Trump Warns Hamas ‘We Will Have No Choice But to Go In and Kill Them’ If Bloodshed Persists in Gaza, Associated Press
“The grim warning from Trump came after he previously downplayed the internal violence in the territory since a ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect last week in the two-year war.”
U.S. to Offer Cash Rewards to Gazans for Helping Locate Hostage Remains, Top Official Says, Haaretz
“A senior U.S. adviser was asked about Hamas’ control over parts of Gaza and replied that the situation is ‘dynamic,’ but added that there’s an intention to fully implement the cease-fire deal. According to him, roughly 20 U.S. troops are currently in Gaza to ‘help facilitate this operation.’”
Yemen’s Houthis Say Chief of Staff Muhammad al-Ghamari Was Killed, Reuters
“Yemen’s Houthis said on Thursday that their Chief of Staff Muhammad Abd Al-Karim al-Ghamari, one of the most senior military officials of the Iran-backed group, was killed ‘while fulfilling his duties.’”
Indonesia, Azerbaijan, Pakistan in Talks to Provide Troops for Gaza Stabilization Force, Politico
“The so-called international stabilization force is a crucial component to Trump’s plan to end the war between Hamas and Israel and pave the way for Gaza’s ultimate demilitarization and reconstruction.”
Arafat’s Nephew, Potential Gaza Governor, Returns to Palestinian Authority From Exile After Pardon, Ynet
“After four years in France, Nasser al-Qudwa returns home to the Palestinian Authority following a pardon from Mahmoud Abbas; He vows to fight corruption, restore public trust and proposes a ‘road map’ for peace in Gaza.”
Israel Says Preparations to Open Rafah Crossing Underway With Egypt, Date to Be Announced Later, Reuters
“Israel’s military aid agency COGAT said on Thursday preparations are ongoing with Egypt to open the major Rafah border crossing with Gaza for the movement of people, with the date to be announced at a later stage.”
Israel’s Protest Movement Helped Stop the War. Now It Must Fight for a Proper Peace, Haaretz
Joshua Leifer writes, “Justice Minister Yariv Levin and the right more generally appear to be betting that the country’s liberal camp will be too exhausted to resist this time around, that their opposition will be more muted. The protest movement must prove him wrong.”
Where Does the Israel-Hamas Cease-Fire Stand?, New York Times
Liam Stack writes, “At the core of the problem is the deep enmity and fundamental mistrust between the two sides, neither of which believes the other is sincere about holding up its end of the agreement.”
As Israel Awaits Hostages’ Bodies, the Message From the U.S. Is Clear: Gaza War Is Over, Haaretz
Amos Harel writes, “An Israeli security source acknowledges, ‘the tools remaining to us for wielding pressure are limited. The administration is making it clear that there’s a new man in and he’s the one who will decide the pace of the progress. The train of the deal has left the station; it’s roaring ahead full-steam, without looking back.’”