Morning update

Good morning, Middle East Eye readers,

Here are some of the latest updates on Israel's war on Gaza:

• US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed optimism about securing a Gaza agreement before Donald Trump’s inauguration.

• Speaking to CBS, Blinken stated: "We hope to reach an agreement on Gaza before Inauguration Day."

• Blinken emphasised that any eventual deal on Gaza would likely follow the framework proposed by President Joe Biden.

• Israel insists it will not agree to end the war as part of any ceasefire framework, according to Israel Hayom, citing a security source.

• The Israeli government demands a presence in the Philadelphi Corridor—a critical border area between Gaza and Egypt—during any ceasefire agreement.

• Talks in Doha have reportedly made progress, but significant disagreements remain unresolved.

• On Sunday evening, Israeli occupation forces launched a series of raids across Palestinian towns in the northern West Bank, arresting dozens and raiding homes.

• The raids targeted Deir Istiya, Haris near Salfit, and Al-Yamoun west of Jenin, with reports of widespread detentions in these areas.

• Meanwhile, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian vehicles near the Al-Funduq village junction on the Qalqilya-Nablus road, pelting them with stones.

• Several vehicles sustained shattered windows, though no injuries were reported in the attacks.