Israel

Declaration of the Holy See: the UN vote should be viewed within the framework of the attempts to give a definitive answer, with the support of international community. The Vatican recalled the agreement with the PLO for "a special internationally guaranteed status for the city of Jerusalem."

For Ron Pundak, the UN vote will help the international community and Israel move towards the solution of 'Two peoples, two states'. Israel needs a change in government. Netanyahu and Lieberman take a hard-line. "We need people like Rabin or Olmert".

The UN General Assembly is expected to vote at 6 pm (EDT). At least 60 Israeli peace groups plan to celebrate the event in Tel Aviv. For Netanyahu and Lieberman, the UN vote "lacks all significance." They threaten to cancel the Oslo Accords, stop transferring tax revenues to the Palestinian Authority and ban Palestinian workers from Israel. For Uri Avneri, an independent Palestinian state "would open to the State of Israel the gateway to a life of peace with its neighbors and to integration in the region".

The vote in the General Assembly is set for tomorrow. European countries like France, Spain, Denmark, Austria, Portugal and Switzerland are in favour. Great Britain, Germany and Italy should abstain. The Palestinians are still concerned about US and Israeli pressures.

The Office for Justice, Peace and Development of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India appeals to India's external affairs minister. In two days time, the UN will vote on recognising Palestine as a non-member state. For Catholic leaders, Israeli settlements in the West Bank "are illegal".

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.

Israel's goal in its "Pillar of Defence' operation was to undermine Abbas's UN request. Everyone appears to agree on this: Israel, Hamas, Egypt and the United States. The great former statesman now peace activist suggests steps to take to achieve coexistence: direct dialogue with Hamas and support for a Palestinian seat at the UN. Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman has other plans: colonising the West Bank and let Gaza be.

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.

Ban Ki-moon, Hillary Clinton, Nabil al-Arabi, Mohamed Morsi are engaged in visits and dialogues. Last night the Israeli army hit "100 terrorist locations." More than 160 missiles were fired from the Strip. The death toll grows: 130 Palestinians (including 31 children), five Israelis. More than 80% of Israelis support the operation, but there are young people who are refusing military service. The difficult conditions requested for the truce.

Benedict XVI offered encouragement for those working on a truce. Continuing his catechesis on the Year of Faith, Benedict XVI said that fideism, as expressed in the phrase 'I believe because it is absurd', "is not a formula that interprets the Catholic faith". For the latter, believing is indeed reasonable.

Of the wounded, only one is in serious condition. Among the Palestinians killed today, three are children. The Tel Aviv police fears a new wave of terrorism. By the eighth day of the offensive, Israel has made over 1,500 airstrikes, killing 158 Palestinians. The Hamas militants have launched 1,400 rockets into Israel, killing four civilians and a soldier.

The agreement went into effect at 7:00 p.m. (local time). The announcement was made by Mohammed Kamel Amr, the Egyptian foreign minister. Netanyahu calls Obama to confirm acceptance of the truce, but warns of an even harder operation in the event of new rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip.