Dear A.,

For the second time in a week, Hamas has rejected an offer to stop the fighting. NBC News reported on December 22 that the terror group had rejected a 7-day pause, and now Reuters cites sources that Hamas has rejected an Egyptian plan for a multi-phased permanent ceasefire in exchange for hostages to be released and the terror group to no longer govern Gaza.

As the IDF continues to root out Hamas terrorists, it is also conducting a four-hour tactical humanitarian pause today in central Gaza to enable civilians to replenish essential goods. Israel is facilitating hundreds of trucks of supplies to enter Gaza each day, though reports continue to emerge that Hamas is diverting aid for its own purposes – and the U.N. is still unable to manage the quantity of aid for delivery. Today the U.N. requested that the Kerem Shalom crossing (where 76 trucks were inspected and transferred by Israel yesterday) be closed due to logistical constraints on the Gaza side of the passageway.

Israel released footage of its troops taking control of the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza. At the facility they found cars and trucks used in the October 7 massacre, along with weapons and an underground network of tunnels to hide and protect Hamas operatives.

American Support

America must continue to stand with Israel as it faces an unprecedented war in Gaza and ongoing attacks from Iranian-backed groups from the north, south, and east. Israeli press is reporting that the United States has sent more than 240 planes carrying over 10,000 tons of equipment to Israel since October 7.

"We are in a multi-front war," said Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in a war cabinet meeting today. "We are being attacked from seven different arenas: Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, [the West Bank], Iraq, Yemen, and Iran."

Together, we must ensure Israel has the support and resources it needs to protect its families by urging Congress to pass the president’s $14.3 billion emergency funding request for Israel. This package will be on the agenda when the House and Senate reconvene in January, and our voices are critical to ensuring the aid is approved – without added conditions. Click here to email your elected leaders in support of this vital funding.

Psychological Warfare

As Hamas continues to hold 129 men, women, and children hostage in Gaza, some of the freed captives are recounting the psychological warfare they endured as hostages.

12-year-old Eitan Yahalomi detailed some of the horrors after he was dragged from his home and abducted on a motorcycle into Gaza. "The terrorists told me that the kibbutz no longer existed and the State of Israel didn’t exist."

"I am stuck. I'm on hold. For me, life did not continue,” says Sharon Aloni-Kunyo in an emotional interview with Israel’s Channel 12. Sharon was taken from her home in Nir Oz and survived 52 days in Gaza. I encourage you to watch her full interview here.

Intel Increasing its Investment in Israel

Two weeks ago, Intel CEO Patrick Gelsinger made a passionate case for Israel, Intel’s commitment to Israel, and how his company has been deeply impacted by October 7 – with its employees killed, taken hostage, and now serving in the reserves. Gelsinger said, "Israelis are the most resilient people on earth. They have not missed a single commitment despite the conflict. That's why we believe so deeply in them."

Today, Intel and Israel announced a remarkable strengthening of their partnership with a $25 billion investment in a new chip factory that will employ thousands of Israelis. The new center will open in five years.

Sincerely,

Cory Meyer
Digital Engagement Director