OT subject but worth a main-stream read- OT News Feeds...

lousubcap

Monday Middle East update:

"The Israeli military issued fresh evacuation orders yesterday in areas of an eastern Gaza City suburb, setting off a new wave of displacement. Israeli airstrikes on central Gaza have killed at least 10 Palestinians since Saturday night, health officials said. Nidal Al-Mughrabi reports for Reuters.

A senior Israeli minister yesterday said Israel will stay in Gaza “for years.”Jason Burke and William Christou report for the Guardian.

The Biden administration warned Israel that its decision to stop issuing administrative detention orders against West Bank Israeli settlers suspected of attacking Palestinians could increase violence in the territory. Israel’s Defense Ministry said the decision was an “internal step taken out of a commitment to democratic principles.” Barak Ravid reports for Axios.

Israel and Lebanon are nearing a ceasefire agreement to end the Israel-Hezbollah war, according to Israeli and U.S. officials. Barak Ravid reports for Axios.Iran is preparing to “respond” to Israel, a senior adviser to the country's supreme leader said in an interview published yesterday. Elwely Elwelly reports for Reuters."

lousubcap

Monday Russia-Ukraine update:

"Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday said Russia will continue to test and start mass-producing the hypersonic ballistic missile launched at Ukraine on Thursday. Katharina Krebs, Darya Tarasova, and Christian Edwards report for CNN.

Trump is considering selecting ex-intelligence chief Richard Grenell to be a special envoy for the Russia-Ukraine war, sources say. Gram Slattery, Nathan Layne, and Humeyra Pamuk report for Reuters.

Russia’s air defence systems destroyed seven Ukrainian missiles overnight over the Kursk region, Kursk regional governor Alexei Smirnov wrote on his Telegram channel.

Ukraine’s air defences had earlier downed 50 of 73 Russian drones launched on various targets, the Ukrainian military said."

lousubcap

Russia-Ukraine additional reading: 

Russia’s invasion forces are “advancing at a significantly quicker rate than they did in the entirety of 2023,” especially around Vuhledar and Velyka Novosilka in Donetsk Oblast, the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War reported in their Sunday afternoon assessment.  In perspective: Russian forces “gained at least 1,103 square kilometers” since September 1—compared to just 387 square kilometers in all of 2023, ISW writes.

Developing: Russia’s military may be trying to split Ukraine into at least three different parts, according to an alleged Russian document reviewed by Ukrainian intelligence. Those three parts, according to ISW, include: “one acknowledging the full Russian annexation of occupied Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhia, and Kherson oblasts and occupied Crimea”;  “another establishing a pro-Russian puppet state centered in Kyiv under Russian military occupation”;  “and a third part designating Ukraine's western regions as ‘disputed territories’ to be divided among Ukraine's westernmost neighboring countries.”

lousubcap

Inside your body, aging unfolds at remarkably different rates

Gretchen Reynolds

https://www.yahoo.com/news/inside-body-aging-unfolds-remarkably-143534490.html?utm_
Yep-the non-linear deal is real for me and in deference to this thread will defer any further discussion...

lousubcap

Tuesday Middle East update:

"Israel and Lebanon have reached a ceasefire agreement to end the Israel-Hezbollah war, a senior U.S. official said yesterday. According to senior Lebanese sources, Biden and France’s Emmanuel Macron are expected to announce a ceasefire within 36 hours. Barak Ravid reports for Axios; Laila Bassam reports for Reuters.

The Israeli cabinet is expected to agree to a ceasefire deal in Lebanon today, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s spokesperson told CNN, with sources saying Netanyahu had approved the plan “in principle.” Jeremy Diamond reports.

Israeli airstrikes killed at least 31 people across Lebanon yesterday, including in areas not subjected to evacuation warnings. Sally Abou Aljoud, Josef Federman, and Sam Metz report for AP News.

The Israeli military said it carried out strikes on the Syria-Lebanon border yesterday evening, targeting “transit routes” used by Iran to “transfer weapons” to Hezbollah. Syrian state media said the strikes injured at least two people and damaged several bridges. BBC News reports; Jaidaa Taha reports for Reuters.

A winter storm flooded the tent encampments of displaced Palestinians across Gaza yesterday, with Hamas-run Government Media Office reporting some 10,000 tents were either washed away or damaged. Nidal Al-Mughrabi and Mohammed Salem report for Reuters. 

Violent thefts by criminal gangs are becoming the main obstacle to distributing supplies in southern Gaza amid severe food shortages, aid workers and local residents say. Yolande Knell and Rushdi Abualouf report for BBC News.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei yesterday called for “death sentences, not arrest warrants” to be issued for Israeli leaders, commenting on the International Criminal Court’s recent arrest warrants. Parisa Hafezi and Elwely Elwelly report for Reuters."

lousubcap

Tuesday Russia-Ukraine update:

"Russia staged its largest-ever drone attack on Ukraine overnight, Ukrainian officials said today, adding that the strikes damaged residential buildings in the Kyiv region and hit critical infrastructure. Valentyn Ogirenko reports for Reuters. 

Russian forces are advancing in Ukraine at the fastest rate since the start of the 2022 invasion, capturing almost 235 square kilometers (91 square miles) in Ukraine over the past week, according to analysts and war bloggers. Guy Faulconbridge and Lidia Kelly report for Reuters.

North Korea is expanding a key weapons manufacturing complex used to assemble a type of short-range missile used by Russia in Ukraine, U.S.-based researchers concluded. Idrees Ali, Phil Stewart, and Josh Smith report for Reuters.

Human rights groups are fiercely criticizing Biden’s decision to give Ukraine anti-personnel landmines, pointing to the weapons “special and long-term dangers.” Robbie Gramer, Nahal Toosi, and Jack Detsch report for POLITICO."

lousubcap

Wednesday Middle East Update:

"Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire yesterday, which took effect today at 4am local time, U.S., Israeli, and French officials said. According to President Biden, the deal, which is “designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities,” will see Hezbollah retreat north of the Litani River in southern Lebanon and a gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops over a 60-day period, with the Lebanese military and U.N. peacekeepers redeploying to secure the region. Rebecca Tan, Mohamad El Chamaa, Abbie Cheeseman, Shira Rubin, and Karen DeYoung report for Washington Post.

The agreed ceasefire deal stipulates that only "official military and security forces" in Lebanon are authorized to carry arms in the country. Although Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel “maintains full freedom of military action” to respond to Hezbollah, it is not clear if the agreement explicitly allows Israel to strike if it believes the group has violated the agreement. Rebecca Tan, Mohamad El Chamaa, Abbie Cheeseman, Shira Rubin, and Karen DeYoung report for Washington Post; Laila Bassam and Maya Gebeily report for Reuters. 

Hours after the ceasefire came into effect, displaced families began returning to southern and eastern Lebanon, the country’s state-run news agency said. Both the Lebanese and Israeli militaries warned civilians against immediately returning to southern areas where Israeli soldiers are still deployed. Euan Ward reports for the New York Times. 

The United States will work with Lebanon’s army to ensure compliance with the ceasefire but will not deploy U.S. combat troops in the area, a senior U.S. official said yesterday. Humeyra Pamuk, Eric Beech, Jeff Mason, and David Brunnstrom report for Reuters. 

Hezbollah will remain active after its war with Israel ends, a senior Hezbollah official who is also a member of Lebanon's parliament said yesterday. Laila Bassam reports for Reuters.Iran’s government welcomed the ceasefire in Lebanon this morning and called for a similar deal in Gaza with Hamas. Andrés R. Martínez reports for the New York Times.

A Hamas official today said the group "appreciates" Lebanon's right to reach an agreement that protects its people and hopes for a Gaza ceasefire deal. Nidal Al-Mughrabi reports for Reuters.

Biden yesterday said the Lebanon ceasefire creates an opportunity for a broader Middle East peace deal and that his administration “will make another push” to “reach a ceasefire in Gaza.” Washington also remains ready to conclude a deal with Saudi Arabia on normalizing Saudi-Israeli relations, Biden said. Yasmeen Abutaleb reports for the Washington Post; Jeff Mason reports for Reuters."

lousubcap

Wednesday Russia-Ukraone update:

"Russia’s Defense Ministry yesterday alleged that Ukraine had struck its territory again with U.S.-supplied missiles, adding that Moscow is preparing “retaliatory actions.” The ministry also said the attacks partly succeeded in damaging military infrastructure and wounding some soldiers, an unusual admission that “could serve as a pretext for strong retaliation.” Constant Méheut reports for the New York Times. 

Russia is still working on deploying its Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, which is part of its strategic nuclear arsenal, the country’s state news agency said today. Reuters reports. 

The experimental ballistic missile Russia fired at Ukraine last week carried multiple warheads but no explosives and caused minimal damage, according to Ukrainian government sources. Tom Balmforth and Gerry Doyle report for Reuters.

Russia conducted its largest ever drone attack on Ukraine overnight, damaging the grid in Ternopil and cutting power to about 70 percent of the region, as well as damaging residential buildings in the Kyiv region, Ukrainian officials said.

Of 188 drones used overnight, Ukraine shot down 76 and lost track of 96.

Russia’s air defence systems destroyed 39 Ukrainian drones overnight over seven regions, the Russian Defence Ministry said."

lousubcap

Thursday Russia-Ukraine update:

Russia is pressing ahead to put its Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile – part of its strategic nuclear arsenal – on combat duty, according to state-run news agency TASS.

Ukraine’s air defences downed 36 of 89 Russian drones launched in attacks overnight, while Russian air defence systems destroyed 22 Ukrainian drones overnight, both sides reported.

Ukraine should consider lowering the age of military service for its soldiers to 18 from 25, an anonymous senior United States administration official has said, adding that Kyiv is not mobilising or training enough new soldiers to replace those lost on the battlefield.

Donald Trump has tapped Keith Kellogg, a retired US lieutenant general who presented him with a plan to end the war in Ukraine, to serve as a special envoy for the conflict, the president-elect has announced. Kellogg was chief of staff for the White House National Security Council during Trump’s 2017-2021 term and national security adviser to then-Vice President Mike Pence.

Self add:
(I hope he has higher standards than Mike Flynn...)

lousubcap

Friday Russia-Ukraine update:

"Russia unleashed its second major attack this month on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, triggering severe power cuts that affected at least one million people across three western regions. The attacks cut power to 523,000 consumers in the Lviv region, 215,000 in the Volyn region and 280,000 in the Rivne region, regional governors reported.

Ukraine’s air force said Russia used 91 missiles and 97 drones in the attack, with 12 hitting their targets, most of which were energy and fuel facilities.

President Vladimir Putin said Moscow had struck in response to Ukraine’s attacks on Russian territory with US medium-range ATACMS missiles. He warned future targets could include “decision-making centres” in Kyiv using its new Oreshnik hypersonic missile – which Moscow claims is incapable of being intercepted.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of a “despicable escalation”, saying it had used cruise missiles with cluster munitions in the attack. Zelenskyy said he was speaking to Western leaders – including NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz – to forge a response to the Russian attempt to “drag out the war”.

US President Joe Biden labelled Moscow’s attack “outrageous”, saying it serves as “another reminder of the urgency and importance of supporting the Ukrainian people in their defence against Russian aggression”.

Russian air defences destroyed or downed 30 Ukrainian drones in the southern Rostov region early on Friday, Regional Governor Yuri Slyusar said.

Putin said during a news conference in Kazakhstan that Russia would use “precisely all means of destruction available” against Ukraine if Kyiv were to acquire nuclear arms, adding that he would be “watching their every move”.

Putin added that there were no conditions to start talks with Ukraine on a possible peace settlement, but that terms he set out in June, including Kyiv dropping its NATO ambitions, remained unchanged."

lousubcap

And this Middle East snippet:
 “Saudi Arabia abandons pursuit of US defence treaty over Israel stalemate,” by Reuters’ Samia Nakhoul and Pesha Magid: “[W]ith public anger in Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East at fever pitch over Israel's military actions in Gaza, Crown Prince MOHAMMED BIN SALMAN has again made recognition of Israel conditional on it taking concrete steps to create a Palestinian state, two Saudi and three Western sources said.”

lousubcap

Saturday Russia-Ukraine update:

"Ukraine has lost about 40 percent of the territory it captured in Russia’s Kursk region in a surprise incursion in August, amid intensifying Russian counter-assaults.

Military analysts say Ukraine’s military is experiencing manpower shortages, making it harder to rotate troops out of the more than 1,000km (620 miles) of front line or to build up reserve forces.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has reportedly urged NATO counterparts to issue an invitation to Kyiv to join the Western military alliance at a meeting in Brussels next week.

Zelenskyy said in an interview broadcast on Friday that offering Ukraine NATO membership while allowing Russia to keep for the moment territory it had captured could be a solution to end the “hot stage” of the 33-month-old war.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the Russia-Ukraine war “has shown us the weakness of the rules-based international system”.

Outgoing European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell described the situation in Ukraine as “worsening” and said he is pessimistic that United States President-elect Donald Trump will improve it. Borrell said Ukraine is able to defend itself only as long as its allies support it."

lousubcap

Monday Middle East update:

"Israel’s Air Force said it struck alleged Hezbollah weapons smuggling sites near the Lebanon-Syria border crossing Saturday, claiming Hezbollah violated the recent U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement. Filip Timotija reports for The Hill.

Israel on Saturday said it had killed a World Central Kitchen (WCK) worker it accused of participating in Hamas-led Oct. 7 attacks. A spokesperson for WCK said an Israeli strike on a vehicle killed three of its contractors, adding, “To the best of our knowledge, no WCK team members are affiliated with Hamas.” Tim Balk reports for the New York Times.

In a fresh ceasefire push, Egypt is in talks with Israel to reopen the Rafah border crossing with Gaza, Arab negotiators say. Summer Said and Omar Abdel-Baqui report for the Wall Street Journal.

Hamas released a video Saturday with proof of life from U.S. citizen and hostage Edan Alexander. The footage, which an Israeli official said is a positive sign from Hamas, calls on Trump to negotiate for Alexander’s release. Separately, the IDF today confirmed the death of the missing U.S.-Israeli soldier, Omer Maxim Neutra. Barak Ravid reports for Axios; Jordana Miller reports for ABC News."

lousubcap

Monday Russia-Ukraine update:

"Russia’s air defence systems destroyed 15 Ukrainian drones over several Russian regions overnight, the RIA state news agency reported citing Russia’s Ministry of Defence.

The Russian Defence Ministry said its forces had gained control over two settlements, Illinka and Petrivka, in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region.

The ministry also said its air defence shot down 55 Ukrainian drones in the past 24 hours.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has pledged additional military support worth 650 million euros ($680 million) as he made a surprise visit to war-torn Ukraine, to reaffirm Berlin’s support for Kyiv in its fight against Russia.

Zelenskyy called on the outgoing United States President Joe Biden to help convince NATO members to invite Ukraine to join the alliance.

In Kyiv, Zelenskyy met European Council President Antonio Costa for talks and praised his decision to visit Ukraine immediately after starting his job. He told Costa and the European Union’s new head of diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, that Ukraine needs security guarantees from NATO and more weapons to defend itself before any talks with Russia.

The US is not considering returning to Ukraine the nuclear weapons it gave up after the Soviet Union collapsed, White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said, following reports that some unidentified Western officials had suggested to Biden to do just that before he leaves office. (Personal Edit-such a move would have been beyond stupid!)

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has accused China of providing Russia with weapons for its war against Ukraine and threatening peace in Europe and the Asia Pacific. Baerbock is scheduled to visit Beijing next week for a meeting with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi."

Edit for this regarding Baltic undersea cables:

A Chinese commercial vessel and its crew is suspected of deliberately dragging an anchor for 100 miles to sever two critical data cables along the Baltic seabed. NATO warships have been surrounding the Chinese bulk carrier in international waters over the past week. Bojan Pancevski reports for the Wall Street Journal.

Botch

Not a lot has been said of this in the MSM, only by some independents and PBS.  But Syria's Butcher al assad is probably sweating bullets right now, rebel groups seem to be taking back their country.  

I lived to see the killing/assassination/death of bin laden, Libya's khadaffi (pick your own spelling), and saddam hussain; if I could live long enough to see just four more vermin (al assad, un, trump, and putin) taken out, I could die a happy guy.  

fishlessman

Wow

lousubcap

Time for the Syrian rebel deal to get its own post:
Today:

Russia and Iran pledged “unconditional support” for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad yesterday, with Syrian state media reporting that Russian and Syrian fighter jets struck targets in rebel-controlled territory. The strikes killed at least 18 people in Idlib in northern Syria, according to local opposition-run civil defense forces. Vivian Yee reports for the New York Times; Ruth Michaelson reports for the Guardian. 

Hundreds of Iran-backed Iraqi militia fighters crossed into Syria yesterday to help the government fend off rebels who seized Aleppo last week, Syrian and Lebanese sources said, adding that Lebanon’s Hezbollah does not currently plan to join the fight. Suleiman Al-Khalidi and Maya Gebeily report for Reuters.

Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed “the escalating situation” in Syria with President Masoud Pezeshkian, the Kremlin said yesterday. Meanwhile, Syria’s opposition leader told Reutersyesterday the Lebanon truce “opened the door” to the rebel offensive in Aleppo. Jonathan Spicer reports. 

The United States and the United Arab Emirates discussed lifting sanctions on Assad if he distances himself from Iran and cuts off Hezbollah weapons routes, sources say. The discussions took place before the start of the current rebel offensive in Aleppo. Maya Gebeily, Parisa Hafezi, and Alexander Cornwell report for Reuters.

lousubcap

Tuesday Middle East update:

"Israel and Hezbollah blamed each other for violating the ceasefire while maintaining they are committed to the agreement after exchanging fire late yesterday. Hezbollah said it fired rockets in a “warning defensive response” to “repeated” ceasefire violations. Israel responded with a round of airstrikes, which killed 11 people, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. Annabelle Timsit and Abbie Cheeseman report for the Washington Post; Barak Ravid reports for Axios.

The Biden administration is worried the Lebanon ceasefire could unravel, with top U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein expressing concern about Israel’s ongoing strikes to Israeli officials over the weekend. Separately, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller yesterday said the United States is “engaging” in a mechanism “to investigate and address reports of violations” of the truce. Barak Ravid reports for Axios; Maya Gebeily and Adam Makary report for Reuters.

The U.N. aid agency for Palestinians (UNRWA) is suspending aid delivery through the main crossing into Gaza because of “breakdown in law and order,” the agency’s head said in a statement on Sunday, blaming Israel for failing to provide a safe passage route. Liam Stack reports for the New York Times.

The Israeli military has expanded its presence in central Gaza in recent months, fortifying military bases and demolishing Palestinian buildings, according to Israeli officials and a New York Times analysis. The move suggests Israel “may be preparing to exert long-term control over the area.” Aaron Boxerman, Aric Toler, Riley Mellen, and Patrick Kingsley report. "

Ike

Was starting to worry about you.  Thought you may have hi-jacked a sub and went over there and told everyone "don't make me stop this sub!"

lousubcap

Tuesday Russia-Ukraine update:

"Ukraine’s Air Force said that Russia launched 110 drones to attack the country overnight. Of 110 drones, the Air Force shot down 52, while at least 50 were “lost”, it said.

Russia’s air defence systems destroyed 15 Ukrainian drones over several Russian regions overnight, state news reported, citing the country’s Ministry of Defence.

NATO is highly unlikely to heed Ukraine’s call for a membership invitation at a meeting of the bloc set to be held on Tuesday, Reuters reported, citing senior NATO diplomats. In a letter to his NATO counterparts ahead of the meeting, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said an invitation would remove one of Russia’s main arguments for waging its war – preventing Ukraine from joining the alliance.

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and his Ukrainian counterpart, Rustem Umerov, held a meeting in which they discussed Russia’s use of new ballistic missiles, preparations for the next meeting of arms donors and plans for Washington’s military aid next year.

The United States will send Ukraine $725m of missiles, ammunition, antipersonnel mines and other weapons, Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed, as President Joe Biden’s outgoing administration seeks to bolster Kyiv before leaving office in January.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that stepping up support for Ukraine is essential to put Kyiv in a strong position for peace talks with Russia, as he conceded there could be a negotiated end to the war."

lousubcap

Let's start with South Korea and martial law:

"In an extraordinary night of tumult, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol yesterday declared martial law and then backed down hours later, following hours of protests in Seoul and the National Assembly passing a resolution demanding an end to martial law. Choe Sang-Hun, John Yoon, Jin Yu Young, and Thomas Fuller report for the New York Times. 

South Korea’s opposition parties today submitted a motion to impeach Yoon over his attempt to impose martial law, which could be put to vote as early as Friday. Hyung-Jin Kim and Kim Tong-Hyung report for AP News.

Yoon’s chaotic martial law announcement prompted swift diplomatic fallout, with Sweden’s prime minister announcing he would skip a planned visit and the United States indefinitely postponing meetings of the Nuclear Consultative Group, a signature Yoon effort. Josh Smith reports for Reuters."

lousubcap

Wednesday Middle East (minus Syria) update:

"Israel yesterday threatened to return to war in Lebanon if the Hezbollah truce collapses, with Defense Minister Israel Katz suggesting Israel will “no longer separate the state of Lebanon from Hezbollah” if fighting resumes. Laila Bassam, Maya Gebeily, and Steven Scheer report for Reuters.

An Israeli strike killed one person in Lebanon yesterday, further rattling the tenuous ceasefire. The IDF also said it killed a senior Hezbollah member in a Syria airstrike yesterday. Sally Abou Aljoud and Bassam Hatoum report for AP News.

Fatah and Hamas are closing in on an agreement on who will administer Gaza after the war, Palestinian officials said, with deal hinging on the appointment of a committee of politically independent technocrats that would effectively end Hamas’ rule. Samy Magdy and Josef Federman report for AP News.

A Hamas official yesterday blamed Israel for the lack of a ceasefire and hostage release agreement, after President-elect Trump warned of “hell to pay” if the group does not release the remaining hostages before his inauguration. Annabelle Timsit reports for the Washington Post. 

Israeli tanks advanced further into southern Gaza today, a day after issuing new evacuation orders. Palestinian medics said Israeli airstrikes killed at least 20 people across the strip. Nidal al-Mughrabi reports for Reuters."

lousubcap

Wednesday Syria rebel update:

"Syrian insurgents are advancing on the city of Hama after capturing Aleppo and threatening to siphon government forces from a critical Aleppo-Damascus route, according to an independent war monitor assessment. Oliver Holmes and Patrick Wintour report for the Guardian.

Health services in Idlib are “no longer functioning” following a series of airstrikes on key hospitals, doctors say. It comes as the regime has intensified strikes on the city over the past week. Kaamil Ahmed reports for the Guardian.

Russia and the United States clashed over the sudden escalation in fighting in Syria at yesterday’s U.N. Security Council meeting, with each side accusing the other of supporting terrorism. Michelle Nichols reports for Reuters."

lousubcap

Wednesday Russia-Ukraine update:

"President Vladimir Putin and senior Kremlin officials “intentionally and directly” authorized a program of coerced fostering and adoption of Ukrainian children, a Yale University report released yesterday suggests. Carlotta Gall reports for the New York Times.

The Biden administration is trying to put Kyiv “in the strongest possible position” before Biden’s term ends, national security adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement on the $725 million security assistance package. Nikki Carvajal and Jennifer Hansler report for CNN.

Trump’s advisers are floating proposals to end the Ukraine war that would cede large parts of the country to Russia, according to Reuters. Gram Slattery and Jonathan Landay report.

Russian drones struck critical infrastructure in Ukraine’s western Ternopil and Rivne regions overnight, the Ukrainian Air Force said. The attack left part of the city of Ternopil without electricity, the city’s mayor said, a week after Russian strikes cut power to much of the city and the surrounding region.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for major reinforcement of eastern sectors in Ukraine’s 1,000-km (600-mile) front line. Zelenskyy said that much depended on Ukraine’s Western allies providing vital weaponry, adding that the “greater our army’s firepower and technological capabilities, the more we can destroy Russia’s offensive potential”.

NATO will step up intelligence sharing and improve the protection of critical infrastructure in the face of Russia’s “hostile” acts of sabotage, NATO chief Mark Rutte said in advance of a meeting of the alliance’s foreign ministers on Tuesday. Rutte added that the bloc needs to step up military aid to strengthen Kyiv’s position should it enter into peace negotiations with Moscow.

While NATO political leaders have agreed “in principle” that Ukraine will join the transatlantic alliance, a number of members are waiting for Donald Trump’s administration to take office in the United States before approving the move, Latvian Minister for Foreign Affairs Baiba Braze told the Reuters news agency at the meeting.

Ukraine declared it would not settle for anything less than NATO membership to guarantee its future security, as the alliance sidestepped Kyiv’s call for an immediate membership invitation at Tuesday’s foreign ministers’ meeting.

Ukraine needs robust security guarantees and a just peace, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said on the sidelines of the NATO meeting, adding that Kyiv alone would decide when to start negotiations with Russia."

lousubcap

Thursday Middle East (-Syria) update:

"Israel gave Hamas an updated ceasefire proposal in a bid to resume negotiations, Israeli officials said. Separately, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz yesterday said that a hostage deal might be possible due to increasing military pressure on Hamas. Barak Ravid reports for Axios; Reuters reports. 

The six hostages found dead in Khan Younis in February were most likely shot by their captors around the time Israel struck near the tunnel, the Israeli military said yesterday. Anat Peled reports for the Wall Street Journal. 

Hamas threatened to “neutralize” the remaining hostages if Israel conducts a hostage rescue operation similar to the June Nuseirat camp operation, an internal statement dated Nov. 22 shows. Samia Nakhoul reports for Reuters.

Amnesty International concluded that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza in a report released yesterday. The Israeli military said the claims are “entirely baseless.” Louisa Loveluck and Missy Ryan report for the Washington Post.

President-elect Trump’s newly named Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, met with Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu and Qatar’s Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in late November to push for a ceasefire, sources say. The meetings suggest Qatar has resumed its mediator role after last month’s suspension. Andrew Mills, Humeyra Pamuk, and Matt Spetalnick report for Reuters.

Hezbollah will likely try to rebuild despite Israeli blows and will pose a long term threat to the United States and its regional allies, sources briefed on updated U.S. intelligence say. Erin Banco reports for Reuters."

lousubcap

Thursday and Syria:

"Syrian rebels today ousted pro-government forces from the strategically important city of Hama, in a major new victory. The Syrian army said it was redeploying outside the city “to preserve civilian lives and prevent urban combat.” Suleiman Al-Khalidi reports for Reuters.

A government strike appearing to target a group of journalists yesterday killed a veteran Syrian photographer. Ali Haj Suleiman and Kareem Fahim report for the Washington Post. 

Iran has deployed members of Hezbollah and Iraq’s Shiite militias to Syria to help President Bashar al-Assad and is mobilizing additional regional fighters, Hezbollah and Iraqi commanders said. Susannah George, Suzan Haidamous, and Mustafa Salim report for the Washington Post."

lousubcap

Thursday Russia-Ukraine update:

"Ukrainian officials are seeking to narrow differences with the Trump administration over a possible peace settlement by holding high-level talks with the President-elect’s allies, a Trump transition official said. Brett Forrest, Vivian Salama, and Lara Seligman report for the Wall Street Journal. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin today threatened to strike Ukraine again with the experimental Oreshnik missile after pummelling the country’s energy infrastructure overnight. Svitlana Vlasova, Victoria Butenko, Edward Szekeres, and Lauren Kent report for CNN. 

Russia appears to be using Kherson’s residents for attack drone target practice, killing at least 37 people and injuring hundreds, a Financial Timesinvestigation shows. Christopher Miller, Sam Joiner, and Irene de la Torre Arenas report.

Ukraine rejected as “groundless” a Russian suggestion that it was involved in the Syria conflict after Moscow’s United Nations envoy accused Kyiv of aiding rebels fighting against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government.

Advisers to incoming US President-elect Donald Trump are publicly and privately floating proposals to end Russia’s war on Ukraine, including ceding large parts of the country to Moscow for the foreseeable future and taking NATO membership for Ukraine off the table.

The fall of France’s government on Wednesday and the country’s failure to pass a budget could make it difficult for Paris to ramp up its support for Ukraine despite President Emmanuel Macron’s repeated promises to help Kyiv for as long as necessary."

lousubcap

Friday Syria update: (You know Russia and Iran are nervous.)

"Syrian rebels entered two towns north of Syria’s third largest city Homs early today and are advancing, an opposition war monitor and pro-government media both report. Thousands of people are fleeing toward government strongholds on Syria’s west coast, a war monitor and residents said. Bassem Mroue reports for AP News; Reuters reports.

The rebel coalition’s goal is ultimately to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad, the main opposition group’s leader told CNN yesterday. Jomana Karadsheh, Gul Tuysuz, Brice Laine, Lauren Kent, and Eyad Kourdi report.

Russian overnight bombing destroyed a bridge along the main route to Homs to slow the rebel advance, a Syrian army officer said. Meanwhile, Iran today said it will send Syria “missiles, drones and more advisers.” Maya Gebeily and Suleiman Al-Khalidi, and Parisa Hafezi report for Reuters."

Edit to add:

"Israeli intelligence officials “have been startled by a faster-than-expected collapse of the Syrian army's defense lines,” according to Israeli officials. Israel, Egypt, and Jordan have all expressed concern to the United States over the developments, a U.S. official said. Barak Ravid reports for Axios.

The foreign ministers of Iraq, Syria, and Iran will meet today to discuss the situation in Syria, the Iraqi state news agency said yesterday. Turkey, Iran, and Russia will also meet in Doha tomorrow on the same topic. Yomna Ehab and Hatem Maher report for Reuters."

lousubcap

Friday Middle East (- Syria) update:

"Israel “perceives an opportunity to advance a Gaza hostage release deal and is committed to pursuing it,” Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar told U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken during a meeting in Malta. Separately, a Hamas official yesterday said ceasefire efforts have “reactivated” in recent days. The Washington Post reports; AP News reports.

Several Israeli strikes hit north Gaza’s Kamal Adwan hospital today, the facility’s director said, adding that “four staff were killed and no surgeons were left at the site.” The Guardian reports via AFP.

Thousands of patients in Gaza are waiting for Israeli permission for urgently needed medical evacuations, including 2,500 children who must be transported immediately, according to UNICEF. Wafaa Shurafa and Fatma Khaled report for AP News. 

The Israeli branch of Amnesty International yesterday distanced itself from the group’s report alleging that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza while saying Israel’s actions in the territory “may amount to crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing.” Separately, a State Department spokesperson told reporters the United States “continue[s] to find that the allegations of genocide are unfounded.” Jeremy Sharon, Jacob Magid, and Toi Staff report for the Times of Israel; the Guardian reports.

Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem yesterday accused Israel of violating the Lebanon ceasefire and called on the Lebanese government to bring those concerns to the agreement’s arbiters. The Washington Post reports."

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Friday Russia-Ukraine update:

"National security adviser Jake Sullivan committed to provide Ukraine with $20bn in loans backed by Russian assets as well as additional munitions during a meeting with the head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office yesterday. Joseph Gedeon reports for the Guardian.

Moscow does not want a war with the United States but will use “all means” to defend its interests, Russia’s foreign minister said in an interview released today. AP News reports.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov clashed indirectly with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken at an annual security meeting in Malta, accusing the West of reviving the Cold War and provoking a direct conflict with Russia.

Separately, Lavrov told US journalist Tucker Carlson in an interview that Russia would use everything it had at its disposal to ward off a defeat in the war against Ukraine.

The Ukrainian Air Force said Russia launched 53 drones against the country overnight, adding that it shot down 32 of those and “lost track” of 16. Two drones left Ukraine-controlled airspace and headed to Belarus, according to the Air Force statement.

Ukraine plans to supply its armed forces with more than 30,000 long-range attack drones next year, its Ministry of Defence said. These next-generation drones can operate autonomously over long distances and strike enemy targets with high precision."