Newscast for Monday, January 5, 2009

• Worldwide Protests Criticize Israel's Invasion of Gaza
• UN Fails to Deliver Israeli/Gaza Ceasefire
• Thousands Displaced in Gaza
• India Releases Evidence and Challenges Pakistan to Account for Mumbai Attacks
• 112th Congressional Session Begins Tomorrow
• Maryland Police Surveillance of Activists Broader than First Suspected

Worldwide Protests Criticize Israel's Invasion of Gaza
In the third day of Israel's ground attacks in Gaza, the death toll continues to rise.  A diplomatic solution seems to be out of reach. And this weekend from New York City's Times Square to snowy Kabul, Afghanistan, the conflict has triggered protests.  Ayaz, a US military veteran and protester who joined the crowd of thousands in New York City said this time, Israel overreached.  He hopes the current situation will open people's eyes to what's happening in the region.  A similar scene took place in Rome, Toronto, the West Bank and Tel Aviv and thousands held Palestinian flags high above the crowd and called on the world to stand by Gaza.  In a packed Trafalgar square London, the president of the Islamic Forum Europe Habibur Rahman called for Palestinian freedom.  Protests continued today in Chicago, Montreal and Melbourne, Australia.

UN Fails to Deliver Israeli/Gaza Ceasefire

United Nations diplomats met in emergency closed-door meetings over the weekend in an attempt to help stop the violence in Gaza, but no progress was made. The United States blocked a Security Council statement that called for an immediate ceasefire. U.S. deputy ambassador Alejandro Wolff said the US doesn't believe Hamas would abide by a ceasefire. UN Secretary Ban Ki Moon said he regrets the Security Council's failure to reach a consensus and called on all members of the international community to commit to bringing the crisis to an end. General Assembly President Miguel D'Escoto Brockmann was more candid in his remarks, made today after returning to New York.  Meanwhile, after weekend meetings with PLO officials, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was scheduled to arrive at U-N Headquarters in New York City today, to push for a resolution to end the conflict.

Thousands Displaced in Gaza
Back in Gaza . . .  For the past 48 hours, the Israeli army has been engaged in a ground invasion into various parts on the Gaza Strip, claiming the lives of hundreds - a majority civilians. International mediators from all over the world - including French president Nicolas Sarkozy - have journeyed to the region to engage in talks, but Israel says the offensive will continue unless Hamas discontinues rocket fire.  Although the number of homemade rockets fired from Gaza has decreased, Hamas still managed to launch 20 today, according to the Israeli military.  And Israel's foreign minister said today the country was defending its right to defend itself and is battling extremism.  Today Israel moved the ground battle into Gaza City where Hamas continues to show dogged resistance.  Heavy gunfire and explosions could be heard from within the city as plumes of black smoke rose over the low buildings.  Meanwhile, the United Nations Relief Agency has been dealing with an emergency situation as thousands of people fled their homes due to the army attacks.  FSRN's Rami Almeghari files this story from the field.

India Releases Evidence and Challenges Pakistan to Account for Mumbai Attacks
In what is described as a major diplomatic attack against Pakistan, today India handed over evidence linking Pakistan-based groups with the Mumbai attacks last November.  India also released the information to the international community in an effort to place even more pressure on Pakistan.  Pakistani officials say they are reviewing the information and say they are willing to cooperate to uncover evidence.  The country continues to assure India it will take action against the accused if legally scrutable evidence is provided. From New Delhi, Bismillah Geelani has the details.

112th Congressional Session Begins Tomorrow
President-elect Barack Obama has moved to Washington. And on his first day in town, a day before the new session of Congress begins, he is meeting with Congressional leaders to accelerate the speed of a major economic spending plan meant to jump start the economy and provide relief to struggling Americans.  As FSRN's Leigh Ann Caldwell reports, Obama is attempting to reach out to both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, while Progressive groups have ramped up their campaign in support of economic relief.

Maryland Police Surveillance of Activists Broader than First Suspected
New information reveals that the Maryland police department's surveillance of activist groups was far broader than previously thought. The police spied on peace groups, anti-death penalty activists, and animal rights organizations until 2007, labeling many of the members "terrorists" and passing along the information to federal authorities. Tanya Snyder has the story.