The Wall Street Journal: U.S. Makes Fresh Cease-Fire Proposal For War In Gaza

“Central Intelligence Agency Director William Burns presented a new proposal here to help advance a deal between Israel and Hamas to end the six-month war in Gaza and release remaining hostages. Under the plan, presented Sunday night, Hamas would release 40 of the more than 100 captives still held in Gaza in return for the release from Israeli prisons of 900 Palestinian prisoners—including 100 convicted of terrorism charges—over the course of a six-week cease-fire in Gaza, Arab mediators said.  The U.S. also proposed to allow civilian Palestinians to return without restrictions to northern Gaza from the south, where they have been displaced since the conflict began in October. Israel has been reluctant to allow that for fear that Hamas militants would mix in with the civilian population and return to areas that Israel says it has already cleared. Israeli negotiators had previously offered to allow 60,000 Palestinians to return there. Under the plan, those Palestinians allowed back would be granted free movement along two main north-south roads, with Israeli forces repositioned nearly a third of a mile away from the routes.”

The Times Is Israel: ‘Qatar Does Not Pay Hamas’: Doha Hits Back At GOP Lawmaker’s Claim

“Qatar’s Embassy in Washington hits back at US House Oversight Committee chairman Rep. James Comer who issued a statement earlier today asserting that Doha has paid the Hamas terror group $30 million per month since 2018. “Qatar does not pay Hamas,” the embassy says in a tweet. “In full coordination with the Government of Israel, Qatar has contributed humanitarian assistance in Gaza since 2018.” It points to two forms of assistance — “fuel purchases from Israel to supply a Gaza power station to generate electricity in Gaza, under the supervision of the United Nations Office of Project Services. The Israeli Government controlled all fuel transfers at the Gaza border.” The second form has been payments since 2021 administered by the World Food Program providing $100 million per month to poor families in Gaza in stipends overseen by Israel. The Qatari aid was sought and appreciated by Israel in the decade leading up to Hamas’s October 7 terror onslaught, documents obtained by The Times of Israel last month showed.”

CEP Mentions

UnHerd: The Khan Review Proves Britain Has A Blasphemy Problem

“Thanks to the newly published Khan review, we now have the clearest picture to date of what actually happened in Batley in March 2021, when a schoolteacher was forced into hiding after showing caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad. The review clearly lays out the personal impact that the saga had on this innocent man, something which was sorely lacking in investigations and reviews at the time, as well as in the statements of key local leaders — which focused almost entirely on the supposed offence caused. This is symptomatic of the guiding principles and priorities of too many institutions, which privilege “local dynamics” and “community relations” at the expense of the overall health of British democracy. Usually, attempting to “sooth community tensions” just means cowing to the loudest voices of self-appointed community leaders. It also means that, elsewhere, religious institutions with clear extremist tendencies continue to receive funding and photo ops with local politicians, because maintaining the relationship with that institution and its proclaimed access to the nebulous “community” is more important than anything else.”

United States

Voice Of America: US Warns Of Possible Attacks On 'Multiple Locations' In Mogadishu

“The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi says it has received information about threats to multiple locations in the Somali capital, Mogadishu. One of the locations identified as a possible target for the threat is the city’s main airport, the Aden Adde International Airport, which also serves as a base for the African Union mission in Somalia and multiple embassies, including the United States and other Western countries. “All movements of U.S. Embassy personnel have been canceled for Tuesday, April 9, 2024,” the security alert said. The alert added, “The U.S. Department of State level-four travel advisory (“do not travel”) for Somalia remains in effect due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health issues, kidnapping, and piracy.” U.S. citizens have been urged to take several measures including reviewing their personal security plans and avoiding large crowds, gatherings and demonstrations, among other steps, to ensure their safety. The United States did not specify where the threat is coming from, but the al-Shabab militant group has been carrying out attacks against the Somali government, African Union forces and other nations supporting Somalia.”

Voice Of America: US Forces Hit Houthi Missile System In Yemen

“The U.S. military said late Monday it destroyed a Houthi missile system in Yemen and an aerial drone launched by the militants over the Red Sea. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said the first strike hit two Houthi missiles that were ready to launch, as well as a ground control station. No injuries or damage to ships in the region were reported. CENTCOM also said an anti-ship ballistic missile was launched Sunday in the direction of the Marshall Islands-flagged, U.K. owned, Italian operated cargo ship M/V Hope Island as it was being escorted by a coalition ship in the Gulf of Aden. No injuries or damage were reported with that incident. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency said it received a report Sunday of a missile landing in the water close to a vessel in the same area. The Houthis have launched numerous attacks targeting vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden in a campaign they say is in solidarity with Palestinians amid the Israeli-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip.”

Iran

Associated Press: Iran’s Foreign Minister Accuses US Of Giving Israel ‘Green Light’ To Attack Consulate In Syria

“Iran’s foreign minister Monday accused the United States of giving Israel the “green light” for a strike on its consulate building in Syria that killed seven Iranian military officials including two generals. Hossein Amirabdollahian reiterated Tehran’s vows that it will respond to the attack, widely blamed on Israel, that appeared to signify an escalation of Israel’s targeting of military officials from Iran, which supports militant groups fighting Israel in Gaza, and along its border with Lebanon. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an address Monday reiterated the Iran-backed group’s support for a Tehran military response to the attack that killed Gen. Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a senior military official in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s Quds Force, and worsened fears of the war spiraling into the rest of the Middle East. Since the war in Gaza began six months ago, clashes have increased between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah. Hamas, which rules Gaza and attacked Israel on Oct. 7, is also backed by Iran, as well as an umbrella group of Iraqi militias targeting U.S. military bases and positions in Syria and Iraq.”

Lebanon

Associated Press: Cyprus President And Lebanese Caretaker Premier Urge EU Financial Aid To Curb Migration From Lebanon

“The Lebanese caretaker prime minister and the Cypriot president are calling on the European Union to provide financial support to help cash-strapped Lebanon stop migrants from reaching European shores. President Nikos Christodoulides’ visit to Beirut Monday, alongside his country’s interior and foreign ministers and army chief, came after he urged the EU last week to intercede with Lebanese authorities to help stop boatloads of Syrian refugees from heading to the east Mediterranean island nation. Migration in recent years has become a priority issue between the two countries. Najib Mikati said the Lebanese military and security agencies have been doing their utmost to curb migration, but the situation was so dire that it needed “a framework agreement” with the EU. He was referring to already sanctioned migration-linked European financial packages with cash-strapped Mediterranean countries Tunisia and Egypt. Christodoulides agreed with Mikati on the importance of reaching a similar agreement with Lebanon as Cyprus, along with other European countries, has been witnessing a spike in migrant arrivals.”

Middle East

Associated Press: The Latest | Netanyahu Vows To Carry Out Rafah Invasion, Which Us Says Would Be A Mistake

“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has escalated his pledge to invade the southern Gaza city of Rafah, which is filled with around 1.4 million Palestinians, most of whom are displaced from other parts of the Gaza Strip. “It will happen. There is a date,” Netanyahu declared in a video statement Monday, without elaborating. The United States, Israel’s closest ally, has said a ground operation into Rafah would be a mistake and has demanded to see a credible plan to protect civilians. Netanyahu spoke as Israeli negotiators are in Cairo discussing international efforts to broker a cease-fire deal with the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Israeli troops withdrew Sunday from Khan Younis, another city in southern Gaza, ending a key phase of the war. Defense officials say they’re regrouping ahead of a push into Rafah. Palestinians who visited Khan Younis on Monday say the city is now unlivable, offering them little immediate chance to return. Many have been sheltering in Rafah.”

Reuters: Hamas Says Israeli Proposal Is Under Review

“Hamas said early on Tuesday Israel's proposal that it received from Qatari and Egyptian mediators did not meet any of the demands of Palestinian factions. However, the group added in a statement it would study the proposal, which it described as “intransigent”, and deliver its response to the mediators. A Hamas official told Reuters on Monday that the group has rejected the Israeli ceasefire proposal made at talks in Cairo, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a date was set for an invasion of Rafah, Gaza's last refuge for displaced Palestinians. Israel and Hamas sent teams to Egypt on Sunday for talks that included Qatari and Egyptian mediators as well as CIA Director William Burns. Burn's presence underlined rising pressure from Israel's main ally the U.S. for a deal that would free Israeli hostages held in Gaza and get aid to Palestinian civilians left destitute by six months of conflict. But senior Hamas official Ali Baraka told Reuters: "We reject the latest Israeli proposals that the Egyptian side informed us of. The politburo met today and decided this."”

Bloomberg: Israeli Officials Express Optimism Over Cease-Fire Talks With Hamas

“Senior Israeli officials said progress has been made in negotiations for a cease-fire in Gaza that would include the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, a move that drew criticism from far-right ministers who threatened to bring down the government. “We’ve reached a critical point,” Foreign Minister Israel Katz told Army Radio on Monday. “If matters work out, a large number of hostages will return home and then, in stages, everyone. But remember that we are dealing with Hamas and there is not a lot of time. I am more optimistic than I was.” Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told military recruits that progress in the war has allowed Israel “to make difficult decisions to return the hostages. I think we are at an appropriate point.” The comments were the most positive in months from top officials on the talks between Israel and Hamas, which have been mediated by the US, Egypt and Qatar. Just last week, Israeli officials said large gaps remained between the two sides, with the Iran-backed militant group demanding a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza before any hostages would be freed.”

Somalia

Garowe Online: Several Al-Shabaab Militants Killed In Somalia

“Security forces in Somalia have killed several Al-Shabaab militants in central regions, authorities said, making a significant comeback in the fight against the group which had intensified attacks throughout the holy month of Ramadan. According to reports, the security teams mobilized against Al-Shabaab in the Barag Garguurte area just near Harardhere in Mudug, before waging an airstrike. It not clear who fired the drone strike but the US Africa Command usually conducts aerial bombardments against the group. The airstrike hit the remote village which is exactly 20 kilometers from Harardhere, a town that is frequently under Al-Shabaab attacks. The town was recently retaken by the militants after Somali National Army withdrew from the area. A statement from the federal government confirmed the airstrike on Monday, noting that the militants had been gathering within the area potentially to plan an attack against security forces and innocent civilians in the region.”

Germany

Bloomberg: Musk Magnifies Focus On Extremist Who Used Banned Nazi Slogan

“Just months after enduring a firestorm over anti-Semitism, Elon Musk appeared to be courting another one when he amplified comments from a right-wing German extremist on the social media platform he owns. Bjoern Hoecke, an influential regional figure in the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, wrote a post to Musk’s X over the weekend in which he complained he was being tried for using a proscribed Nazi slogan. “What did you say?” asked Musk in reaction to Hoecke’s tweet which was — unusually for the politician — formulated in English. According to prosecutors, the AfD’s leader in the East German state of Thuringia had at a 2021 campaign event used a slogan associated with the military arm of the Nazi dictatorship, which is illegal under German law. The former history teacher has long courted controversy for views deemed too extreme even by some in his own party. As recently as 2019 a German court judged that describing Hoecke as a fascist could not be ruled libelous. “Why is that illegal?” Musk asked, in a follow-up to the politician’s post.”

Europe

Reuters: Spain's Top Court Summons Catalan Separatist Leader To Testify Remotely In Terrorism Case

“Spain's Supreme Court has summoned Catalan separatist leader Carles Puigdemont to testify remotely in June over his links to a group accused of breaching terrorism law over protests following the region's failed 2017 bid for independence. The investigating magistrate set tentative dates for the remote hearing between June 17 and 21 and issued a European Investigation Order to ascertain Puigdemont's whereabouts and legal address, the court said in a statement on Monday. Puigdemont lives in self-imposed exile in Belgium. The case concerns protests by a secretive Catalan group, Democratic Tsunami, which organised mass demonstrations including sit-ins in 2019 that caused cancellations of flights at Barcelona's airport and blocked a highway to France. The group, which does not identify its leaders, says its actions were peaceful and the use of terrorism legislation is inappropriate. Puigdemont denies having any links to the group, and calls the case an example of political persecution. The court issued the same summons for Ruben Wagensberg, a member of Catalonia's regional parliament for separatist party ERC who moved to Switzerland in January.”

Associated Press: Nicaragua Urges Top UN Court To Halt German Military Aid To Israel Because Of Its Assault In Gaza

“Nicaragua called on the United Nations’ top court on Monday to halt German military aid to Israel, arguing that Berlin’s support enables acts of genocide and breaches of international humanitarian law in Gaza The case at the International Court of Justice is against Germany, which is the second-largest supplier of arms to Israel after the U.S., but it also indirectly takes aim at Israel’s 6-month-old military campaign, which has left tens of thousands of Palestinians dead and devastated Gaza. Nicaragua’s allegations represent the latest legal attempt by a country with historic ties to the Palestinian people to stop Israel’s offensive, after South Africa accused Israel of genocide at the court late last year. They also come amid growing calls for Israel’s allies to stop supplying the country with weapons — and as some supporters, including Germany, have grown more critical of the war. Nicaragua’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, Carlos José Argüello Gómez, told the 16-judge panel that “Germany is failing to honor its own obligation to prevent genocide or to ensure respect of international humanitarian law.””

Associated Press: EU Red Sea Navy Mission Commander Hopes For More Ships To Repel Houthi Attacks

“The commander of a European Union naval mission in the Red Sea wants to significantly increase its size to better defend against possible attacks by Houthi rebels based in Yemen, as just four warships are patrolling an area twice the size of the 27-nation bloc. The EU mission — dubbed Aspides, from the Greek for “shield” — has escorted 68 ships and repelled 11 attacks since it was established less than two months ago. It only defends civilian vessels and does not take part in any military strikes. The southern part of the Red Sea is deemed a high-risk zone. “Just a single transit of one of our ships between the two larger distances to the area might take about 10 days, and also to cross the high-risk area takes almost two days,” Greek navy Rear Admiral Vasilios Gryparis, the commander of the mission, told reporters in Brussels on Monday. He said the high-risk zone “has seen multiple attacks in the past months” ranging from threats and intimidation to “complex attacks” using “shore, air and sea-based assets, drones and ballistic missiles.” No one has been hurt.”

China

Reuters: Russia, China To Talk About Deeper Security Co-Operation In Eurasia, Lavrov Says

“Russia and China have agreed to discuss ways to deepen security co-operation across Europe and Asia to counter attempts by the United States to impose its will on the region, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday after talks in Beijing. China and Russia declared a "no limits" partnership in February 2022 when President Vladimir Putin visited Beijing just days before he sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine, triggering the deadliest land war in Europe since World War Two. Lavrov, after talks with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, said that Putin had suggested strengthening Eurasian security and that China and Russia had agreed to "start a dialogue with the involvement of our other like-minded people on this issue". "For a long time, there was a Euro-Atlantic security structure in the form of NATO, of course, as well as the OSCE, but it is striking itself out from the list of relevant structures within which it is possible to conduct meaningful negotiations and agree on something based on a balance of interests," Lavrov said.”