ISRAEL'S DEMANDS FOR GAZA: NO WATER, POWER, OR AID UNTIL HOSTAGES ARE FREED

Amid the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel, Israel's Energy Minister has issued a stern warning that they will withhold humanitarian assistance and vital resources from Gaza until Hamas releases the captives, as reported by Al Jazeera.

"Delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza? No electricity will flow, no water will run, and no fuel will be supplied until the Israeli hostages are safely returned home," declared Energy Minister Israel Katz on Thursday.

Israel has made a commitment to dismantle Hamas and has enforced a comprehensive blockade on the Gaza Strip in retaliation for an attack that they claim resulted in over 1,300 casualties and 3,000 injuries.

Palestinian sources report that more than 1,350 people have lost their lives, and over 5,000 have been injured due to Israeli airstrikes on Gaza.

In a briefing to 31 NATO defense ministers in Brussels, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant characterized Hamas as the "ISIS" of Gaza, an extremist group funded and supported by Iran. Gallant asserted that Hamas, like ISIS, would not be allowed to exist on their borders, and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would eliminate Hamas and pursue those responsible for attacks on Israeli civilians.

Gallant also highlighted the atrocities committed by Hamas against children, women, men, and the elderly and emphasized that while Israel had suffered significant losses, it was not the same as in 1943. He expressed confidence in Israel's strength, unity, and global support.

BLINKEN LANDS IN ISRAEL, ASSURES BIBI OF SUPPORT: ‘US NOT GOING ANYWHERE’

Tel Aviv : US secretary of state Antony Blinken on Thursday reassured Israeli PM Benyamin Netanyahu of Washington’s support, during a trip to West Asia that aims to prevent the conflict with Palestinian Hamas militants from spreading. Blinken has embarked on amulti-country tour as Israel unleashes the most powerful bombing campaign in the 75 year history of its conflict with the Palestinians, vowing to annihilate Hamas — which rules the Gaza Strip — in retribution for the militants’ attacks.

Washington’s top diplomat will also try to help secure the release of hostages kidnapped by Hamas, some thought to be Americans, and advance talks with Israelis and Egyptians on providing a safe passage for Gaza civilians out of the enclave before a possible Israeli gro und invasion. Blinken’s trip also aims to send a deterrence message to Iran, which backs Hamas, to not get involved.

An hour after landing in Tel Aviv, Blinken shook hands with Netanyahu and told the PM: “We’re here, we’re not going anywhere,” footage from Netanyahu’s office showed. Later speaking at a press briefing, Blinken said the Israeli government showed him photos and videos of Hamas atrocities, including of a baby riddled with bullets, soldiers beheaded and young people burned alive in their cars or hideaways. “It’s simply depravity in the worst imaginable way. It almost defies comprehension,” he said.

Blinken said Hamas had no regard for the rule of law or “any basic standard of human decency” and instead target civilians “in the most inhumane ways possible”. The atrocities depicted in the images he had seen "harkens back to ISIS," Blinken said. After Israel, Blinken will head to Jordan to meet with King Abdullah and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. He is likely to continue onto other Arab countries, US officials say, without specifying which.

X TAKES SWIFT ACTION AGAINST PRO-HAMAS ACCOUNTS IN RESPONSE TO EU CONCERNS

Following the recent Hamas attacks on Israel, the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, has taken steps to remove numerous accounts affiliated with Hamas. The platform's stance is that "there is no place on X for terrorist organizations."

Linda Yaccarino, CEO of the social media platform, emphasized X's commitment to facilitating public conversations, particularly during crucial moments like these, and acknowledged the importance of addressing any unlawful content disseminated on the platform. She stated, "There is no place on X for terrorist organizations or violent extremist groups, and we continue to actively remove such accounts in real-time, including proactive groups."

X's swift response was prompted by a 24-hour ultimatum issued by Thierry Breton, the European Union's industry chief, to Elon Musk. Breton called on Musk to combat the spread of disinformation on X and ensure compliance with new EU online content regulations. He expressed concerns over the platform's alleged role in disseminating illegal content and disinformation within the European Union.

DEVELOPMENTS AMID ISRAEL-HAMAS CONFLICT

ISRAEL READIES FOR POTENTIAL GROUND ASSAULT

As the extensive Israeli airstrikes on Gaza persist, the Israeli military is gearing up for a potential multipronged invasion of the territory, pending approval from the nation's newly formed unity government. Israeli Defense Forces spokesman Lt. Col. Richard Hecht revealed the government had yet to decide on a ground war but confirmed military preparations are underway. With the call-up of 360,000 reservists and the massing of military tanks on the Gaza border, a ground offensive could intensify the conflict further, leading to higher casualties.

EGYPT FACILITATES AID FLIGHTS FOR GAZA

Egypt is taking steps to direct international aid flights for Gaza to an airport in northern Sinai, while Israeli bombardments near the border have hampered relief deliveries. The Rafah crossing between Sinai and Gaza remains open, and Egypt has urged Israel to avoid targeting the Palestinian side of the crossing. The dire situation in Gaza, where stocks of aid and medicine are running low, underscores the urgent need for humanitarian corridors to be established.

CONTINUOUS ISRAELI ARTILLERY STRIKES ON GAZA

Israeli artillery continues to unleash a barrage of shells on Gaza every 30 seconds, resulting in significant destruction. The Israeli military reported launching about 6,000 munitions containing a total of 4,000 tonnes of explosives since the conflict's onset. This relentless artillery fire contributes to the escalating humanitarian crisis and the search for survivors amid the rubble.

ISRAELI MISSILES STRIKE SYRIAN AIRPORTS

Syria reported simultaneous missile attacks on its airports in Damascus and Aleppo by Israeli forces, damaging runways and rendering both airports non-operational. These attacks have disrupted civilian aviation and are seen by Syria as a distraction from Israel's conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Israel's actions in Syria have historically aimed to disrupt Iran's supply lines to Syria, causing concerns about the potential for an escalation in the region.

UK SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL AND REGIONAL STABILITY

The United Kingdom is taking significant measures to support Israel and reinforce regional stability. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has ordered the deployment of military assets, including P-8 aircraft, surveillance resources, Royal Navy ships, helicopters, and Royal Marines to the Eastern Mediterranean. These assets are on standby to provide practical support to Israel and regional partners. This move underscores the UK's commitment to Israel's right to self-defense and regional stability.

FRANCE PROHIBITS PRO-PALESTINIAN DEMONSTRATIONS

In response to the Israel-Hamas conflict, the French government has banned pro-Palestinian demonstrations amid concerns of rising antisemitism in Europe. Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin warned that foreign nationals defying the ban would face deportation. In Paris, despite the ban, a large crowd of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered and faced police intervention. President Emmanuel Macron called for unity in the face of division and emphasized the terrorist nature of Hamas. The situation in Gaza has also left French citizens among the missing, further complicating the international response to the conflict.

RED CROSS SAYS IN CONTACT WITH HAMAS, ISRAEL OVER HOSTAGES

GENEVA, Switzerland — The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has initiated discussions with both Hamas and Israel in an effort to negotiate the release of over 150 hostages taken into Gaza during the surprise attack on Israel by Hamas last Saturday.

Fabrizio Carboni, the ICRC's regional director for the Near and Middle East, has emphasized the organization's neutral intermediary role, expressing readiness to facilitate humanitarian visits, establish communication between hostages and their families, and aid in potential releases.

Carboni reaffirmed that hostage-taking is prohibited under international humanitarian law, urging the immediate release of all detainees. The ICRC has called on both sides to minimize the suffering of civilians.

In response to Saturday's attack, Israel has intensified its bombardment of Gaza and imposed a complete siege on the densely populated region, depriving over 2 million people of water, electricity, and fuel supplies. Hamas has reported casualties among the captives due to Israeli strikes and threatened further harm if civilian targets are bombed without advance notice.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has also engaged in negotiations with Hamas to secure the release of the hostages.

The ongoing conflict has already led to a significant loss of life on both sides, with Carboni expressing deep concern over the extensive human suffering resulting from this escalation.

US & QATAR BLOCK IRAN’S ACCESS TO $6 BILLION FROM PRISONER DEAL

The US and Qatar have agreed to block Iran’s access to $6 billion in funds recently transferred to the nation as part of a deal between Washington and Tehran that led to the release of five imprisoned Americans from Iran last month. Wally Adeyemo, the deputy US treasury secretary, told House Democrats on Thursday that Iran would no longer have access to the funds, according to a person familiar with the matter. The money was under close supervision and strict conditions that it be used only for humanitarian purposes.

The move comes amid harsh criticism, mainly from Republicans, that the Biden administration gave Iran access to a vast sum that freed up other funds for Tehran to provide support to Hamas before its attack on Israel over the weekend.

US officials said they had not seen intelligence that Iran had directly assisted with the assault and that some senior Iranian officials were taken by surprise. But Tehran has been a major backer of Hamas for decades, and opponents of releasing the funds said the fungibility of money meant the restrictions had little meaning. It is unclear whether the Biden administration intends to cut off the funds permanently.

USCIS EXTENDS EAD VALIDITY PERIOD TO REDUCE PROCESSING BACKLOG

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has extended the maximum validity period for certain Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) to five years, aiming to tackle EAD processing delays.

One of the categories benefiting from this extension is individuals with pending 'Adjustment of Status Applications' in the green card application process. Previously, these applicants had EADs valid for two years, requiring frequent renewals. The new policy applies to eligible EAD applications filed on or after September 27, 2023.

This development has received positive feedback from US employers and immigrant workers, particularly H-1B visa holders pursuing green cards. However, H-4 spouses seeking work authorization and international students under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program are not covered by this extended EAD validity period.

The USCIS anticipates that this policy change will significantly reduce EAD renewal applications, contributing to reduced processing times and backlogs. Additionally, other EAD categories, such as asylees, refugees, and noncitizens in various statuses, also qualify for five-year validity periods.

BIRTHS IN CHINA SLIDE 10% TO HIT LOWEST ON RECORD

Beijing : The number of births in China tumbled 10% last year to hit their lowest level on record — a drop that comes despite a slew of government efforts to support parents and amid increasing alarm that the country could become demographically imbalanced. China had just 9.56 million births in 2022, according to a report published by the national health commission. It was the lowest figure since records began in 1949.

The high costs of childcare and education, growing unemployment and job insecurity, as well as gender discrimination have all helped to deter many young couples from having more than one child or even having children at all.

Last year, the country’s population also fell for the first time in six decades, dropping to 1.41 billion people. That’s caused domestic demographers to lament that China will get old before it gets rich.

Much of the demographic downturn is the result of China’s one-child policy imposed between 1980 and 2015, though the abandonment of that policy is having some effect. Nearly 40% of newborns last year were the second child of a married couple, while 15% were from families with three or more children, authorities said.

CHINA SENDS JETS TO WARN US PLANE IN TAIWAN STRAIT

Beijing : China said Thursday it had sent fighter jets to monitor and warn a US Navy patrol aircraft that flew through the Taiwan Strait. China claims sovereignty over democratically-governed Taiwan, and says it has jurisdiction over the narrow waterway. Taiwan and the US claim the Taiwan Strait is an international waterway.

The US Navy said on the incident, “By operating within the Taiwan Strait in accordance with international law, the United States upholds the navigational rights and freedoms of all nations.” It added that the aircraft’s transit demonstrates the US’ commitment to a “free and open Indo-Pacific”. Taiwan’s defence ministry said the US aircraft had flown in a northerly direction through the strait and stuck to its median line. Taiwan’s forces kept watch the situation was “as normal”, it added.

In other news, Taiwan said Thursday China has stepped up “military intimidation” this year by flying an increased number of warplanes around the island. Its defence minister said “the number of Chinese warplanes harassing Taiwan rose to around 380 per month (in 2023), escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait”.

NETANYAHU ‘LET US DOWN’ ON SOLEIMANI KILLING, SAYS TRUMP

Former President Donald Trump has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of betraying him just before the U.S. killed a top Iranian general in 2020, breaking from the Republican presidential primary field’s uniform support of Israel as it responds to Hamas’s attack.

Mr. Trump’s comments at a West Palm Beach, Florida, rally on Wednesday were quickly denounced by one of Mr. Netanyahu’s allies and by several Republicans who oppose Mr. Trump.

The early front-runner for the GOP presidential nomination told the rally that his prayers were with Israel and vowed to stand by the country and not let it fail — before he went on to describe a “bad experience” with its leaders.

“Israel was going to do this with us, and it was being planned and working on it for months,” he said about the coordination to kill Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the head of Iran’s elite Quds Force. “We had everything all set to go, and the night before it happened, I got a call that Israel will not be participating in this attack.”

“Nobody’s heard this story before,” Mr. Trump said. “They didn’t tell us why.” “I’ll never forget that Bibi Netanyahu let us down,” he said.

‘REACHED A DEAL WITH CHINA’S EXIM BANK ON DEBT’

Sri Lanka says it has reached an agreement with the Exim Bank of China on key terms and principles for restructuring its debt, a key step toward unlocking a second instalment of a $2.9 billion package from International Monetary Fund (IMF) aimed at rescuing the island nation from a dire economic crisis.

The Finance Ministry said in a statement issued on Wednesday that the agreement covers $4.2 billion in outstanding debt and is an important step toward Sri Lanka’s economic recovery. The statement said the deal provides the necessary fiscal space for Sri Lanka to implement its economic reform agenda.

Sri Lanka declared bankruptcy in April 2022 with over $83 bn in debt.

PUTIN IN KYRGYZSTAN FOR FIRST TRIP ABROAD SINCE ICC ARREST WARRANT

BISHKEK: Vladimir Putin on Thursday called to strengthen military ties with Kyrgyzstan in a trip to the Central Asian country, his first foreign visit since the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for him in March. President Putin is wanted by the court over the deportation of Ukrainian children.

EU FOREIGN POLICY CHIEF ARRIVES IN CHINA FOR PRE-SUMMIT TALKS

SHANGHAI: European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell arrived in China on Thursday, looking to manage the bloc’s “de-risking” strategy with its largest trading partner while laying the foundations for a summit. On Friday, Mr. Borrell will hold meetings that will tackle issues including bilateral relations, global challenges and trade.

UKRAINE SAYS WITHSTANDING RUSSIAN ATTACKS ON EASTERN TOWN AVDIIVKA

KYIV: Ukraine’s armed forces said on Thursday they were withstanding Russian attacks on the eastern town of Avdiivka, after Moscow said it had improved its position there. The Donbas town is strategically important to Kyiv, and is close to the Russian-controlled city of Donetsk, seized by separatist forces in 2014.

JAPAN MOVES TO STRIP UNIFICATION CHURCH OF GOVERNMENT RECOGNITION

TOKYO: The Japanese government said on Thursday it was seeking to strip official recognition from the Unification Church, the sect under intense scrutiny since the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. If granted, the court dissolution order sought by the government would see the church lose its tax-exempt status.