Three months into the war to destroy Hamas’ terror capabilities, drive it from Gaza, and free the hostages, the IDF declared this weekend that it had dismantled Hamas’ military framework in northern Gaza — the former stronghold of the terror group.
As Israel intensifies its operation in central and southern Gaza, the IDF is changing its fighting tactics to ensure it can defeat Hamas in those areas while reinforcing the security fence and border areas in the north.
Yesterday, the IDF announced it eliminated the two Hamas commanders who oversaw the massacre at Kibbutz Be’eri. Reports suggest Israel knows the whereabouts of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, but believe he is surrounded by hostages — forcing them to be his human shields and putting the IDF in an incredibly complex position.
Amid the fighting, Israel continues to facilitate pauses for the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. An average of 110 aid trucks entered Gaza each day last week, a 57% increase from before the war.
In northern Israel, the IDF responded to dozens of rocket and drone attacks from Hezbollah, targeting key sites in southern Lebanon as it works to drive Hezbollah from the border area. Pushing the Iranian-backed group away from the border is essential to preserving Israeli sovereignty and allowing the 80,000+ Israelis who have left their homes to return to their communities.
"My love, I’m sorry, but we are about to die."
These heartbreaking words were recited by Daniella Aloni to her 6-year-old daughter just before they were kidnapped on October 7. In an emotional interview on Israel’s Channel 12 News, Aloni described that horrific morning in painstaking detail. Daniella and her daughter were released as part of the hostage deal in November.
136 hostages remain in Gaza.
This week, Congress is returning to Washington and will renew negotiations over President Biden’s emergency aid package, which includes the $14.3 billion for Israel.
Passing this assistance to Israel is essential to ensuring our ally can protect its families and win this war.
Anti-Israel activists are hounding members of Congress and pressuring them to break off ties with the Jewish state. Our community must lead the effort to ensure Congress continues to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel.
This week, we encourage you to contact Congress through daily emails and phone calls. Please schedule a few minutes each day to reach out to offices by using the links and phone numbers we’ll provide when offices reopen.
Your voice — and the voices of your friends and family — are essential to ensuring this aid for Israel is passed.
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.
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