The IDF is carrying out operations across the Gaza Strip to prevent Hamas from reorganizing and rearming. Over the last few days, Israeli troops initiated a major operation to defeat resurgent Hamas cells in Khan Yunis in southern Gaza and Zeitoun in northeastern Gaza.
The IDF says that despite seizing control of these areas in previous months, Hamas has partially reconstituted and a series of larger missions are needed to prevent the terror group from reorganizing.
In Khan Yunis, the Israeli Air Force struck around 50 Hamas targets in a matter of minutes, including tunnels and rocket firing platforms. The IDF believes each wave of clean-up operations makes it easier to restore order and prevent Hamas from reestablishing strongholds. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and other top military officials have suggested additional missions will be needed over many months to ensure Hamas can’t rebuild.
Hamas continues delaying hostage deal
Over the weekend, reports surfaced that Israel agreed – once again – to a deal that would pause the fighting in Gaza and see Israel release hundreds of convicted Palestinian terrorists in exchange for hostages freed.
U.S. officials confirmed that a six-week pause would take effect if Hamas agrees to release vulnerable hostages, including women and the ill, injured and elderly.
But as of this morning, the terror group has reportedly refused to provide a list of all living hostages or agree to the number of captives to be released in the deal. Talks are continuing today in Cairo, but Israel held back its delegation after Hamas refused to cooperate.
Hamas is prolonging this war. Those calling for a ceasefire now should place the blame on the terrorist organization preventing it from happening.
100 schools reopen in Sderot
Five months after Hamas death squads stormed the streets of Sderot, schools in southern Israel have reopened. About 100 kindergartens, schools, and other educational sites opened their doors this morning at 8 a.m., with about 60% of enrolled students returning.
Miri Asulin, a teacher whose three children have returned to school in Sderot, said she felt a sense of duty to return to the classroom because "my students are waiting."
"Thousands of students and educational staff returning to their natural place, to their home — this is the beginning of revival," Education Minister Yoav Kisch said. "For me, this is a kind of second opening of the school year. Congratulations to the students and parents."
"It’s time for J Street and its supporters to look themselves in the mirror."
Two weeks ago, the Senate passed a broad emergency spending bill that included $14.3 billion for Israel's security. Yet three senators — Bernie Sanders, Jeff Merkley, and Peter Welch —voted against the bill explicitly because it included aid to Israel. Those three Senators are endorsed by J Street.
In a new op-ed in The Times of Israel, Rabbi Cantor Inna Serebro-Litvak questions the credibility of J Street branding itself pro-Israel while embracing those who are undermining America's support for Israel.
"Three members of the fringe showed us who they are in voting down President Biden’s aid request for Israel. By endorsing and emboldening them, J Street is showing its true face."
"Once again, J Street is supporting the fringe who work to undermine America’s support for Israel."
On October 7th, Hamas murdered Lianne Sharabi and her two daughters, 16-year-old Noiya and 13-year-old Yahel, as they held on to each other. Lianne's husband Eli is still hostage in Gaza after 149 days.
Israelis will never be the same. This week the Sharabi family told their story.
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