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Palestinian relatives of nine members of the al-Dalo family mourn during their funeral in Gaza City Nov. 19, 2012.AHMED ZAKOT/Reuters

A summary of what you need to know today, compiled by The Globe's news desk on Nov. 19, 2012

Can a ceasefire be reached between Israel and Hamas?

After a weekend of rising violence, diplomatic efforts are intensifying to reach a ceasefire between Israel and the militant group Hamas in Gaza. As The Globe and Mail's Patrick Martin reports from Jerusalem the efforts in Cairo involve key regional powers, the Arab League and the United Nations, who will push for immediate end to the fighting, now in its six day.

President Obama goes to Myanmar

The newly elected president, on his first foreign junket since the Nov. 6 election that secured him a second term, gave a major boost to the once-isolated Asian country's efforts to come in from the cold. The six hour visit included a meeting with opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and President Thein Sein, who has led the reform effort in Myanmar, also known as Burma. The United States has rewarded the country's move away from decades of repression under military rule by lifting some economic sanctions.

'One father and mother for all children:' French protests

Thousands took to the street in France as protests gear up against the government's plan to legalize gay marriage in 2013, a key promise in President François Hollande's election campaign. The protests, spurred by the Roman Catholic Church, have taken the government by surprised. Despite the demonstrations, polls show the move to legalize same sex unions enjoys significant support across France.

More talks, still no hockey

Despite growing pessimism over chances of cutting a deal and saving the NHL season, formal talks will resume today in New York. While the players and owners have agreed to move to a 50-50 revenue split, differences remain over timing and other contract rights.

Signs of hope in Ontario's education tumult

There is positive news in the growing labour unrest with Ontario's teachers. Five tentative deals were signed this weekend, providing hope of a possible breakthrough for others. The development puts pressure on boards and union locals that have still not signed agreements as well as Education Minister Laurel Broten, who needs to approve any deals.

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