Mixed bag…..
Israeli troops are pressinga against a Hamas Khan Younis stronghold in Gaza…..
There is a report of a possible ‘pause for the hostagees deal being discussed ‘….
Protetsors rushed a Knesset session to push for a effort to free the remaining hostages….
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is still HARD against a Plaestian home rule in Gaza something the American President, Saudia Araba and other countries are pushing just as hard….
The US and UK keep pounding the Houthi’s in Yemen….
Here’s what we know:
At the European Union’s headquarters in Brussels, officials were confused by Israel’s presentation and pressed for recognition of the importance of moving toward a Palestinian state.
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Israel’s foreign minister comes under pressure from E.U. officials in Brussels.
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The U.S. and Britain strike Houthi sites in Yemen.
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The area around Khan Younis is ‘essentially besieged,’ a relief official says.
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Protesters storm a meeting at Israel’s Parliament as anger over hostages grows.
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The Pentagon names two SEALs lost in a Jan. 11 raid aimed at halting weapons components bound for Yemen.
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U.S. sanctions Fly Baghdad, an Iraqi budget airline, saying it aided Iranian-linked groups.
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Israel’s military says it will review its demolition of a university building in Gaza….
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Israeli forces appeared to ramp up ground and aerial attacks overnight around the southern Gazan city of Khan Younis, according to local media and eyewitnesses, after Israel’s defense minister said operations there were “in full swing.”
Jan 22, 2024 – ISW Press
Israeli forces “expanded” ground operations in Khan Younis to “dismantle” Hamas’ military forces in Khan Younis. The IDF 98th Division is executing the “expanded” ground operation in western Khan Younis. Palestinian militias are continuing to execute a deliberate defense against the Israeli ground operation in western Khan Younis. Israeli media described the operation as the “fiercest battle” between the IDF and Palestinian militias. The operation aims to “dismantle” Hamas’ military forces in Khan Younis over “several days” by raiding Hamas outposts, “strongholds,” and capturing Hamas infrastructure. An Israeli military correspondent reported that the 98th Division isolated the Khan Younis Refugee Camp after airstrikes overnight on January 21 and 22. See the Gaza Strip Axis for more details on this development.
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Possible ‘pause’ in hostilities?
Israel has given Hamas a proposal through Qatari and Egyptian mediators that includes up to two months of a pause in the fighting as part of a multi-phase deal that would include the release of all remaining hostages held in Gaza, two Israeli officials said.
Why it matters: While the proposal doesn’t include an agreement to end the war, it is the longest period of ceasefire that Israel has offered Hamas since the start of the war.
Driving the news: More than 130 hostages are still being held in Gaza. Israeli officials say several dozen hostages either died on October 7 or in the weeks since then.
- President Biden’s adviser Brett McGurk travelled to Egypt on Sunday and will continue to Qatar afterward for talks aimed at making progress in the negotiations to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.
- Qatari and Egyptian mediators have been trying for weeks to bridge the gaps between the parties in order to make progress towards a deal.
- U.S. officials told Axios that reaching such an agreement might be the only path that could lead to a ceasefire in Gaza.
Behind the scenes: Two Israeli officials said the Israeli war cabinet approved ten days ago the parameters of a new proposal for a hostage deal, which are different from past aspects of deals rejected by Hamas and more forward-leaning than previous Israeli proposals….