain”.

#Egypt #Israel #GazaCeasefire

Next ’48 hours’ important for #ceasefire deal, says former Egyptian official
https://aje.io/vzysu0?update=3135006

Israel’s war on Gaza updates: Israeli attacks kill at least 40 in Gaza

Israeli negotiators are back in Cairo as US tells UN Gaza ceasefire ‘now in sight’, while Deir el-Balah offensive rages.

Al Jazeera

In #Jerusalem’s Old City, nearly all souvenir shops are closed. In #Haifa’s flea market, forlorn merchants polish their wares on empty streets. Airlines are canceling flights, businesses are failing and luxury hotels are half empty.

Nearly 11 months into the war with #Hamas, #israels economy is struggling.

#Gaza

Israel's economy is struggling. Economists say ending the war would help
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/israels-economy-is-struggling-economists-say-ending-the-war-would-help/ar-AA1pqDWs

MSN

No #GazaCeasefire, no de-escalation.

---
The prime minister was widely blamed on Monday, from both the centre and right of the political spectrum, for the limited goal of Sunday’s air raids, which disrupted #Hezbollah’s planned aerial assault, but had done nothing, the critics said, to allow up to 80,000 residents of northern border towns to return home. #Israel

#Netanyahu faces Israeli calls for broader strikes against Hezbollah
https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/aug/26/netanyahu-israeli-calls-broader-strikes-hezbollah-gantz-ben-gvir

Netanyahu faces Israeli calls for broader strikes against Hezbollah

Benny Gantz and Itamar Ben-Gvir say prime minister needs to remove the threat in the north completely

The Guardian

The #vaccinations, due to begin this weekend, will be accompanied by three-day pauses in the fighting in several areas of the territory to allow the inoculation of more than 640,000 children. #Polio #Israel

#WHO delivers 1.2m #Polio Vaccine doses to #Gaza as pauses in fighting agreed
https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/aug/30/who-delivers-polio-vaccine-doses-gaza-israel-agrees-humanitarian-pauses-fighting

WHO delivers 1.2m polio vaccine doses to Gaza as pauses in fighting agreed

Three-day humanitarian pauses in several areas planned to allow inoculation of more than 640,000 children

The Guardian

The discovery of the hostages’ bodies in #Gaza over the weekend threatened to bring deep divisions over the war to breaking point. An estimated 100,000 protested in #TelAviv, while others demonstrated in #Jerusalem as pressure on the prime minister, Benjamin #Netanyahu, to reach a #ceasefire deal to bring the remaining hostages home reached a new peak.

#GazaCeasefire

Protests in #Israel and strike called amid eruption of outrage over #GazaWar
https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/sep/01/protests-israel-strike-eruption-outrage-gaza-war

Protests in Israel and strike called amid eruption of outrage over Gaza war

Tens of thousands take to streets as anger rises at Netanyahu government after deaths of six hostages

The Guardian

The #US could walk away from leading the #GazaCeasefire negotiations if the two sides fail to accept a final “take it or leave it” deal that it plans to present to #Israel and #Hamas in the coming weeks, the Washington Post has reported citing a senior Biden administration official.

“You can’t keep negotiating this. This process has to be called at some point,” the official said according to the Post.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/sep/02/israel-gaza-war-live-israel-faces-nationwide-general-strike-amid-public-anger-over-hostage-deaths-and-failed-ceasefire-talks?page=with:block-66d51af08f08e2612479606e#block-66d51af08f08e2612479606e

Israel-Gaza war live: Israel faces nationwide general strike amid public anger over hostage deaths and failed ceasefire talks

Strike expected to affect main airport as well as government offices, schools and business

the Guardian

The #OversightBoard reviewed three cases involving #Facebook posts that featured “#FromTheRiverToTheSea” and found they did not break #Meta’s rules involving restrictions on hate speech and incitement, while an outright ban on the phrase would interfere with political speech in “unacceptable ways”. #Israel #Gaza

Meta’s moderation board backs decision to allow ‘from the river to the sea’ in posts
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/article/2024/sep/04/metas-moderation-board-backs-decision-to-allow-from-the-river-to-the-sea-in-posts

Meta’s moderation board backs decision to allow ‘from the river to the sea’ in posts

The board rules that blanket ban on pro-Palestine slogan would hinder free speech

The Guardian

The #UnitedNations children’s agency has said that a #PolioVaccination campaign to inoculate more than 640,000 children in #Gaza is surpassing expectations at the end of the first phase of the programme.

#Unicef said that 189,000 children had been reached so far as more than 500 teams were deployed across central Gaza this week. #Israel #Hamas

UN’s Gaza polio vaccination campaign reaches 189,000 children in first phase
https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/sep/04/uns-gaza-polio-campaign-inoculates-189000-children-in-first-phase

UN’s Gaza polio vaccination campaign reaches 189,000 children in first phase

Unicef calls inoculations ‘rare bright spot’ in war, as minister appears to suggest Israel might eventually fully withdraw

The Guardian

The new protest came a week after one of the largest demonstrations of the war after the discovery of another six dead hostages in #Gaza, and after prime minister Benjamin #Netanyahu pushed back against pressure for a ceasefire deal and declared that “no one will preach to me”. #GazaCeasefire #Gaza

Thousands rally across #Israel in new wave of protest
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/sep/08/middle-east-crisis-live-israelis-surge-to-the-streets-in-new-wave-of-protest-as-heavy-air-raids-hit-gaza?page=with:block-66dd099e8f080b4351298b1b#block-66dd099e8f080b4351298b1b

Middle East crisis live: Israelis surge to the streets in new wave of protest as heavy air raids hit Gaza

Thousands rallied across Israel on Saturday evening to protest the government’s failure to secure release of hostages; more than a dozen killed in strikes on Gaza

the Guardian

The Israel Defense Forces (#IDF) said Brigadier General #YossiSariel, who led its 8200 intelligence unit, has informed them he will “conclude his role in the near future.”

“On October 7th at 06:29 I did not fulfill the task as I expected of myself, those at my command and commanders expected me and the citizens of the state I love so much,” the letter said. #Israel #Netanyahu

Israeli intelligence commander to resign after being accused of failing to prevent October 7
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/09/12/americas/israeli-commander-resigns-october-7-intl-latam/index.html

Israeli intelligence commander to resign after being accused of failing to prevent October 7

He was the commander of Israel’s elite 8200 intelligence unit, which critics say played a pivotal role in failing to prevent the October 7 attacks.

CNN

Potentially thousands of #pagers were remotely and simultaneously detonated across #Lebanon, killing at least nine people and wounding almost 3,000 on Tuesday.

The pagers exploded in southern #Lebanon, the southern suburbs of #Beirut known as #Dahiyeh and the eastern #BekaaValley – all #Hezbollah strongholds. #Israel

Pagers in deadly attack on Hezbollah ‘made in Europe’, as #MiddleEast braces for reprisals
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/sep/18/hezbollah-pager-explosion-lebanon-israel-gold-apollo

Hezbollah vows revenge on Israel for deadly Lebanon pager explosions

Thousands of pagers detonated across the country and in Syria, killing 12 people and wounding almost 3,000

The Guardian

#Hezbollah fighters were using the low-tech devices, produced by the #Taiwan-based company #GoldApollo, in an attempt to evade Israeli location-tracking, sources said. Gold Apollo said on Wednesday that the devices used in the blasts were manufactured by another company based in #Budapest.

#Israel planted 5,000 #pager explosives months before deadly blasts, Lebanese security sources say
https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20240918-israel-planted-5-000-pager-explosives-months-before-deadly-blasts-lebanese-security-sources-say

Israel planted 5,000 pager explosives months before deadly blasts, Lebanese security sources say

Israel’s spy service injected explosive materials activated by coded messages into thousands of pagers during production, months before they were imported by the Lebanese group Hezbollah, a senior Lebanese security source said. Hezbollah fighters were using the low-tech devices, produced by the Taiwan-based company Gold Apollo, in an attempt to evade Israeli location-tracking, sources said. Gold Apollo said on Wednesday that the devices used in the blasts were manufactured by another company based in Budapest.

FRANCE 24

A source in #Hezbollah confirmed that #WalkieTalkies used by the group were targeted in the attack. A senior security source said that the explosions were “small in size”, similar to yesterday’s attacks. #Israel

Second wave of explosions across #Lebanon target Hezbollah walkie-talkies
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/sep/18/middle-east-crisis-live-hezbollah-pager-explosion-lebanon-irael-iran-latest-updates?page=with:block-66eae2208f086ad2b492a737#block-66eae2208f086ad2b492a737

Dozens reported injured as new wave of explosions across Lebanon targets Hezbollah walkie-talkies – Middle East live

A source in Hezbollah confirmed that walkie-talkies used by the group were being targeted

the Guardian

#Israel’s defence minister, #YoavGallant, has declared the start of a “new phase” of the war with a focus on the northern front against #Hezbollah fighters in #Lebanon.

Gallant did not mention the explosions of devices in Lebanon on Tuesday and Wednesday.

But he praised the work of #israels army and security agencies, noting that the “results are very impressive"

Israel declares start of 'new phase' of war
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/sep/18/middle-east-crisis-live-hezbollah-pager-explosion-lebanon-irael-iran-latest-updates?page=with:block-66eb01128f0860cc21944dba#block-66eb01128f0860cc21944dba

Nine killed and hundreds injured in latest Lebanon blasts; Israel declares ‘new phase’ of war – Middle East live

Health ministry says at least 300 injured after walkie-talkies explode; Yoav Gallant does not mention explosions but praises Israel’s army and security agencies for ‘very impressive’ results

the Guardian

TAIPEI - The president and founder of a Taiwanese #Pager company linked to the detonation of thousands of pagers targeting #Hezbollah in #Lebanon was questioned by prosecutors late into the night on Sept 19, then released. #Israel #Mossad

#Taiwan-based #GoldApollo’s president and founder Hsu Ching-kuang has said it did not manufacture the devices used in the attack.

Taiwan questions head of pager firm linked to Hezbollah blasts
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/taiwan-questions-head-of-pager-firm-linked-to-hezbollah-blasts

Taiwan questions head of pager firm linked to Hezbollah blasts

Mr Hsu Ching-kuang declined to answer reporters questions as he left Taiwan prosecutors' office. Read more at straitstimes.com.

The Straits Times

There were 30K+ Filipinos in Lebanon as of 2020, probably a lot more now :(
---
“At this time, commercial flights are available, but at reduced capacity. If the security situation worsens, commercial options to depart may become unavailable,” it added. #Israel #Hezbollah

US urges citizens to leave #Lebanon while commercial options available

https://www.msn.com/en-ph/news/other/us-urges-citizens-to-leave-lebanon-while-commercial-options-available/ar-AA1qYdmE?ocid=msedgntp&pc=ASTS&cvid=c99549f400e64620b7d002d6c005a16

MSN

#GoldApollo had initially pointed the finger at its Hungary-based partner #BACConsultingKFT, which the Taiwanese company had allowed to use its trademark.

But a Hungarian government spokesman said BAC Consulting KFT was “a trading intermediary, with no manufacturing or operational site in #Hungary”. #Israel #Lebanon

#Taiwan investigators widen probe into Lebanon device blasts
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/taiwan-investigators-widen-probe-into-lebanon-device-blasts

Taiwan investigators widen probe into Lebanon device blasts

Taiwanese investigators initially searched four locations and questioned two people. Read more at straitstimes.com.

The Straits Times

#Hezbollah said that the building targeted was where the Israeli intelligence agency planned the recent attacks using pagers and other wireless devices. The launch came amid #Israel’s bombardment of #Lebanon, which has killed at least 500 people and forced tens of thousands to flee.

Lebanon’s Hezbollah fires missile at Mossad HQ near Israel’s #TelAviv
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/9/25/hezbollah-fires-missile-at-mossad-hq-near-tel-aviv

Lebanon’s Hezbollah fires missile at Mossad HQ near Israel’s Tel Aviv

Israel’s army says projectile it brought down was first fired from Lebanon to reach central Israel.

Al Jazeera

“The key driver for the downgrade is our view that #GeopoliticalRisk has intensified significantly further, to very high levels,” said Moody’s in a statement.

This came as it shifted Israel’s ratings down two notches from A2 to Baa1, marking its second downgrade this year. #Lebanon #Gaza

#Moody’s downgrades #Israel credit rating on high ‘geopolitical risk’
https://business.inquirer.net/482683/moodys-downgrades-israel-credit-rating-on-high-geopolitical-risk#ixzz8n65fZFPJ

Moody’s downgrades Israel credit rating on high ‘geopolitical risk’

WASHINGTON, United States — Ratings agency Moody's downgraded Israel's credit rating Friday, citing heightened geopolitical risks as its conflict with Hezbollah worsened and prospects

INQUIRER.net

The Israeli army has officially announced the killing of #Hezbollah leader #HassanNasrallah.

Nasrallah, who had been the leader of the #Iran-backed militant group for 32 years, was reported to have been the target of Friday’s strikes on #Beirut. #Israel #Lebanon #Gaza

https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/sep/28/middle-east-crisis-live-israel-steps-up-attacks-on-hezbollah-targets-in-lebanon-amid-rising-fears-of-wider-war?page=with:block-66f7b87c8f084418518178aa#block-66f7b87c8f084418518178aa

Middle East crisis live: Israel says it has killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in major escalation of conflict

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said Nasrallah ‘will no longer be able to terrorize the world’

the Guardian

@Norobiik I'd think they would have ditched the walkie talkies or at least taken one apart to check it.

Hopefully at least one of those pagers failed to go off. I'd like to see a tear down to see how they concealed the surprise. Putting it inside the battery, as some have suggested, would not be easy unless you had a battery manufacturing plant.

And there is not a lot of extra space inside a pager.

@mike805 The next 3-7 days are going to be critical. Either Israel quickly drives Hezbollah away from it's northern border with Lebanon so their settlers can return - or we may yet see another Middle East war .

@Norobiik This may well be Israel's prep for an invasion of Lebanon. Last time they tried, there was an ambush waiting on every street corner. Wireless communication was critical to making that work.

Knocking out Hezbollah's comms would be one way to soften them up for another attempt, although pushing the button during the invasion would seem to make more sense.

@mike805 You're not the only one who thinks the timing is off. To get the max benefit of the two (terrible) booby trap explosions, an invasion of Lebanon should have followed immediately after.

Now Hezbollah has the breathing space to reconstruct their communications network cleanly from scratch using equipment from a trustworthy supplier.

@Norobiik In a purely strategic sense, if they were going to do an invasion, they should have triggered the pagers just as the invasion started.

Then trigger the walkie-talkies when the enemy was already set up to ambush them. Hezbollah would have been far too busy dealing with their wounded, and would have no way to communicate.

They will probably put in a large order to Baofeng. Decent quality, wide frequency range, expendable price. Set up a Meshtastic too.

Something forced Israel's hand.

@mike805 Lebanon intelligence figured it was booby trapped pagers pretty quickly. If they knew this beforehand, Hezbollah would have heard about it too in short order.

Baofeng radios are pretty good for the price, very little chance of Mossad booby trapping those.

@Norobiik Always has to be a scapegoat. But wasn't there a meeting with Netanyahu, just after it started, where the incursion was dismissed as no big deal?

This thing smells just like 9/11 and the Afghanistan withdrawal: did they WANT the disaster to happen, or are they really that incompetent?

@mike805 Yup. Also one of the things that contributed to the debacle is hubris & overconfidence on the part of the IDF. They aren't as good as they think they are, having not fought against a comparable opponent for a long time. Badly underestimating Hamas was also a mistake.

IMO, Ukraine's armed forces are better and more battle tested having fought a major power to a standstill. More principled too.

@Norobiik > They aren't as good as they think they are

Israel was pretty awesome a few decades ago when the Arabs tried to gang up on them. Yes they have been coasting on that while fighting non-peers for all this time.

America might well get the same sort of rude awakening if it faced a near-equal adversary. Hamas wasn't even a near-equal, just combined clever use of new tech with kamikaze resolve.