Israel News for 3-6-2025
News Update
U.S. mediators have been holding direct talks with Hamas, regarding the release of the 5 American hostages, only 1 of whom is alive. The living hostage is Edan Alexander, 20, from Tenafly NJ. He was an IDF serving on his base when captured on OCt. 7. The dead hostages are Omer Neutra, Itay Chen and the couple Gad Haggai and Judy Weinstein-Haggai. Neutra and Chen were soldiers killed while fighting on Oct. 7. The Haggai couple, in their 70’s, were murdered while out for a walk on the morning of Oct. 7.
A delegation of former hostages met with President Trump yesterday. They recounted the horrors that they experienced and witnessed, and thanked the President saying, “We’re here because of you. We’re alive, we’re free people because of you. Thank you very much.” Trump was visibly moved.
Trump sent this message to Hamas: “Shalom Hamas” means Hello and Goodbye – You can choose. Release all of the Hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is OVER for you. Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted! I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job, not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say. I have just met with your former Hostages whose lives you have destroyed. This is your last warning! For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance. Also, to the People of Gaza: A beautiful Future awaits, but not if you hold Hostages. If you do, you are DEAD! Make a SMART decision. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW, OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER!
France, the United Kingdom and Germany yesterday urged Israel, in a joint statement, to resume humanitarian aid to Gaza: “We call on the government of Israel to abide by its international obligations to ensure full, rapid, safe and unhindered provision of humanitarian assistance to the population in Gaza. A halt on goods and supplies entering Gaza such as that announced by the government of Israel would risk violating international humanitarian law.”
Over 500 victims of the October 7 massacre filed a lawsuit in Jerusalem District Court, seeking NIS 4.5 billion ($1.2 billion) in damages from the Palestinian Authority (PA), the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and former Palestinian Palestinian Prisoners Affairs Committee head Qadura Fares, accusing them of direct and indirect responsibility for the attack and its prior planning. For more, click here.
Yaheli Gur, 17, who was critically injured in last week’s car-ramming terror attack at a bus stop at the Karkur junction near Pardes Hanna, died of her injuries yesterday.
Palestinian media claims an Israeli drone strike in Gaza City’s Shejaiya neighborhood moments ago killed one person and injured several others.
The Israeli and American Air Forces held joint exercises this week. The IDF said that the drills were designed to strengthen connectivity between the two forces and improve their ability to address regional threats. A U.S. B-52 Stratofortress long range bomber took part in the exercise. The B-52 is a key asset in any potential military strike on Iran’s deeply fortified nuclear facilities.
