For today, links to reports from Agence France-Presse, the Associated Press, Reuters, Tass, National Public Radio, the Telegraph and, via Popular Resistance, Common Dreams; others are accessible by clicking on their names or initials below. (UKRAINE entry for this date is HERE.) — MCM
– – –
NEWER Biden, Netanyahu speak on Gaza for first time in a month, by Danny Kemp | AFP U.S. President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke about Gaza today, in their first conversation for nearly a month amid reports of tensions between the leaders. The call came . . . READ MORE . . .
– – –
Rifts emerge among top Israeli officials over how to handle the war against Hamas in Gaza, by Julia Frankel, Najib Jobain and Bassem Mroue | AP JERUSALEM — Rifts are emerging amongtop Israeli officials over the handling of the war against Hamas in Gaza. A member of the country’s War Cabinet . . . READ MORE . . .
– – –
U.S. says ‘no way’ to to solve Israel security, Gaza war without Palestinian state, by Simon Lewis and Humeyra Pamuk | Reuters WASHINGTON — There is “no way” to solve Israel’s long-term security challenges in the region and the short-term challenges of rebuilding Gaza without the establishment of a Palestinian state, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said today. He said Israel . . . READ MORE . . .
– – –
NEWER No more trust toward West for failing to stop Gaza tragedy — Erdogan. From Tass. ISTANBUL — There is no more trust toward the West, which has not taken any steps to prevent the crisis in Gaza, according to Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan. He said the organizations whose tasks include ensuring global security . . . READ MORE . . .
– – –
NEWER Anti-war protesters turn out in Tel Aviv for demonstration approved by police. Reported by Aya Batrawy | NPR Israeli authorities permitted a rare anti-war protest in Tel Aviv. It drew several hundred people who called for an end to the fighting in Gaza, reflecting some of the divisions in Israel. Click HERE to listen and, later, read.
– – –
NEWER Moscow urges release of hostages as it welcomes Hamas, by Timothy Sigsworth | The Telegraph Russia has pushed Hamas for a “speedy release” of the approximately 130 remaining hostages it is holding as it welcomed a delegation from the terror group to Moscow. Moussa Abu Marzouk and Basem Naim, two of the terror group’s most senior officials, met Mikhail Bogdanov, Russia’s deputy foreign minister and former ambassador to Israel, for . . . READ MORE . . .
– – –
NEWER Biden faces pushback within his own party for his unwavering support of Israel. Reported by Asma Khalid | NPR President Biden takes the long view on Middle East peace. But in the short term — in an election year — that could be a problem. Click HERE to listen and, later, read.
– – –
FROM JAN. 16 150 Mennonites arrested at Capitol for peacefully demanding Gaza cease-fire, by Julia Conley | Common Dreams / Popular Resistance The faith-based pro-Palestinian rights group Mennonite Action on Tuesday said that 150 members and supporters were arrested by U.S. Capitol Police for holding a peaceful occupation of the Cannon House Office Building, demanding . . . READ MORE . . .