01/14/09

* 'Bin Laden' recording calls for holy war over Gaza conflict A new audio message purportedly from the al-Qaida leader, Osama bin Laden, has called for all Muslims to launch a holy war.

* Analysis: Heavy losses haven't broken the Hamas regime Despite the severe military blows that it has been dealt since the beginning of Operation Cast Lead, there were still no signs on Tuesday that the Hamas regime was even close to collapsing.

* Iranian ship prevented from approaching Gaza An Iranian aid ship tried to break the blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip for the second time Wednesday.

* Israel defense officials back immediate Gaza cease-fire Senior defense establishment officials believe that Israel should strive to reach an immediate cease-fire with Hamas.

* IDF Combined Forces Increase Pressure in Gaza The IDF is gradually increasing the pressure on terrorists in Gaza, securing its grip on Gaza City.

* PM, Barak at odds over ending op Senior officials close to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert expressed veiled criticism at Defense Minister Ehud Barak on Wednesday for his backing of Egypt's truce efforts.

* Navy stops Iranian Gaza aid ship again The Navy intercepted an Iranian ship loaded with medicine, food and clothing destined for Gaza.

* U.N. chief: 'No time to lose' in Mideast U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has once again called for an immediate halt to the fighting in Gaza.

* Hamas agrees to ceasefire in Gaza Hamas has agreed to a ceasefire in Gaza based on Egypt's proposal.

* Arabs Squabble as Gaza Burns Nineteen days into a devastating Israeli onslaught of the Gaza Strip, which has killed almost 1,000 Palestinians and sparked angry protests across the region, Arab regimes continued to squabble.