Yesterday, President Trump held a phone call with Prime Minister Netanyahu on the situation in Gaza and Israel's planned operation in Gaza City.
The two leaders "discussed Israel's plans to take control of the remaining Hamas strongholds in Gaza in order to bring an end to the war through the release of the hostages and the defeat of Hamas," according to an Israeli readout.
The conversation came shortly after Netanyahu held a press conference with foreign reporters, and said that “no nation can accept a genocidal terrorist organization, an organization committed to its annihilation, a stone’s throw from its citizens.”
Netanyahu added: “Our goal is not to occupy Gaza. Our goal is to free Gaza, free it from Hamas terrorists.”
You can read a transcript of the press conference here or watch the video here:
Today, in an exclusive interview with Axios, President Trump said he had a "good call" with the prime minister and added that he didn't believe Hamas would release the remaining hostages unless the situation changed.
The president agrees with Netanyahu “that more military pressure on Hamas is required,” Axios reports.
While indicating that it's up to the Israelis what happens next, Trump made clear that he believes Hamas "can't stay there."
"I have one thing to say: Remember October 7, remember October 7," he added.
Meanwhile, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff was in Spain on Saturday to meet with the Qatari prime minister and discuss a potential comprehensive hostage-ceasefire deal. These discussions follow Hamas' continued refusal to accept any agreement.
While Israel works to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza, Hamas is prolonging the suffering of Israelis and Palestinians alike.
The United States must stand with Israel and increase the pressure on Hamas and its sponsors in Qatar, Turkey and Iran to release all 50 hostages still held in captivity.
Israel is surging aid into Gaza
Israel's increased humanitarian efforts are continuing apace, facilitating the entry of 280 trucks into Gaza and airdropping another 131 humanitarian aid packages into the enclave yesterday alone.
Additionally, the U.S.- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) delivered nearly 2 million meals directly to Gazan civilians today. Since its inception, GHF has now delivered nearly 117 million meals to Gazans.
GHF Executive Director John Acree said in a statement, “We continue our call for other humanitarian organizations to join our efforts, we have the scale and operational capacity to deliver more aid to the people.
"Our dedicated aid staff, comprised of Americans and local Palestinian partners, stands at the ready with the shared goal to feed as many Gazans as possible.”
Members of Congress in Israel with AIEF
A Democratic delegation is on the ground to see and experience Israel firsthand with AIPAC's charitable affiliate, AIEF. A Republican trip concluded yesterday.
Today and yesterday, both delegations met separately with Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
In a statement today after the meetings, President Herzog said, “These visits show the bipartisan, steadfast alliance between the United States and Israel, and of the true shared values between our peoples."
For more pictures, videos and updates from both trips, click the image below:
IDF eliminates Hamas terrorist who also worked for Al Jazeera
Last night, an IDF strike in Gaza City killed Anas al-Sharif, a Hamas terrorist who was also on the payroll of Al Jazeera.
Sharif was a “terrorist operating under the guise of a journalist,” the IDF said in a statement. “The terrorist Anas al-Sharif served as a cell leader in the Hamas terror organization and advanced plans for rocket fire against Israeli civilians and IDF forces.”
Evidence of Sharif's ties to Hamas include intelligence documents like Hamas salary records, a message from Sharif celebrating the "heroes" who invaded Israel on 10/7, and
pictures of Sharif smiling with Hamas leaders, including October 7 mastermind Yahya Sinwar.
“These documents serve as proof of the terrorist’s integration into the Qatari Al Jazeera media network,” the IDF added.
IDF Spokesman LTC Nadav Shoshani said today, "What we have presented publicly is only a small, declassified portion of our intelligence on al-Sharif leading up to the strike."
"For some reason, the media is ignoring information presented by us because al-Sharif has said he is not a terrorist. 'Trust me, I am not a terrorist' apparently works if you are against Israel," Shoshani added.
New CENTCOM commander takes charge in Middle East
Over the weekend, CENTCOM Commander General Michael "Erik" Kurilla concluded his tenure as the top U.S. military official in the Middle East.
IDF Chief of the General Staff LTG Eyal Zamir said of General Kurilla's departure:
“You are a true friend of Israel. Your leadership in advancing joint operations has not only strengthened the bond between our two nations and led to a lasting personal friendship, but also laid the foundation for a safer and more secure future for our children and grandchildren."
"Over the past three years as the commander of CENTCOM, and from the beginning of the ‘Swords of Iron’ war through to operation ‘Rising Lion’, you have advanced American military support for Israel and reinforced regional cooperation. Your direct involvement has significantly enhanced Israel’s security and regional stability.”
General Kurilla's deputy commander, U.S. Navy Adm. Brad Cooper, is the new commander of CENTCOM.
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.
