For today, links to 12 reports: from the Cradle, Middle East Eye, the Associated Press, Reuters, Middle East Monitor, and CNN; others or at least headlines are accessible by clicking on their names or initials below. (GAZA 8-18-25 is HERE, or scroll down. WEST BANK and UKRAINE entries for this date are HERE and HERE, or scroll up or down.) — MCM
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NEWER Hamas fighters stage ‘large scale’ attack on Israeli base as Tel Aviv readies Gaza City takeover. From the Cradle. Hamas’s armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, today launched a large-scale raid into an Israeli military encampment in Gaza’s southern city of Khan Yunis, resulting in casualties. An Israeli army assessment says 18 Palestinian resistance fighters participated . . . READ MORE . . .
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Israel steps up Gaza bombing as it signals ceasefire deal rejection, by Mera Aladam | Middle East Eye Israeli fighter jets intensified air strikes in northern Gaza today, as the government approved a plan for the occupation of the strip and signalled its rejection of a ceasefire deal accepted by Hamas. READ MORE . . .
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At least 56 killed in Israeli strikes, 22 while seeking aid: report. From Middle East Eye. The Palestinian health ministry in Gaza says at least 56 Palestinians have been killed and 185 wounded in Israeli attacks over the past 24 hours. Among the dead . . . READ MORE . . . Click HERE for other Middle East Eye report.
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Israel mobilizes thousands of reservists for new fighting in Gaza, by Melanie Lidman and Sam Metz | AP JERUSALEM — Israel is preparing to launch an expanded military operation in Gaza City, possibly in the coming days, even as negotiators scramble to bring Israel and Hamas to a ceasefire to end 22 months of fighting. READ MORE . . . Click HERE for report from Reuters.
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FROM AUG. 19 Hamas agrees to latest Egyptian ceasefire proposal. From the Cradle. Hamas said in a statement on Monday it has accepted the latest Egyptian proposal for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal in the Gaza Strip. READ MORE . . .
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FROM AUG. 19 Egypt says ‘ball in Israel’s court’ to agree to ceasefire after Hamas accepts. From Middle East Eye. Egypt’s foreign minister said on Tuesday that it is now Israel’s responsibility to agree to a 60-day ceasefire proposal after Hamas accepted the deal. READ MORE . . .
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Egyptian foreign minister warns Israel against displacement plans for Palestinians in Gaza. From Middle East Monitor. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Atti has stated firmly in an interview with CNN that Cairo will not tolerate any plans for the displacement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip. READ MORE . . . Click HERE for Aug. 18 report from CNN.
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Aid groups say shelter materials are still not entering Gaza, by Emma Farge and Olivia Poidevin | Reuters GENEVA — International aid groups say they have not yet been able to deliver shelter materials to Gaza despite Israeli authorities saying they have lifted restrictions on such supplies, and warn that further delays could cause more Palestinian deaths. READ MORE . . .
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FROM AUG. 18 Trump says Israeli captives to be released ‘only after Hamas’s defeat.’ From the Cradle. U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that Israeli captives will only be released once Hamas is “destroyed,” openly backing Israel’s plan to occupy Gaza City. READ MORE . . .
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