01/06/09

* US seeks cease-fire formula, backs op The United States is working with its allies on a cease-fire agreement that would end Hamas rocket fire.

* Hamas desperate for lull As the IDF operation in the Gaza Strip entered its 10th day, Hamas has begun sending conflicting messages regarding its intentions.

* Hizbullah on highest alert level Source tells Al-Hayat Shiite group 'determined not to give Israel a chance to avenge its defeat in the July 2006 war'

* UNSC to meet on Gaza resolution The UN Security Council has scheduled a meeting for late Tuesday afternoon to discuss adoption a resolution to halt the violence in Gaza.

* IAF targets UN-run school; Palestinians: At least 30 killed At least thirty people were killed in an IDF attack on a UN-run school in the village of Jabalya in the northern Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian reports.

* Olmert: We'll end Gaza op if arms smuggling, rocket attacks cease PM tells southern residents "I am not a man of war; I am a man of compromise."

* Egypt urges Syria-based Hamas leadership to accept Gaza truce Egypt stepped up its pressure on the Syria-based Hamas leadership to accept a cease-fire in the fighting in the Gaza Strip.

* Hamas puts Gazans in danger by drawing IDF into urban warfare Hamas has thus far avoided direct clashes with Israel Defense Forces troops, preferring instead to take refuge in densely populated civilian neighborhoods.

* Gaza fighting continues as diplomatic efforts falter The Israeli incursion into the Gaza Strip continued despite international calls for ceasefire and multiplying diplomatic efforts in the region.

* Sarkozy urges Assad to press for truce French President Nicolas Sarkozy urged Syria to exert pressure on its ally Hamas in order to help end the fighting in the Gaza Strip between the Palestinian group and Israeli forces.