This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
JERUSALEM – Middle East/Israel Morning Brief
Gaza hostage, ceasefire deal on brink of finalization
Talks for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage exchange deal between Israel and Hamas continued in earnest with officials from both sides and from mediating countries estimating that a landmark agreement to end the 15-month war was near-finalized, with multiple outlets reporting details of its content.
Key mediator Qatar said Tuesday that a day earlier it had presented both parties with a "final" draft of the agreement. Israel's Channel 12 news reported Monday, Jerusalem considered it broadly acceptable, and senior Israeli officials said they were waiting for Hamas's reaction.
The Associated Press reported Tuesday that Hamas accepted the deal as well, citing two officials involved in the talks. However, CNN later cited an Egyptian official as saying the mediating countries – Qatar, Egypt, and the United States – had not yet received a response from the Palestinian terror group.
Pro-Hezbollah imam to deliver prayer at Trump inauguration
A Muslim cleric who refused to call Hezbollah a terrorist organization and has a "significant history of extremism" has been tapped to deliver a benediction at President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration next week, the New York Post reported.
Husham Al-Husainy, the imam of the Karbalaa Islamic Educational Center in Dearborn, Mich., is among four religious leaders listed in an Inauguration Day program, obtained by the Washington Reporter on Monday, who are scheduled to speak immediately after Trump's Jan. 20 address.
ICJ judge who pushed back against South Africa's claims of Israeli 'genocide' poised to take over court's presidency
In a significant shift at the International Court of Justice, or ICJ, Judge Julia Sebutinde is poised to assume the presidency, marking another milestone in her groundbreaking career, Israel Hayom reported.
The Ugandan jurist, who recently made headlines for her robust defense of Israel against South Africa's genocide allegations in the Gaza war, will take the helm following current President Nawaf Salam's departure to form Lebanon's next government.
Sebutinde's journey to The Hague reflects a remarkable career in international justice. Her ascent began with her 1996 appointment to Uganda's Supreme Court, where she distinguished herself by leading three pivotal anti-corruption investigations in her homeland.
The judge's international prominence grew with her 2005 appointment to the Special Court for Sierra Leone war crimes tribunal, where she played a crucial role in the landmark trial of Liberian President Charles Taylor. Her appointment to the ICJ in February 2012 broke new ground as she became the first woman from Africa to serve on the court.
Israeli official: Hostage deal won't include return of Sinwar's body
