Independent Online News
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
David Smith in Washington
Israel and Gaza explode, Ukraine asks for more help and other predicaments demand US attention while Republicans quarrel among themselves
The US’s closest ally in the Middle East is reeling from what many call its “9/11” and now a humanitarian disaster looms in Gaza.… Read the rest
Jewish and Palestinian communities take to the streets as police increase presence around schools, synagogues and mosques
Reuters
Tens of thousands of protesters rallied across the Middle East and in parts of Asia, Europe and the United States in support of Palestinians and condemnation of Israel as it intensified its strikes on Gaza in retaliation for Hamas attacks a week ago.… Read the rest