* Israel views Egyptian-French ceasefire proposal ‘favorably’ The Security Cabinet issued a statement at the end of a four-hour meeting Wednesday indicating that it was looking favorably upon French.

* Israel accepts truce ‘principles’ Israel has agreed “on the principles” of a ceasefire proposal, raising hopes of an end to its conflict with Palestinian militants in Gaza.

* Hamas says no to permanent ceasefire Despite mounting international pressure for an end to hostilities between Israel and Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip.

* New cold war in Europe as Russia turns off gas supplies Fears of a deep chill spread across Europe yesterday after a row between Russia and Ukraine over gas prices cut supplies to the rest of the continent on a day of plummeting temperatures and heavy snowfalls.

* Why has the West Bank been quiet? A rally held here on Tuesday in solidarity with the Gaza Strip drew about 150 protesters.

* EU considers emergency measures as gas crisis intensifies Restarting old nuclear reactors, sharing gas stocks and calling an EU-Russia-Ukraine summit have emerged as potential EU reactions to the gas crisis.

* China fears recession riots as Europe joblessness grows A stark warning by state media Wednesday of possible mass unrest in China signalled deepening fears over the global recession.

* Egypt, Iran spar over ‘incitement’ ad Egypt is demanding Iran bring to justice the authors of an advertisement calling on Iranians to assassinate Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.

* Al-Qaida No. 2 blames Obama for Gaza fight Al-Qaida’s No. 2 leader lashed out at President-elect Barack Obama in a new audio message Tuesday.

* Pakistan intel chief says no India war Pakistan’s intelligence chief said there will not be war with India over the Mumbai attacks.