Hamas is prolonging this war in Gaza and calling for more bloodshed.
The terror group has rejected the latest hostage deal terms agreed to by Israel and negotiated with the United States, Egypt and Qatar.
Israel agreed to pause the fighting, send more aid into Gaza, and free hundreds of imprisoned Palestinian terrorists, but Hamas has so far refused to free the hostages.
Notably, those leading the calls in Congress for an immediate ceasefire have failed to condemn Hamas.
Rep. Ritchie Torres further exposed how these members are quick to criticize Israel but fail to unequivocally condemn Hamas, and Rep. Jared Moskowitz called out Hamas' sick strategy.
While rejecting the deal, Hamas called on Arabs to storm the al-Aqsa Mosque on Ramadan.
In a televised speech today, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh called on residents of the West Bank and Jerusalem to barricade themselves inside the mosque and "break the siege."
Hundreds of thousands of Muslims pray on the Temple Mount complex each Ramadan. Hamas has previously used the holiday to ignite tensions and fuel attacks on Israel.
500 residents return home for the first time since 10/7
The village of Shlomit is four miles from the Gaza border. Four members of the village were murdered on October 7 as they fought back the terrorists. For nearly five months, residents of Shlomit have been displaced from their homes, living in hotels near Jerusalem.
Today 500 community members drove from Jerusalem back to Shlomit in a convoy waving Israeli flags, determined to return home despite deep fears and heartbreak for the 134 hostages still held in Gaza.
"We’re so happy to be back. We’ve prayed for this moment for months."
An estimated 120,000 Israelis are still displaced from their homes in southern and northern Israel. Read more here.
Americans standing with Israel
New national polling data that shows the majority of Democrats and Republicans continue to stand with Israel as it fights to destroy Hamas and free the hostages.
Key takeaways:
82% of voters support Israel.
78% agree Hamas must be removed from power.
67% say a ceasefire should only happen after Hamas is gone and the hostages are free.
Majorities of Democrats and Republicans say Israel is trying to avoid civilian casualties, Congress should pass emergency aid to Israel, and the IDF should proceed with an operation in the last Hamas stronghold of Rafah.
What’s next in Lebanon: Watch AIPAC’s conversation with Hezbollah expert Dr. Matthew Levitt
AIPAC sat down with Middle East expert Dr. Matthew Levitt to discuss Hezbollah’s increased attacks on Israel, how Iran funds and arms its terror army and Lebanon, and how Israel is working to return 80,000 residents to their homes in the north.
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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