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According to Israeli officials, about 100 hostages are still being held in Gaza. Qatar and Egypt have been acting as intermediaries between Israel and Hamas, which do not negotiate directly. The talks had appeared to stall last week, after discussions held in Cairo failed to reach a breakthrough. Mr. Kirby said Mr. McGurk intended to press the Israeli war cabinet for its plans for its military operation in Rafah. Israeli and U.S. officials have argued that an immediate cease-fire would allow Hamas to regroup and fortify in Gaza, and reduce the pressure for making a deal to release hostages held in the territory.

Persons: Biden’s, Benjamin Netanyahu, David Barnea, William Burns, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim, Abbas Kamel, Ismail Haniyeh, Haniyeh, Israel’s, Netanyahu, Benny Gantz, Brett McGurk, Yoav Gallant, “, Brett, ”, John Kirby, McGurk, Mr, ” Mr, Kirby, Gallant, Adam Sella, Cassandra Vinograd Organizations: Qatari, White, Mr, National Security Council, United, Security Locations: U.S, Paris, Gaza, Israel, Thani, Qatar, Egypt, Cairo, Gaza’s, Rafah, Tel Aviv, United States

☆ In the West Bank, an independent Palestine remains a distant dream
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-17 | by ( Ivana Kottasová | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

Ramallah and Jerusalem CNN —The world is once again talking about a Palestinian state. Under the Oslo Accords peace agreement, the West Bank has been split into three distinct areas, depending on who is in charge. Israel has full administrative and security control over 60% of the West Bank area, which it continues settling its citizens in. Earlier this month, Biden issued an executive order imposing sanctions on four settlers accused of directly perpetrating violence or intimidation in the West Bank. It was largely here that the plans for a future Palestinian state and its institutions were drawn up.

Persons: Joe Biden, Benjamin Netanyahu, Khalil Shikaki, ”, Ivana Kottasova, “, Israel, –, Biden, CNN Diana Buttu, , it’s, Buttu, ” Buttu, “ We’re, Jo Shelley, Shikaki, Sojoud, Mahmoud Abbas, ” Shikaki, Adnan Joulani, David, Cameron Organizations: Jerusalem CNN, Palestinian Center, Policy, Survey Research, CNN, Palestinian Authority, West Bank, Orient House, Palestine Liberation Organization, Israel, International Court of Justice, Oslo Accords, Fatah, PLO, Israeli Police, Palestinian, Society, International Affairs, British Locations: Ramallah, Jerusalem, Palestinian, Israel, United States, Palestine, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, East Jerusalem, Gaza, Oslo, South Africa, Old City, Orient

☆ Opinion: The crux of Israel’s challenge
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-15 | by ( Opinion Frida Ghitis | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

She is a weekly opinion contributor to CNN, a contributing columnist to The Washington Post and a columnist for World Politics Review. Rafah encapsulates the perverse genius of the Hamas strategy, and the unwinnable moral dilemmas it created with the war it deliberately provoked. The crux of the matter remains how to make Hamas relinquish power in Gaza. If Hamas leaders leave, surrender, or lay down their arms, the war could end. Hamas leaders vow that massacres like they committed on October 7 will happen “again and again,” that Israel cannot be allowed to exist.

Persons: Frida Ghitis, CNN —, William Burns, David Barnea, Fatah, “, Said Khatib, —, Joe Biden, Ofri Bibas, Hitler, Eichmann, Goebbels … ”, Biden, Benjamin Netanyahu, Jordan’s King Abdullah, ”, John Kirby, there’s, Mahmoud Abbas, Netanyahu Organizations: CNN, Washington Post, Politics, Frida Ghitis CNN, CIA, West Bank, Getty, Hamas, Israel, Wall Street, Health Ministry, National Security, New York Times, United Arab, Palestinian Locations: Iran, Gaza, Israel, Cairo, Rafah, Egypt, AFP, Hague, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Palestinian

☆ Live updates: Israel-Hamas war, two Israeli hostages rescued as dozens of Palestinians killed in Rafah
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-12 | by ( Kathleen Magramo | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

Mahmoud Abbas during a meeting in Amman, Jordan, on October 17, 2023. Jacquelyn Martin/AP/FilePalestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas arrived on Sunday in Doha, Qatar, which has been a key mediator in the negotiations between Israel and Hamas. The Palestinian Authority is a government body with limited self-rule in the West Bank. The visit comes as CIA director Bill Burns is expected to travel to Cairo for a Tuesday meeting to push for a hostage release deal, according to two sources familiar with the plans. One of the sources said Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani and Israel's Mossad Director David Barnea are also expected to be in attendance.

Persons: Mahmoud Abbas, Jacquelyn Martin, Abbas, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Bill Burns, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman, David Barnea Organizations: Palestinian, West Bank, Qatari Locations: Amman, Jordan, Doha, Qatar, Israel, Cairo, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al, Thani

☆ Palestinians brace for Rafah evacuation, Israeli assault plan
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-10 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Trapped in and around Rafah, more than 1 million Palestinians braced for Israel to complete a plan to evacuate them and launch a ground assault against Hamas fighters in the southern Gaza city. "There is a sense of growing anxiety, growing panic in Rafah," said Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the UNRWA agency. Doctors and aid workers are struggling to supply even basic aid to Palestinians sheltering around Rafah. The United Nations said Palestinian civilians in Rafah require protection, but there should be no forced mass displacement, which is barred by international law. Hamas gunmen killed some 1,200 people and took 253 hostages in the Oct. 7 rampage into southern Israel, according to Israeli tallies.

Persons: Khan Yunis, Philippe Lazzarini, Benjamin Netanyahu's, Netanyahu, Karine Jean, Pierre, Jan Egeland, Netanyahu's, Mahmoud Abbas, Israel, ActionAid Organizations: Palestinian, Hamas, United Nations, Norwegian Refugee Council, Palestinian Authority, West Bank . Locations: Rafah, Gaza, Israel, Palestinian, Washington, U.S, Egypt, Gazans

☆ Biden's biggest problem in 2024 isn't age or a shaky memory. It's the war in Israel.
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-09 | by ( Bryan Metzger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

download the appSign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. AdvertisementBut among rank-and-file Democratic voters, the situation is far more dire and could threaten Biden's chances of being reelected next November. According to one recent poll, 50% of Democrats believe Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. While many Democrats who believe that may be willing to support Biden anyway, there's a sizeable portion who may decline to support Biden's reelection. In contrast to questions about Israel, top Democrats have quickly moved to dismiss questions about the special counsel report.

Persons: —, Joe Biden, Biden, Abdel Fattah el, he's, Israel, Donald Trump, Trump, Layla Elabed, Rashida, Abbas Alawieh, James Comey, Hillary Clinton's Organizations: Service, Business, Democratic, Biden, Democratic Rep, Israel Locations: Gaza, Mexico, Israel, Michigan, Israel . Michigan

☆ US Won't Restart UNRWA Aid Until Investigation Completed -Officials
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-09 | by ( Feb. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

By Andrea ShalalWASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Biden administration plans to wait for an internal investigation of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees to conclude before resuming aid to the organization, U.S. officials told Arab-American community leaders in Michigan. UNRWA officials say they expect the U.N. oversight office's preliminary investigation report to take several weeks. "They did tell us in that meeting that they ... expect that the president will be shifting his language," Alawieh said. ... We're looking for action from President Biden that saves lives." Israel began its military offensive after militants from Hamas-ruled Gaza killed 1,200 people and took 253 hostages on Oct. 7.

Persons: Andrea Shalal WASHINGTON, Biden, Samantha Power, Joe Biden's, Ali Dagher, Abbas Alawieh, Alawieh, Israel, Andrea Shalal, Heather Timmons, Jonathan Oatis Organizations: United Nations, Michigan . U.S . Agency for International, Reuters, Israel Locations: American, Michigan ., Michigan, Israel, Gaza, U.S, Lebanese, Dearborn, Arab, Detroit

☆ Why Rashida Tlaib's sister is trying to get voters to choose 'uncommitted' over Biden in the Michigan Democratic primary
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-09 | by ( Bryan Metzger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Read previewAs President Joe Biden faces fresh questions related to his age and memory , another point of pressure is brewing in the battleground state of Michigan. Elabed is Tlaib’s younger sister, while Alawieh was once a top staffer to the Michigan congresswoman. Today, I’m joining 30+ of my elected colleagues from across SE Michigan in pledging to cast an “Uncommitted” vote in the upcoming presidential primary election. Uncommitted Michigan Democrats opposed to Biden’s policy in Gaza can demonstrate that we hold his margin of victory for re-election,” reads the group’s website . “Senior Biden officials were talking about the mistakes as more of a messaging problem,” said Alawieh.

Persons: —, Joe Biden, Biden, ”, Layla Elabed, Abbas Alawieh, Alawieh, “, Rashida Tlaib, Elabed, Tlaib, Tlaib’s, I’m, — Abdullah H, “ Trump, “ Biden, Robert Hur’s Organizations: Service, Business, Michigan Democrats, Democratic Rep, American, Democratic, Muslim, Michigan, Uncommitted Michigan, Biden White, Biden, United Locations: Michigan, Gaza, Israel, “, Dearborn, Detroit, Palestinian, Lebanon, Dearborn Heights, Hamtramck, United States

☆ Some Arab American leaders left frustrated after meeting with Biden officials in Michigan over Israel-Hamas war
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-08 | by ( Michael Williams | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Washington CNN —Some Arab American leaders signaled clear discontent with what they heard from Biden administration officials in Michigan Thursday after meetings meant to address a key constituency’s frustration with US policy around the Israel-Hamas war. Michigan, which Biden narrowly won in his 2020 matchup against then-President Donald Trump, will be a crucial battleground again this November. The Muslim American vote could be especially critical. At least 146,620 of the 200,000 Muslim American voters in Michigan cast a ballot in the 2020 election cycle, according to an analysis by Emgage, an organization aimed at boosting the Muslim American vote. Arab American leaders spurned a previous meeting that had been scheduled with Biden campaign officials, not with administration policymakers.

Persons: reticence, “, Biden, ” “, Abbas Alawieh, Benjamin, Trump, MAGA, uncommitted, Donald Trump, Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud, Wayne, Assad Turfe, Turfe, ” Turfe, ” Hammoud Organizations: Washington CNN, Biden, Michigan, Israel, Hamas, Democratic, American, territory’s Health Ministry, Dearborn Mayor Locations: Michigan, Israel, Gaza, United States

☆ Hamas demands release of Marwan Barghouti, the 'Palestinian Mandela,' report says
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-04 | by ( Rebecca Rommen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Read previewHamas is demanding that Israel releases the high-profile Palestinian prisoner Marwan Barghouti amid tense cease-fire talks, The Associated Press reported. As the most well-known prisoner held by Israel and a potential future Palestinian president, Barghouti's freedom is at the center of negotiations. AdvertisementAccording to the think tank the European Council on Foreign Relations, Barghouti is "often described by Palestinians as the 'Palestinian Mandela.'" He is the most popular politician among Palestinians, ahead of Abbas and Hamas' leader, Ismail Haniyeh, according to an opinion poll published in December. Israel is demanding that Hamas releases over 100 hostages, while the latter is calling for Israel to cease its offensive and release thousands of prisoners.

Persons: —, Marwan Barghouti, Palestinian Mandela, Mahmoud Abbas, Nelson Mandela, Barghouti, Mohamad Torokman, Abbas, Ismail Haniyeh, Benjamin Netanyahu Organizations: Service, Israel, Associated Press, Business, Palestinian Ministry of Prisoner Affairs, West Bank, European Council, Foreign Relations, Fatah, REUTERS Locations: Israel, Palestinian, South Africa, Ramallah, Gaza

Now Marwan Barghouti's freedom is at stake in cease-fire negotiations between Hamas and Israel. Hamas leaders demanded Friday that Israel release Barghouti, a leader of the militant group’s main political rival, as part of any deal to end the fighting in Gaza. Israel is seeking the release of more than 100 hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza. With the lives of over 100 hostages now hanging in the balance, there is more pressure than ever on Israel to release Palestinian prisoners. That may make conditions ripe for a deal that could simultaneously win Barghouti’s release and bolster Hamas’ standing among Palestinians.

Persons: — He's, Nelson Mandela, He's, Marwan Barghouti's, Barghouti, “, ”, Qadoura, Osama Hamdan, Benjamin Netanyahu, HaMoked, Hamdan, — Barghouti, Ahmad Saadat, Saadat, Mahmoud Abbas ’ Fatah, Abbas, Fatah, Ismail Haniyeh, Yehya Sinwar, Fares Organizations: JERUSALEM, Israel, Palestinian Ministry of Prisoner Affairs, West Bank, Hamas, Palestinian Authority, West, Bir Zeit University Locations: Israel, Gaza, Palestinian, Hamas, West Bank, Jerusalem —, Kobar, Bir, Jordan

☆ Who are Israeli settlers and why are they so controversial?
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-02 | by ( Abbas Allawati | Abbas Al Lawati | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

On Thursday, the State Department announced the first round of sanctions targeting Israeli settlers accused of perpetrating violence in the West Bank. There are more than 450,000 Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank. Settlers in the West Bank fall under Israeli civilian rule and have their own road and transportation networks, while Palestinian residents fall under Israeli military rule, are forced to go through Israeli military checkpoints, and are largely barred from entering Jewish settlements. And in Area C, which is 60% of the West Bank, Israel retains full security and administrative control. The report rejected the applicability of the Fourth Geneva Convention to the West Bank, arguing that the West Bank was never a legitimate part of any Arab state.

Persons: Biden, Israel, Israel’s, Benjamin Netanyahu, Ronaldo Schemidt, –, Netanyahu Organizations: CNN, State Department, West Bank, White, Israeli, Getty, The West Bank, Oslo Accords, Bank, West, West Bank . Settlers, Palestinian Authority, Israel, Geneva Convention, United Nations Security, Fourth, Fourth Geneva Convention Locations: Israel, Palestinian, Gaza, East Jerusalem, Huwara, Nablus, AFP, West, Jordan, Sinai, Egypt, Syria, Oslo, Hebron, West Bank, Oslo Accords, Ramallah, United States, Fourth Geneva, Judea, Samaria

The dispute engulfing the biggest provider of vital aid to Palestinians came as U.S. officials said negotiators were closing in on a cease-fire agreement. The emerging deal also calls for Israel to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza. The top United Nations court has asked Israel for a compliance report in a month, placing added scrutiny on Israel's military. The case brought by South Africa to the U.N. court alleged Israel is committing genocide, which Israel vehemently denies. The court also ordered Israel to urgently get aid to Gaza.

Persons: Antonio Guterres, ” Guterres, ”, Philippe Lazzarini, Bill Burns, David Barnea, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman, Abbas Kamel, Benjamin Netanyahu, “, Israel, Khan Younis, Nasser, ___ Shurafa, Madhani, Matthew Lee, Zeke Miller Organizations: United Nations, UNRWA, Biden, CIA, Qatari, International Court of Justice, World Health Organization, MSF Locations: RAFAH, Gaza, Israel, United States, Britain, Germany, Italy, France, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, ISRAEL, South Africa, Khan, Deir, Washington, israel

☆ Israeli PM's Office Says 'Gaps' Remain After Meeting on Hostage Deal
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-28 | by ( Jan. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Talks held on Sunday initiated by Qatar, the United States and Egypt to broker a hostage deal between Israel and Hamas were "constructive" but meaningful gaps remain, the Israeli prime minister's office said. "There are still significant gaps in which the parties will continue to discuss this week in additional mutual meetings," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement. U.S. Central Intelligence Agency Director William Burns and the head of Israel's Mossad intelligence service, David Barnea, met with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, along with the head of Egyptian intelligence, Abbas Kamel, the statement said. Some 1,200 people were killed and 253 abducted, according to Israeli officials. The U.S. and Israeli intelligence chiefs have previously met with Qatari and Egyptian officials, helping to broker a short-lived truce in November that saw more than 100 hostages freed.

Persons: Benjamin Netanyahu's, William Burns, David Barnea, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman, Abbas Kamel, Joe Biden's, Emily RoseEditing, Jane Merriman, Frances Kerry Organizations: . Central Intelligence Agency, Qatari Prime, Hamas Locations: JERUSALEM, Qatar, United States, Egypt, Israel, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Europe, Gaza, U.S

In the first phase, fighting would stop to allow for the remaining women, elderly and wounded hostages to be released by Hamas. Netanyahu has faced increasing pressure from the families of many hostages who are demanding a deal to win their loved ones’ release. The Oct. 7 attack killed some 1,200 people in Israel, and Hamas and other militants abducted around 250 people. Around 100 hostages were freed under a weeklong cease-fire deal in November in exchange for the release of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Hamas has said it will free more captives only in exchange for an end to the war and the release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners.

Persons: Bill Burns, David Barnea, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman, Abbas Kamel, Joe Biden, Abdel Fattah el, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al, “, ” Burns, Brett McGurk, Burns, Biden, McGurk, Benjamin Netanyahu, Netanyahu, ___ Miller Organizations: WASHINGTON, — U.S, New York Times, Qatari, White, Israel Locations: Israel, Gaza, U.S, France, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Thani, Columbia , South Carolina

CNN —Efforts to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza and broker a prolonged pause in fighting are at an important juncture as President Joe Biden deploys his point person on hostage talks to Europe for multiparty talks on the contours of a possible agreement. He said on Friday, Biden had spoken to Egypt’s President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi as well as Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to discuss ongoing hostage talks. “We continue to do everything we can to facilitate another hostage deal just like we did back in November,” Kirby said. Each stage would come with a pause in fighting and the delivery of aid to the North and South of Gaza. The White House on Thursday reiterated its gratitude for Qatar — which has acted as a key mediator in hostage talks — in response to the leaked recording.

Persons: Joe Biden, Bill Burns, David Barnea, Abbas Kamel, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Burns, Barnea, John Kirby, “, ” Kirby, Biden, Abdel Fatah al, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Al Thani, Kirby, Brett McGurk, ”, Benjamin Netanyahu, Yoav Gallant, Netanyahu, Netanyahu’s, Betsy Klein, Katie Bo Lillis Organizations: CNN, CIA, White House, Qatari, White, National Security, Hamas, Biden, Qatar Locations: Gaza, Europe, Israel, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al, France, Washington, Qatar, Egypt, South, Palestinian, Gulf

U.S. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Biden spoke with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi and Qatar's ruling emir, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani. The meeting will focus on the release of hostages in exchange for a pause in hostilities. Political Cartoons View All 253 ImagesThe CIA and the White House National Security Council declined to comment on the meeting. Some 1,200 people were killed and Hamas and other militants abducted around 250 people during their Oct. 7 rampage in southern Israel. Around 100 hostages were freed under a weeklong cease-fire deal in November in exchange for the release of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

Persons: Joe Biden, John Kirby, Biden, Abdel Fattah el, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al, ” Kirby, Bill Burns, David Barnea, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman, Abbas Kamel, Burns, Brett McGurk, McGurk, Antony Blinken Organizations: WASHINGTON, Qatari, Gaza . U.S . National Security, CIA, U.S, White House National Security, White House Locations: Israel, Gaza . U.S, Thani, Europe, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Gaza

☆ Why both South Africa and Israel are welcoming the UN court’s ruling in a landmark genocide case
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-26 | by ( Nadeen Ebrahim | Abbas Allawati | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —A historic ruling by the United Nations’ top court in a genocide case against Israel on Friday was welcomed by the three main parties it involved: Israel, South Africa and the Palestinians. The International Court of Justice in The Hague, the Netherlands, ordered Israel to “take all measures” to prevent genocide in Gaza after South Africa accused Israel of violating international laws on genocide in its war in the territory. It rejected Israel’s request for the case to be thrown out, but it also stopped short of ordering Israel to halt the war as South Africa has asked. “I would have wanted a ceasefire,” said South African foreign minister Naledi Pandor after the ruling in The Hague. Mohammed el-Kurd, a Palestinian activist from Jerusalem, said the ICJ failed on South Africa’s “most important request” to suspend the military operations.

Persons: “, Israel, ”, Naledi Pandor, Eylon Levi, ” Avi Mayer, ” Shelly Aviv Yeini, ” Robbie Sabel, Sabel, Yeini, didn’t, Mohammed el Organizations: CNN, United Nations ’, Israel, Court of Justice, Convention, Israel’s Haifa University, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, ICJ Locations: Israel, South Africa, The Hague, Netherlands, Gaza, Palestinian, Jerusalem, “

U.S. officials said Israel’s apparent willingness to agree to a cessation of hostilities in return for the release of more hostages being held in Gaza has created a new opening for negotiations. Any new deal would likely include phased releases of hostages, though the White House is hoping that a more ambitious one, possibly leading to the release of all of the remaining hostages, might be possible. The talks were mediated by Qatar, which was negotiating with Hamas, as well as by Egypt. At least some of the officials last met in Warsaw in December, but those discussions stalled over Hamas’s insistence that the remaining hostages be released in exchange for a permanent cease-fire and larger prisoner releases. Israel rejected any permanent cease-fire and was pushing for a shorter pause in fighting.

Persons: William J, Burns, David Barnea, Barnea, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim, Abbas Kamel, Israel Organizations: Qatari, Hamas Locations: Europe, United States, Gaza, Israel, Qatar, Egypt, Thani, Warsaw

☆ Families of Israeli Hostages Protest at Border Crossing to Block Aid to Gaza
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-25 | by ( Julian E. Barnes | Eric Schmitt | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +5 min

Hamas officials say they will only release the remaining hostages in Gaza, believed to number more than 100, as part of a comprehensive cease-fire. Israeli officials have suggested they might consider a permanent cease-fire if Hamas’s Gaza leadership leave the strip and go into exile, the two diplomats said. Hamas officials have rejected that idea. “Hamas and its leaders are on their land in Gaza,” Husam Badran, a senior Hamas official, said in a text message. Mr. Netanyahu has largely ruled out the return of the Palestinian Authority, in its present form, to ruling Gaza.

Persons: William J, Burns, Brett McGurk, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s, Husam, Netanyahu, “, Mahmoud Abbas, Abbas Organizations: Wednesday, Qatari, White, Gaza, Hamas, Biden, Palestinian Authority, West Bank, Fatah Locations: Tel Aviv, Gaza, Europe, Israel, Qatar, Egypt, Western, U.S, Palestinian

☆ Explainer-What Is the Two-State Solution to the Israel-Palestinian Conflict?
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-25 | by ( Jan. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +10 min

Obstacles have long impeded the two-state solution, which envisages Israeli and Palestinian states alongside each other. Advocates of the two-state solution have envisaged a Palestine in the Gaza Strip and West Bank linked by a corridor through Israel. As the two-state solution has floundered, talk of a one-state solution has risen. U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres, in a Jan. 23 speech, said the two-state solution remained the only way to address the aspirations of Israelis and Palestinians. He criticised "clear and repeated rejection of the two-state solution at the highest levels of the Israeli government".

Persons: Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel, Yasser Arafat, Yitzhak Rabin, Rabin, Bill Clinton, Arafat, Ehud Barak, Camp David, Jerusalem, Joe Biden, Abdel Fattah al, Abbas, Mahmoud Abbas, Bezalel Smotrich, Netanyahu, Abbas's Fatah, Biden, Osama Hamdan, General Antonio Guterres, Nidal al, Ali Sawafta, Maayan Lubell, Dan Williams, Ari Rabinovitch, Tom Perry, Angus MacSwan Organizations: Reuters, United Nations, Arab League, Israel, West Bank, Palestine Liberation Organization, PLO, Palestinian Authority, Israeli, Bank, Geneva Accord, Finance Locations: Washington, Gaza, Palestinian, Jordan, Jerusalem, Palestine, Europe, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, East Jerusalem, Egypt, U.S, Oslo, Israeli, West Bank, Jordanian, Oslo Accords, U.N

☆ Widening Mideast Crisis Families of Israeli Hostages Plan Protest at Border Crossing Used for Aid to Gaza
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-25 | by ( Victoria Kim | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +4 min

Egypt, which borders the Gaza Strip, has also played a key role. Another key negotiating track involves the future of the Gaza Strip after the guns fall silent. Hamas seized control of Gaza in 2007, expelling the rival Fatah party, which dominates the Palestinian Authority. Mr. Netanyahu has largely ruled out the return of the Palestinian Authority to ruling Gaza, at least in its present form. Complicating matters further, the Palestinian Authority, led by Mahmoud Abbas, faces severe internal challenges.

Persons: Brett McGurk, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s, Husam, Netanyahu, “, Mahmoud Abbas, Abbas Organizations: Wednesday, White, Gaza, Hamas, Biden, Palestinian Authority, West Bank, Fatah Locations: Tel Aviv, Israel, Gaza, Qatar, Europe, Egypt, Western, U.S, Palestinian, Palestine

☆ Iran-backed groups in the Middle East and major US military deployments
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-24 | by ( Nadeen Ebrahim | Abbas Allawati | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

The US has attacked Iranian-backed groups in Yemen, Syria and Iraq, while Iran-linked groups have targeted American personnel in Iraq and Syria. The US, having been trying to pivot away from the Middle East for years, finds itself drawn back into the region. And in some places, including Iraq and Syria, the US military presence overlaps that of Iran and its allies. The US has around 13,500 US forces in Kuwait, the largest American military presence in the region. The US this month quietly reached an agreement that extends its military presence for another 10 years at the base.

Persons: Yemen’s, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, Harakat, Sayyid, Al, Haq, Asad, Bashar al, Assad, Israel, Ali, Dalton Williams Organizations: UAE CNN, Hamas, Islamic, Navy, Marine Expeditionary Unit, Institute for National Security, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, National Intelligence, Badr Organization, Asad Air Base, Erbil AB, Al, Force, Fatemiyoun, ISIS, Syria Security, Syrian Democratic Forces, Syrian Free Army, CNN, Gaza, US Air Force, Battalion, 163rd Cavalry Regiment, Ali Al Salem Air Base, U.S . Air Force, Washington, United Arab, US, Udeid, Base, Forward Headquarters, Combined Air Operations Centre, Prince Sultan Air Base, UAE, Al Dhafra, Al Dhafra Air Base, Gulf Air Warfare Center, US Naval Forces Central Command Locations: Abu Dhabi, UAE, Israel, Iran, US, Iranian, Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Tehran, Pakistan, Islamic Republic, Washington, Lebanon Lebanon, East, Lebanon, Gaza, Tel Aviv, Iraq Tehran, Baghdad, Al, Erbil, Syria Iran, Syrian, Pakistani, ”, Red, Saudi, Yemen’s, Kuwait, U.S, Palestinian, Arab, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Qatar, Doha, Al Dhafra Air, Bahrain, Jordan, Incirlik

Hamas officials say they will only release the remaining hostages in Gaza, believed to number more than 100, as part of a comprehensive cease-fire. Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, said on Sunday that he would not accept any deal for a permanent cease-fire that left Hamas in control of Gaza. Israeli officials have suggested they might consider a permanent cease-fire if Hamas’s Gaza leadership leave the strip and go into exile, the two diplomats said. Hamas officials have rejected that idea. “Hamas and its leaders are on their land in Gaza,” Husam Badran, a senior Hamas official, said in a text message.

Persons: William J, Burns, Brett McGurk, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s, Husam, Netanyahu, “, Mahmoud Abbas, Abbas Organizations: Qatari, White, Gaza, Hamas, Biden, Palestinian Authority, West Bank, Fatah Locations: Gaza, Europe, Israel, Qatar, Egypt, Western, U.S, Palestinian

☆ AFCON: Egypt reaches knockout stages after wild finale as Ghana crumbles
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-23 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Egypt reached the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stages thanks to a 2-2 draw against Cape Verde in a stunning finale to Group B, as Ghana threw away a 2-0 lead to move to the brink of an early tournament exit. Going into the final round of matches, Cape Verde had already secured top spot but Egypt, Ghana and Mozambique all had a chance of reaching the last 16. Their disappointment, however, would be short lived and they were quickly informed that Ghana had squandered its 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Mozambique in the 91st and 94th minute. Relief will certainly be the overriding emotion for an Egypt team that has struggled to make much of an impression at the tournament so far. Ghana blew a 2-0 lead in injury time to move to the brink of elimination from AFCON.

Persons: Cape Verde’s Gilson Benchimol Tavares, Egypt’s Trézéguet, Mostafa Mohamed, Bryan Silva Teixeira Jr, Mo Salah, Issouf Sanogo, ”, Ramy Abbas Issa, @RamyCol, Salah, Chris Hughton, hasn’t Organizations: CNN, Africa, Nations, Cape, Getty, Brighton, Nottingham Forest Locations: Egypt, Cape Verde, Ghana, Mozambique, AFP, England, Morocco

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