Families and supporters of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza gathered in Tel Aviv and Washington, DC to call for their release. Israeli forces recovered the bodies of five hostages killed in Hamas' October 7 attack.
Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister, delivered a speech to the US Congress, seeking support for his country amid tensions over the war in Gaza. Jonathan Dekel-Chen, whose son is held hostage, met with US President Joe Biden and Netanyahu at the White House.
Thousands of protesters demonstrated in Washington, DC, opposing Netanyahu's visit and the ongoing war. Netanyahu's speech was met with controversy, as he called for 'total victory' and denied blocking shipments of food aid to Palestinians.
Meanwhile, Houthi attacks on Israel in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza continue, and Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to discuss regional events. The international court of justice ruled against Israel's conduct in the occupied Palestinian territories, increasing pressure on governments to take action.
The Fatah-Hamas unity deal aims to create a Palestinian state but faces skepticism. The US is viewed as undermining the agreement, while Israel is accused of a devastating onslaught on Gaza.
