For today, links to six reports: from the Associated Press, the Cradle, Common Dreams, National Public Radio, and Reuters, and to commentary from Indian Punchline and Middle East Eye; other published material is accessible by clicking on their names or initials below. (WEST BANK, LEBANON, SYRIA and IRAN entries for this date are HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE.) — MCM
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Trump warns ‘no guarantees’ fragile Gaza truce will hold as Netanyahu heads to DC for talks, by Aamer Madhani and Tia Goldenberg | AP WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu were set to meet today as the Israeli prime minister faces competing pressure from his right-wing coalition to end a temporary truce against Hamas militants in Gaza and from war-weary Israelis who . . . READ MORE . . .
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Trump approves $1 billion in new bombs, armored bulldozers for Israel. From the Cradle. U.S. President Donald Trump has asked Congress to approve transferring $1 billion worth of additional bombs and other military equipment to Israel, The Wall Street Journal reported today. READ MORE . . .
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FROM FEB. 3 Official Gaza death toll soars to 62,000, by Julia Conley | Common Dreams / Consortium News Authorities in Gaza and human rights advocates have warned for months that because of the devastation of the enclave’s healthcare system and civil services, the official death toll was likely a significant undercount — and on Monday, officials said . . . READ MORE . . .
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FROM FEB. 3 Trump has a deal for Netanyahu when they meet Tuesday. Will he take it? Reported by Daniel Estrin | NPR TEL AVIV — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s White House visit Tuesday will be rife with symbolism: He’s the first world leader to meet President Trump since the inauguration two weeks ago. It will also be a crucial day for the future of the Middle East — and Netanyahu himself. Click HERE to listen and read.
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Palestinian statehood ‘key to resolve all issues’ in West Asia: Lavrov. From the Cradle. “The two-state solution has the support of all external powers,” including the Biden administration, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said during a conference in Moscow. “The Trump administration has not yet . . . READ MORE . . .
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A Gaza family’s journey home to the ruins, by Ramadan Abed and Dawoud Abu Alkas | Reuters The family of Ismael Mohammed had learned from relatives that their home had been destroyed in an air strike, but they had been ready to return as soon as the ceasefire was agreed. READ MORE . . .
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FROM FEB. 3 Trump turn is bad news for West Asia, by M.K. Bhadrakumar | Indian Punchline On Tuesday the international community will get to see President Donald Trump wading into the midstream of West Asia’s crisis, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu enters the Oval Office hoping for an opportunity to shape U.S. regional policy. Do you get déjà vu? . . . READ MORE . . .
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FROM FEB. 3 Gaza is a Palestinian homeland, not Trump’s luxury resort, by Soumaya Ghannoushi | Middle East Eye Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already set in motion the outcome U.S. President Donald Trump wants. READ MORE . . .