For today, links to six reports: from National Public Radio, the Associated Press, the Anadolu Agency, Middle East Eye, and Reuters; others are accessible by clicking on their names or initials below. (UKRAINE entry for this date is HERE.) — MCM

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What’s next after a tumultuous week in the Middle East? Reported by Scott Simon, Ruth Sherlock and Jane Arraf | NPR  Deadly attacks have intensified the fighting between Israel and the Iran-backed Lebanese militia Hezbollah. Click HERE to listen and, later, read.

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An Israeli strike on a school kills at least 22 people, Gaza Health Ministry says. From AP. DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — An Israeli strike on a school in northern Gaza today killed at least 22 people, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, while the Israeli army said it targeted a Hamas command center in what used to be a school. Another 30 were wounded . . . READ MORE . . . Click HERE and HERE for reports from Anadolu Agency and Middle East Eye.

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FROM SEPT. 20  Prospects for a Gaza ceasefire dim even as U.S. keeps hope, by Trevor Hunnicutt, Matt Spetalnick and Humeyra Pamuk | Reuters  WASHINGTON — U.S. officials have not given up hope of landing a Gaza cease-fire and hostage deal but are increasingly pessimistic that a breakthrough can come soon, according to sources and officials familiar with the matter. The Wall Street Journal on Thursday reported . . . READ MORE . . .

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FROM SEPT. 20  Israel submits legal challenge to ICC warrants, arguing it should investigate itself. From Middle East Eye. In two legal briefs filed on Friday, Israel says it is challenging both the legality of the International Criminal Court’s request for arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, as well as the court’s jurisdiction. In May, the court’s . . . READ MORE . . .