The Cradle

1. Saudi Arabia balks at Israel normalization, floats 'modest' defense pact with US: Report

The Saudi 'Plan B' reportedly aims to give the US a 'win' to stifle the growing influence of Iran, Russia, and China in West Asia

2. Israeli settlers vandalize Gaza aid in latest attack on humanitarian convoy

Food and medicine have been blocked from reaching Gaza several times due to settler sabotage and military delays

3. Netanyahu to Blinken: Rafah assault ‘not conditional’

Blinken accused Hamas of 'standing in the way' of a truce agreement during his meeting with Netanyahu

4. US interceptors saw dismal success rate defending Israel against Iran: Report

The US, along with the UK, France, and Jordan, openly acted to defend Israel against Iran's retaliatory attack

5. Rights group urges probe into Israeli arms that 'turn victims to ash'

Israel has indiscriminately used US-supplied white phosphorus shells in their attacks on Gaza and Lebanon

6. Pro-Palestine protesters at Brown hail ‘victory‘ after admin agrees to demands

The Brown University administration has agreed to a vote on divesting funds linked to the Israeli army and its war on Gaza

7. Pentagon chief contradicts Biden‘s claim of ‘no boots on the ground‘ in Gaza

Palestinian factions have warned that western troops deployed to Gaza's coast will be treated as 'legitimate targets' for resistance

8. Israeli truce offer ‘fails to address’ Hamas’ main terms: Report

The document detailing the new initiative, published by Lebanese media, does not guarantee a full Israeli withdrawal or permanent ceasefire

9. NYPD storm ‘Hind's Hall‘ in violent raid of Columbia University

Dozens of students were dragged away by police with their hands zip-tied behind their backs

10. Blinken claims aid shipment headed for Gaza’s north during Jordan visit

As part of his seventh tour of West Asia since 7 Oct, Blinken also visited Saudi and is expected in Israel next