The Wall Street Journalreports that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar hopes that friction between Washington and Jerusalem over the humanitarian situation in Gaza could allow him to get a better deal for Hamas. He is pushing for a permanent ceasefire that includes a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and allows the terror group to remain armed and in power.
Fighting in Gaza is extending into Ramadan, which begins Sunday, because Hamas has rejected the U.S.-backed offer of a six week pause in exchange for the release of some hostages and a surge in humanitarian aid.
Hamas’ decision paves the way for a likely increase in tensions in the coming weeks, including in Jerusalem and the West Bank, as the terror group continues to call on Muslims to escalate attacks against Israelis.
Tell Congress: Hamas is Rejecting U.S.-Backed Deal
Make sure your elected leaders know the Israelis accepted the U.S.-brokered deal that would pause fighting, free hostages and surge aid, and Hamas has failed to respond.
U.N. Security Council to hold emergency session on Hamas sexual violence
The United Nations Security Council will hold an emergency session on Monday to discuss this week’s U.N. report on Hamas’ sexual violence on and since October 7.
The session was called for by Security Council members the U.S., the UK and France, following a request from Israel.
Foreign Minister Israel Katz and relatives of the remaining hostages will attend the session. "With every passing moment, the hostages continue to be abused in captivity and the U.N. secretary-general keeps closing his eyes and covering his ears as if nothing happened. On International Women’s Day, of all days, his continued silence is a disgrace and casts a stain on his head that will not be erased," Katz said in a statement.
Biden discusses Israel, Hamas in State of the Union address
During last night’s State of the Union, President Biden discussed the October 7 massacre in which "1,200 innocent people, women and girls, men and boys slaughtered, after enduring sexual violence. The deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust. And 250 hostages taken."
He acknowledged the "American families [in the chamber] whose loved ones are still being held by Hamas," and said to bipartisan applause, "I pledge to all the families that we will not rest until we bring every one of your loved ones home."
"Israel has a right to go after Hamas," he added, and Hamas could immediately end this conflict "by releasing the hostages, laying down arms and surrendering those responsible for Oct. 7."
As previewed in last night’s email, President Biden also announced that the U.S. will help construct a temporary dock in Gaza to allow for an influx of humanitarian aid to supplement the aid that Israel is already facilitating into Gaza.
In addition to the roughly 20 hostage family members in attendance, more than 60 members of Congress could be seen wearing yellow ribbons for the hostages as well as stickers with "153" marking the number of days the hostages have been in Gaza.
The threat from Iran: Watch AIPAC's conversation with Richard Goldberg
AIPAC sat down with Richard Goldberg, senior advisor for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, to discuss Iran — the epicenter of the threats facing Israel, America and the region.
Watch the 15-minute conversation below:
International Women’s Day
Today marks International Women’s Day – a day that has taken on extra significance for the 14 women still held hostage in Gaza after 154 days.
Hostage families and freed hostages are using today to raise awareness for the plight of these women.
I encourage you to share the graphics and video below on social media, standing with Israel using the hashtag #BringBackOurGirls and demanding Hamas #FreeTheHostages.
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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