Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has called on Gazans to rise up and demand the expulsion of Hamas, warning that the terrorist group’s leadership is willing to “burn half of Gaza” to maintain power. His remarks came Wednesday as the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) prepared for expanded military operations in the region.
The Trump administration wasted no time restoring America's unwavering support for Israel by releasing 2,000-pound bombs that had been withheld under Joe Biden's leadership.
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi announced his resignation on Tuesday, citing the military’s inability to anticipate the deadly Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. His resignation, effective March 6, 2025, comes alongside the intended resignation of Major General Yaron Finkelman, head of the IDF Southern Command.
Emily Damari, one of three Israeli hostages freed from captivity in Gaza, endured a harrowing ordeal during her 471 days in Hamas custody. Israeli media reports, citing her family, revealed that Damari lost two fingers during her abduction by Hamas.
A day before President Donald Trump is set to return to the presidency, reports have emerged that three Israeli hostages have been released and handed over to the Red Cross.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that a "last-minute crisis" with Hamas is holding up the ceasefire agreement that would release hostages.
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.
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.
