Netanyahu Speaks Before US Congress

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to address the US Congress in Washington on Wednesday. The speech comes amidst strained relations between the US and Israel due to the Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip.

Netanyahu arrived in Washington on Monday and is scheduled to meet President Joe Biden on Thursday, while also planning a meeting with former President Donald Trump on Friday. The US government has been pressuring Netanyahu to consider the civilian population in his military operations in the Palestinian territory.

The speech is expected to be met with anticipation and controversy, with Democratic lawmakers planning to boycott it and Republican lawmakers showing support for Israel. The visit holds both foreign policy and domestic political significance, with Netanyahu's leadership being a divisive topic among party lines.

Meanwhile, ongoing negotiations between Israel and Hamas regarding a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages are showing signs of progress, according to Netanyahu's office. The international community, including the UN, has criticized the Israeli army's repeated evacuations in the Gaza Strip, which are further straining the already damaged healthcare system and causing water shortages.