HAMAS vs. Israel (Shutterstock).

A deal to end the Israel-Hamas war is “on the table,” President Joe Biden said Monday as he met with Jordanian King Abdullah II at the White House.

Biden and his staff are seeking to cobble together an agreement for a cease-fire of at least six weeks that could win the approval of both the Israeli government and Arab nations that feel that Israel’s response to the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas militants have gone too far.

“The key elements of the deal are on the table,” although “there are gaps that remain. The cease-fire would be predicated on the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas.

As casualties mount among civilians in Gaza, the pressure is on both sides to stop the conflict. “We need a lasting cease-fire now,” said the king. “This war must end.”

Haley strikes back at Trump over troops

Nikki Haley, former president Donald Trump’s last remaining rival for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, blasted him for his comments that her husband left the country to avoid her.
Michael Haley is a National Guard soldier deployed overseas.

NIKKI HALEY campaigning (Shutterstock).

“With that kind of disrespect for the military, he’s not qualified to be president of the United States, because I don’t trust him to protect them.”

She taunted him for his lack of military service. “The most harm he’s ever come across is whether a golf ball hits him on a golf cart,” she said, “and you’re going to mock our men and women in the military?”

Trump’s wife Melania has been absent from his campaigning since after his announcement of candidacy for a second term.

Sports: Clippers lose to Timberwolves

The Los Angeles Clippers are the only local pro team in action today, hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Clips go into the game with a 35-16 record good for second place in the NBA Western Conference. The T-Wolves (36-16) are a half-game ahead in the NBA. Final score: Minnesota 121, Clippers 100.

The Lakers, Kings and Ducks play on Tuesday.

Weather: Some sun, then clouds

It’s good to get sunshine in winter, and that’s the forecast for our West Orange County area for Tuesday. The daytime high is forecast to be 65 with an overnight low of 47.

However, partly cloudy conditions will begin on Wednesday and continue through Friday, with highs ranging from 63 to 66 and lows from 47 to 53.