The bodies of two hostages — Eden Zacharia (27) and Ziv Dado (36) — taken by Hamas on October 7 were recovered by Israeli Special Forces today in a tunnel deep in Gaza. Hamas is still holding 135 hostages captive, including 19 who are presumed dead.
The IDF operation in Gaza to return the kidnapped Israelis, destroy Hamas’ capabilities, and drive the terror group from power pressed forward today, as the military uncovered more Hamas terror tunnels, bomb factories, and weapons hidden inside civilian buildings.
"The extent of the terror infrastructure developed by Hamas in Gaza is enormous," said IDF Spokesperson Lt. Col. Richard Hecht. "But we're also making significant progress. We're destroying the tunnels, confiscating weapons including rockets, taking apart command and control centers and engaging terrorists at close quarters."
In one house, Israeli soldiers uncovered Israeli medical documents among a cache of weapons. The documents reveal that the child living in the home was treated for cancer by Israeli doctors, while his father used the house to stash weapons to kill Israelis.
"Until they get rid of Hamas"
President Biden reaffirmed American support for Israel’s operation. Speaking today at a fundraiser, the president said, "there’s no question about the need to take on Hamas. There’s no question about that…they have every right." Biden went on to say, "we’re not going to do a damn thing other than protect Israel…not a single thing."
Israel increases aid capacity; Hamas steals aid
As intense fighting continues, Israel is doubling its capacity to transfer aid to Gaza’s civilians.
This morning, Israel re-opened the Kerem Shalom Crossing — which Hamas destroyed on October 7 — and screened 197 humanitarian aid trucks before they were transferred to Gaza. An additional 117 trucks were inspected at the Nitzana crossing. Once the trucks are screened, the U.N. is responsible for distributing the aid — but is failing to keep up with the quantity. New video surfaced today of Hamas hijacking the aid and shooting civilians in the process. Watch the video here:
Key actions to take tonight:
Click here to send a letter to your House member and Senators, and urge them to pass the emergency funding request for Israel without added conditions.
The mission of AIPAC is to encourage and persuade the U.S. government to enact specific policies that create a strong, enduring and mutually beneficial relationship with our ally Israel.
AIPAC 251 H St. NW • Washington D.C. 20001 • TEL 202-639-5200
