Israel initially sought to release 40 hostages, including women, children, the seriously ill, and female soldiers.
Antony Blinken is expected to announce sanctions against the IDF’s Netzah Yehuda Battalion for potential human rights abuses in the West Bank, setting a precedent that other countries may follow.
The US and Western powers have urged Israel to constrain its response, but Israel has insisted that it must strike back because such a missile attack can not be normalized.
Blinken reiterated the US is committed to ensuring that Hamas does not play a future role in running the Gaza Strip.
IDF destroys launchers in Gaza • Rocket directly hits building in north • US shoots down Houthi UAVs •IDF destroys Hezbollah launchers in Lebanon
Netanyahu has been rumored to be ready to extend the Haredi exemption from IDF and national service in practice while trying to make some symbolic gesture toward greater service.
The families reiterated that anything short of a total release of all hostages – both the living and deceased – is not enough, according to a statement from the group representing the families.
Blinken's address noted the countless works of art and cultural property stolen by Nazis which still have not been returned to their owners.
Israel intends to advance plans for 3,000 new settler homes in the aftermath of the West Bank terror attack next to a checkpoint heading into Jerusalem.
Such a deal “is in the national security interest of the United States. And we're going to press for it relentlessly," US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said.
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