DAMAGE FROM air strikes in Gaza in December 2023 (Wikipedia).

Israel won’t be prevented from an announced attack into heavily populated areas of the Gaza Strip by President Joe Biden’s statement that he would withdraw arms shipments if the munitions would be used to fire into those areas.

In response, Israel replied that it had enough ammunition on hand to continue with its planned thrust into Rafah.

The United States has been Israel’s closest and most powerful ally, sending billions of dollars in aid annually, but worldwide humanitarian outcries about the number of civilian casualties – estimated at around 35,000 dead – have shifted that relationship.

“If we need to stand alone,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu,” we will stand alone.”

Hamas’ raids into Israel on Oct. 7 killed about 1,200 Israelis; hundreds – including civilians – were taken hostage. The result  has been to inflict heavy casualties in the Gaza Strip and lead to shortages of food, water and medical care.

Stormy Daniels’ testimony continues

THE “HUSH MONEY” trial continues (Shutterstock).

Testimony by Stormy Daniels, the porn actress who claimed she had sex with former president Donald Trump and then received “hush money,” continued to testify in a New York courtroom.

Trump attorney Todd Blanche argued that Daniels’ details about such an encounter were not relevant to whether or not Trump falsified business records and called for a mistrial, which was denied.

The prosecution replied that information about interactions between Daniels and Trump were key to establishing the former president’s motivation to make payments to suppress news of the incident, then record them as “legal expenses.”

Sports: Angels lose to Royals, 10-4

The Los Angeles Angels’ two game-winning streak came to a halt Thursday night in Anaheim as the Halos were hammered 10-4. They trailed 9-0 before a late rally made the final score a bit more respectable. 

Reid Detmers (3-4) struggled, giving up seven hits – including two home runs – and six earned runs in five innings. He struck out five batters and walked two.

With the loss, the Angels are 14-24 and in fourth place in the American League West. They have a 4-12 record at home and 10-12 away.

The Dodgers are idle today and will open a series in San Diego on Friday.

Weather:  More of the Seventies

Partly cloudy skies will continue right through the weekend in our West Orange County area, with daytime highs in the low- and mid-70s. Friday’s high is forecast to be 72 with an overnight low of 57. Saturday will be similar at 72 (58), followed by Sunday at 75 (59) and then Monday at 72 (58).