Conflict pause and Hostage /Prisonor swaps talks continue with Israel keeping the pressure on with Rafah action threats….
Reports are that the Saudi’s joined American jets in striking Houthi tragets in Yemen….
Israeli officials will meet Saturday night on the next steps after the latest talks with the United States, Egypt and Qatar in search of a deal on pausing the fighting in Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.
But Netanyahu announced that he’ll convene the Cabinet early next week to “approve the operational plans for action in Rafah,” including the evacuation of civilians, despite widespread warnings from the international community about a military ground operation in the southern city where more than half of Gaza’s population shelters. “Only a combination of military pressure and firm negotiations” would achieve Israel’s aims in the war, he said.
A senior official from Egypt, which along with Qatar is a mediator between Israel and the Hamas militant group, said mediators were waiting for Israel’s official response to a draft deal that includes the release of up to 40 women and older hostages held in Gaza in return for up to 300 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, mostly women, minors and older people….
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Israel is talking about more ‘land for peace’ West Bank settlements…..
Israel plans to build more than 3,300 new homes in settlements in the Israeli-occupied West Bank in response to a fatal Palestinian shooting attack, a senior Cabinet minister said. The decision drew an angry response from the U.S. at a time of growing tensions over the course of Israel’s war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Israel’s finance minister, far-right firebrand Bezalel Smotrich, announced the new settlement plans late Thursday, after three Palestinian gunmen opened fire on cars near the Maale Adumim settlement, killing one Israeli and wounding five.
“The serious attack on Ma’ale Adumim must have a determined security response but also a settlement response,” Smotrich wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “Our enemies know that any harm to us will lead to more construction and more development and more of our hold all over the country.”…
Here’s what we’re covering:
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American and British warplanes hit missile systems, launchers and other targets, U.S. officials said.
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U.S. takes a harder line on Israel in words, but not in deeds.
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Biden’s reversal on Israeli settlements, days before the Michigan primary, shows the political bind he’s in.
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U.S. warns of environmental damage if a vessel struck by the Houthis sinks.
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U.N. human rights experts urge nations to stop exporting arms to Israel…..