Egypt proposes talks, cease-fire for Gaza
Egypt has put forward a plan for a truce in Gaza that would include an immediate cease-fire and meetings in Cairo between leaders of Israel and "Palestinian factions."

Israel mulls expelling Venezuelan diplomat
Israel said Wednesday it may expel Venezuela's top diplomat from the country in a tit-for-tat gesture after the South American nation ordered the Israeli ambassador to leave over the increasingly bloody ground war in Gaza.

U.N.: Israeli strike near school kills scores
Three artillery shells believed to have been fired by Israeli forces struck near the perimeter of a U.N. school in northern Gaza on Tuesday, killing at least 30 people and wounding 55, a U.N. official said.

Al Qaeda message blames Obama, Egypt
An audio message reportedly from al Qaeda's deputy chief vows revenge for Israel's air and ground assault on Gaza and calls the Jewish state's actions against Hamas militants "a gift" from U.S. President-elect Barack Obama.

Reports: China begins anti-pirate patrols
Two Chinese destroyers and a supply ship were patrolling the waters in the Gulf of Aden off Somalia on Wednesday, according to news reports, and at least 15 vessels have requested their protection.