For today, links to seven reports from Reuters, the Cradle, the Associated Press, Middle East Eye, and Middle East Monitor; others are accessible by clicking on their names or initials below. (SYRIA and UKRAINE entries for this date are HERE and HERE.) — MCM

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Israeli strikes kill dozens in Gaza Strip as new ceasefire talks begin. From Reuters. An Israeli military strike killed 12 people in a house in Gaza City early today, bringing the death toll from strikes across Gaza to 62 over the last day, Palestinian medics said, as mediators launched . . . READ MORE . . . Click HERE and HERE for report from AP and Middle East Eye.

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Israel steps up massacres in Gaza as officials weigh more restrictions on humanitarian aid. From the Cradle. Israeli air strikes across Gaza have killed 62 Palestinians over the last day, Palestinian medics said, amid reports that Israel plans to reduce aid allowed to enter the besieged enclave after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes office. READ MORE . . .

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FROM JAN. 3  Hamas wants Gaza ceasefire as soon as posssible, senior official says, by Hannah Sarisohn | Reuters  —  Hamas said a new round of indirect talks on a Gaza ceasefire resumed in Qatar’s Doha on Friday, stressing the group’s seriousness in seeking to reach a deal as soon as possible, senior Hamas official Basem Naim said. READ MORE . . .

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FROM JAN. 3  U.S. plans $8 billion arms sale to Israel, U.S. official says, by Mike Stone and Kanishka Singh | Reuters  — The administration of President Joe Biden has notified Congress of a proposed $8 billion arms sale to Israel, a U.S. official said on Friday, with Washington maintaining support for its ally whose war in Gaza has killed tens of thousands. READ MORE . . . Click HERE for report from Middle East Monitor.