Increased pressure for a Gaza ceasefire | First Thing

Secretary of state Antony Blinken arrived in Tel Aviv as other world leaders set aside differences to call for end to fighting in Gaza. Plus: the report on flying saucers that sent the world of ‘ufology’ into a tailspin

Good morning.

The US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, arrived in Tel Aviv on Friday to meet the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his war cabinet, a key meeting that comes as the US prepares to put forth a new UN security council resolution calling for an “immediate ceasefire” and hostage deal in Gaza.

What does the UN resolution say? Blinken characterized the UN resolution drafted by the US as calling for “an immediate ceasefire tied to the release of hostages”.

How does the EU declaration differ? It calls for the “unconditional release of all hostages” by Hamas, but does not make its demand for a halt to Israeli military operations dependent on a deal.

What is the situation in Gaza? Mass deaths from famine are likely in the coming weeks if nothing changes. Children are already dying from hunger. Continue reading...


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