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Dear A.,


Israel’s war cabinet reportedly approved plans for an extensive operation in Rafah to root out the remaining Hamas battalions and leadership. The cabinet’s plans include a large-scale evacuation of civilians from the city.


"We need to make sure that 1.4 million people, or at least a significant amount of the 1.4 million, will move…to humanitarian islands that we will create with the international community," said the IDF military spokesman.


While the timing for the operation has not been announced, Israel has been steadfast in its commitment to finishing the job of driving Hamas from power in Gaza and ensuring the terror group cannot fulfill its promise to repeat October 7.


As the war has progressed in Gaza, Hamas leadership and operatives have rushed into – and beneath – Rafah, using innocent Palestinians as human shields to protect themselves and their weapons. Hamas is willfully putting countless Palestinians as risk for its own survival.

Reports: Hamas Demanding 1,000 Prisoners Released


Hamas has reportedly finally responded to the U.S.-brokered framework to pause fighting for six weeks in exchange for some hostages to be released and a surge of aid. The terror group has failed to respond for weeks to the deal. Israel has already agreed to it.


Reuters
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reports that Hamas’ demands for the deal include up to 1,000 prisoners to be released from Israeli jails, including 100 who are serving life sentences. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office
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characterized Hamas’ counter-offer as, "ridiculous demands," but also agreed to send Israeli officials to Cairo to continue negotiations.


The proposed framework would include the release of women, children, the elderly, and ill hostages.

Ramadan in Jerusalem


Israeli police and security officials are helping facilitate a peaceful Ramadan in Jerusalem and around the country despite efforts by Hamas to foment violence.



More than 80,000 worshippers prayed today at al-Aqsa Mosque on the first Friday of the month-long holiday.



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Click here to read an AIPAC memo about Ramadan.



Meanwhile, two Israeli Arabs —
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Yosef Alzayadni and
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Hamza Alzayadni — are still being held captive by Hamas in Gaza.




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Hamas Number 3 Likely Killed


Intelligence
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reports indicate that Hamas’ number 3 leader in the Gaza Strip, was likely successfully killed in a targeted strike carried out by the IDF last weekend. Known as the "shadow man," Marwan Issa was the principal deputy to the military commander – Mohammed Deif.



If successful, Issa would be the most prominent Hamas leader killed by Israel since October 7.

80% More Food into Gaza than Pre-October 7


Israel continues to expand the flow of aid and resources into Gaza. Yesterday, more than 240 aid trucks were transferred into Gaza and 80% more food trucks are entering Gaza than before October 7.



Israel also said that up to 44 trucks could be inspected per hour at the available crossings. "The problem isn’t opening more crossings, the problem is distributing the aid to the people in Gaza," said Colonel Elad Goren. "The international organizations do not have the capacity and have yet to take real steps to improve on distribution of aid across Gaza."


Prior to yesterday's convoy of 31 humanitarian aid trucks containing food and supplies into Gaza, armed Palestinians
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opened fire while Gazan civilians were awaiting the arrival of the aid convoy. According to the IDF, as aid trucks entered, the Palestinian gunmen continued shooting as the crowd of Gazans began looting the trucks. Additionally, a number of Gazan civilians were run over by the trucks.


Despite what the media is reporting, the IDF did not open fire at the aid convoy.


Yesterday also marked the first day that aid entered Gaza by land, sea, and air.


"While the IDF continues its humanitarian effort to supply food and humanitarian aid to the civilians of the Gaza Strip, Hamas terrorists continue to harm Gazan civilians who are seeking food – and Hamas is blaming Israel for it," the IDF said in a statement.


Continue to
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follow AIPAC on social media for the latest updates.


Sincerely,

Adam Harris

Director of Communications


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Support our work to keep Israel safe.



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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