Israeli forces thrust deep into central Gaza on Thursday, killing a senior Hamas leader, in what may be a final push against the Islamist group before agreeing to a ceasefire in the 20-day-old war. Both parties are studying peace terms.
The UN scaled back some of its Gaza operations after three staff members were injured when an Israeli tank shell landed in the UNRWA compound. Meanwhile, Hamas announced its interior minister Saeed Seyyam had been killed in an air strike.
Israeli diplomat Amos Gilad traveled to Cairo to discuss an Egyptian-mediated ceasefire plan after Hamas spokesman Salah al-Bardawil (photo) said his group accepted the plan's "broad outlines". But observers say chances for peace are slim.
Arsonists have thrown petrol bombs at a synagogue in the suburbs of Paris, the fourth such incident since Israel began its offensive in the Gaza Strip. French President Nicolas Sarkozy promised severe punishment for those responsible.
A cease-fire agreement in Gaza has been elusive. However, Egypt is the only country currently fostering a dialogue with both Hamas and Israel. Does Cairo hold the key to a cease-fire in Gaza?
UN chief Ban Ki-moon said in Tel Aviv that the basic elements are in place for the violence in Gaza "to end now." Senior Israeli envoys are in Cairo for talks following reports that Hamas has accepted an Egypt-backed draft agreement.
Some Israelis criticise the way the Israeli media cover the Gaza conflict. They feel there is not enough balance, particularly where showing the suffering of and humanizing the Palestinians is concerned.
The UN scaled back some of its Gaza operations after three staff members were injured when an Israeli tank shell landed in the UNRWA compound. Meanwhile, Hamas announced its interior minister Saeed Seyyam was killed in an air strike.
To protest the plight of Gaza Palestinians, Venezuela broke off diplomatic ties with Israel on Wednesday, a move emulated hours later by its regional ally Bolivia.
Israeli troops clashed with Palestinian militants and dug deeper into the streets of Gaza City on Tuesday. The death toll approaches 1000 going into the 19th day of an offensive against Hamas.
