News Roundup for December 3, 2025
The Ceasefire Has Not Brought an End to the Horrors in Gaza, But It Still Can, Word on the Street
J Street Chief Policy Officer Ilan Goldenberg writes, “Every crossing of the poorly defined yellow line bisecting Gaza cannot result in Israel shooting first and asking questions later after civilians have been killed. Hamas was supposed to begin disarming and allow others to come in. Instead, it has violently reasserted control over its half of Gaza.”
Will Democrats Face Scrutiny for Their Stance on the Israel-Gaza War?, USA Today
In discussing the significance of Israel-Palestine for the electorate, Ilan Goldenberg told USA Today, “This issue has risen in terms of how much it resonates with voters and is in the conscience. Even if it doesn’t measure up to issues like the economy or health care, it still matters.”
Israel Says Remains Handed Over by Hamas on Tuesday Are Not of the Final 2 Hostages, Times of Israel
“The Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement that testing was completed by the Abu Kabir forensic institute in Tel Aviv and the families of the two remaining hostages — Israeli police officer Master Sgt. Ran Gvili and Thai national Sudthisak Rinthalak — were informed of the update.”
Netanyahu to Send Envoy to Lebanon for Talks on Bilateral Ties Under US Pressure, Haaretz
“[T]he move marks the first attempt to establish a foundation for economic relations and cooperation between the two countries, which do not have diplomatic ties.”
Israel to Open Rafah Border Crossing in Coming Days for Palestinians to Leave Gaza, Haaretz
“The crossing was supposed to open as part of the cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas, but it has remained closed so far due to Israel’s claims of delays in returning deceased hostages.”
Gazans Race to Preserve Cultural Heritage Damaged in War, Reuters
“[A]t a handful of sites where the enclave’s most valuable historical monuments have been severely damaged, workers are already busy with shovels, trying to dig out the few surviving remnants of the past.”
Netanyahu Coalition’s Draft-dodging Bill Will Ultimately Destroy Israel’s Future, Haaretz
Haaretz Editorial writes, “The department estimated that if this draft-dodging bill becomes law, the economic damage it will cause will run to tens of billions of shekels a year. And on top of the enormous economic damage, it will deal a mortal blow to the values of equality and social solidarity, which is a surefire recipe for worsening societal rifts.”
I Was Interrogated by Israeli Authorities — I Know Why They’re Terrified of Peace Activists Like Me, The Forward
Zak Witus writes, “Instead, [the interrogation] left me feeling more convinced than ever that it’s crucial for Jews around the world to take direct action for equality and justice in Israel and the West Bank. Because for every American Jew who, like me, has to endure a little ordeal with airport security, there are millions of Palestinians and Israelis facing far worse repression. And it is our duty to stand with them.”
