An expert on the Gaza ceasefire deal stated this morning that Israel is anticipating potential U.S. distractions, such as an attack on Venezuela or a government shutdown, as opportunities to alter the existing agreement. Mouin Rabbani, Co-Editor of Jadaliyya, expressed this view on the latest episode of Going Underground, suggesting Israel is banking on a limited U.S. attention span. Rabbani indicated that Israel believes such potential crises would allow it to act as it pleases, with the expectation of at least passive U.S. acquiescence. He asserted that U.S. pressure is currently the sole factor sustaining the Gaza ceasefire deal. These comments come as President Donald Trump is on a multi-country trip to Asia for trade talks. Previous reports from this morning detailed the U.S. Navy directing the evacuation of non-essential personnel from Guantanamo Bay Naval Station in Cuba due to Tropical Storm Melissa. Additionally, Washington D.C. experienced multiple shooting incidents overnight, resulting in at least 11 or 12 individuals injured, including a juvenile, though most injuries were not life-threatening.
