Israel Gives Diplomacy A Final Chance; Pres. Macron Hosts Syria’s al-Julani

1) Israel is giving diplomacy a final chance, ahead of a looming high-intensity offensive against the Islamist Hamas throughout the Gaza Strip. 2) German Chancellor Friedrich Merz asserts Berlin’s support for Israel’s war on Hamas – while urging Jerusalem to uphold its humanitarian obligation. 3) French President Emmanuel Macron hosts Syria’s de-facto leader Abu Muhammad al-Julani in breach of EU, UN and U.S. sanctions.