The international community is struggling to formulate a plan for Gaza after more than a year of war, with diplomats citing a lack of detail from recent talks between Israel and the UAE. The UAE is advocating for a reformed Palestinian Authority (PA) to govern Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem under an independent Palestinian state, which Israel has publicly opposed. The PA was established in 1993-1995 but was run out of Gaza by Hamas after a civil war in 2007. The US State Department has been discussing options for governance, security, and reconstruction with partners including the UAE, but declined to comment on private diplomatic conversations. Some diplomats have suggested that Emirati officials proposed using private military contractors as part of a post-war peacekeeping force in Gaza, which would likely spark concerns among Western nations due to past allegations of human rights abuses.
https://en.tempo.co/read/1961286/uae-discusses-post-war-gaza-government-with-us-and-israelThe US State Department has stated that legal proceedings against Imran Khan, Pakistan's former prime minister, are matters for the Pakistani courts to decide. Despite this, members of the United States House of Representatives have urged President Joe Biden to advocate for Khan's release from prison, citing concerns over mass arrests and restrictions on social media in Pakistan. The State Department acknowledged that human rights are a significant part of US-Pakistan relations and stated that they continue to call for the rule of democratic principles, constitutional and human rights in Pakistan.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/584071-legal-action-against-imran-khan-to-be-decided-by-pakistani-courts-us-state-deptUS Secretary of State Antony Blinken is currently in South Korea, meeting with senior government officials to strengthen ties between the two countries amidst ongoing political tensions. The visit aims to reaffirm the alliance between the United States and South Korea, as stated by the US State Department.
https://www.asiaone.com/asia/south-korean-police-asked-execute-arrest-warrant-impeached-presidentThe US State Department has notified Congress about an $8 billion arms deal package for Israel, which is likely the last commissioned by the Joe Biden administration before he leaves office. The package includes air-to-air missiles, artillery shells, Hellfire missiles, small diameter bombs, and 500-lb warheads to be used in fighter jets and attack helicopters. This move comes as indirect ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas resumed in Qatar, with mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and the US attempting to negotiate a truce in Gaza. The deal has been met with criticism from some Democrats who have urged the administration to make arms sales contingent on Israel's management of the war effort and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/air-to-air-missiles-drones-and-more-biden-plans-8-bn-arms-sale-to-israel-notifies-congress-13849798.htmlGreenland's Prime Minister Múte Egede has stated that Greenland is not for sale and will never be sold, in response to President-elect Donald Trump's plan to acquire the island. The US has a long history of interest in Greenland, dating back to the 1800s when it explored buying both Greenland and Iceland. In 1867, the State Department considered purchasing both islands due to their strategic importance. Denmark turned down a $100 million offer from President Harry Truman after World War II. Trump's plan would mark the largest expansion of American territory in history, surpassing the Louisiana Purchase.
https://www.foxnews.com/us/greenland-pm-seeks-independence-following-trump-acquisition-commentsThe US State Department has informed Congress of an $8 billion weapons sale to Israel, which includes medium-range air-to-air missiles, artillery shells, Hellfire missiles, and precision-guided munitions made by Boeing in St. Louis. The proposed deal is part of a record-breaking $17.9 billion in military aid provided to Israel since the war against Hamas began on October 7, 2023. The sale has faced criticism from some lawmakers, including Senator Bernie Sanders, who have expressed concerns about civilian casualties and called for limiting arms transfers to Israel.
https://stltoday.com/news/nation-world/congress-is-notified-by-the-biden-administration-of-a-planned-8b-weapons-sale-to-israel/article_ac65d11c-cab7-11ef-b760-2bf1812b4b58.htmlThe US State Department has proposed a sale of $8 billion worth of military equipment to Israel, including air-to-air missiles, Hellfire missiles, artillery shells, and 500-pound warheads, in an effort to support Israel's long-term security needs. The proposed sale is currently under review by congressional committees before a formal notification is made to Congress.
https://channelnewsasia.com/world/biden-administration-announces-us8-billion-arms-sale-israel-4837821The State Department is facing a lawsuit over allegations it attempted to discredit two reporters and a member of Congress who questioned the Global Engagement Center's (GEC) efforts to deplatform media outlets with libertarian or conservative-leaning editorial boards that were deemed to be spreading "misinformation." The controversy stems from a September report by The Post, which revealed the State Department's attempts to undermine the journalists' work. The lawsuit is seeking to enforce a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for records related to the GEC's activities.
https://nypost.com/2024/12/31/us-news/watchdog-sues-state-department-for-records-on-censorship-efforts-funding-for-ad-blacklist-that-included-the-post/