Ottawa - No one has been surprised by Canadian Conservative Prime Minister's strong support for Israel during the Gaza conflict. However, the Liberal leader's statement on the issue was hardly less supportive.

Gaza - The Gaza Ark project has been in the making for more than a year. The Ark was being built in Gaza and was to deliver goods and passengers to other ports in order to challenge the Israeli blockade by sailing out of Gaza.

Tel Aviv - The Obama administration, after presiding over 5 ½ years of deteriorating relations between the U.S. and Israel, has expressed frustration over its inability to get Israel to sign on to its cease-fire proposal.

Jerusalem - The kidnapping and murder of three Israeli teenagers indirectly led to the current conflict in Gaza. The testimony of an Israeli official over the weekend to a BBC reporter appeared to grant that the main suspects were not under orders from Hamas.

Gaza - Eight children playing during the Eid al-Fitr holiday were among 10 Palestinians killed in a Monday bombing attack on a playground near a Gaza refugee camp.

Aspen - Israel might face an even greater threat from the Gaza Strip if the ruling Hamas terrorist group was destroyed, a top U.S. intelligence official said Saturday.

Jerusalem - Fighting subsided in war-torn Gaza Monday at the start of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr as world powers ramped up pressure on the warring sides to immediately end their 21-day confrontation.

Jerusalem - Author and peace activist Dr. Fran Romano feels the current leadership in Israel-Palestine region may be feeding on violence to maintain short-term power.

Gaza - First an Egyptian sponsored ceasefire proposal negotiated without any input from Hamas was rejected by that group. Later, last Friday, Israel rejected a proposal with input from Hamas presented to Israel by US Secretary of State John Kerry.

No matter how good your marriage is right now, if your spouse was this happy to see you it's a lock it would be even better. Casey, a cute wee schnauzer was so excited to be reunited with her owner that she not only yelped and jumped - she fainted.

Gaza - Hamas rejected Israel's offer to extend a humanitarian ceasefire for a 24-hour period. The Israeli cabinet had approved the extension. Hamas insists provisions should include withdrawal of Israeli troops enabling residents to return to their homes.

Khan Yunis - At least 20 members of one Palestinian family, including 11 children, were killed by an Israeli air strike just moments before a 12-hour ceasefire went into effect on Saturday.

Jerusalem - The Israeli military and the militant Palestinian Hamas were set on Saturday to start a 12-hour ceasefire at 8:00 am (0500 GMT), but a longer-term truce remained elusive.

Cairo - Secretary of State for the US John Kerry's plan for a five day truce between Hamas and Israel, together with negotiations for a longer term settlement of outstanding issues, failed to gain support from Israel.

Jerusalem - After hours of denials all day, Gaza and Israel have agreed to a 12-hour cease-fire. No one knows if it will work if it starts as schedule Saturday morning.

While the world recoils in horror at the sight of Israeli troops slaughtering innocent Palestinians by the hundreds, one high-ranking Israeli parliamentarian says his country should go further and implement its own final solution in Gaza.

Bischofshofen - As the conflict in the Middle East rages on, its effects seem to be felt everywhere. Hatred between both pro-Israel and pro-Palestine supporters is becoming more apparent throughout the world.

Tel Aviv - While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue the war in Gaza for "as long as is required," a small but growing number of Israeli military reservists are refusing to participate in what one likened to the "gang rape" of Palestine.

Geneva - The United Nations Human Rights Council has voted to launch an investigation of possible Israeli war crimes committed during its 16-day war against Hamas in Gaza.

Tel Aviv - A Facebook page is giving new meaning to Gaza Strip as Israeli women post nearly naked photos of themselves to boost the morale of their fighting men.