Joshua Lapide

On 29 November, the General Assembly of the United Nations will vote whether to admit or not Palestine as a non-member state. Palestinian diplomats expect a "pleasant surprise", counting on 150 votes out 193. Some doubts persist about some European nations. Israel's diplomatic counteroffensive is aimed at governments and presidents. It fears that Palestine might be admitted to the International Criminal Court to press charges against Israel over war crimes and illegal Jewish settlements. For Avigdor Lieberman, that would be a declaration of war.

The truce demands an end to violence and attacks by both sides and the re-opening of the border crossings between Gaza and Egypt and Israel. Joyful celebrations in Gaza. Israel happy about the guarantees of peace for the southern populations. Mohamed Morsi applauded for his diplomatic contribution. The importance of the 500 tunnels between Egypt and Gaza for smuggling weapons and goods.

An Israeli raid, which was to kill the Hamas leader, responsible for the rocket attacks, has killed nine people, including some children: "a technical error". Yesterday nearly 150 missiles on Israeli cities have left two seriously injured. In Cairo, together with Israeli and Palestinian representatives, work is being done for a cease-fire.

Israel conducted 180 strikes overnight. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh's headquarters is destroyed. Israel calls up 75,000 reservists. Ban Ki-moon urges both sides to stop the escalation. Obama backs Netanyahu, but asks Egypt's president to stop Hamas. Demonstrations in solidarity with the Palestinians are held in Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, West Bank and Iran. The death toll from Operation 'Pillar of Defence' now stands at 38 dead for the Palestinians, plus 280 wounded. Three Israelis are also killed.

Most want to take away voting rights from Israeli Arabs and deny it to Palestinians in case the West Bank is annexed. They also want separate roads for Israelis and Palestinians and the separation of Jewish and Arab children. This "picture is a very, very sick one" for Israel. Perhaps more than racism, it embodies naked power over the defeated.

A conference on denuclearisation is set for Helsinki in late 2012. For Israel, it is premature due to the "volatile and hostile situation" in the area. Iran and the European Union hold "constructive" meeting, but Tehran has hidden its programme in the past. Israel is the only nuclear power in the region.

A former Mossad chief says Iranian should be afraid of the next 12 weeks, i.e. until the next US Presidential election. Panetta tries to convince Netanyahu that sanctions are working. The latter however says that Israel will act on its own. As Romney plays the more reliable ally, Obama is faced with dilemmas. An attack has pros and cons.

The inclusion of the Nativity in the list of "World Heritage sites" is welcomed by Catholics because the Church is in urgent need of restoration, so far hampered by the Orthodox community. Importance of ensuring its "architectural integrity" to avoid its ruin, similar to that taking place in the Holy Sepulchre with the construction of the Katholicon. Also important to monitor Israeli attempts to place the holy sites in Galilee "under the State protection".

The prisoners call for the end of their detention; to be allowed to receive family visits, and the end of isolation. Many of them have spent years in prison, without trial or charges, for "security reasons". Bilal Diab, 27, and Thaer Halahla, 34, on their 74th day, are in desperate conditions. UN and WHO press Israel on humanitarian grounds. The Palestinian Authority, Israel and Egypt are working on a solution. Demonstrations in all occupied territories; risks of "explosive reaction".

Fr Pizzaballa says a red line was crossed when violent and offensive words appeared on the walls of a Baptist church, a Greek-Orthodox monastery and the Christian cemetery on Mount Zion. The graffiti read: "Death to Christianity," We will crucify you", "Mary is a whore". Other offensive words had appeared previously on the walls of the Cenacle.

Palestinians who marry an Israeli cannot acquire Israeli citizenship. For Israel’s right, the court’s decision saves the country from “demographic suicide”, but for human rights activists and liberals, it pushes the country down the “slope of apartheid”.

The young Israeli soldier captured in June 2006 was released this morning in Gaza, and is travelling to Israel. Meanwhile, the first 477 Palestinian prisoners are at checkpoints, where hundreds of relatives await them. Controversy in Israel, Palestinian concerns mixed with the joy over deal.