The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation distributed over 2 million meals in Gaza today, bringing the total to more than 13.5 million meals since it began its work.
"We continue to make improvements to our operations and one I’m most proud of is our distribution enhancements to help ensure the youth arriving to our sites receive food and aid safely. The big smiles of Gazan youth leaving our site motivates all of us to keep working and to stay on point," GHF Interim Executive Director John Acree said.
As Israel helps facilitate humanitarian aid into Gaza, terrorists in northern Gaza launched a rocket into Israel this morning, triggering sirens in the Zikim Beach area.
The rocket was intercepted by the IDF, which subsequently warned Gazans to evacuate areas in northern Gaza ahead of major military operations there.
In parallel to the humanitarian effort and military operations, Israel is continuing to engage in negotiations to secure the release of additional hostages held in captivity by Hamas.
Prime Minister Netanyahu said in a video today that while some progress has been made in the negotiations, "it is too soon to give people hope." "We are currently working ceaselessly on it," he added.
The United States must continue to stand with Israel and increase the pressure on Hamas and its sponsors in Qatar, Turkey and Iran to release the 55 hostages, including 2 Americans, still held in Gaza.
U.S. sanctions key NGO funders of Hamas
The United States took an important step today to increase the pressure on Hamas, sanctioning five individuals and five "sham charities" that help fund Hamas and its terrorist activities.
"The individuals and entities sanctioned today are responsible for funding Hamas’s Military Wing under the pretense of conducting humanitarian work, both internationally and in Gaza," the Treasury Department said.
"We remain committed to disrupting the networks that generate revenue for terrorist groups and that divert critical aid from those in need," State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said.
AIPAC thanks the administration for taking action to disrupt networks that fund and aid Palestinian terrorist organizations.
Israeli Navy strikes Houthi-controlled ports, ballistic missile launched at Israel
This morning, Israel launched its first seaborne assault against the Iran-backed Houthi terrorists in Yemen, striking the Hodeida port with missile boats.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said, "We warned the Houthi terror organization that if they continue to fire at Israel they will face a powerful response and enter a naval and air blockade."
"The strikes were carried out to stop the use of the port for military purposes," the IDF said. "The port is used to transfer weapons and is a further example of the Houthi terrorist regime’s cynical exploitation of civilian infrastructure in order to advance terrorist activities."
Later in the day, the Houthis launched another ballistic missile at Israel, which was successfully intercepted.
Since mid-March, the Houthis have launched 48 ballistic missiles and at least 11 drones at Israel.
Iran "much more aggressive" in nuclear talks
Trump said today that Iran is "asking for things that you can't do" in the ongoing nuclear negotiations.
"They seek enrichment, we can't have enrichment. We want just the opposite," he said.
Trump toldFox News that Iran has become "much more aggressive" in the negotiations, saying, "Iran is acting much differently in negotiations than it did just days ago. Much more aggressive. It’s surprising to me. It’s disappointing, but we are set to meet again tomorrow – we’ll see."
Meanwhile, testifying before Congress today, CENTCOM chief General Erik Kurilla said that "more than 85% of all illicit Iranian oil exports in 2024 went to [China] with an average of 1.5 million barrels per day," describing this as "a shadow oil trade system that generates an economic lifeline for Iran."
The United States must set a deadline for the ongoing talks, enhance the credible threat of military action, and increase the economic pressure on Iran in order for the talks to be effective.
New op-ed: "J Street: Stop Endorsing Incitement"
In a new op-ed, Rabbi Jeremy Barras writes following the D.C. and Boulder terror attacks:
"These terror attacks weren’t random. They are the horrific result of toxic anti-Israel incitement that has been mainstreamed at rallies, universities, and by members of Congress.
"After both attacks, J Street put out nice statements condemning the hatred that inspired each travesty. But J Street’s words don’t match its actions. J Street endorses Senators and House members who regularly amplify anti-Israel incitement and blood libel, often embracing these elected officials as their 'champions...'
"The stakes could not be higher. It’s time for groups like J Street, Jewish Voice for Peace, and their allies to take a hard look in the mirror and stop supporting those fueling the hatred and violence that’s targeting our community."
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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