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Live from NPR News. I'm Jial Snyder. President Biden spoke with Israel's Prime Minister today. The White House

says the two discuss the situation in Gaza as Israel steps up ground operations in

the southern part of the strip. NPR's Carrie Khan is in Tel Aviv.

Military officials say they anticipate soon having

quote operational control around Gaza City in the north.

There are fierce battles raging in Kaunis, one of the largest cities in the

south and that's where they believe that leaders of Hamas are hiding out.

That's according to military officials. Israel's defense minister Jav Galant said last night that forces are preparing for a

further expansion into Gaza.

President Biden declined to give details about his conversation

with Prime Minister Netanyahu when he spoke to

reporters today but the White House says the two talked about the need to

protect civilians and securing the release of hostages. China has announced that it will tax the release of hostages.

China has announced that it will tax the import of 12 petrochemical products from Taiwan

starting in January right before Taiwan holds its presidential election. China routinely uses its trade with Taiwan to try to

influence the island's policy.

And P.S. Emily Fang reports that economic pressure is forecast to increase in the next few weeks.

On January 13th, Taiwan chooses its next president,

...