What Happens When You Dehumanize ‘Zionists’, The Forward
“Only 22% of Jews want Israel to maintain permanent control over the West Bank and Gaza (compared to 33% of white evangelicals), while 46% want a two-state solution (the highest share of any demographic) and 13% want a binational state (same rate as all U.S. adults). Yet these policy positions seem to hold less weight in certain circles than the underlying attachment to a Jewish state, as evidenced by the longstanding hostility toward J Street from vocal corners of the left.”
Israeli Military Recovers Two Hostages’ Bodies in Southern Gaza, BBC
“Israeli forces have recovered the bodies of two Israeli-Americans taken back to Gaza as hostages during the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, the Israeli military says. Judi Weinstein Haggai, 70, who was also a Canadian citizen, and her husband Gadi Haggai, 72, were murdered by gunmen from the Mujahideen Brigades group when they attacked Kibbutz Nir Oz, a statement said.”
Trump Announces Travel Ban and Restrictions on 19 Countries Set to Go Into Effect Monday, AP
“In a video released on social media, Trump tied the new ban to Sunday’s terror attack in Boulder, Colorado, saying it underscored the dangers posed by some visitors who overstay visas.”
US Vetoes Un Security Council Demand for Gaza Ceasefire, Reuters
“The United States on Wednesday vetoed a draft U.N. Security Council resolution that demanded an ‘immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire’ between Israel and Hamas militants in Gaza and unhindered aid access across the war-torn enclave. The other 14 countries on the council voted in favor.”
US Group Distributing Aid in Gaza Reopens Sites After Delays, Reuters
“A U.S.- and Israeli-backed organisation distributing aid in Gaza said on Thursday it was reopening two distribution sites a day after shutting them following a series of deadly shootings close to its operations.”
Sources Confirm Israel Arming Gazan Gang to Bolster Opposition to Hamas, The Times of Israel
“Abu Shabab claims to be securing humanitarian aid convoys entering Gaza, while some have accused his gang of looting them. The arming of Abu Shabab was carried out without the approval of Israel’s security cabinet. It was led by Israeli security bodies, and was approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to defense sources.”
Held at Gunpoint: BBC Team Detained by Israeli Forces in Southern Syria, BBC
“Four Israeli soldiers got out of the car and surrounded us. They pointed their rifles at our heads and ordered us to place the camera on the side of the road. I tried to explain that we were a BBC crew, but things escalated unexpectedly quickly.”
‘Death and Hunger’: Videos, Expert Analysis and Witnesses Point to Israeli Gunfire in Gaza Aid Site Shooting, CNN
“A CNN investigation into a deadly incident near an aid distribution site in southern Gaza on Sunday points to the Israeli military opening fire on crowds of Palestinians as they tried to make their way to the fenced enclosure to get food.”
Israel May Head to Elections as Haredi Orthodox Parties Rebel Over Army Conscription, The Forward
“Haredi politicians have demanded that the exemption continue, but progress on a bill has stalled. Now one of the haredi parties, United Torah Judaism, has said it will pull out of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s governing coalition, which is a mix of right-wing and religious parties. If the other haredi party, Shas, also withdraws, Netanyahu will lose his majority in parliament, which would force elections.”
Explainer: New Gaza Humanitarian Foundation Mechanism for Aid Delivery, J Street
Larry Garber, J Street Policy Fellow and former head of USAID’s West Bank-Gaza mission, writes, “According to the GHF, more than 5.88 million meals were distributed during its first week of operations. Without doubt, Gaza’s population welcomes aid that becomes available from whatever source, but the number of meals required far exceeds GHF’s capabilities and the civilian casualties suffered en route to the hubs may discourage some Palestinians from making the trek in the future.”