Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to deliver a speech to a joint meeting of Congress on July 24, as reported by The Associated Press.
The sources familiar with the matter confirmed this information. In the midst of the ongoing conflict, an Israeli airstrike on a school in central Gaza, which housed displaced Palestinians, resulted in the death of at least 33 individuals on Thursday. Following the attack, the Israel Defense Forces stated that Hamas terrorists were operating from within the school.
On the other hand, the Qatar Foreign Ministry has stated that Hamas has not yet provided its response to the latest ceasefire proposal to the mediators. They are currently studying the proposal. The war initially began after Hamas initiated an attack on Israel on October 7, leading to the loss of approximately 1,200 lives and the capture of more than 250 hostages.
UPDATE ON ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR
According to information provided by two individuals acquainted with the matter to The Associated Press, Benjamin Netanyahu will be delivering a speech to a joint meeting of Congress on July 24. Congressional leaders had previously extended a formal invitation to Netanyahu to speak; however, the precise date of the speech remained uncertain.
As per Reuters news agency, Netanyahu expressed his deep gratitude for the opportunity to represent Israel before both Houses of Congress. He stated that he aims to present the truth regarding their justified war against those seeking to annihilate Israel to the representatives of the American people, as well as the global community.
Following an Israeli strike on a Gaza school, 33 people were tragically killed. Distressing video footage depicted Palestinians carrying away lifeless bodies and numerous injured individuals to hospitals.
This attack occurred at a critical juncture during mediated discussions on a potential ceasefire, which would include the release of hostages held by Hamas and several Palestinian prisoners detained in Israeli jails.
In regards to the strike at Gaza school, the US State Department has confirmed that they have been in communication with Israel. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized the importance of Israel being fully transparent and sharing information about the strike with the public.
Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari stated that Hamas has not yet provided their response to the latest ceasefire proposal to the mediators. He mentioned that Qatari, Egyptian, and US mediators are actively working towards a resolution. Talks were initiated on Wednesday with the involvement of CIA director William Burns, who met with senior officials from Qatar and Egypt in Doha. These discussions revolved around a proposal that was publicly endorsed by US President Joe Biden last week.
On Thursday, Russia and China, both possessing veto powers in the United Nations Security Council, expressed concerns regarding a US draft resolution supporting President Joe Biden’s ceasefire proposal between Israel and Hamas. Diplomats revealed that Algeria, the council’s sole Arab member, also indicated its reluctance to endorse the text. It is important to note that for a resolution to pass, it requires a minimum of nine votes in favor and no vetoes from the US, France, Britain, China, or Russia.
Israeli forces carried out an operation in the West Bank city of Jenin on Thursday, resulting in the deaths of three Palestinians and injuries to at least 13 others, as reported by the Palestinian Health Ministry and medics to Reuters. The Palestine Red Crescent Society stated that they were providing medical treatment to six individuals who were shot, four with shrapnel wounds, and one who was hit by a military jeep. The society mentioned that their teams were targeted while recovering the deceased.
The Israeli military stated that Palestinian militants emerged from a tunnel on Thursday and launched an attack on their forces near the Gaza border, resulting in the death of one soldier. A military spokesperson previously reported that three militants involved in the attack were killed by Israeli airstrikes.
In a letter seen by The Associated Press, Israel’s representative on the panel of judges overseeing the genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice resigned from his position due to personal reasons. Justice Aharon Barak informed Prime Minister Netanyahu in a letter sent on Tuesday that he had submitted his resignation to the president of the International Court of Justice.
