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☆ Why Hasn’t Israel Invaded Gaza?
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-27 | by ( Cecelia Smith-Schoenwalder | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +9 min

While Israel has performed raids in Gaza, the larger ground invasion hasn’t happened, and the delay could expose further challenges for Israel’s operations. Additionally, the Biden administration has raised concerns that Israel lacks achievable military goals in Gaza, and the delay could help the country refine its objectives. So far, outside interests have remained mostly on the sidelines of the conflict, but a ground invasion could change that. There has also been some speculation that the ground invasion could be more limited in scope than what has been imagined so far. But waiting any longer for a ground invasion could create a dilemma for Israel: waning international support.

Persons: It’s, ” Natan Sachs, Benjamin Netanyahu, John Kirby, Israel, We’re, we’re, ” Kirby, Joe Biden, “, ”, Biden, doesn't, Ian Hurd, it's, ” Biden, ” Dan Byman, Hossein Amirabdollahian, Jonathan Conricus, Byman, Kirby, We’ve Organizations: Hamas, Brookings Institution, Pentagon, United, United Arab Emirates, White, National Security, Israeli Defense Forces, Northwestern University, Street, Iran’s Quds Force, Quds Force, Center for Strategic, International Studies, ” Iran's, United Nations, General, Israel Defense Forces, ABC Radio Melbourne, Israel, Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service Locations: Gaza, U.S, Israel, Iraq, Syria, Kuwait, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab, Iran, The U.S, Tehran, Iran’s Quds, Beirut, Palestine, United States

Blinken told the United Nations this week that he would work with Wang to prevent the conflict in the Middle East from spreading. “China and the United States need to have dialogue. But while the U.S. has publicly stood with Israel, China has called for a cease-fire between Israel and the Western-designated terrorist group Hamas stationed in Gaza. Gavin Newsom met with Xi – the first meeting between a U.S. governor and Xi in six years. While more routes of communication may be opening, China-U.S. relations shouldn’t be mistaken as entirely pleasant at the moment.

Persons: Wang Yi, Antony Blinken, Wang, Blinken, ” Wang, John Kirby, Kirby, ”, Joe Biden's, Jake Sullivan, Biden, Xi Jinping, Gavin Newsom, Xi –, Xi, Newsom, “ We’ve, We’ve, Wu Qian Organizations: Foreign, U.S, State Department, United, National Security, Economic Cooperation, California Gov, CNN, Pentagon Locations: Washington, China, Gaza, Ukraine, United Nations, United States, U.S, Israel, “, Tehran, Asia, San Francisco, California

Moderna on Tuesday announced that its combination shot for flu and COVID-19 is the first candidate to make it to late-stage trial. It “offers greater convenience and has the potential to lead to increased compliance with vaccine recommendations,” it added. The shots won’t be available for this respiratory virus season, as Moderna said it is targeting regulatory approval for the shot in 2025. Moderna earlier this month announced positive data from its earlier studies of the combo shot, finding that it produced an immune response similar to or greater than licensed flu shots and Moderna’s bivalent COVID-19 shot. “We are excited to move combination respiratory vaccines into Phase 3 development and look forward to partnering with public health officials to address the significant seasonal threat posed to people by these viruses.”

Persons: “, Moderna, bivalent, Stéphane Bancel Organizations: Moderna, Tuesday, Northern Hemisphere, Disease Control, ” Moderna Locations: Moderna

China is ramping up its diplomatic efforts in the Israel-Hamas conflict, with President Xi Jinping issuing his first public comments on the war and calling for a cease-fire. These increased diplomatic efforts show that China is seeking a quick end to the conflict, which started Oct. 7 after Hamas launched a brutal surprise attack on Israel, killing more than 1,400 people. Cartoons on Ukraine and Russia View All 104 Images"It's a very cost-effective strategy in the Middle East. China has vested economic interests in the Middle East given its oil imports from the region. The efforts also highlights ongoing attempts from China to be seen more broadly as a peacemaker and a prominent influence among international groups and developing countries.

Persons: Xi Jinping, Mostafa Madbouly, Xi “, Xi, Zhai Jun, it’s, Mor, Axios, Sobol, Antonio Guterres, ” Organizations: Egyptian, Chinese Foreign, Chinese Foreign Ministry, Hamas, Tamkang University, U.S, United Nations Locations: China, Israel, Beijing, State, Palestine, Egypt, Gaza, Taiwan, Ukraine, Russia

Israeli troops carried out raids over the past day in Gaza in an “effort to eliminate the threat of terrorists and weapons in the area and locate hostages,” the Israel Defense Forces said Friday. It’s the first time that ground troops have operated inside the Gaza Strip, but it doesn’t appear to be the start of a highly anticipated, larger ground invasion from Israel. The announcement comes shortly after Israel instructed all civilians in Gaza City to evacuate and head south. “Civilians of Gaza City, evacuate south for your own safety and the safety of your families and distance yourself from Hamas terrorists who are using you as human shields,” the Israel Defense Forces said in a statement. Middle East Cartoons View All 132 Images“In the following days, the IDF will continue to operate significantly in Gaza City and make extensive efforts to avoid harming civilians,” it continued.

Persons: Israel, ” Organizations: Israel Defense Forces, IDF, United Nations Locations: Gaza, Israel, Gaza City

☆ The Massive Challenges Ahead for an Israeli Ground Invasion of Gaza
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-12 | by ( Cecelia Smith-Schoenwalder | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +6 min

“Such an invasion would be difficult for the Israeli military and devastating for Palestinian civilians,” experts at the Center for Strategic and International Studies wrote in an analysis . “In order to fully achieve the objective of destroying Hamas military capability in Gaza, ground forces will require weeks, if not months,” Spencer wrote in the analysis . Another strategy the Israeli military is likely anticipating is the use of human shields, which Hamas has been known to do. Israel is no stranger to international pressure, but it has the support of many nations in its pursuit to destroy Hamas’ military capabilities. The Israeli government would need to decide whether to potentially leave a weakened Hamas behind in Gaza or to overthrow its administration.

Persons: ”, Bill Roggio, ” Roggio, “ They're, John Spencer, ” Spencer, Spencer, Roggio, Israel, “, can’t Organizations: Israel Defense Forces, Foundation for Defense of Democracies, Nations, Center for Strategic, International Studies, Modern War Institute, Experts, Hamas, Washington Institute for Near, National Intelligence Locations: Gaza, Israel, Egypt, Strongpoints, U.S

What Is the Gaza Strip? It is backed by Iran and has governed the Gaza Strip since 2007. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres said on Monday that he is “deeply distressed” by Israel’s announcement of the siege on the Gaza Strip. The surprise Hamas attack killed more than 900 Israelis. The Health Ministry in the Gaza Strip said Monday that more than 680 people have been killed in Israel’s retaliatory strikes after the unprecedented Hamas attack.

Persons: Yoav Gallant, Israel, Hamas ”, Harakat, Muqawama, António Guterres, ”, “, Joe Biden, ” Biden Organizations: Hamas, Gunmen, West Bank, Democratic Party, Reuters, European Union, Islamic Resistance Movement, United Nations, Health Ministry, United Locations: Gaza, Israel, Egypt, Aqsa, Jerusalem, U.S, Iran, Hamas, Palestinian, United States

New COVID-19 hospitalizations have declined for the third week in a row following the late summer increase of coronavirus in the U.S.Last week saw more than 18,100 new COVID-19 hospital admissions – a 6% decrease from the week prior – according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While it's clear that the late summer increase of COVID-19 has passed its peak, health officials warn that the months ahead are likely to bring another wave. According to CDC’s respiratory disease outlook, the agency expects a “moderate” COVID-19 wave with about as many peak hospitalizations as last winter. Last winter’s COVID-19 hospitalizations peaked at about 44,500. U.S. health agencies recently endorsed new COVID-19 shots that more closely align with circulating variants.

Persons: Biden, Mandy Cohen Organizations: Centers for Disease Control Locations: U.S, Boston

A new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that COVID-19 hospitalization is a “continued public health threat” that predominantly affects adults ages 65 and older. The study looked at hospitalizations from January to August and found that adults ages 65 and older accounted for 63% of all hospitalizations associated with COVID-19. Nearly all hospitalized individuals ages 65 and older had two or more underlying medical conditions. Despite the issues, uptake of the shot is likely to be significantly higher than the last round of boosters. Broken down by age group, about two-thirds of adults ages 65 and older are likely to get the vaccine.

Persons: ≥, Biden Organizations: Centers for Disease Control Locations: hospitalizations, U.S

The summer increase of COVID-19 appears to have passed its peak. The mindset change is likely how health officials will examine COVID-19 during the fall and winter months for years to come. Last winter saw a peak of new weekly COVID-19 hospital admissions at nearly 44,500. That would mean that the U.S. enters peak respiratory disease season with an elevated level of COVID-19 circulating already, so a further increase could be possible on top of that. But to get the most protection against this form of the COVID virus that's circulating right now, get the updated COVID vaccine."

Persons: Ashish Jha, ”, – COVID, don’t, Andrew Pekosz, It’s, Mandy Cohen, ” Pekosz, “ pirola, it's, Biden, ” Cohen, Cohen, – Organizations: White, for Disease Control, CDC, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Locations: U.S, hospitalizations, Boston

Don’t be alarmed – a nationwide emergency alert test will take place Wednesday afternoon. All major U.S. wireless providers will transmit the national test to their subscribers, according to FEMA. The message on phones will be: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. Phones that are off during the 30-minute window for the test should not receive the message. Some on social media have encouraged others to keep their phones off during the test as a result of the conspiracy theory.

Persons: Don’t, –, ” Organizations: Federal Emergency Management Agency, Emergency, FEMA, National Wireless

The Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday granted emergency use authorization to the updated COVID-19 vaccine from Novavax, marking the third new coronavirus shot that will be made available to the public ahead of the winter and the only not produced with messenger RNA technology. FDA authorized the shot for people ages 12 and older just weeks after shots from Moderna and Pfizer rolled out. “Today’s authorization provides an additional COVID-19 vaccine option that meets the FDA’s standards for safety, effectiveness and manufacturing quality needed to support emergency use authorization,” Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, said in a statement. Some individuals are skeptical of the new technology, instead opting for Novavax’s more traditional use of protein-based technology. “In the coming days, individuals in the U.S. can go to major pharmacies, physicians’ offices, clinics and various government entities to receive an updated Novavax vaccine.”

Persons: “, ” Peter Marks, ”, John Jacobs Organizations: Drug Administration, FDA, Moderna, Pfizer, FDA’s, Biologics, Research, Health, Covid Locations: U.S

Smoke from Canadian wildfires is expected to drift over the Northeast on Monday. “North winds will bring some smoke from the Canadian wildfires back into the region today,” the National Weather Service in New York posted on social media on Monday. “The impacts are projected to be mild, though New Yorkers will likely see hazy skies in the morning,” New York City Mayor Eric Adams said in a statement. “Smoke at high altitudes may be visible,” he posted on social media. The event is not expected to be as severe as smoke was during the summer.

Persons: ”, Eric Adams Organizations: National Weather Service, York City, The New York State Department of Environmental Locations: New York, New York City, New, York, Canada, NY, New Jersey , Pennsylvania, Delaware

Coronavirus hospitalizations are on the decline in the U.S. as the omicron subvariant EG.5, or “eris,” continues to spread. New COVID-19 hospital admissions declined for the second week in a row, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Eris is also the most prominent strain circulating globally, according to the World Health Organization. The organization recently updated its risk evaluation for the variant, finding that the public health risk posed by EG.5 is considered “low” at the global level. “While concurrent increases in the proportion of EG.5 and COVID-19 hospitalizations have been observed in some countries, no direct associations have been made between these hospitalizations and EG.5, and current hospitalizations are lower when compared to previous waves,” WHO said in the updated risk assessment.

Persons: Coronavirus, ”, Eris, Mandy Cohen, “, ” Cohen Organizations: omicron subvariant EG, Centers for Disease Control, EG, World Health Organization, WHO Locations: U.S, hospitalizations, COVID

A study published this week linked the COVID-19 antiviral molnupiravir to new coronavirus mutations, raising questions about whether the drug could lead to the evolution of potentially concerning strains in the future. The drug works by causing mutations in the genetic information of the virus. Researchers looked at 15 million coronavirus genomes to analyze the timing and type of mutations. Study authors said the findings are important for regulators who assess the drug. “The authors assume these mutations were associated with viral spread from molnupiravir-treated patients without documented evidence of that transmission.

Persons: molnupiravir, ” Theo Sanderson, Francis Crick, Merck Organizations: Nature, Francis, Francis Crick Institute Locations: London, molnupiravir

COVID-19 isn’t going away – and neither is long COVID. The survey found that in 2022, about 7% of adults – or about 1 in 14 – reported ever having long COVID. More women reported having had long COVID than men – a trend also observed in children. “These findings are important – they can inform more sensitive testing for long COVID patients and personalized treatments for long COVID that have, until now, not had a proven scientific rationale,” David Putrino, principal investigator of the study, said in a statement. It found that the blood of those experiencing long COVID had specific biomarkers, like abnormal T cell activity, reactivation of dormant viruses and low cortisol levels.

Persons: –, ” David Putrino, ” Akiko Iwasaki Organizations: Centers for Disease Control, Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics

Weekly coronavirus hospitalizations have decreased for the first time in more than two months, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The number of currently hospitalized patients with COVID-19 stayed relatively level week over week at less than 16,200, according to CDC data . Nearly 960 COVID-19 deaths were reported during the last full week of August, according to provisional data from the CDC. While the decline in hospitalizations is likely a sign that the latest coronavirus increase is past its peak, health officials are eyeing the fall and winter for potential COVID-19 waves as well. Additionally, the Biden administration announced that, starting this week, households can order four free, at-home COVID-19 tests through COVIDTests.gov .

Persons: Biden, Xavier Becerra, ” Becerra Organizations: Centers for Disease Control, CDC, Human Services Locations: hospitalizations

The rollout of the new COVID-19 shots has hit a few speed bumps. "Some payers are still updating their systems and may not yet be set up to cover the updated COVID-19 vaccines. If this happens, our pharmacy teams can help patients schedule an appointment for a later date," a CVS spokesperson told CBS News. Residents of Juneau, Alaska, don’t have shot availability within 100 miles, according to the federal government’s vaccine search website. And if you don’t have insurance – through this Bridge Access program – you are covered,” Becerra said.

Persons: Alex Huseman, Xavier Becerra, ”, ” Becerra Organizations: CBS, Alaska Department of Health, Associated Press . Health, Human Services, Washington , D.C, “ Locations: Juneau , Alaska, Washington ,

More Americans report that the coronavirus situation is getting worse following weeks of increasing hospital admissions, according to a new poll. Gallup found that 30% of people said that the pandemic was getting worse during a survey conducted Aug. 29-Sept. 5. It comes as new weekly COVID-19 hospital admissions topped 20,500 the first full week in September. Cartoons on the Coronavirus View All 644 ImagesMore Americans have also changed their minds about whether the pandemic is over. Still, despite GOP concerns, the poll found that most Americans report never wearing a mask in public regardless of party affiliation.

Persons: Gallup, It’s, Jill Biden, ” Gallup Organizations: GOP Locations: It’s, COVID

There’s another one attacking President Trump,” Committee Chairmen Jim Jordan of Ohio said in his opening statement. “The Justice Department’s got both sides of the equation covered.”Republican Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana alleged that the public no longer trusts the Justice Department. The Justice Department works for the American people.”The hearing comes shortly after the Justice Department indicted Hunter Biden on federal firearms charges. Republicans have alleged that the Justice Department interfered with the Hunter Biden investigation. The topic is sure to stick around as Republicans’ impeachment inquiry into President Biden will put a particular focus on how the Justice Department handled Hunter Biden’s case.

Persons: Merrick Garland, Donald Trump, Joe Biden’s, Hunter, “, Biden, There’s, Trump, Jim Jordan, Department’s, Mike Johnson, ” Johnson, Biden's, ” Garland, Hunter Biden, David Weiss, Garland, Weiss, ” Organizations: Committee, Republicans, Justice Department, ”, Republican, Department, Trump, Justice Locations: Ohio, Louisiana, U.S, Delaware

COVID-19 deaths and hospitalizations have been on the rise in the U.S. as fall approaches. Nearly 845 coronavirus deaths were reported for the week ending Aug. 19, according to provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That’s up from about 520 deaths a month prior. Meanwhile, COVID-19 hospitalizations have been increasing in the U.S. for nine weeks, reaching more than 20,500 new hospital admissions during the week ending Sept. 9 – an increase of nearly 8% from the prior week. While the totals are smaller than in previous waves of the virus in the U.S., they mark noteworthy trends heading into the fall and winter seasons.

Persons: ” Peter Marks, ” Organizations: Centers for Disease Control, CDC, ”, Food, Drug Administration’s, Biologics, Research, EG Locations: U.S, COVID

Cases of West Nile virus are increasing in the U.S., with health officials across several states urging residents to take precautions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 43 states have reported West Nile virus infections this year. "The trends we are seeing in our West Nile virus tracking data are unprecedented," Colorado epidemiologist Rachel Herlihy said in a statement last month. West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental U.S., according to the CDC. There are no vaccines or treatments for West Nile virus in people.

Persons: Rachel Herlihy, “, Shawn M, LaTourette, Public Health Services Nilesh Kalyanaraman Organizations: Centers for Disease Control, New, Jersey Environmental, Maryland, Public Health Services, Health Locations: U.S, Colorado , California , Arizona , Nebraska, South Dakota, Colorado, West, Southwest, East, New Jersey, ”, Jersey, Maryland

The COVID-19 omicron subvariant EG.5 – unofficially nicknamed “eris” – was responsible for about 1 in 4 new coronavirus infections in recent weeks, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s the highest prevalence for any coronavirus strain, though omicron subvariant FL.1.5.1 is quickly rising behind it, according to CDC data. While the variant scene continues to shift in the U.S., the CDC on Thursday released its respiratory disease season outlook for COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. There is also a possibility that hospitalizations will surpass last year’s level and cause strain on health care facilities should a new coronavirus variant arise. COVID-19 by itself is unlikely to cause large waves of severe disease and hospitalizations because of widespread immunity to the coronavirus from prior infections, vaccinations or both, according to the CDC.

Persons: ” –, ” Organizations: subvariant EG, Centers for Disease Control, CDC Locations: U.S

A highly anticipated report published by NASA on Thursday underscored challenges to understanding unidentified anomalous phenomena, or UAP, including stigma and poor data quality. The report, which comes from NASA’s UAP Independent Study Team, found no evidence to suggest that UFOs have an extraterrestrial origin. “The NASA independent study team did not find any evidence that UAP have an extra terrestrial origin,” Nelson said. “Stigma has limited reporting by pilots, both civilian and military,” David Spergel, chair of the UAP Independent Study Team, said at the press briefing. When asked during a briefing in May why the team doesn’t use the term UFO for the report, Evans said “because of the stigma associated with UFOs.”

Persons: Bill Nelson, ” Nelson, ”, “, Daniel Evans, ” David Spergel, Evans Organizations: NASA, NASA’s, UAP

COVID-19 hospitalizations in the U.S. remain on the rise, but the increase appears to be beginning to level off, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Coronavirus hospital admissions increased nearly 9% during the week ending in Sept. 2, according to the data. With over 18,800 new hospitalizations recorded that week, the latest COVID-19 wave is no doubt still rising. The vast majority of counties are currently seeing a “low” level of new COVID-19 hospitalizations, according to CDC data. Experts are eyeing a potential fall and winter COVID-19 wave as well.

Persons: hospitalizations, I’m, ” Anthony Fauci, Fauci, ” Organizations: Centers for Disease Control, Health Locations: U.S

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