Dear A.,

The Washington Post reported over the weekend that the negotiations over a hostage and ceasefire deal have been upended once again by Hamas.

"The latest obstacle — the abrupt introduction by Hamas of a new demand surrounding which prisoners Israel would release — underscores the frustrating, often excruciating process that has preoccupied top U.S. officials, and Biden himself, for nine months," the Post reports.

Last Thursday, White House spokesperson John Kirby reiterated that "The biggest obstacle to getting a ceasefire deal is Hamas." 

America, Egypt, Qatar, and the international community must increase the pressure on the terror group to accept a deal to free hostages, pause fighting, and enable more humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza.

3 Israelis murdered in terror attack at Allenby Bridge Crossing

Three Israelis were murdered today by a Jordanian terrorist who opened fire at the Allenby Bridge Crossing between Jordan and the West Bank.

 The three victims are Yohanan Shchori (61) a father of six, Yuri Birnbaum (65), and Adrian Marcelo Podzamczer (57).

According to Israeli security officials, the terrorist got out of his truck during an inspection at the border crossing and shot at several of the crossing's workers.

"This horrific act reinforces our resolve to stand firm in the face of terror," Israeli President Isaac Herzog said. "The peace agreements between Israel and its neighbors are a cornerstone of stability in the region, and we trust all parties will thoroughly investigate the incident and work to prevent future attacks."

Hamas hailed the attacker as “one of Jordan’s brave men” and called for more terror attacks. Palestinian Islamic Jihad called the terrorist a "hero."

Eleven months since opening a second front against Israel, Hezbollah's rocket bombardments continue

Eleven months ago today, Hezbollah opened a second front against Israel by launching rockets, missiles, and drones at the Jewish state.

The relentless attacks have continued nearly every day since.

In its latest assault, Hezbollah targeted the northern Israeli city of Kiryat Shmona overnight. The terrorists fired a first salvo of 20 rockets into Israel around 1 a.m., with Israel's Iron Dome intercepting several rockets. Some got through the defense system and crashed into the city, damaging buildings and roads.

Then around 5:30 a.m., Hezbollah launched another barrage, firing 30 more rockets from Lebanon. Some were intercepted, while others impacted in open areas.

Backed by Iran, Hezbollah has unleashed eleven straight months of war on Israel, forcing 80,000 Israelis out of their homes and causing widespread destruction.

America must stand with Israel and ensure it has the offensive and defensive capabilities it needs to deter, defend against, and confront Iran and its terror proxies.

IDF preparing offensive against Hezbollah

IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi said this weekend that the military is "very focused" on fighting Hezbollah and preparing offensive actions in Lebanon against the Iran-backed terror group.

“The Northern Command, with all the IDF’s capabilities, is attacking many of Hezbollah’s capabilities inside Lebanon before they attack us, and at the same time we are also preparing offensive moves in the territory,” Halevi said.

The IDF struck over 15 rocket launchers and sites belonging to Hezbollah on Friday, with some strikes destroying launchers that were primed for rocket attacks on Israel.

Israeli troops also carried out a drill over the last week simulating fighting in Lebanon and preparing for a ground offensive.

🎥 Watch and share the video below detailing the threat from Hezbollah and the actions Israel may be forced to take to push the terror group off Israel's border and allow Israeli families to return to their homes.