Displaying items by tag: Gaza war

Hamas has returned the bodies of four Israeli hostages under the Gaza ceasefire deal: Shiri Bibas and her two children, Ariel (4) and Kfir (9 months), along with peace activist Oded Lifshitz (83). The IDF transported the bodies to Israel for identification, while mourning swept across the nation. President Isaac Herzog expressed deep sorrow and asked for forgiveness for failing to bring all hostages home alive. Negotiations on a second ceasefire phase are set to resume this week, aiming for the release of all remaining hostages. However, Israel insists it will not withdraw forces until Hamas is eliminated, while Hamas demands an end to the war before releasing further captives. Meanwhile, Hamas used the hostage handover for propaganda, displaying missiles alongside the coffins and blaming Benjamin Netanyahu for their deaths. The Hamas group stated they would have preferred them to return alive, but accused Israel of choosing war over negotiations.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a fiery speech to a joint session of the US Congress, lauding American support for Israel’s war in Gaza while offering little on ceasefire negotiations. He emphasized that Israel's fight against its enemies is also America’s fight, as House and Senate Republicans applauded. Meanwhile, the speech was boycotted by dozens of Democratic lawmakers and protested by thousands outside the Capitol, leading to police using pepper spray. Netanyahu's address, which did not provide new details on negotiations for a ceasefire with Hamas, focused on a "total victory" approach. Prime Minister Netanyahu dismissed concerns about civilian casualties in Gaza and denied blocking food aid. He called on the US to expedite military aid to Israel, praising both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump for their support. Democratic lawmakers, including Nancy Pelosi and Bernie Sanders, criticized Netanyahu's address, with Pelosi condemning the lack of emphasis on a ceasefire. The speech follows a significant conflict between Israel and Hamas, with ongoing efforts to secure the release of Israeli hostages. Biden and Netanyahu are set to discuss these issues further in an upcoming meeting.