J Street Urges Consistent and Consequential US-Led Pressure on All Parties To End the Devastation in Gaza and Lebanon and Prevent War With Iran, J Street
For the sake of Israelis and millions of civilians across the region, it is critical that the US, its allies and regional partners apply consistent and consequential pressure on the Netanyahu government and other relevant players to end the wars in Gaza and Lebanon – and avoid a potential all-out war with Iran – at all costs.
Harris and Trump Deadlocked to the End, Final Times/Siena National Poll Finds, The New York Times
The result, coming less than two weeks before Election Day, and as millions of Americans have already voted, is not encouraging for Ms. Harris. In recent elections, Democrats have had an edge in the popular vote even when they have lost the Electoral College and thus the White House. They have been looking to Ms. Harris to build a strong national lead as a sign that she would do well in such critical swing states as Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.
Why Harris’s Pitch to Muslim and Arab American Voters is Failing, The Washington Post
Josh Rogin writes, “Despite Harris’s efforts to signal she would pursue a different policy if elected, the overwhelming sentiment among Muslim and Arab community leaders I’ve talked to is that they simply do not believe her. Why should they? Since Harris took over as the Democratic nominee in August, the party has missed opportunities to improve her standing with Muslim voters: keeping all Palestinian Americans from speaking at the Democratic National Convention, for instance. More significantly, the vice president has declined to specify any aspect of the Biden administration’s Middle East policy that she would change.”
Israeli Strikes Kill 38 People in Gaza’s Khan Younis and 3 Journalists in Southern Lebanon, AP
The deaths reported by Gaza health officials were the latest in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, where people have in recent days lined up for bread outside the city’s only bakery in operation. They come a day after United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Israel had accomplished its objective of “effectively dismantling” Hamas and implored both sides to revive negotiations.
U.S. Announces Plan To Resume Gaza Peace Talks, Send $135M in Aid for Palestinians, The Washington Post
He [Anthony Blinken] also announced plans to send an additional $135 million in aid for Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank and the broader region, which would include assistance with water sanitation and maternal health.
More Than 130 Israeli Reservists Sign Letter Refusing To Fight in Gaza and Lebanon, CNN
On October 9, Vilk, along with more than 130 other Israeli reservists, signed an open letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stating that they refuse to serve unless a deal is signed to end the war and bring back the 101 hostages still in Gaza.
Macron Warns Netanyahu Against ‘Sowing Barbarism’ in Remarks on Lebanon, The Guardian
In words directed at the Israeli prime minister, with whom his relationship has deteriorated badly, he said: “We have been talking a lot in recent days about a war of civilisations or about civilisations that must be defended. I am not sure that we defend a civilisation by sowing barbarism ourselves.”
Five Israeli Reservists Killed in Southern Lebanon, Haaretz
According to the IDF, the five soldiers from the 89th Battalion were most likely killed by a mortar that was fired at them. 19 additional soldiers were wounded in the incident, including four who are hospitalized in serious condition.
For Gaza’s Schoolchildren, Another Year of Destruction, Loss, and Uncertainty, +972
With the Ministry unable to implement an effective plan for the school year, teachers in Gaza have been left to try to organize their own educational programs — and some have taken it upon themselves to set up makeshift schools in shelters and camps across the Strip.
Israel’s Plan to Ban UNRWA From Accessing Gaza Marks New Low in Its Relations With UN, The Guardian
Patrick Wintour writes, “UNRWA has long been a target of Israel, predating its claims that up to 12 members of the group’s staff took part in the 7 October attacks, but the move to ban the agency altogether signals a fresh polarisation that may take years to reverse.”
Close to ‘Mission Accomplished’ in Lebanon, the IDF Is Just Waiting for the Outcome of Talks, Haaretz
Amos Harel shares, “As for the fate of the 101 captives, a new Egyptian initiative was presented this week following Sinwar’s death. In a meeting held in Cairo by Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, the possibility to declare a two-week cease-fire in Gaza, in exchange for the release of a first group of hostages being held by Hamas, was explored.”
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