Intelligence sources from the U.S. and Israel estimate that only about 20 of the 251 hostages taken by Hamas on October 7, 2023, remain alive. This figure, shared during ongoing negotiations in Qatar, includes civilians and female Israeli soldiers but excludes male soldiers, whose inclusion might slightly increase the count.
Imam Nader Taha, a mathematics professor at Kent State University and religious leader at the Islamic Society of Akron and Kent (ISAK), is facing widespread condemnation after a video of his sermon praising the October 7 terrorist attacks surfaced. The sermon, delivered on December 13, 2024, described the attacks as a “miracle” and a victory against the “Children of Israel.”
On Saturday, the Iran-backed Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a rocket that struck the Erez Crossing, a critical border point for humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.
NBC News justice and intelligence correspondent Ken Dilanian discussed growing concerns regarding ISIS-inspired radicals and far-right extremism during a report on the deadly New Year’s Day terror attack in New Orleans. The attack, which took place on Bourbon Street, killed 15 and injured at least 30. Dilanian highlighted the increasing risks associated with terrorist threats, especially in the wake of global tensions, including the controversy surrounding the war in Gaza.
The official X account for Ford Motor Company was reportedly compromised on Monday, resulting in the posting of inflammatory messages, including one labeling Israel a "terrorist state."
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released video evidence on Monday allegedly recovered from Hamas operatives, showing terrorists planting a bomb near the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza. The IDF claims the video underscores Hamas’ practice of using civilian infrastructure for military purposes, violating international law.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for an international arms embargo and a halt to all trade with Israel on Thursday, aiming to isolate the Jewish state over its actions in the Middle East.
President Joe Biden raised eyebrows on Monday evening during the White House Hanukkah reception by claiming credit for the release of over 100 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.
The family of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a Turkish-born American human rights activist killed by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank, has pleaded with Secretary of State Antony Blinken for a U.S. investigation into her death. However, Blinken offered no promises during the meeting on Monday, according to Eygi’s husband, Hamid Ali.
Israel on Monday rejected claims by Cindy McCain, director of the United Nations’ World Food Program (WFP), that only two WFP trucks entered Gaza in November. McCain’s statements on CBS News’ Face the Nation accused Israel of targeting aid workers and obstructing aid, leading to significant pushback from Israeli officials.
