Hungary's Orban:

European Union is not ready and cannot accept Ukraine for a number of reasons, including because it is one of the most corrupt countries in the world.

I do not intend to contribute to the EU’s “bad decision” on Ukraine.

Putin confirms he will be running for another term as Russia's president in 2024 elections.

Turns out that instead of distributing food to children in Gaza, the United Nations (UN) distributes toys that look like food.

Israeli Apache combat helicopter fire killed an IDF soldier in Gaza, Yedioth Ahronoth reports.

IDF Apache helicopter attacked a house where IDF soldiers were operating.

Swedish 155mm artillery system Archer is now being used in battles in Ukraine.

Four men in Washington shape America’s policy in the Middle East. Three are obvious: President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and national security adviser Jake Sullivan.

The fourth is less well-known, despite his huge sway over the other three ― and despite his determination to keep championing policies that many see as fueling bloodshed in Gaza and beyond.

His name is Brett McGurk. He’s the White House coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa, and he’s one of the most powerful people in U.S. national security.

McGurk crafts the options that Biden considers on issues from negotiations with Israel to weapon sales for Saudi Arabia. He controls whether global affairs experts within the government ― including more experienced staff at the Pentagon and the State Department ― can have any impact, and he decides which outside voices have access to White House decision-making conversations.

A former official said there’s a joke in some national security circles:

“If a nuclear bomb was dropped on D.C., two forms of life would survive: cockroaches and Brett McGurk.”

A former Obama administration official described McGurk as placing “less emphasis on the human rights side of things, except where it serves as useful leverage for his preferred strategic outcomes.”

McGurk frequently discourages colleagues from raising rights concerns with other governments, often saying it will make them more likely to draw away from the U.S. and toward China.

For all his influence, McGurk is ultimately not the chief decision-maker over Middle East policies that are drawing public disdain and risking U.S. interests.

“He is giving the president what he wants,” the former Obama administration official said. “Biden owns these decisions.”

Source: HuffPost

IDF footage from Khan Yunis, southern Gaza.

The chairman of Turkish Nationalist Movement Party, Devlet Bahçeli, voiced three conditions for approving Sweden's NATO membership:

1️⃣ The State of Palestine must be recognized.
2️⃣ Israel must pay compensation.
3️⃣ The path to Netanyahu's trial must be paved.

Donald Tusk, who is expected to become the next PM of Poland, says the Hungarian government has openly "switched to Russian positions".

Putin’s presidential Il-96-300PU aircraft and Russian Su-35 fighter jets were escorted by F-4s of the Iranian Air Force over Iranian airspace & Mirage-2000s of the UAE Air Force over the Persian Gulf region.

Blinken:

If you look at the investments we made for the defense of Ukraine, it becomes clear that 90% of the military aid we provided was actually spent here in the United States.

This has led to the creation of more American jobs and economic growth.

EU foreign policy chief Borrell:

The most intensive bombing campaign in history in Gaza goes beyond the destruction of German towns during World War II.

Israel has quadrupled its occupation under international law since the Oslo Accords were signed 30 years ago.

New Hamas video drops as massive rocket launches target Tel Aviv.

“Tel Aviv will burn before it is liberated”

A plane lands to Tel Aviv while the city is under rocket fire.

Ukraine's Ambassador to Japan, Serhiy Korsunsky:

Ukraine and Japan are currently discussing the transfer of air defense equipment from Japan.

This is not a lethal weapon. In fact, this is humanitarian aid.

Russian Su-57 fighter jet warms up before takeoff using unified engine heater UMP-350 at Novosibirsk airport.

Overboard: -37°C

Turkish FM Hakan Fidan:

The problem in Gaza goes beyond Palestinians and Israelis now. It is spreading to the whole region. All regional states must take ownership of the problem.

A permanent ceasefire must be achieved. The way to lasting peace is a two-state solution.

If the parties take steps, we must take every responsibility.

Bulgarian Parliament overturned President Rumen Radev's veto on the free transfer of 100 old BTR-60 armored personnel carriers to Ukraine.

Israeli hostage rescue operation in Gaza fails.

Hamas released the footage of the aftermath of an Israeli special operation.

The attack resulted in the death of the captive Israel soldier Sa'ar Baroukh.

2 IDF soldiers taking part in the operation were seriously injured.

IDF special forces used an ambulance to sneak deep into Gaza.

Wild story from Washington today.

Palestinian Foreign Minister was asked questions by the press during his visit to Washington.

He couldn’t say anything.

It turned out that he wasn’t allowed to make any statements by the U.S. as his visa was restricted by strict rules.

He was warned of “consequences”.

New Hamas footage from Gaza, heavy clashes against IDF forces.