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AJC Jerusalem’s Lt. Col. (Res.) Avital Leibovich reflects on the devastating toll of these unspeakable crimes committed by Hamas.

Israel is a small country. At its widest, it is only 60 miles. Missiles can easily blanket the country. Millions of Israelis are sadly accustomed to going into the safe rooms of their homes to weather missile attacks. The weekend assaults, however, introduce a new level of danger. Israel will feel compelled to act and protect its people, but also its future.

Hopefully, a day will come when Gaza will be governed by Palestinian leadership committed to living together with Israel and joining the new Middle East. Until then, Israel will defend itself and its people, but it will also continue to build bridges with those eager to build a future built on cooperation rather than conflict.

How many hostages does Hamas have? What hostages are being released today? And have any Israeli hostages been released? Here is what is known about the people taken hostage on October 7, the history of Hamas’ hostage-taking, and how Israel has responded in the past.

Colombia President Gustavo Petro has threatened to cut diplomatic relations with Israel, which had suspended exports of security equipment in response to Petro’s comments last week that accused the Jewish State of war crimes while refusing to condemn the massacre of more than 1,300 Israelis by Hamas.
American Jewish Committee, the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people, issued this statement in response: