Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke with President-elect Trump about freeing hostages held by Hamas in Gaza and Israel’s actions in Syria after Assad’s ouster. Negotiations for hostage release are ongoing, with the US involved. Israel’s actions in Syria are aimed at preventing threats near its borders, but have drawn criticism.
Rachel Goldberg-Polin, the mother of American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, has voiced her concerns over the continued captivity of 132 hostages by Hamas militants in Gaza. She emphasized the urgent need for creative solutions to end the suffering of both Gazan civilians and the hostages. Goldberg-Polin also expressed her belief that the U.S. should not be considered a neutral negotiator in the conflict, as American citizens were also victims of the October 7 attack that sparked the ongoing war. Despite warnings against a major military assault on Rafah, considered the last refuge for Hamas and civilians fleeing violence, Israeli forces have been engaged in intense battles in the area.
US President Joe Biden stated at a fundraiser on Saturday that a ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict could be achieved as early as “tomorrow” if Hamas released its Israeli hostages. Biden remarked that Israel has indicated a willingness to end the conflict if Hamas complies with the demand.
Over 100 Jewish Ukrainian refugees gathered for a special Passover celebration hosted by the Jewish Agency for Israel. The event held special significance as it marked more than two years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and over six months since 133 hostages were taken captive by Hamas in Gaza. The refugees prayed for the hostages’ safe return and expressed gratitude for the Jewish Agency’s support in helping them maintain their traditions.
