Hamas continues to tell the world what it wants – not a better future for Gaza or the Palestinian people, but more Israelis massacred and the Jewish state destroyed.
In a speech from Qatar yesterday aired by Al Jazeera, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh called to "hold on to the victory that took place on October 7 and build upon it."
Haniyeh praised Iranian-backed terror groups for "pouring weapons" on Israel and made clear that "this is the battle for Jerusalem and the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and not the battle of the Palestinian people, or Gaza, or the people in Gaza."
Further underscoring that Hamas has no interest in helping civilians, Haniyeh called for financial support of Hamas and said that donations to Gaza were not humanitarian aid, but "financial Jihad” to support the terror group.
A ceasefire now would leave these barbaric monsters armed, in power, and ready to deliver on its promise to repeat October 7th.
Today the IDF continued its operation in Khan Yunis to destroy Hamas infrastructure, rescue the hostages, and eliminate the threat from Gaza. Israeli troops exposed a tunnel shaft under a desk in a child’s bedroom that led to a cache of weapons, missiles and rockets.
The IDF also uncovered a tunnel where hostages are believed to have been held by the terrorists. "We are continuing to operate with determination, above and below ground in Khan Yunis," said IDF Spokesperson Daniel Hagari. "The forces found a tunnel there, where hostages resided in difficult conditions under the ground."
136 Israelis are still held captive by Hamas, 96 days after October 7.
Today on the Senate floor, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) shared powerful words about her recent trip to Israel where she met with families of hostages. "The anguish in their eyes was indescribable and heartbreaking. We must keep pushing for the safe release of their loves ones before it is too late." Watch the 6-minute speech below.
Tomorrow, Israel will appear before the International Court of Justice where hearings will begin in the case brought by South Africa, outrageously accusing the Jewish state of genocide and asking the court to order Israel to immediately halt its military campaign.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken called the charges "meritless" and "particularly galling given that those attacking Israel…continue to openly call for the annihilation of Israel and the mass murder of Jews."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated today that "Israel has no intention of permanently occupying Gaza or displacing its civilian population. Israel is fighting Hamas terrorists, not the Palestinian population, and we are doing so in full compliance with international law."
America must be a voice of moral clarity in rejecting this baseless charge against our democratic ally.
Urge Congress to vote NO on Bernie Sanders’ anti-Israel resolution
Senator Bernie Sanders said today that he will advance an anti-Israel resolution next week – which falsely implies Israel is committing human rights violations. If adopted, the resolution could lead to cutting off all U.S. aid to Israel.
This resolution must be defeated.
Schedule 5 minutes tomorrow to call Congress:
Use the button below to schedule 5 minutes to call Senate and House offices tomorrow through the AIPAC Congressional Call Center.
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
