Biden Administration Advocates for Ceasefire Resolution on Israel at UN, Russia and China Veto

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The Biden administration’s efforts to secure a resolution urging a temporary ceasefire in Gaza were thwarted as Russia and China exercised their veto power.

The proposed resolution, aimed at pressuring Israel into accepting an immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza, faced staunch opposition from Russia and China during the council’s deliberations. Despite efforts to garner international support for the measure, the resolution failed to pass, marking a significant setback in diplomatic efforts to address the ongoing conflict in the region.

According to reports from The Times of Israel, the resolution, which was put forward by the United States, sought to broker a ceasefire agreement as part of a broader initiative to facilitate negotiations between Israel and Hamas:

The United Nations Security Council on Friday failed to pass a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza as part of a hostage deal after Russia and China vetoed the measure proposed by the United States.

In response to the veto, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his government’s commitment to taking decisive action against Hamas, with or without international support. Despite the setback at the Security Council, the Biden administration remains committed to finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict and has pledged to continue diplomatic efforts.

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French Senators Call For Ban On Child Transgender Medical Services

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A group of senators in France is calling for a ban on transgender medical services for children.

Led by Senator Jacqueline Eustache-Brinio of the French political party, The Republicans, the group released a report Tuesday sounding the alarm about children receiving puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and gender surgeries which can mean double mastectomies and genital surgery.

The lengthy 340-page report calls medically transitioning minors “one of the greatest ethical scandals in the history of medicine” and accuses transgender activists of pushing medical gender transition on children through aggressive social media campaigns.

France’s High Authority of Health is expected to make a recommendation on transgender medical services for minors soon, the European Conservative reported.

However, the French senators see the issue as urgent and said they plan to propose a bill before the summer to ban puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and gender surgeries for minors being treated for “gender dysphoria.”

(Read more from “French Senators Call For Ban On Child Transgender Medical Services” HERE)

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China Allies With Hamas? Country Signals Interest in Relations with Terrorists

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China has sent a delegation to Qatar to meet with the leader of the jihadist terrorist organization Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh. This encounter marks the first high-level meeting between the Chinese government and Hamas since October 2023. The Foreign Ministry of China revealed on Tuesday that the delegation conveyed Beijing’s interest in fostering relations with the genocidal group.

The meeting comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions following a significant escalation in violence initiated by Hamas in October 2023. The orchestrated attack, dubbed the “al-Aqsa flood” by Hamas, resulted in an estimated 1,200 deaths, the abduction of approximately 250 people, and widespread atrocities including torture, gang rape, and the desecration of the deceased.

Hamas, a Sunni terrorist organization, has long called for the destruction of Israel and the eradication of Jewish presence in the region. It enjoys backing from key Chinese ally Iran, and despite its terrorist designation, has received tacit support from Beijing in international forums such as the United Nations and BRICS coalition meetings.

Confirming the meeting with Haniyeh, the Chinese Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Tuesday, offering limited details on the discussions held. Ambassador Wang Kezhuo of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs met with Haniyeh during his visit to Qatar and exchanged views on issues including the Gaza conflict, as stated in the ministry’s official communication.

However, the ministry declined to provide further elaboration during its regular press briefing, instead emphasizing China’s support for the Palestinian cause and the two-state solution. The meeting took place amidst ongoing tensions in the Middle East, with China reiterating its stance on the need for Palestinian self-governance and aspirations for statehood.

Reports suggest that during the meeting, Chinese Ambassador Cao Xiaolin reiterated China’s historical ties with the Palestinian people and expressed interest in strengthening relations with Hamas. Haniyeh reportedly pressed China to intervene in halting Israeli bombardments in Gaza and facilitating the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes.

Hamas, in its statement following the meeting, acknowledged China’s engagement and the presence of Chinese diplomats. The organization, whose political leadership resides in Qatar, views the country as a mediator between Hamas and the international community.

Russia Outpacing U.S., Europe on Artillery-Shell Production Three to One: Report

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Russia is producing three times as many artillery shells than the combined totals of the United States and its European allies.

A senior European intelligence official told CNN that Russia has been producing 250,000 shells per month — 3 million per year — while the combined defense-industrial capacities of both the U.S. and NATO limit production to about 1.2 million over the same span. The U.S. military set a goal of 100,000 rounds per month by the end of 2025, CNN reports, but that the goal is now unattainable given the $60 billion in Ukraine funding currently in congressional limbo.

The report comes as Russia gains the upper hand in its invasion of Ukraine, having recently captured the city of Avdiivka in the Donbas region. A NATO official told CNN that artillery is the most important aspect of the ongoing war, saying it is in that area where Russia has both “a significant production advantage” and “a significant advantage on the battlefield.”

The report also mentions that, aside from its own domestic production, Russia has imported large quantities of munitions. Iran sent Russia at least 300,000 artillery shells and North Korea delivered at least 6,700 containers carrying millions, according to the NATO official.

While U.S. and NATO leaders have said they do not expect Russia to make significant gains during a forthcoming offensive, Putin has recently begun targeting Ukrainian weapons factories with long-range missiles and drones. (Read more from “Russia Outpacing U.S., Europe on Artillery-Shell Production Three to One: Report” HERE)

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Report: Biden Trying to ‘Collapse’ Netanyahu Government, Mid-War

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U.S. President Joe Biden is reportedly attempting to force the “collapse” of the Israeli government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the middle of a war against Hamas terrorists in Gaza and a potential war against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Biden has been increasingly hostile to Netanyahu in his public remarks, recently saying that Netanyahu is “hurting” Israel more than he is helping it through his conduct of the war. (Netanyahu fired back, saying that Biden was “wrong.”)

Now, New York Magazine reports that the Biden Administration is actively looking for ways to force Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition, which has been remarkably unified, to fall apart, which would bring about early elections. It reported (original emphasis):

One Israeli expert frequently consulted by American officials says, “I have been asked by a serious administration figure what it is that will force the Netanyahu coalition to collapse. They were interested in the mechanics, what can we demand which will collapse his coalition.”

(Read more from “Report: Biden Trying to ‘Collapse’ Netanyahu Government, Mid-War” HERE)

WWIII WATCH: Putin Warns of Nuclear Consequences if Western Troops Enter Ukraine; Germany Appears to Have Inadvertently Revealed the UK and France have Soldiers in Ukraine

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In a startling escalation of tensions, Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a stern warning that any deployment of Western troops in Ukraine could lead to global nuclear conflict. The ominous statement comes amidst rising concerns over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the potential for broader international involvement.

Putin declared Russia’s willingness to use its “entire arsenal” if the conflict in Ukraine does not go in its favor. The Russian leader accused Western allies of contemplating the deployment of troops to Ukraine and warned of severe consequences if such a move were to occur.

French President Emmanuel Macron recently stated that sending Western soldiers to Ukraine “could not be ruled out.” He emphasized the need to do everything possible to prevent Russia from prevailing in the conflict.

Putin, during his address, accused Western allies of selecting targets for striking Russian territory and discussed the possibility of sending a NATO contingent to Ukraine. He warned that the consequences for potential invaders would be “far more tragic” than in previous instances when foreign troops were sent to Russian territory.

In a somewhat taunting tone, Putin questioned whether Western leaders truly understood the gravity of the situation, suggesting that they were treating the conflict as a simulation. He asserted that these leaders, who he claimed hadn’t faced tough challenges, seemed to have forgotten the harsh realities of war.

The international community now faces a precarious situation, with diplomatic efforts likely to intensify to prevent further escalation and find a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.

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Germany Appears to Have Inadvertently Revealed the UK and France have Soldiers in Ukraine

By Breitbart. German Chancellor Scholz stands accused of handing Russia a propaganda coup in order to smooth over his own political difficulties as he claims the presence of British and French soldiers aiding Ukrainian forces.

Scholz has been accused of abusing intelligence and being a bad ally by angry NATO politicians after his remarks about the level of involvement he claims there is of the British and French in the deployment of the Storm Shadow / SCALP cruise missiles they have given to Ukraine, and which have been deployed with devastating effect. . .

It is a little-discussed fact that many NATO states have soldiers in Ukraine, but these troops are generally present only to protect the embassies of those nations in Kyiv, and to safeguard diplomatic staff. In some cases they have additional roles: the United States has been open about the fact it has a limited presence of soldiers who track what happens to the enormous amounts of high-tech weapons systems the West gives to Ukraine, for the sake of accountability. Indeed, that presence was re-confirmed only this week by John Kirby.

In the case of the United Kingdom, an apparently off-guard remark by a senior military officer in 2022 revealed there may be more going on behind the scenes, the Lieutenant General saying there had been “discreet operations in a hugely sensitive environment and with a high level of political and military risk”. The British government later strongly denied having any active troops in Ukraine, however, warning against “taking at face value allegations that have the potential to spread disinformation”. (Read more from “Germany Appears to Have Inadvertently Revealed the UK and France have Soldiers in Ukraine” HERE)

India and South Africa Derail China-Backed Investment Deal at WTO

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In a surprising turn of events at the World Trade Organization (WTO) conference in Abu Dhabi, India and South Africa have put a roadblock in the passage of a significant investment agreement, potentially impacting investments worth hundreds of billions of dollars, particularly in China.

India and South Africa formally objected to the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement (IFD), supported by China and introduced by Chile and South Korea. The deal, estimated to cover projects ranging from $200 billion to $800 billion, faced resistance from the two nations, raising questions about the fate of these investments, often earmarked for developing nations in the “Global South.”

Exercising their right to file formal objections, India and South Africa expressed concerns that the IFD would compromise the multilateral essence of the WTO by imposing binding regulations on all member nations.

India suggested that negotiations for the IFD should take place outside the WTO, emphasizing that interested nations could reach an agreement independently. This stance aligns with a specific set of WTO procedures, necessitating unanimous agreement from all members for such agreements.

While not explicitly stated, India’s reservations hint at concerns that the IFD, often dubbed “China’s IFD” by Indian media, might serve as a strategic move by China and its allies in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). There are apprehensions about the potential favoritism towards countries heavily reliant on Chinese investments and those with substantial sovereign wealth funds. Efforts are underway by WTO leaders to persuade India and South Africa to withdraw their objections.

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Four Charged in Connection With Smuggling Iranian-Made Weapons; Operation Resulted in Tragic Deaths of Two Navy SEALs

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Four foreign nationals are facing charges related to the transport of suspected Iranian-made weapons, following a recent interdiction by U.S. naval forces in the Arabian Sea. Tragically, two Navy SEALs lost their lives during the mission.

The incident occurred on January 11 when U.S. Navy Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Christopher J. Chambers was boarding a vessel, and due to high waves, slipped into a gap between the boat and the SEALs’ combatant craft. In an act of bravery, Navy Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Nathan Gage Ingram jumped in to rescue Chambers, resulting in both SEALs losing their lives.

The criminal complaint alleges that the four defendants were transporting suspected Iranian-made missile components, specifically for weapons used by Houthi rebel forces in recent attacks. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco highlighted the severity of the situation, stating that the flow of such weaponry from Iran to Houthi rebels in Yemen poses a direct threat to the people and interests of the United States and its regional partners.

In a news release, Monaco expressed the gravity of the situation, saying, “Two Navy SEALs tragically lost their lives in the operation that thwarted the defendants charged today from allegedly smuggling Iranian-made weapons that the Houthis could have used to target American forces and threaten freedom of navigation and a vital artery for commerce.”

The main defendant, Muhammad Pahlawan, faces charges of attempting to smuggle advanced missile components, including a warhead, with the knowledge that these would be used by Houthi rebels against commercial and naval vessels in the Red Sea and surrounding waters. Pahlawan is also charged with providing false information to U.S. Coast Guard officers during the boarding of the vessel.

His co-defendants, Mohammad Mazhar, Ghufran Ullah, and Izhar Muhammad, are also facing charges related to providing false information during the incident.

Former Dutch PM, Wife Die Together in Dual Euthanasia Procedure

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Former Dutch Prime Minister Dries van Agt and his wife committed legally assisted suicide by simultaneous euthanasia this week, the non-profit organisation founded by the ex-Dutch leader has revealed.

Public broadcaster Nederlandse Omroep Stichting (NOS) reported on Friday that former Dutch Prime Minister Dries van Agt (93), who led the Netherlands from 1977 to 1982, and his wife Eugenie van Agt (93) opted on Monday to take their lives in a joint act of euthanasia, which is legally permitted under medical supervision in the Western European nation.

Gerard Jonkman, the director of The Rights Forum non-profit founded by Van Agt in 2009, said that the former prime minister had discussed the option of assisted suicide after suffering a brain haemorrhage in 2019, saying that he said it was an “option if life and suffering became unbearable.”

Since then, Van Agt’s health, as well as his wife’s, steadily declined, according to Jonkman, who said: “His health became more and more fragile, and he wanted to focus his attention on his wife, children and grandchildren.” He said that their decision to commit assisted suicide hand in hand came from a feeling that they “couldn’t live without each other”.

The couple, who were married for seven decades, were buried together on Thursday. The Dutch public broadcaster noted that assisted suicide was a curious decision by Van Agt, given that he was a lifelong Roman Catholic — a faith which preaches against suicide — and a former member of the socially conservative Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA). (Read more from “Former Dutch PM, Wife Die Together in Dual Euthanasia Procedure” HERE)

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U.S. Strike Takes Out Senior Member of Iran-Backed Kata’Ib Hezbollah in Baghdad

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The United States carried out a drone strike in Baghdad on Wednesday night that killed at least one senior member of Kata’ib Hezbollah, U.S. Central Command confirmed.

Taking place around 9:30 p.m. local time, CENTCOM said the “unilateral strike” was a “response to the attacks on U.S. service members” of which there have been more than 160 since mid-October. The strike killed “a Kata’ib Hezbollah commander responsible for directly planning and participating in attacks on U.S. forces in the region,” CENTCOM reported.

(Read more from “U.S. Strike Takes Out Senior Member of Iran-Backed Kata’Ib Hezbollah in Baghdad” HERE)

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