Independent Online News
Amid Israel’s turn to the right and the resurgence of armed groups in the Palestinian territories, recent horrific events highlight the dangers of diplomatic inaction
Patrick Wintour Diplomatic editor
Joe Biden’s high-stakes visit to the Middle East to avert an all-out war raises serious questions about the level and nature of the president’s previous engagement in the region.… Read the rest
Health officials say blast killed hundreds as footage shows fire engulfing medical centre owned by Anglican church
Bethan McKernan in Jerusalem
Hundreds of people are reported to have been killed in a massive explosion at a crowded hospital in Gaza City, in the biggest single loss of life in the blockaded territory in all the five wars between Hamas and Israel since the militants took over the strip in 2007.… Read the rest
Conflict highlights growing gulf with west, as other big developing powers face difficult diplomatic choices
Jason Burke International security correspondent
China and Russia have hardened their positions towards the conflict in Gaza in recent days, as the war between Israel and Hamas aggravates existing geopolitical tensions and underscores the growing gulf between the cold war allies and western powers such as the US, UK and France.… Read the rest
US is concerned heavy Palestinian casualties caused by expected ground assault will provoke Iran and inflame wider tensions
Patrick Wintour, Ruth Michaelson and Bethan McKernan in Jerusalem
A last-ditch attempt to reduce the impact of a potentially catastrophic all-out Israeli land assault on Gaza will be made by the US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, amid fears that the already daunting Palestinian death toll will rise and provoke an intervention by Iran or its proxies.… Read the rest
Officials removed passengers on Copa Airlines aircraft bound for Florida and identified diaper as cause after emergency inspection
Reuters in Panama City
A Copa Airlines aircraft bound for Tampa, Florida, from Panama City turned back following a suspected bomb threat and the 144 passengers on board were disembarked, but the scare turned out to be a false alarm, authorities said on Friday.… Read the rest