US Incredibly Concerned About Humanitarian Situation in Gaza

"We have been making clear to the government of Israel that they have an obligation under international humanitarian law to allow food and water and other needed humanitarian assistance to make it into all parts of Gaza, and we fully expect them to comply with those obligations." the State Department said. Despite the US's alleged concerns, it has made clear that its funding of Israel's war machine is unconditional, with the US continuing to provide weapons and diplomatic support for Netanyahu's government despite it crossing alleged red lines set by Washington (Read more at New Arab).

Some Progress Made on Gaza Ceasefire Deal, Says Harris

But it is "meaningless" unless a deal is actually reached, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris said. "We must have a ceasefire and a hostage deal as immediately as possible," she said (Read more at USNews).

Trump says Gaza "could be better than Monaco" once it's rebuilt

He added "they never took advantage of it. You know, as a developer, it could be the most beautiful place — the weather, the water, the whole thing, the climate. It could be so beautiful. ... it could be one of the best places in the world." . He claimed he's "been there" despite public records showing he's never visited Gaza, and his campaign told the New York Times "Gaza is in Israel. President Trump has been to Israel." (Read more at Axios)

Harris and Trump deliver remarks to mark the anniversary of the Oct. 7

Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff “will plant a memorial tree on the grounds of the Vice President’s Residence in honor of the victims and deliver remarks,” according to the White House. Trump will deliver remarks in Miami at an Oct. 7 remembrance event (Read more at USNews).

US Targets Hamas Backers With Fresh Sanctions On Attack Anniversary

The United States imposed fresh sanctions on individuals and a "sham charity" it said were international financial supporters of Hamas, among others, on the anniversary of the group's bloody attack on Israel. Among the individuals targeted are Yemeni national Hamid Abdullah Hussein al Ahmar, said to be an international supporter of Hamas, and nine entities linked to him. Several Europe-based fundraisers were also named, including Italy-based Mohammad Hannoun, Majed al-Zeer in Germany and Adel Doughman in Austria (Read more at Barrons).

Harris Reiterates Support for Gaza Ceasefire as Conflict Escalates

Harris sidestepped a question in the interview on whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was a ”real close ally.” ”I think with all due respect the better question is do we have an important alliance between the American people and the Israeli people and the answer to that question is yes,” Harris said (Read more at First Post).

Jill Stein sees 'no lesser evil' between Harris, Trump - interview

Polls show Stein garnering just 1% in the Nov. 5 election, while Harris and her Republican rival, former President Donald Trump, are almost tied with 49% and 48%. But Stein, who has been campaigning on a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and an immediate U.S. arms embargo on Israel, won 40% of the Muslim vote in Michigan in an August poll. Democrats could win back those voters if they demanded and work to enact an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon (Read more at USNews).

Emails show early US concerns over Gaza offensive

The emails, which haven’t been reported before, reveal alarm early on in the State Department and Pentagon that a rising death toll in Gaza could violate international law and jeopardize US ties in the Arab world. The messages also show internal pressure in the Biden administration to shift its messaging from showing solidarity with Israel to including sympathy for Palestinians and the need to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza (Read more at Irish Examiner).

Activists protest US support for Israel as risks rise of wider Middle East war

Protesters chanted "Hands off the Middle East," "Free Palestine" and "Biden, Harris, Trump and Bibi; none are welcome in our city," demonstrated on Tuesday against American military support for Israel as risks have risen of a full-fledged conflict in the Middle East, with anti-war activists demanding an arms embargo against the US ally (Business Standard).

Biden not giving up on Gaza ceasefire, hostages, says White House

“He absolutely hasn’t given up,” Mr Sullivan said in an interview with MSNBC hours before Mr Biden addressed the UN General Assembly for the last time as president. Mr Biden will huddle with world leaders gathered in New York to work on a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza (Read more at Straitstimes). 

Hamas’ Sinwar is ‘big obstacle’ in cease-fire talks, John Kirby says

The White House national security communications adviser said, “It’s tough to get him to say yes to things that he’s already said he wants. It’s very, very difficult. But as the president said the other day, everything is unrealistic until all of a sudden it’s not anymore.” Earlier this month, the U.S. Justice Department announced criminal charges against Sinwar, along with others in connection with the Oct. 7 attack (Read more at Politico).

U.S. fears Israeli finance minister will topple Palestinian banks

The crash of the Palestinian banking system could bring down the Palestinian Authority, creating a power vacuum that could throw the West Bank into chaos and exacerbate the conflict in the region. Israel's finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, an ultranationalist anti-Palestinian settler, has taken many steps over the last two years to weaken the Palestinian Authority as part of his ideology of annexing the West Bank (Read more at Axios).

US Lawmaker Rashida Tlaib Condemns Cartoon Showing Her With Exploding Pager

The congresswoman’s statement about the publication of the cartoon “Tlaib Pager Hamas” came after many users on the social media platform X had condemned it as anti-Arab as well as Islamophobic. A statement from the Democratic US House representative also expressed concern that the cartoon by Henry Payne would “incite more hate and violence against Arab and Muslim communities” (Read more at Guardian). 

US believes Gaza ceasefire deal unlikely in Biden's term

US officials now believe that a ceasefire deal between Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas in Gaza is unlikely before President Joe Biden leaves office in January, the Wall Street Journal reported. “I can tell you that we do not believe that deal is falling apart,” Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh told reporters before the Wall Street Journal report was published. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said two weeks ago that 90 percent of a ceasefire deal had been agreed upon (Read more at Aljazeera).

Muslim Americans Moving to Jill Stein in Blow to Kamala Harris

Some Arab American and Muslim voters angry at U.S. support for Israel’s offensive in Gaza are shunning Democrat Kamala Harris in the presidential race to back third-party candidate Jill Stein in numbers that could deny Harris victories in battleground states that will decide the Nov. 5 election (Read more at The News).

Biden to discuss Gaza, Sudan, AI with UAE President

White House spokesperson John Kirby said the visit would be the first-ever by a president of the Gulf Arab country to Washington, adding that Vice President Kamala Harris would meet separately with the UAE leader. Discussions would also focus on climate, clean energy and UAE's role as a partner in the Group of Seven's global infrastructure partnership, Kirby told reporters (Read more at Gulf Today).

Bernie Sanders Attempts to Block Arms Sales to Israel

He is attempting to block over $20 billion in arms sales to Israel through a series of resolutions. Sanders said he has support for the proposal, which would halt the sale of missile systems, tank rounds, new fighter jets, and other weapons responsible for the destruction in Gaza (Read more at New Republic).

China says US 'shielding' Israel at UN is preventing Gaza ceasefire

Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, questioned the Security Council’s effectiveness, asking, “Why has it been unable to stop this human tragedy, the worst of its kind to this day?” “Had the US not shielded one side time and again, multiple resolutions of this council would not have been flagrantly rejected and defied,” Shuang stated. He urged the US to “show a responsible attitude”, cease its passivity, and use its’ strategic influence to pressure Israel into ending its military operations immediately, as demanded by council resolutions months ago (Read more at Middle East Eye).

US still working on revised proposal for Gaza ceasefire deal

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said, "I don't have a timetable for you other than to say that we are working expeditiously to try to develop that proposal." Talks over months have so far failed to reach a deal to end war, now in its twelfth month, even after U.S. President Joe Biden in June publicly laid out a proposal that Israel had agreed to (Read more at Reuters).

Trapped in contradictions in the Middle East

For the last three months, the Biden administration has been caught between its interest in de-escalating the situation in the Middle East through a ceasefire deal in Gaza and an obstinate Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, who is not interested in bringing this unjust war to an end (Read more at Al Ahram).

Third man 'self-immolates' to protest Israel's Gaza genocide, US complicity

Matt Nelson of Boston reportedly sets himself on fire outside Israeli consulate, becoming latest individual in US to self-immolate to protest Israel's genocidal war in Gaza being carried out with American weapons (Read more at TRTWorld).

U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders calls for investigations into Eygi's killing

He called on the Justice Department to initiate independent investigations into the killing of Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi, a Turkish American activist, by Israeli forces in the West Bank. He said, "By continuing to credulously accept the explanations of an extremist Israeli government whose stated goal is to annex the West Bank and push Palestinians off their land, the United States makes a mockery of its values." (Read more at Anadolu Agency)

Kamala Harris decries ‘tragic’ killing of US citizen by Israeli forces

The US vice president and Democratic nominee has failed to back Aysenur Eygi’s family’s call for an independent investigation. But she also urged “full accountability” for the killing. Israel’s preliminary investigation indicated it was the result of a tragic error for which the [Israeli military] is responsible (Read more at Aljazeera). 

New York City museum sacks three staff for wearing keffiyeh

Last month, the art museum — founded by Japanese American sculptor Isamu Noguchi — announced a policy prohibiting employees from wearing anything that expressed "political messages, slogans or symbols". The Museum said they violated its updated dress code by wearing keffiyeh head scarves, which have become an emblem of solidarity with the Palestinian cause (Read more at Khaleej Times).

Biden team, election in mind, keeps hope on Gaza truce

A breakthrough could offer a major boost, a vaunted “October surprise”, to Biden’s heir Kamala Harris in the razor-thin race against Donald Trump for the White House. Polling shows that Harris has more to gain than lose from a tougher stand on Israel, while the reverse is true for Trump. The Biden administration is striving for another prize ahead of the November election: Israeli-Saudi normalisation. But calm in Gaza is a prerequisite (Read more at Arab Weekly).

Israel Lobbying US Congress to Pressure South Africa to Drop ICJ Genocide Case

The Israeli foreign ministry “sent a classified cable” to the Israeli embassy in Washington, DC, and to all Israeli consulates in the U.S.” about South Africa’s ICJ case. Israeli diplomats “were instructed to ask members of Congress to issue public statements condemning South Africa’s actions against Israel and threaten that it could lead to suspending U.S. trade relations with South Africa.” (Read more at Palestine Chronicle)

US drafts new proposal for hostage swap deal between Israel, Hamas

US settlement proposal includes all the contentious points, foremost among them the Philadelphia Corridor between the Gaza Strip and Egyp. It also focused on the number of senior Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails who will be released as part of the potential deal, rather than the total number of prisoners to be released (Read more at Middle East Monitor).

Blinken travelling to London to discuss Middle East, Ukraine

Support for Ukraine in its defence against Russia, reaching a ceasefire deal to end the war in Gaza and the tense situation in the Indo-Pacific are among the items on their agenda (Read more at Anadolu Agency).

US response to Israeli killing of of Turkish-American draws sharp criticism

Statements so far from the administration differ from remarks that follow killings of Israeli Americans. The State Department's immediate response drew the ire of Palestinian Americans, who accused the White House of treating the death of Israeli Americans with higher concern than other Americans killed by Israel (Read more at Middle East Eye).

Doubts grow in White House about presenting new Gaza deal terms

The White House is reassessing its strategy for a hostage-release and ceasefire in Gaza deal as President Biden's top aides deliberate whether there is a point in presenting a new proposal as Hamas and Israel both take tougher positions in negotiations, U.S. officials say. The murder of six hostages by Hamas, military control of the Philadelphi corridor, and the Hamas's new demand to release 100 more Palestinian prisoners who are serving life sentences for murdering Israelis caused significant pessimism at the White House. Officials feel Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar doesn't want a deal right now (Read more at Axios).

Family of American woman killed in West Bank demands independent probe

Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, 26, was shot in the head Friday while protesting in the Israeli-occupied town of Beita. Her family called on President Biden, Vice President Harris and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to order an investigation and “ensure full accountability for the guilty parties.” The IDF said in a statement that the incident is under review (Read more at New York Post).

Heads of CIA, MI6 issue joint call for ceasefire in Gaza

They said their agencies had “exploited our intelligence channels to push hard for restraint and de-escalation (Read more at Business Standard).

Trump: US colleges lose accreditation over antisemitism if he's elected

"Colleges will and must end the antisemitic propaganda or they will lose their accreditation and federal support," Trump said, speaking remotely to a crowd of more than 1,000 Republican Jewish Coalition donors in Las Vegas. In the United States, the federal government does not directly accredit universities but has a role in overseeing the mostly private organizations that give colleges accreditation (Read more at Reuters).

Blinken says cease-fire '90% agreed

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged both Israel and Hamas to finalize an agreement for a truce in Gaza. In an interview with US news channel Fox, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sounded less optimistic a deal would be reached soon and said, "It's not close." (Read more at Times of Oman).

US Citizen Killed During Protest in West Bank, Shot by Israeli Troops

The incident occurred during a regular protest march in Nablus that has witnessed repeated attacks by settlers. Fouad Nafaa, head of Rafidia Hospital in Nablus, confirmed that the woman arrived at the hospital in critical condition with a severe head injury. “We tried to perform a resuscitation operation on her, but unfortunately she died,” Nafaa told Reuters (Read more at Media Line).

Walz says Gaza demonstrators are protesting for all the right reasons

Walz's comments came in an interview with a local Michigan public radio station — a state with a large Muslim American population that is also a potentially pivotal swing state. The Democratic ticket looks to balance its support for Israel with the humanitarian plight of civilians (Read more at NewArab)

US Tech Meta does not automatically remove pro-Palestinian phrase

The Board, which operates independently but is funded by the US social media firm, said the phrase “From the river to the sea” has several meanings, and as such its use cannot in itself be deemed to be harmful, violent or discriminatory. Critics of the phrase say it is anti-Semitic and a call for Israel’s eradication (Read more at Middle East  Monitor).

Hostage killings and new demands cast doubt in the US that Hamas wants a deal

Hamas' new demand to increase the number of Palestinian prisoners released as part of the deal raised even more concerns and questions among U.S. negotiators about whether an agreement is possible. U.S. officials said one of the main arguments made in the meeting was that after Hamas murdered the hostages, including an American, the U.S. shouldn't push for a proposal that gives Hamas additional concessions and instead focus on applying more pressure and accountability measures against Hamas (Read more at Axios).

U.S. prosecutors charges Hamas leaders over Oct. 7 attack on Israel

U.S. prosecutors charged Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and five other leading figures in the Palestinian militant group with offenses including terrorism over the Oct. 7 attack on Israel. The indictment that was unsealed Tuesday marks the first step in the U.S. trying to hold Hamas accountable for the killing and kidnapping of hundreds of civilians, including U.S. citizens, but it's largely symbolic as Sinwar is believed to be hiding in Gaza and the DOJ notes in a statement that three of those charged are believed to be dead (Read more at Axios).

Pro-Palestinian Groups to Protest Harris Campaign Stops, Trump Debate

Kamala Harris' strong support for Israel as it continues its war in Gaza is fueling calls for a fresh round of protests at campaign stops, universities and public events in the weeks ahead, activists told Reuters, describing what they said was her failure to listen to pro-Palestinian voices. They plan to show up in force during Harris' debate against Donald Trump in Philadelphia on Sept. 10 (Read more at Arabnews).

USAID warns Israel's forced displacements 'debilitate' aid efforts

at least 1.7 million Palestinians were crowded into a “safe zone” whose size is equivalent to just 70 percent of the total area of Washington’s Dulles International Airport. the US government has lobbied Israel on “several mitigating measures”, based on the assessment that Israel is “unlikely” to change its overall policy (Read more at Middle East Eye).

Why US-led Gaza truce talks are doomed to fail

The problem that has been dogging any breakthrough is a lack of trust. This is largely because America cannot be a strong ally with Israel and at the same time an honest broker. Any proposal that leaves out an end to the war and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza will ultimately be rejected. If the members of the UNSC are serious about wanting an end to the war, they can simply pass a resolution that details steps to this end and that does not include any vague wording about allowing the Israeli army to stay in Gaza (Read more at Arabnew). 

How US universities are trying to muzzle pro-Palestine protests before they begin

At the University of South Florida, all activities which may feature signs, tents or amplified sound now require prior approval. Likewise, at the University of California, the university president ordered chancellors on all 10 campuses to ban student encampments and "overnight loitering".  Using a mask to hide your identity or block walkways and university buildings is now also prohibited. New York University says identifies "Zionists" as hate speech and be subject to punitive action. At GWU, the mandatory orientation briefing for new enrollments included a briefing on what students could and could not say with regards to criticism of Israel on campus (Read more at Middle East Eye).

White House Says Progress in Gaza Talks Despite Lebanon Flare-Up

The United States has repeatedly voiced optimism for talks on reaching a truce proposed by President Joe Biden in the more than 10-month conflict, despite repeated differences voiced between Israel and Hamas. Kirby said that senior White House official Brett McGurk stayed in Cairo for an extra day to allow further talks at a lower level (Read more at Defense Post).

Time for US to end its ambiguity on Israel-Palestine

Constructive ambiguity is not a strategy. It is a mechanism to bypass awkward moments. The US markets a ceasefire deal without a ceasefire. Instead of an end to hostilities by all sides, it simply proposes a hostage-prisoner exchange during a pause in Israeli bombardment (Read more at Arabnews).

US Envoy Tells UN: Gaza Ceasefire Deal 'Now Is in Sight'

US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield called on Hamas to accept a “bridging proposal” put forward by the US that appears to differ from a previous proposal adopted by the UNSC and agreed to by the Palestinian group (Read more at Aljazeera).

Harris Speech Fails to Win Over Critics in Democrats' Biggest Rift, Gaza

Disappointed Pro-Palestinian activists said Kamala Harris' speech to close the Democratic convention in Chicago failed to demonstrate any break from the status quo, after a week in which the most divisive issue facing the party was mostly ignored (Read more at USNews).

Kamala Harris Says Now Is the Time for Gaza Ceasefire and Hostage Release Deal

U.S. Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris said in her Democratic National Convention speech: "I will always stand up for Israel's right to defend itself," Harris said while adding "what has happened in Gaza is devastating", and "heartbreaking." (Read more at USNews)

Biden asked Netanyahu to pull Israeli troops from part of Egypt-Gaza border

During their call, Biden asked for Israeli forces to be pulled out from a 1- to 2-kilometer strip along the Egypt-Gaza border during the first phase of the Gaza deal so negotiations on the deal can move forward. The Israeli officials said Netanyahu partially accepted Biden's request and agreed to give up one Israeli position along the border. Netanyahu's partial agreement resulted in the U.S. supporting the Israeli position that other IDF forces remain along the Philadelphi corridor in the first phase of the deal (Read more at Axios).

Blinken wraps up Mideast trip with Gaza deal still elusive

He sought to inject urgency into efforts to broker a Gaza ceasefire deal and said “the United States does not accept any long-term occupation of Gaza by Israel ... the agreement is very clear on the schedule and the locations of IDF withdrawals from Gaza, and Israel has agreed to that." The US official said even if Hamas were to agree on the bridging proposal immediately, there would have to be additional conversations to iron out details on implementation of the deal (Read morea t Euractiv).

Omar and Ocasio-Cortez have grown distant over Palestine’s liberation

Ocasio-Cortez claimed that the vice president is “working tirelessly to secure a ceasefire in Gaza”. Soon afterwards, fellow Squad member Ilhan Omar of Minnesota ripped into Ocasio-Cortez (Read more at TRTWorld).

Thousands march against Gaza war at Democratic convention

The crowd turned its frustration toward Vice President Kamala Harris, referring to the Democratic candidate as "Killer Kamala". The DNC's security team confirmed that protesters breached a portion of the fencing on the outer perimeter near the convention arena but said law enforcement personnel acted quickly and there was no threat to attendees (Read more at Business Standard).

Senior Hamas official criticizes Blinken’s Gaza proposal claim

Hamas senior official Osama Hamdan criticised United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s statement on Monday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accepted an updated proposal. The senior Hamas said that it “raises many ambiguities” because it is “not what was presented to us nor what we agreed on.” (Read more at HumEnglish)

Blinken says Gaza talks 'maybe the last' chance for truce

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, on his ninth visit to the Middle East since thw war on Gaza said in Israel warned against any moves that could heighten regional tensions, following threats from Iran and Lebanese group Hezbollah to avenge the recent Israeli assassinations of two leaders (Read more at AlAhram).

Why I am not voting for Kamala Harris

If the party’s presidential candidate, Kamala Harris, does not change her policy on Israel, I will not be casting a ballot for her and I will not be the only one. More than 700,000 Americans have cast an “uncommitted” vote in the Democratic primaries (Read more at Aljazeera).

Suspension of Most Columbia Students Disciplined Over Gaza Protests Is Removed

From the 40 students arrested or disciplined when the university called upon police to the campus on April 18, only two remain suspended. Moreover, from the over 80 students arrested between April 29 and May 1, only five now face interim suspension without access to the campus (Read more at YahooNews).

What is Blinken hoping to achieve with trip to Israel

Blinken’s agenda includes four steps – getting an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, getting Hamas to release all remaining Israeli captives, trying to bring in badly needed humanitarian aid to the people in Gaza and, finally, trying to establish the conditions for a broader regional peace. Pundits here in the US and in the Middle East consider the latter as a bid to prevent an Iranian attack on Israel for the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, the former political chief of Hamas (Read more at Aljazeera).

Hamas rejects new U.S. proposal for Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal

The group blamed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for moving the goalposts and the U.S. for indulging him. The rejection makes President Biden's goal of getting a deal this week almost impossible (Read more at Axios).

Biden's goal: Gaza deal by the end of next week

A senior U.S. official said that unlike past rounds of talks, the Israeli team was "empowered" by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to negotiate in real-time with more autonomy (Read more at Axios).

US official calls Gaza ceasefire talks in Doha the most constructive in months

"It was consensus of all of the participants over the past 48 hours that there's really a new spirit here to drive it to a conclusion. The Israeli team that was here was empowered...We made a lot of progress in the number of issues that we've been working on," an official said (Read more at Reuters).

Biden Says No One Should Undermine Efforts to Reach Gaza Ceasefire Deal

He said that the deal is now in sight, but he warned that it was "far from over." "There's a couple more issues. I think we've got a shot," he added, without elaborating (Read more at USNews).

Black and Pro-Palestinian progressives clash over Kamala Harris

Since Vice President Kamala Harris became the Democratic candidate for the 2024 presidential election, some Black Americans – who previously opposed President Joe Biden – have changed their minds about not voting for the Democratic party (Read more at Middle East Eye).

U.S. puts new proposal on table to try to close Gaza deal gaps

The Israeli Prime Minister's Office said "Israel's fundamental principles are well known to the mediators and the U.S., and Israel hopes that their pressure will lead Hamas to accept the principles of May 27, so that the details of the agreement can be implemented." A Hamas source told al-Jazeera the group was briefed by the mediators about Thursday's talks and said what is being presented now doesn't coincide with what Hamas accepted on July 2 (Read more at Axios).

US says it expects Gaza peace talks to continue, ceasefire possible

State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel, said the U.S. fully expects talks to continue and it would continue to work with the parties involved, adding that agreement was still possible (Read more at YahooNews).

Hamas demands Biden-backed Gaza truce plan over new round of Israel talks

The Palestinian resistance group Hamas has demanded that Gaza ceasefire mediators present a plan to implement a proposal supported by US President Joe Biden that it had agreed upon on July 2 (Read more at TRTWorld). 

US 'Deeply Concerned' About Deadly Israeli Strike on Gaza School Refuge

The Gaza Civil Emergency Service, which has a credible record stating casualty numbers, said about 100 people were killed in Saturday's strike. Israel said around 20 militants had been operating at the compound. "Yet again, far too many civilians have been killed," Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris told reporters. "We know Hamas has been using schools as locations to gather and operate out of, but we have also said repeatedly and consistently that Israel must take measures to minimize civilian harm," the White House said (Read more at USNews).

Biden Will Not Let 'Extremists' Push Gaza Talks off Course

White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said that Smotrich's claims that a ceasefire deal would be a surrender to Hamas or that hostages should not be exchanged for prisoners are "dead wrong," and said the minister was misleading the Israeli public (Read more at Reuters).

US don’t seem to have a plan B, not thrilled with Israel’s actions

The Biden administration is clinging to the stubbornly elusive goal of a cease-fire deal to end the fighting in Gaza. It has important effects on other areas where you could see conflict — whether it’s in the north of Israel and Lebanon, whether it’s Iran, whether it’s in the Red Sea with the Houthis. Israel in particular decided that the only way to eventually calm Gaza is through more fighting now. You have a situation where each of the parties believes that in order to deter the other, they have to climb the ladder (Read more at Politico).

U.S. says it requested information from Israel on Rafah water reservoir bombing

Earlier on Monday, the Israeli army admitted that its soldiers were responsible for the bombing of the water reservoir in Tal al-Sultan. According to the Israeli daily Haaretz, an investigation into the incident has been initiated. Also, fuel restrictions imposed by Israel have further hindered the operation of remaining desalination facilities in the region (Read more at Anadolu Agency).

Hamas accuses US and Israel of 'lying' about Gaza ceasefire negotiations

“They are all lying and playing for time, pretending that we are close to an agreement to stop the war ... we no longer trust or believe American officials, especially the CIA director currently in the region,” Hamas official Mahmoud Taha said on Friday (Read more at The National).

US Military Ends Gaza Floating Pier Mission

Bad weather and distribution challenges inside Gaza limited the effectiveness of what the U.S. military says was its biggest aid delivery effort ever in the Middle East. The pier was only operational for about 20 days. "The maritime surge mission involving the pier is complete. So there's no more need to use the pier ... the temporary pier has achieved its intended effect to surge a very high volume of aid into Gaza," Navy Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, the deputy commander of U.S. Central Command, told a news briefing (Read more at USNews).

Hamas responds positively to Biden ceasefire proposal

Hamas said it was ready to engage “positively and in a constructive manner” with any proposal based on a permanent ceasefire, withdrawal of Israeli forces, the reconstruction of Gaza, a return of those displaced, and a “genuine” prisoner swap deal if Israel “clearly announces commitment to such deal” (Read more at Irish Times).

‘Major contradiction’ from the US and Israel on latest truce proposal

“There’s a major contradiction here and the fact that both the US and the Israeli side have said on the one hand, that they don’t want a future in Gaza in which Hamas has any kind of political role left. “At the same time, this is an agreement that would have to be reached through negotiations with Hamas, so, how do you do that? How do you eliminate them as a political force and at the same time reach a negotiated solution that is agreed upon by all parties?” (Read more at Aljazeera)

Biden details a 3-phase hostage deal for the Israel-Hamas war

The first phase would last for six weeks and would include a “full and complete ceasefire,” a withdrawal of Israeli forces from all populated areas of Gaza and the release of a number of hostages in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. 600 trucks would be allowed into Gaza each day. The second phase would include the release of all remaining living hostages, including male soldiers, and Israeli forces would withdraw from Gaza. The third phase calls for the start of a major reconstruction of Gaza (Read more at Euronews).

Understanding US version of ‘red line’ in backdrop of Israel’s war on Gaza

When it comes to red lines, the US has one rule for its enemies and another for its allies and clients. One of the most infamous historical examples of red lines was seen in the lead up to the 2003 US-led invasion and another example of red lines came with former US President Barack Obama’s warning to the Assad regime against use of chemical weapons in Syria. Needless to say, Israel was true to its word in ignoring Biden’s feeble and non-credible red line warning as it launched a major military operation on Rafah (Read more at TRT World).

'Finish them': Nikki Haley signs Israeli artillery shell intended for Gaza

Nikki Haley, former United States Republican presidential candidate, visited Israel's which was organised by a right-wing member of the Israeli Parliament, Danny Danon. The message drew fury on social media (Read more at GEO).

US calls Rafah strike heartbreaking but insists on Israeli right to self-defence

National Security spokesman John Kirby told reporters: "We still don't believe that a major ground operation in Rafah is warranted. US President Joe Biden earlier said Washington would not continue providing aid to Israel if it moved forward with a long-threatened invasion of Rafah, but his “red line” has become increasingly blurry amid the continuing military operations there. Israeli troops are now estimated to occupy 60 per cent of the city, including the hill that overlooks the border with Egypt, according to the BBC (Read more at The National).

Egypt agrees to resume aid to Gaza through Israel after U.S. pressure

Under U.S. pressure, the Egyptian government agreed to resume the flow of aid trucks to Gaza through Israel, after deliveries were halted two weeks ago in protest of Israel's takeover of the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing. Senior U.S. officials were also involved in the talks and pressured Israel, Egypt and the Palestinian Authority to find a solution that would allow the reactivation of the Rafah crossing as soon as possible. The main goal of the plan was to remove Hamas from involvement in the Rafah crossing (Read more at Axios).

US President Joe Biden: What’s happening in Gaza is not genocide

His remarks referred specifically to a case at a different tribunal, the UN International Court of Justice (ICJ). He also amped up his criticism of the ICC, a separate war crimes court, saying that “we reject” ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan’s bid to arrest Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and its defense minister (Read more at Arabnews).

Aid begins to arrive in Gaza via US-built pier

Pier estimated to cost $320m, involve 1,000 US troops. UN reiterates land crossings more 'efficient'. The temporary floating pier was pre-assembled at the Israeli port of Ashdod and moved into place on Thursday on the shore of Gaza, which lacks port infrastructure of its own. No U.S. troops went ashore, the Pentagon's Central Command said (Read more at Reuters).

Hamas left hostage talks to pressure Israel, Sullivan tells ambassadors

The White House sees a hostage deal as the only viable path to a ceasefire in Gaza, and possibly ending a war. Hamas has claimed it left the hostage talks last week because of the Israeli military's operation at the Rafah crossing (Read more at Axios).

US billionaires joined Whatsapp group to change Israel narrative

The group was set up on 12 October, days after Hamas's surprise attack on southern Israel, to "change the narrative" on Israel, including by conveying "the atrocities committed by Hamas... to all Americans". Among the business leaders in the group were the CEO of Starbucks, Howard Schultz, Dell CEO and founder Michael Dell, and Joshua Kushner, a financier and brother to Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner. They urged New York City's mayor to use police to disperse a pro-Palestinian protest at Columbia University (Read more at Middle East Eye). 

White House sees no genocide in Gaza, condemns aid convoy attacks

Sullivan said the United States wants to see Hamas defeated. He also said that Palestinians caught in the middle of the war. Biden has sought to influence Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's approach to the war,  but Israel is a sovereign, democratic nation that ultimately makes its own decisions, Sullivan said (Read more at Reuters).

Pro-Palestinian Students End Encampment but Vow Continued Protest

(Reuters) - A group of Harvard students said on Tuesday they would peacefully end a pro-Palestinian protest encampment after the university agreed to discuss its endowment with the protesters and begin reconsidering involuntary leaves it imposed on some (Read more at USNews).

Yahya Sinwar isn't in Rafah: US intelligence

The revelation from US intelligence could challenge Israel's justification for large-scale military operations in the city. However, Israeli officials have been compelled to engage in indirect negotiations with Sinwar, particularly regarding the release of captives. Sinwar's role as a negotiator is pivotal, as Hamas negotiators must obtain his approval before making concessions, according to some officials (Read more at Al-Ahram).

The Gaza 'aid pier': a US geopolitical ploy

It is a strategic maneuver aimed at consolidating US and Israeli control over land and sea. Once the goods are offloaded at the pier, they still need to be transported across Gaza to reach the populations in need. The Netzarim Corridor’s checkpoints, also known as Route 749, could become bottlenecks for these deliveries (Read more at The Cradle).

US Working to Keep Israel, Hamas Engaged in Gaza Truce Efforts

Hamas said on Friday it would consult with other militant Palestinian factions on its strategy to negotiate a halt to the war triggered by its Oct. 7 onslaught into Israel. "We are working hard to keep both sides engaged in continuing the discussion, if only virtually," White House national security spokesman John Kirby said (Read more at USNews).

US says it is studying Hamas response on ceasefire

United States is studying Hamas's response to a ceasefire proposal and will discuss it with allies in the Middle East in the coming hours, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said. CIA director Bill Burns is in the region "working on this in real time," Miller said  (Read more at Reuters).

US demands Qatar expel Hamas if group rejects Israeli truce deal

Analysts say expelling Hamas leaders from Qatar will not help Israel because the Hamas leadership in Gaza is making the decisions over a possible ceasefire. Doha has hosted Hamas’ political leadership at the US’ request since 2012 and provided billions in cash to the Hamas authorities in recent years with the approval of the US and Israel (Read more at The Cradle).

Israel briefs US on plan to move Gazans ahead of Rafah invasion

The Israel Defense Forces recently told the U.S. government and aid groups that they had developed a plan to move people out of Rafah, the main to al-Mawasi, a small strip of land on the southern Gaza coast. The IDF has begun ordering tents for al-Mawasi (Read more at Politico). 

US says Hamas tried to steal Gaza aid shipment from Jordan

However, the aid was ultimately recovered and returned to the organization responsible for its distribution. Describing the incident as the "first widespread case of hijacking seen" in Gaza, U.S. State Department spokesman, Matthew Miller indicated that Hamas held the aid trucks for a period before eventually releasing them (Read more at I24).

There Was No Indication Hamas Planning Attack on US Troops

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Thursday he did not see any indication Hamas was planning any attack on U.S. troops in Gaza but added adequate measures were being put in place for the safety of military personnel (Read more at USNews).

Blinken urges Hamas to agree truce to help Gazans

However, Israeli warns that the army will keep fighting the Palestinian militant group after any ceasefire. "Hamas needs to say yes and needs to get this done," Blinken said. Hamas's aim remains an "end to this war", said senior Hamas official Suhail al-Hindi (Read more at France 24).

Debunking three myths about pro-Palestine student protests in the US

First it is not violent. The takeover of the respective halls comes in the footsteps of students from previous generations at both Columbia and Princeton who opposed the Vietnam War or the apartheid regime in South Africa. Second Jewish students have not been harassed. Third, whereas some students have remained steadfast to the demands of disclosure and divestment, others have been open to various compromises (Read more at Middle East Eye).

Construction of Gaza's humanitarian pier has been completed

The cost estimate for constructing the pier has surged to $320 million, a substantial increase from earlier projections (Read more at I24).

Pro-Palestinian protests aren't going to leave Biden unscathed

Comparisons are being made to the 1968 anti-Vietnam War protests and the role they played in costing Democrats the presidency. Through it all, the Biden White House has demonstrated only limited concern, apparently convinced that they’ll weather this storm. Should the war continue, many young voters will be hard-pressed to vote for Mr Biden. They won’t vote for Mr Trump. Most likely they’ll either vote for a third party or not at all (Read more at The National).

US, Jordan conduct humanitarian airdrop into Gaza

More than 13,080 meal equivalents of Jordanian food supplies were delivered, while the US provided over 25,000 Meals Ready to Eat. According to CENTCOM's estimates, the US has airdropped approximately 1,110 tons of humanitarian assistance into Gaza thus far (Read more at Breaking the News).

Blinken travelling to Israel and Jordan as Rafah invasion looms

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby on Sunday sought to play down warnings, telling US media that Israel has “agreed to listen to US concerns” before moving into Gaza's last enclave of relative respite (Read more at The National).

Hamas releases video of a second American being held hostage in Gaza

One of the two hostages Keith Siegel said, "We are in danger here. There are explosions. It's stressful and frightening, and it's been going on for a very long time ..." Both men urge the Israeli government to "reach a deal" to free the hostages (Read more at NPR).

US presidential candidate jumps over fence to join pro-Palestinian sit-in

US thinker, anti-racism activist and potential US presidential candidate Cornel West has appeared at university student demonstrations against the Israeli (Read more at Middle East Monitor). 

Third State Dept official resigns over US Gaza policy

Secretary of State Antony Blinken's support for Israel's genocide has angered many officials and diplomats in the State Department. Hala Rharrit, the Arabic-language spokeswoman for the US State Department, has resigned in protest against White House support for Israel’s war on Gaza (Read more at The Cradle).

US military begins construction of Gaza aid pier, says Pentagon

Between 80,000 and 100,000 Palestinians have crossed into Egypt from Gaza since the start of the war triggered by the Hamas. More humanitarian aid could reach northern Gaza via the floating pier, including if an Israeli ground offensive disrupts deliveries in the south (Read more at France24).

Pro-Palestinian protests sweep US college campuses

Columbia University canceled in-person classes and police arrested dozens of students at New York University and Yale. dozens of protesters were arrested at Yale and the gates to Harvard Yard were closed to the public on Monday as some of the most prestigious US universities sought to diffuse campus tensions over Israel’s war with Hamas (Read more at Arabnews).

The U.S. Vetoes Resolution to Upgrade Palestine’s U.N. Membership

The U.S. was the only nation in the 15-member U.N. Security Council to vote against the resolution. Israeli Ambassador Gilad Erdan expressed disappointment at the number of countries that have supported the Palestinian request. “Regardless of the Palestinians’ failure to meet the necessary criteria for UN membership, most of you sadly decided to reward Palestinian terror with a Palestinian State.” (Read more at The Time).

US professor: I was censored, doxed and fired because of Gaza

A New York city academic explains why despite this setback, he'll keep advocating for Palestinians and other oppressed people across the world (Read more at TRTWorld).

US TikTok ban is an attack on Palestinian digital rights

The #BDS movement is witnessing a resurgence after many TikTok users urged their followers to boycott major brands due to their direct involvement in supporting Israeli forces. As TikTok has explained, there is a lot of pro Palestine content on its platform because their user base is broadly sympathetic to the Palestinian cause (Read more at NewArab).

John Bolton says Gaza war is still in the very early stages

Former Trump national security advisor John Bolton believes “The fact that Iran has not yet been held to account for any of it, suggests that we’re still in the very early stages of the war ... This is not a Gaza versus Israel war, or a Palestinian versus Israel war, or an Arab versus Israel war. This is an Iranian war against Israel, fought through terrorist proxies.” (Read more at CNBC).

Biden Is Dreaming Like It’s 1918, but Israel Is Fighting Like It’s 1945

In 1918, the United States and its allies sought a German surrender that would neutralize its war-making capabilities without having to transform its state and society. A true solution to what contemporaries called the “German question” came only after World War II, when America and its allies demanded unconditional surrender from Hitler, occupied Germany and de-Nazified its institutions (Read more at NewYork Post). 

US Secretary of State Blinken urges Palestinian reforms in call with President Abbas

Secretary Blinken emphasized that a revitalised PA is essential to delivering results for the Palestinian people in both the West Bank and Gaza. Since the war broke out in October, the United States has been pressing for the Palestinian Authority to root out corruption and bring in new faces in hopes that the PA, which has limited autonomy in parts of the occupied West Bank, can take charge of Gaza as well should Hamas stop governing the Gaza Strip (Read more at NewArab).

US Congressman says Gaza should be nuked, not sent aid

Tim Walberg, a Republican representative from Michigan, which has a sizeable Arab community, was recorded making the comments during a meeting with his constituents. Walberg later released a statement backtracking on his remarks but did not apologise. He said his call for Gaza to be nuked was a "metaphor" to stress the need for Israel to win its war "as swiftly as possible (Read more at NewArab). 

Biden Acknowledges 'Pain' of Arab Americans Over War in Gaza

However, hours after Biden's Friday statement, the Washington Post reported that his government had signed off on additional bombs and warplanes for Israel in recent days worth billions of dollars. Biden also said Arab Americans have been a target of hate crimes while noting the fatal October stabbing of 6-year-old Palestinian American in Illinois, the November shooting of three students of Palestinian descent in Vermont, and the February stabbing of a Palestinian American man in Texas (Read more at USNews).

Senate Democrats urge Biden to take 'bold' action on Palestine

19 senators encourage Joe Biden to 'publicly outline a path' for US to recognize 'nonmilitarized' Palestinian state. The senators said they have been "particularly disappointed" by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s refusal to engage on a path to a Palestinian state (Read more at Anadolu Ajansı).

US will pitch Gaza-Egypt border security plan in lieu of Rafah offensive

That proposal would see Israeli forces working to curb Hamas militants’ ability to smuggle weapons into Rafah, choking off their capacity to wage further war against Israel. It’s unclear for how long Israel would stay on the border along the eight-mile stretch. Egypt have lobbied Washington to urge Israel not to invade Rafah. They worry the operation would push Gazans, including Hamas militants to flee across the border into Sinai (Read more at Politico).

Kushner: Gaza's valuable waterfront, Israel should remove civilians

Jared Kushner, former US President Donald Trump's son-in-law suggested that Israel should remove Palestinian civilians from Gaza while it "cleans up" the territory. This sheds light on potential future implications for Gaza under a Trump presidency amidst Israel's ongoing conflict (Read more at Jordannews).

US Says Israel Should Allow UN Palestinian Agency Chief Into Gaza

A day after UNRWA Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini publicly complained that Israel blocked him, State Department spokesman Vedant Patel, defended the need for him and his staff to visit Gaza. Senator Chris Van Hollen, in a CBS News interview Sunday, said that Israeli charges that UNRWA is a proxy for Hamas were "flat-out lies" aimed at getting rid of the agency (Read more at Barron's).

U.S.'s Blinken to Push for Gaza Ceasefire on Middle East Trip

He will visit the Middle East this week and meet senior leaders in Saudia Arabia and Egypt to "discuss the right architecture for lasting regional peace". "We've also impressed upon Israel the imperative of having a plan for Gaza for when the conflict ends, which we hope will be as soon as possible, consistent with Israel's needs to defend itself and make sure Oct. 7 can never happen again," Blinken added (Read more at USNews).

A tale of two US court decisions, and the Palestine exception

The first case, Defense for Children International – Palestine v Biden, alleged that Biden Administration, has “actively abetted” Israel to commit genocide. The case was dismissed. In another case, US District Judge in Amarillo, Texas rejected the Biden administration’s bid to dismiss a lawsuit, that alleges Biden Administration put US visitors to Israel under increased risk of harm by providing economic aid to the West Bank and Gaza (Read more at Aljazeera).

Sinn Fein leader: Words are not enough from US on Middle East

The Sinn Fein leader, who was in Washington for a St Patrick's Day reception, says we're at a tipping point and big decisions now need to be made by the United States. Ceasefire now has to be the absolute priority (Read more at Skynews).

US floating port in Gaza might serve important purpose

This sea route will be the first passage in or out of Gaza in more than 75 years not controlled by either Israel or Egypt. That also opens a window of opportunity for establishing links with an EU member state and, potentially, trade ties with the rest of this powerful economic and political union. It is a clear sign that the Biden administration is recognizing and internalizing the need to take a different approach to the war (Read more at Arabnews).

US lawmakers question White House plan to build Gaza port

Questions include who will provide security for the US soldiers erecting the pier, who will distribute the aid, and whether building the pier is necessary. Some US officials say it is redundant, as Morocco has opened a land corridor to deliver aid by truck. It is also unclear how the causeway will be anchored to the shore, as US soldiers will be forbidden from setting foot on Gazan soil (Read more at The Cradle). 

US dips its toes into Palestinian politics, but has trouble finding its feet

“Mahmoud Abbas doesn’t tolerate succession planning,” the former official, who has met with Abbas said. “He believes in perpetual resurrection.” A poll late last year showed 90 percent of Palestinians want Abbas to resign. The reason the US doesn't know who will succeed Abu Mazen is because Abu Mazen doesn't know (Read more at Middle East Eye).

Gaza casts pall over Irish PM's talks with Biden

"The president was very clear that the US would continue to support Israel and to assist Israel to defend itself, so I don't think that's going to change," Varadkar said after their Oval Office meeting. "But I think none of us like to see American weapons being used in the way they are. The way they're being used at the moment is not self-defense." (Read more at NewArab)

Blinken Says US Working to Bridge Gaps on Hamas-Israel Deal

He said, "I can tell you is we're working intensively with Israel, with Qatar, with Egypt, to bridge the remaining gaps and to try to reach an agreement". When asked about a possible Israel military offensive on Rafah, Blinken said the US had not seen such plans, reiterating that Washington wants a "clear and implementable plan" to ensure civilians are "out of harm's way". (Read more at Barron's)

McDonald’s loses $7 billion due to boycott

The CFO of McDonald’s announced that the boycott’s impact on sales in the arab region and the Islamic world. McDonald's shares plummeted by over 3 percent, heading towards recording its biggest daily loss in five weeks (Read more at Jordannews).

US food air drop can ease the pressure on Biden, and Israel

The airdrops were “a good way of showing to Democratic Party voters that the US cares about the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Israel is not anymore under pressure to open its border with Gaza. While Israel was considering arming some Palestinian individuals or clans in Gaza to provide security protection for aid convoys after the fighting ends, 99 percent of the time, food that’s airdropped over Gaza gets immediately collected by civilians (Read more at Arabnews).

CIA chief urges truce for starving Palestinian children in Gaza

He said a pending hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas which will initially allow a temporary ceasefire and enable people to get the much-needed humanitarian aid has "great value.” (Read More at TRTWorld)

Biden marks start of Ramadan, says it comes at a moment of immense pain

He said, "to Muslims across our country, please know that you are deeply valued members of our American family. To those who are grieving during this time of war, I hear you, I see you, and I pray you find solace in your faith, family, and community." He added Islamophobia has absolutely no place in the country (Read more at Anadolu Ajansı). 

US Muslim urge boycott of officials who not called for Gaza ceasefire

Muslim organisations in New York are calling on their local mosques and spaces this Ramadan to not invite - or decline invitations from - any elected official who has not called for a ceasefire in the war on Gaza (Read more at Middle East Eye).

US building Gaza port to facilitate mass 'voluntary' migration

The White House claims it wishes to build the port to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, but the port would take at least 60 days to build and that "charities have said those suffering in Gaza cannot wait that long. This military tactical port will receive Israeli approval because Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been seeking this idea since the beginning of the war (Read more at The Cradle)

US NGO worker killed in Israeli attack

A Palestinian aid worker employed at a US charity has been killed in an Israeli attack on his shelter in Gaza’s Deir el-Balah. This is the fifth member of a US humanitarian aid group killed in the war on Gaza (Read more at Aljazeera).

Biden administration position shifted its approach to the war

He changed only rhetorically. But he has not backed away from the two pillars of President Biden’s position on the October 7 terrorist attacks: Israel has a right to defend itself and Hamas must be destroyed. There is one area where the president has changed: Prior to the war, he evinced little or no interest in a two-state solution. He has now put his administration squarely behind this idea (Read more at CFR).

Biden's Port for Aid to Gaza Might Not Be Ready for 60 Days

he U.S. port system being envisioned for Gaza involves two separate components, the first being construction of a floating, offshore barge that would be able to accept aid deliveries. The U.S. military would then move aid from there to a floating, 550 meter causeway anchored to the shore. It may involve more than 1,000 American troops and would allow delivery about 2 million meals to Gazans daily (Read more at USNews).

CIA director in Egypt, Qatar, Israel in last push for pre-Ramadan ceasefire

William Burns secretly arrived in Egypt yesterday and headed to Doha today for a meeting with Qatar’s prime minister. He will next travel to Israel (Read more at Aljazeera). 

Biden Appeases Hamas Supporters with Palestine Aid

Mike Pompeo said that the Palestinian aid packed in Joe Biden's State of Union speech was to appeal to pro-Hamas democrats who wish to see Israel fail and Hamas succeed. He believes that aid will end up in the Hamas's hands (Watch the interview at Hudson).

US prepares to set up port in Gaza for humanitarian aid

The operation will not require that American troops be on the ground to build the pier. The U.S. military has "unique capabilities" and can do things from "just offshore (Read more at DailySabah). 

Democratic candidate: Biden is an enabler of war crimes in Gaza

US activist, academic and presidential candidate Cornel West said, "I stand in deep solidarity with my Palestinian brothers and sisters." (Read more at NewArab)

Trump’s Gaza comments highlight tough choice for peace-supporting voters

Former president’s rhetoric shows voters seeking to punish Joe Biden for backing Israel face dilemma in upcoming election. Donald Trump has voiced explicit backing for Israel’s war on Gaza, suggesting that he supports the goal expressed by the hardline government in Tel Aviv of continuing the assault until “total victory” (Read more at Aljazeera).

US now pushes UN to back 'immediate' Gaza ceasefire to free hostages

The United States on Tuesday revised language in a draft United Nations Security Council resolution to back "an immediate ceasefire of roughly six-weeks in Gaza together with the release of all hostages. The third revision of the text - first proposed by the US two weeks ago - now reflects blunt remarks by Vice President Kamala Harris (Read more at TBS News).

US VP urges 'credible' humanitarian plan before any military activity in Rafah

She called for Hamas to accept terms for an immediate ceasefire. In a post on X, Ms Harris said she "reiterated" support for Israel's "right to defend itself" and discussed the need to increase the flow of aid into Gaza (Read more at Skynews).

'Ball in US' court' for Gaza ceasefire deal: Hamas

Hamas says Israel does not want a ceasefire deal, and it is up to the US to pressure Tel Aviv to agree to end the fighting in Gaza. Israel says it is interested only in a temporary truce. Hamas says it wants any deal to lead to a permanent end to the war, the release of Palestinians held captive in Israeli jails, and all Gaza residents be allowed to return during the truce. (Read more at The Cradle).

Blinken Urges Israel to Maximize Aid to Gaza

Speaking before his meeting with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani at the State Department, the top U.S. diplomat also said there was an opportunity right now to achieve an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war but that the onus was on the Palestinian militant group to engage in those talks (Read more at USNews).

US VP Harris Calls Out Israel Over 'Catastrophe' in Gaza

Although she urged Hamas to accept a deal, she directed the bulk of her comments at Israel in what appeared to be the sharpest rebuke yet by a senior leader in the U.S. government over the conditions in the coastal enclave. Her comments reflected intense frustration, if not desperation, within the U.S. government about the war, which has hurt President Joe Biden with left-leaning voters as he seeks re-election this year (Read more at USNews)..

U.S., Israel at Odds Over Claims by Charities Linked to Hamas

For example, Israel lists a number of fundraising campaigns hosted by Michigan-based LaunchGood, a nonprofit that crowdsources funding for some of the largest Muslim charities in the world and the U.S. hasn’t taken action against any of the campaigns or charities on the fundraising platform. They have undergone scrutiny by the Western governments that regulate them (Read more at MSN).

US says truce up to Hamas as its negotiators due in Cairo

A senior US official said on Saturday that Israel had broadly accepted the plan and it was now up to Hamas to agree to release captives for the deal to take effect. In addition to halting Israel's war, Hamas wants new truce terms to ensure immediate humanitarian relief for Gazans, an Israeli withdrawal and the return of Gazans displaced from the north (Read more at Al Ahram).

American long-term prisoner donates hard-earned money to Gaza victims

An American convict who has spent 40 years behind bars worked in prison for over a month, earning a total of $17.74 and selflessly donated to the people of Gaza. He worked as a janitor for a mere 13 cents per hour, accumulating around this small amount for his 136 hours of labour. His altruistic gesture captured the hearts of people globally through a social media post, resulting in a tremendous outpouring of support and assistance from the community (Read more at TRTWorld).

Arabs and Muslims voting for Donald Trump out of spite

One of them said, "I don’t even care if Trump wins or loses. I just don’t want Biden to win. I don’t want to bubble Biden on my ballot in November. I will vote for Trump because I can." Another one said, "I will vote for Trump not because he’s amazing - because he is not. But because 30,000 innocent people didn’t die under his watch." (Read more at Middle East Eye)

How Will the United States Airdrop Aid to Gaza

The C-17 and C-130 are best suited for the job. The wind plays a large role in ensuring that they land where they should. There is no guarantee that the aid will not end up in the hands of Hamas. President Joe Biden told reporters that the U.S. was also looking at the possibility of a maritime corridor to deliver aid into Gaza. One possible option is shipping aid by sea from Cyprus (Read more at USNews).

Sisi, Biden discuss efforts to reach truce in Gaza war

Both presidents stressed the need to avoid the expansion of the conflict in the region. Egypt urged the UNSC member States to provide protection for the Palestinian people. Biden praised Egypt's intense political efforts to reach a truce and its pioneering role in providing humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. They also discussed strengthening the strategic bilateral partnership (Read more at Al Ahram).

Progressives in Congress request meeting with Biden to demand Gaza ceasefire

The congressional leaders cited a recent poll from Data For Progress that found 77 per cent of Democrats, 69 per cent of Independents and 56 per cent of Republicans wanted "a permanent ceasefire and a de-escalation of violence in Gaza". Not only is a ceasefire good policy, it is good politics (Read more at The National).

Pentagon 'clarifies' Austin's Gaza death toll of 25,000 women and children

The Pentagon said Mr Austin was quoting Hamas numbers and that the US is not keeping track of Gaza casualty figures. Pentagon press secretary Maj Gen Pat Ryder said that absent being on the ground in Gaza, the Pentagon has no way to corroborate tolls given by Israel or Gaza authorities (Read more at The National). 

Biden says Gaza aid convoy incident will complicate hostage talks

Biden walked back his previous remarks about a possible ceasefire in Gaza by Monday. White House deputy press secretary Olivia Dalton said the U.S. asked the Israeli government to thoroughly investigate the aid convoy incident. USAID Administrator Samantha Power said two crossings is not enough and we need more crossings into Gaza so that vitally needed humanitarian assistance can be dramatically surged (Read more at Axios).

US urges Israel to open Al-Aqsa for prayer in Ramadan

The US urged Israel to allow Muslims to worship at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem during Ramadan after a far-right minister proposed barring Palestinians from the occupied West Bank from praying there (Read more at Al Ahram).

U.S. weighs airdropping aid into Gaza as land deliveries slow

This move underscores the growing concern within the White House about the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The administration was skeptical of such an idea early in the war, but support for it has been growing (Read more at Axios). 

Israeli Plan to Expand Settlements Helped Trigger U.S. Shift in Language

Israel's plan to add thousands more homes in the occupied West Bank was the final push the Biden administration needed to declare them "inconsistent" with international law. Since January 2021, the Biden administration has come close a few times to restoring the language to the pre-Trump era, but each time the move was set aside largely due to a failure to secure a green light from all of the senior members of the administration. The Oct. 7 Hamas attack had temporarily halted plans for such a change (Read more at USNews).

Biden, Trump, and Gaza dynamic

Israel’s war on Gaza has not been a centerpiece of Trump’s attacks on Biden. He said if he was in charge he would go after Iran and its proxies and would argue that he would have secured the release of American hostages held by Hamas. He may decide that America has had enough of the Middle East and should focus on its real rival, China, instead (Read more at Arabnews).

Yellen Says Israel Resuming Revenue Transfers to Palestinian Authority

"Blocking West Bank residents from working in Israel, it has a very significant negative effect on incomes in the West Bank. And Israel is also dependent on that labor force," Yellen said, adding that labor shortages were also hurting Israel's economy (Read more at USNews).

Bernie Sanders: Israel has committed mass murder in Gaza

He added that he was leading the effort in Congress to make sure that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu doesn't get the US funds that he needs to continue his war against the Palestinian people (Read more at NewArab).

Palestinian PM Submits Resignation as U.S. Calls for Change

Mohammad Shtayyeh announced the resignation of his government. The United States and other powers have called for a reformed Palestinian Authority to take charge of all Palestinian territories after the end of the war sparked by Hamas's October 7 attack. He said,  "the next stage and its challenges require new governmental and political measures that take into account the new reality in the Gaza Strip" (Read more at Barrons). 

U.S. officials warn: Gaza is turning into Mogadishu

The Biden administration asked Israel to stop targeting members of the Hamas-run civilian police force who escort aid trucks in Gaza. Gaza is turning into Mogadishu" as a security vacuum and desperation have opened the door for armed gangs to attack and loot aid trucks. Many of the trucks that have recently entered Gaza have been overrun by criminal gangs (Read more at Axios).

U.S., Qatar, and Egypt presented a new framework for a hostage deal

It includes the release of several hundred Palestinian prisoners, including those convicted of killing Israelis and serving long sentences, in exchange for Hamas freeing 35 to 40 Israeli hostages. Israel would agree to a day of ceasefire for each hostage, a limited return of Palestinian citizens to the northern part of the Gaza Strip, and a significant increase in the scope of humanitarian aid that would enter the Gaza Strip. It only mentions general principles for the next phases of the deal and the release of soldiers and an exchange of bodies (Read more at Axios).

Netanyahu’s first post-war plan was a blow to U.S. diplomacy

In the intermediate term, Israel wishes to “maintain its operational freedom of action in the entire Gaza Strip, without a time limit,” as well as to retain a security buffer within the besieged territory. Any reconstruction can only begin after “de-radicalization” and demilitarization. Israel also requests a “southern lock” on the border between the Gaza and Egypt (Read more at ABCNews).

US tells ICJ Israel should not be ordered to immediately end occupation

Any movement towards Israel’s withdrawal from the West Bank and Gaza requires consideration of Israel’s very real security needs on October 7 (Read more at Aljazeera).

CIA chief expected in Paris for Gaza hostage talks for a deal before Ramadan

He talks with Qatari, Egyptian and Israeli officials for at least a six-week pause in fighting. The main sticking point centers on differences over the number of Palestinian prisoners to be released and how the list will be determined for the first stage of what could be a three-phase deal (Read more at Axios).

Anti-Palestinian remarks by US politicians

Senator Lindsey Graham: “We are in a religious war here. I am with Israel. Do whatever the hell you have to do to defend yourselves. Level the place.” (Read more at Aljazeera).

US Lawmakers Hopeful of Pause in Gaza War Before Ramadan

Democratic Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Coons who held talks with Israeli and Arab leaders said yesterday that they were hopeful a deal could be struck allowing a humanitarian pause in the war in Gaza before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan (Read more at USNews).

US proposes UN resolution calling for ‘temporary ceasefire’ in Gaza

But it says "as soon as practical" and based on the formula of all hostages being released” while also “lifting all barriers to the provision of humanitarian assistance at scale” in Gaza. The US draft also warns Israel not to launch a ground offensive in Rafah where more than 1.4 million of the 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza have sought shelter. This is the first time the US is proposing the word ceasefire, while it has twice vetoed Security Council resolutions. Something very clearly has changed in Washington in the last 24 hours (Read more at Aljazeera).

US vows to veto new UNSC truce resolution

Algeria put forward an initial draft resolution more than two weeks ago. But U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield quickly said the text could jeopardize "sensitive negotiations" aimed at brokering a pause in the war (Read more at USNews).

Arab Americans want Biden to allow tens of thousands of Gazans to come to US

Community leaders ask administration officials to allow 50,000 Palestinians to come to US under humanitarian parole programme. However, it is likely to face severe resistance from Mr Biden's Republican rivals, who are likely to bring up issues of vetting and security. (Read more at The National).

US, Arab, European ministers meet to outline ideas for post-war Gaza

It took place on the sidelines of the annual Munich Security Conference and would be linked to the normalisation of ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia, according to diplomats and officials (Read more at Middle East Eye).

Why did Blinken fail to reach an end to the war in Gaza

This may be due to the lack of experience of Biden’s administration and the failure to withdraw from the region. America returned with its largest presence since World War II. After Hezbollah carried out more than a thousand military operations against Israel, it established a buffer zone inside enemy territory, when the settlers fled the border areas that became the target of resistance strikes (Link).

Pro-Palestinian activists occupy Museum of Modern Art in New York

Protesters carrying banner saying ‘Cultural workers stand with Gaza’ call for lifting of blockade in Gaza, end to ‘artistic collaboration’ with Israel (Link).

U.S. and Arab nations plan for postwar Gaza

The planning group envisions a unified Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza coupled with a Saudi-Israel normalization deal. However, the plan is premised on Israel ceasing its counteroffensive against Hamas before taking Rafah. Such a step would deny Israel the ability to complete its objective of dismantling Hamas (Link). 

A Message to Joe Biden: A Palestinian State Must Be Based on These Three Pillars

Territory cannot be acquired by force, the far right in Israel must be shunned, and there must be genuine reform of the Palestinian National Council (Read more at Carnegie).

Biden blocks deportation of Palestinians in US, citing conditions in Gaza

The move grants "deferred enforced departure" to an estimated 6,000 Palestinians for the next 18 months (Link).