AIPAC - Daily Briefings
In Video Appeal to Iran , Obama Offers a 'New Day'
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
Invoking art, history and "the common humanity that binds us," President Obama offered Iran a "new day" in its relationship with the United States, The New York Times reported. But he warned Iran 's leaders that their access to Iran 's "rightful place in the community of nations" would not be advanced by "terror or arms, but rather through peaceful actions." In a video address to the Iran ian people in celebration of the Nowruz holiday, Obama urged Iran to discuss "in mutual respect" the issues that have led to the Islamic Republic's international isolation, including its illicit nuclear program.
8:09 AM (12 hours ago)
Report: Iran Financed Syrian-N. Korean Nuclear Project
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
A top-ranked Iran ian defector reportedly told the United States that Iran was financing North Korea's construction of a secret nuclear reactor in Syria, The Jerusalem Post reported. According to an article in Germany's Neue Zuercher Zeitung, Ali Reza Asghari, a retired general in Iran 's elite Revolutionary Guards and a former deputy defense minister, "changed sides" in February 2007 and told American officials of the Syrian nuclear project. The reactor was destroyed later that year, presumably by Israel, before becoming operational.
8:09 AM (12 hours ago)
Israel Concerned over Durban II Draft Text
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
Despite revisions to the draft declaration for next month's U.N. racism meeting, Israel's ambassador in Geneva expressed concern that the new version still singles out Israel for criticism, the Associated Press reported. The new draft circulated Tuesday removed all direct references to Israel but affirmed support for a 2001 summit, which the United States and Israel walked out of when it turned into an anti-Israel and anti-Semitic celebration. The Obama administration has said it will boycott the upcoming meeting as its agenda unfairly singles out Israel and could restrict freedom of speech.
Mar 18, 2009 (2 days ago)
Report: Russia Signed Deal to Supply Iran with Missiles
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
A top Russian defense official has reportedly confirmed that Russia signed a contract to sell sophisticated S-300 air-defense missiles to Iran , though none of the weapons have been delivered, the Associated Press reported. The Obama administration has already pressed Russian leaders to halt the missile sales, and Secretary Clinton recently called Iran ian long-range missiles "a threat to Russia as well as to Europe and neighbors in the region." The Kremlin, which has stonewalled efforts at the U.N. to impose biting sanctions against Iran , has denied plans to provide Tehran with the missiles.
Mar 17, 2009 (3 days ago)
Britain: Defiant Iran Must Face Tougher Sanctions
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown on Tuesday said Iran must take up President Barack Obama’s offer of new dialogue on its disputed nuclear program or face tougher sanctions, the Associated Press reported. “I hope that Iran will make the right choice and take advantage of the international community’s willingness to negotiate, including President Obama’s offer of engagement, rather than face further sanctions and regional instability,” Brown said, according to excerpts of his speech released in advance.
Mar 17, 2009 (3 days ago)
Nasrallah: Hizballah Can Destroy Israel
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
Hizballah chief Hassan Nasrallah on Friday said his Lebanon-based terrorist army would never recognize Israel, rejecting a U.S. precondition for dialogue, the Israeli newspaper Ha’aretz reported. “We are strong and we are capable,” Nasrallah said in a speech delivered from his secret hiding place. “If we will stand on our feet, we can destroy this entity.” He added, “As long as this rapacious entity exists, then resistance is our honor and our lives.”
Mar 14, 2009 (6 days ago)
Obama Extends U.S. Sanctions Against Iran
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
President Barack Obama on Thursday said he had extended U.S. sanctions against Iran , which were first enacted in 1995, Agence France Presse reported. The sanctions, prohibiting U.S. companies aiding the development of the Iran ian oil industry and halting trade, export/import and investment ties with Iran , were imposed by the Clinton administration and have been extended on an annual basis by successive presidents. They would have expired without Obama's formal action to extend them.
Mar 13, 2009 12:25 AM
Clinton: Aid to Palestinians Tied to Recognition of Israel
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
According to Western diplomats, the United States will withdraw $900 million in aid to the Palestinians if a future Fatah-Hamas unity government does not recognize Israel's right to exist, Ha'aretz reported. During her recent visit to the West Bank, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reportedly warned Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas against forming a coalition with Hamas if the group does not meet the three Quartet expectations—recognition of Israel, renunciation of violence and acceptance of all previous Israeli-Palestinian agreements. Hamas has refused to meet these conditions.
Mar 11, 2009 12:22 PM
Citing Sanctions, Total Scales Back Energy Work in Iran
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
Dealing a significant blow to Iran ian hopes for Western investment in its energy sector, the French energy giant Total decided Wednesday that it would have no "active role" in developing a huge natural gas field in Iran , Agence France Presse reported. The head of Iran 's National Iran ian Oil Company (NIOC) said Total would not participate due to international sanctions on the Islamic Republic over its illicit nuclear program. Last year, Total pulled out of another Iran ian project, citing similar concerns. One energy analyst called that decision "a death blow" for Iran 's natural gas ambitions.
Mar 11, 2009 12:22 PM
U.N. Says Iran Broke Weapons Export Ban
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
The United States called on Tuesday for the United Nations to take action against Iran after a Security Council committee said Tehran violated international sanctions banning it from exporting munitions, The Wall Street Journal reported. American naval officers boarded a Cypriot-flagged ship, which originated in Iran . Cypriot authorities then ordered the ship to return to Cyprus, where they found thousands of cases of gun powder, dozens of barrels of shells, propellant and scores of mortar components on board and seized the munitions. U.S. officials said the cargo was headed to Syria.
Mar 11, 2009 12:22 PM
White House: Hamas, Hizballah Must Renounce Terror, Recognize Israel
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
The White House said Tuesday that both Hamas and Hizballah must renounce violence and recognize Israel before the United States would consider even low-level engagement with the terrorist groups, Agence France Presse reported. "The president has stated on a number of occasions that, in order for anything like that to happen, there are certain responsibilities that those individual organizations have," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said.
Mar 10, 2009 3:02 PM
ElBaradei: Arabs Must Help Deter Iran from Nukes
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
The head of the U.N.'s nuclear watchdog said Monday that Iran 's nuclear pursuit cannot be halted without the involvement of Iran 's Arab neighbors, Reuters reported. "I find it surprising that the Arab countries are not engaged in dialogue between Iran and the West," Mohamed ElBaradei, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said. "The neighbors so far have been sitting on the fence. Any solution to the Iran ian issue has to engage the neighbors." While Arab states have registered concern over Iran 's nuclear work, many have been reluctant to enforce biting sanctions against Tehran.
Mar 9, 2009 1:23 PM
Iran and Hamas Express Solidarity With Sudan's Bashir
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
High-level delegations from Iran , Hamas, Hizballah and Syria traveled to Sudan on Friday to express solidarity with Omar al-Bashir, the Sudanese president who has been charged with war crimes in Darfur, Al Jazeera reported. The visit comes days after the International Criminal Court at The Hague issued a warrant for al-Bashir's arrest for playing an "essential role" in the murder, rape, torture, pillage and displacement of large numbers of civilians in Darfur, according to The New York Times.
Mar 9, 2009 9:08 AM
Israeli Intelligence: Iran Can Produce Nuclear Bomb
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
Israel's military intelligence chief said Sunday that Tehran has crossed a critical milestone in its drive for a nuclear weapons capability and would try to use talks with the West to buy time as it works to produce a nuclear bomb, Agence France Presse reported. " Iran has crossed the technological threshold," Major General Amos Yadlin told cabinet ministers. "Reaching a military-grade nuclear capability is a question of synchronizing its strategy with the production of a nuclear bomb."
Mar 9, 2009 9:08 AM
Report: U.S. Dismayed by Fayyad Resignation
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
The United States has reportedly relayed messages to European and Arab leaders warning that it would not work with a Palestinian unity government unless Salam Fayyad is reappointed prime minister, the Israeli newspaper Ha'aretz reported. Fayyad submitted his resignation to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on Saturday, saying his departure could aid in reconciliation talks between Abbas' Fatah movement and the terrorist group Hamas.
Mar 6, 2009 9:18 AM
Hamas Rocket Strikes Synagogue in Southern Israel
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
Palestinian terrorists in Gaza fired a half-dozen rockets and mortars at southern Israel on Thursday; one longer-range Grad rocket slammed into a synagogue, the Israeli newspaper Ha'aretz reported. Israel responded to the attack by destroying several weapons smuggling tunnels along the Gaza-Egypt border. Israeli officials warned that escalating attacks could force Israel to carry out further defensive operations in the Gaza Strip. Since Israel withdrew its troops from Gaza in January after Operation Cast Lead, more than 100 Hamas rockets and mortars have been fired at Israeli civilians.
Mar 6, 2009 9:18 AM
Clinton Warns Russia over Arms Sales to Iran
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Thursday that she would press Russian leaders to halt missile sales talks with Iran during an upcoming meeting in Geneva, Agence France Presse reported. Clinton said she would "raise with Russia their continuing discussions with Iran about selling longer-range missiles, which we think are a threat to Russia as well as to Europe and neighbors in the region." Reports continue to surface in Russian media that the Kremlin plans to provide Iran with the advanced S-300 missile defense system, though Russian officials have denied these reports.
Mar 5, 2009 8:04 AM
Terrorist Rams Bulldozer into Bus, Car in Jerusalem
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
In the third attack of its kind, a Palestinian terrorist on Thursday deliberately plowed a bulldozer into a police car and a passenger bus in downtown Jerusalem, the Israeli newspaper Ha'aretz reported. "I saw the police car fly into the air," said a taxi driver who, along with police officers, shot and killed the attacker. "He flipped it over twice, then continued dragging it toward a bus that was stuck in traffic." Hamas leaders immediately praised the attack. Last summer, a Palestinian terrorist went on a rampage in a bulldozer on Jaffa Street, killing three people and wounding dozens more.
Mar 4, 2009 1:50 PM
Clinton: Hamas Must Accept Israel, Reject Violence
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Wednesday said the United States would not work with a Palestinian unity government that includes Hamas unless it recognizes Israel and rejects violence, Agence France Press reported. “If there is to be a unity government that includes Hamas, then we would expect that Hamas would comply with the principles as set forth by the Quartet,” Clinton told CNN, referring to the group consisting of the United States, the European Union, the United Nations, and Russia.
Mar 4, 2009 8:50 AM
Abbas: Iran Must Stop Interfering in Palestinian Affairs
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas lashed out at Iran on Wednesday, demanding that the Islamic Republic stop meddling in internal Palestinian affairs, Agence France Presse reported. "We are sending a message to the Iran ians and others—stop interfering in our affairs," Abbas said following a meeting with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. "They are interfering only to deepen the rift between Palestinians." In recent weeks, Iran has redoubled its efforts to supply advanced weaponry and funds to Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip.
Mar 4, 2009 8:50 AM
Iran ian Leaders Say All Muslims Must Fight Israel
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
Iran 's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Wednesday it was the mandatory duty for the world's Muslims to join the Palestinian "resistance" against the "Zionist criminals" in Israel, Agence France Presse reported. Khamenei, speaking at a summit in Tehran, was joined by Iran ian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who called for a "global anti-Zionist front." Ahmadinejad said Muslims "must seriously pursue punishing the Zionist criminals, so that by saving Palestine and the establishment of a popularly chosen government, the world gets rid of racism, lies and occupation forever."
Mar 3, 2009 9:30 AM
Obama Letter Urged Russia to Help Deter Iran
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
President Barack Obama sent a letter to Russia's president last month outlining the mutual threat of Iran 's illicit nuclear program and suggesting that the U.S. would back off deploying a missile defense system in Eastern Europe if the Iran ian threat could be staunched, The New York Times reported. The letter, which was hand-delivered to President Dmitri A. Medvedev, said the United States would not need to proceed with the interceptor system if Iran halted any efforts to build nuclear warheads and ballistic missiles.
Mar 3, 2009 9:30 AM
U.S. Pledges $900 Million to Bolster PA, Aid Gazans
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced on Monday $900 million in U.S. assistance for the Palestinian Authority (PA) in the West Bank and humanitarian relief efforts in Gaza, Reuters reported. The United States will provide $600 million to support the PA’s budget shortfalls, economic reforms and security and private sector projects as well as $300 million in aid for Gaza residents, to be funneled through the United Nations and other aid agencies. Clinton was adamant that none of the money, which has to be approved by Congress, would go to Hamas.
Mar 3, 2009 9:30 AM
Hamas Rockets Continue to Hit Southern Israel
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
Six Hamas rockets slammed into southern Israel on Sunday, just hours after Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert warned that escalating attacks could force Israel to carry out further defensive operations in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli Web site Ynet reported. "The state of Israel has a broad range of actions that it can take," Olmert said during a cabinet meeting. "This range of actions will be exhausted until complete quiet is brought to the south."
Mar 2, 2009 8:08 AM
Mullen: Iran Has Enough Material for a Nuclear Bomb
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said Sunday that Iran has amassed enough uranium that with further purification could fuel an atomic bomb, The New York Times reported. "We think they do, quite frankly," Admiral Michael Mullen said when asked if he thought Iran had enough fissile material for a bomb. "And Iran having a nuclear weapon, I've believed for a long time, is a very, very bad outcome for the region and for the world." The International Atomic Energy Agency recently reported that its inspectors had found that Iran understated how much uranium it had enriched by one-third.
Mar 2, 2009 8:08 AM
U.S. Will Boycott U.N. Racism Conference
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
The Obama administration has said it will boycott a major U.N. conference on racism scheduled for April as its agenda unfairly singles out Israel for censure and could restrict freedom of speech, The Washington Post reported. A U.S. delegation went to Geneva last week to participate in preliminary negotiations for the conference, which is being held to review progress on a declaration from a 2001 summit. The United States and Israel walked out of that meeting, held in Durban, South Africa, when it turned into a celebration of anti-Israel and anti-Semitic activity.
Feb 27, 2009 10:02 AM
U.S. Will Seek to End Iran 's Nuclear Ambitions
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
The United States will seek to end Iran 's nuclear ambitions and support for terrorism, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations said Thursday—drawing a rebuke from Iran 's envoy, the Associated Press reported. The United States "will seek an end to Iran 's ambition to acquire an illicit nuclear capacity and its support for terrorism," Ambassador Susan Rice said. Iran 's ambassador criticized the statement as "baseless and absurd," despite recent warnings by the U.N.'s nuclear watchdog that Iran is hiding its nuclear intentions and could be poised to achieve a nuclear weapons "breakout" capacity.
Feb 26, 2009 7:28 AM
EU States Press for Tougher Iran Sanctions
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
France, Germany and the United Kingdom are proposing a list of additional sanctions to be imposed against Iran in order to give the Obama administration more leverage in its expected engagement with the Islamic Republic, the Financial Times reported. The list targets nearly four dozen Iran ian entities and individuals, including several banks and a construction company tied to Iran 's elite Revolutionary Guard Corps, with purported links to Tehran's illicit nuclear and biological weapons programs. Click here to learn about Iran 's pursuit of a nuclear weapons capability.
Feb 26, 2009 7:28 AM
U.S. Human Rights Report Slams Mideast States
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
The State Department on Wednesday singled out several Arab states and Iran for jailing human rights activists because of their beliefs, cracking down on religious freedom and discriminating against women, Agence France Presse reported. The report, the first released by the Obama administration, said Iran intensified its crackdown on dissent "through arbitrary arrests, detentions, torture, and secret trials that occasionally end in executions… The government's poor human rights record worsened, and it continued to commit numerous serious abuses."
Feb 25, 2009 1:15 PM
Iran Nuclear Chief Boasts of Technological Progress
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
Iran 's nuclear chief on Wednesday said Iran has increased the number of centrifuges enriching uranium at its Natanz facility to 6,000, and intended to install a total of 50,000 centrifuges over the next few years, the Associated Press reported. The announcement came as Iran ian and Russian nuclear officials tested the first nuclear power plant built in Iran . The Islamic Republic is making rapid progress in its illicit nuclear program. According to a new U.N. assessment, Iran has stockpiled enough enriched uranium, with further processing needed, to fuel a nuclear bomb.
Feb 24, 2009 8:55 AM
Hamas: We Will Continue to Smuggle Weapons
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
A top Hamas official declared Tuesday that the Palestinian terrorist group would continue to smuggle weapons into the Gaza Strip, Reuters reported. "It's our right to bring in everything—money and arms," Mahmoud Zahar said. "We will not give anyone any commitment on this subject." Recent reports suggest that Iran has redoubled its efforts to smuggle advanced weaponry to Hamas terrorists. In the meantime, Hamas continues to fire rockets at Israeli civilians—more than four dozen Hamas rockets and mortars have slammed into southern Israel since Israel withdrew its troops from Gaza in mid-January.
Feb 24, 2009 8:55 AM
United States to Pledge Nearly $1 Billion in Gaza Aid
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
The Obama administration intends to provide some $900 million to help rebuild the Gaza Strip, The New York Times reported. The funds, which must first be approved by Congress, would be disbursed to nongovernmental agencies and the United Nations in order to bypass Hamas. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is expected to formally announce the aid package at a donors' conference in Egypt next week.
Feb 24, 2009 8:55 AM
Netanyahu Vows to Work with U.S. for Peace
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
Israeli Prime Minister-designate Binyamin Netanyahu promised Sunday to work with the United States to promote peace in the Middle East as he sought to forge a broad-based coalition government with his chief rival, the Associated Press reported. "I intend and expect to cooperate with the Obama administration and to try to advance the common goals of peace, security and prosperity for us and our neighbors," Netanyahu said. Throughout its history, Israel has repeatedly demonstrated its commitment to resolving the conflict with all of its neighbors.
Feb 24, 2009 8:55 AM
U.N.: Iran Holds Enough Uranium for Nuclear Bomb
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
Iran has built up a stockpile of enough enriched uranium for one nuclear bomb, United Nations officials acknowledged on Thursday. Speaking on condition of anonymity, U.N. officials told the Financial Times that Iran had accumulated more than one ton of low enriched uranium hexafluoride at its facility in Natanz. If such a quantity were further enriched it could produce sufficient fissile material for a bomb. Despite repeated calls by the international community to halt its illicit atomic work, Iran has made rapid advancements in its pursuit of a nuclear weapons capability.
Feb 24, 2009 8:55 AM
Report: Iran , Total to Ink Major Gas Deal
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
Iran and Total of France will sign a much-delayed deal to develop a key Iran ian natural gas field, Agence France Presse reported. Iran 's Mehr news agency quoted a top Iran ian energy official as saying that the $5 billion deal to develop a portion of the South Pars gas field would be signed by March 20. Previous international gas deals with Iran have met sharp criticism from the United States, which is working with its allies to isolate Iran over its illicit pursuit of a nuclear weapons capability.
Feb 24, 2009 8:55 AM
Senators Call for Change in Syrian Policies
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
Speaking during a visit to Damascus, the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday urged Syria to help disarm the terrorist group Hizballah and to stop interfering in Lebanon’s political affairs, Agence France Presse reported. “We want Syria to respect the political independence of Lebanon, we want Syria to help in the process of resolving issues with Hizballah and with the Palestinians,” said Sen. John Kerry (D-MA). “We want Syria to help… with the disarmament of Hizballah.”
Feb 12, 2009 4:07 PM
Obama Administration Clear on Iran Pursuit of Nukes
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
Little more than a year after U.S. spy agencies suggested that Iran had halted work on a nuclear weapon, the Obama administration has made it clear that it believes there is no question Tehran is seeking the bomb, The Los Angeles Times reported. This week, President Obama described Iran 's "development of a nuclear weapon," before referring to the country's "pursuit" of a nuclear capability, echoing the view of Leon Panetta, Obama's choice for CIA director. "From all the information I've seen," Panetta told Congress recently, "I think there is no question that they are seeking that capability."
Feb 12, 2009 4:07 PM
White House Praises Israel as 'Strong Democracy'
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
The White House praised Israeli elections as a sign of a strong democracy in the Middle East and said President Obama looked forward to working with the next Israeli government, the Associated Press reported.
Feb 12, 2009 4:07 PM
Hamas Rockets Continue to Pound Southern Israel
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
The Israeli Air Force destroyed a Hamas command center in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday after Hamas fired three mortar shells at Israeli civilians, The Jerusalem Post reported. Israeli military sources said more than 40 Hamas rockets and mortars, including several long-range Grad missiles, had been fired at southern Israeli communities since Israel withdrew its troops from Gaza in mid-January. In recent weeks, Palestinian terrorist groups have attempted to carry out a series of attacks on the Jewish state.
Feb 11, 2009 6:16 PM
Kadima, Likud Top Polls in Israeli Election
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
Israel's Kadima Party led by Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and the Likud Party headed by Benjamin Netanyahu were locked in a tight battle on Wednesday, both vying for leadership of the next Israeli government, The New York Times reported. In the coming days, President Shimon Peres will choose which party has the first chance to form a government. During this peaceful transfer of power, Israel stands out as the only Western-style democracy in the Middle East. Throughout its history, regardless of party politics, the solid alliance between the United States and Israel has endured.
Feb 10, 2009 6:36 PM
Israeli Voters Go to the Polls to Elect New Government
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
Israelis cast their ballots Tuesday to choose a new government, with polls indicating a tight race between the Likud party, led by opposition leader Binyamin Netanyahu and the Kadima party, headed by Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, The Washington Post reported. After the votes are counted, President Shimon Peres will choose a party to form the next government. During this peaceful transfer of power, Israel stands out as the only Western-style democracy in the Middle East. Throughout its history, regardless of party politics, the solid alliance between the United States and Israel has endured.
Feb 10, 2009 6:36 PM
Obama Reaches Out to Iran , Condemns its Aggressive Behavior
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
President Obama said Monday his administration is looking for opportunities to engage with Iran , but reiterated that Iran 's support for terrorism and illicit pursuit of a nuclear weapons capability were dangerous and destabilizing, the Associated Press reported. "It's important that, even as we engage in this direct diplomacy, we are very clear about certain deep concerns that we have as a country," Obama said. He called Iran 's funding of terrorist groups "unacceptable" and warned that "a nuclear Iran could set off a nuclear arms race in the region that would be profoundly destabilizing."
Feb 9, 2009 5:26 PM
Biden: Iran Must Abandon Illicit Nuclear Program
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
Vice President Joe Biden warned Iran ian leaders on Saturday that their continued pursuit of a nuclear weapons capability would be met with further international isolation, The New York Times reported. "We are willing to talk to Iran ," Biden said during a speech in Munich, Germany. He offered Iran 's leaders a choice: "Continue down your current course and there will be pressure and isolation; abandon the illicit nuclear program and your support for terrorism, and there will be meaningful incentives."
Feb 9, 2009 5:26 PM
Cyprus: Iran -Bound Ship Violates U.N. Sanctions
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
According to a senior Cypriot official, a United Nations committee has ruled that a Cypriot-flagged ship intercepted in the Red Sea two weeks ago was carrying weapons to Iran in violation of U.N. Security Council sanctions, Agence France Presse reported. Meanwhile, the Greek military is holding another Iran -bound vessel due to suspicions that it was carrying steel and other components for ballistic missiles.
Feb 9, 2009 5:26 PM
IDF Thwarts Suicide Bombing Attack Near Gaza Border
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
An Islamic Jihad terrorist armed with a bomb vest was killed by Israeli troops on Sunday as he attempted to sneak across Israel's border with Gaza, the Israeli newspaper Ha'aretz reported. The incident followed a series of Hamas rocket attacks on Israeli civilians in Ashkelon—one of Israel's largest cities and home to critical national infrastructure—and other towns in southern Israel.
Feb 6, 2009 10:14 AM
U.N. Suspends Gaza Aid After Hamas Steals Supplies
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) halted its aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip on Friday after Hamas stole humanitarian supplies meant for Palestinian civilians, The Jerusalem Post reported. Hamas reportedly seized 200 tons of assistance, including flour, rice and other basic commodities, the second such instance this week that Hamas stole U.N. supplies transferred to Gaza for Palestinian residents. Despite these developments, Israel continues to work closely with international aid groups to coordinate efforts to transfer humanitarian supplies to Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
Feb 6, 2009 10:14 AM
Suspicious Iran -Bound Ship Detained in Greece
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
The Greek military has detained an Iran -bound ship since December 10 due to suspicions that it was carrying components for ballistic missiles, the Israeli newspaper Ha'aretz reported. A search of the ship found 80 tons of CK22 steel, which can be used to make warheads or fuel pods for surface-to-surface missiles. Moreover, the cargo manifest indicated that the steel was destined for an Iran ian firm that is under U.N. Security Council sanctions due to its involvement in Tehran's illicit nuclear and missile programs.
Feb 6, 2009 10:14 AM
Iran Denies Visas for U.S. Women's Badminton Team
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
As world powers on Wednesday expressed their support for U.S. diplomatic overtures to Tehran, Iran announced its refusal to issue visas for a group of U.S. female badminton players it had previously invited to compete in the country, The Washington Post reported. The Obama administration said it was mystified by the visa refusal, especially because it has expressed a willingness to engage with Tehran. "We are very interested in trying to improve relations," a State Department spokesman said, "and this is not a good step forward in terms of trying to promote people-to-people exchanges."
Feb 4, 2009 9:39 AM
U.S. 'Gravely Concerned' Over Iran ian Satellite Launch
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
Marking the 30th anniversary of its Islamic Revolution, Iran launched its first satellite into orbit, the latest development in a pattern of Iran ian activity to build a nuclear weapon and the means to deliver it, The New York Times reported. In Washington, the State Department called the event worrisome. " Iran 's development of a space launch vehicle establishes the technical basis from which Iran could develop long-range ballistic missile systems," said spokesman Robert A. Wood. Click here to learn about Iran 's quest for a nuclear weapons capability.
Feb 4, 2009 9:39 AM
U.N.: Hamas Stole Humanitarian Aid from Palestinians
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
A U.N. official on Wednesday accused Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip of seizing thousands of blankets and food parcels meant for Palestinian residents, The Jerusalem Post reported. Christopher Gunness, spokesman for the U.N.'s Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), said Hamas fighters raided a U.N. warehouse in Gaza City late Tuesday, snatching 3,500 blankets and over 400 food parcels. "UNRWA condemns in the strongest terms the confiscation of its aid supplies and has demanded that it is returned immediately," Gunness said in a statement.
Feb 3, 2009 8:29 AM
Iran Vows to Press Ahead with Nuclear Pursuit
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
Iran remained defiant over its illicit nuclear program on Monday as representatives of six major powers prepared to meet in Germany to look at ways of persuading the Islamic Republic to curb its nuclear ambitions, Agence France Presse reported. "If they (the United States and the international community) want Iran to give up the know-how it has regarding the nuclear program, they are talking nonsense," said parliament speaker Ali Larijani, Iran ’s former nuclear negotiator.
Feb 2, 2009 3:21 PM
Hamas Rockets, Mortars Slam into Southern Israel
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
A long-range Hamas rocket slammed into the Israeli city of Ashkelon on Tuesday, just one day after three Israelis were wounded as a barrage of Hamas rockets and mortars pounded southern Israel, the Israeli newspaper Ha'aretz reported. The latest attacks were the heaviest in weeks and marked the first strike on Ashkelon—a major industrial center—since Israel withdrew its troops from Gaza. Israeli forces targeted the gunmen who fired the rockets, and struck a Hamas security compound in central Gaza and several weapons smuggling tunnels along the Gaza-Egypt border.
Feb 2, 2009 3:21 PM
Senior Congressman Snubbed by Iran in Dialogue Bid
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
The chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs tried to meet a top aide to Iran 's supreme leader on a trip to Bahrain in mid-December but was rebuffed at the last minute, The Wall Street Journal reported. Rep. Howard Berman's (D-CA) attempted engagement with Ali Larijani, speaker of the Iran ian parliament, would have marked one of the highest-level discussions between American and Iran ian officials since the 1979 Islamic revolution in Iran , yet Larijani pulled out of the meeting.
Jan 30, 2009 11:57 AM
White House: All Options on the Table with Iran
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
The Obama administration said Thursday that the United States has reserved all options, from diplomacy to military action, to pressure Iran over its continued drive for a nuclear weapons capability, Reuters reported. "We must use all elements of our national power to protect our interests as it relates to Iran ," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said. "We have many issues to work through—an illicit nuclear program, the sponsorship of terrorism and the threatening of peace in Israel are just a few of the issues that this president believes the Iran ian leadership must address."
Jan 29, 2009 4:52 PM
Iran Refuses Direct U.S. Talks Without Preconditions
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
In reponse to the Obama administration's suggestion of direct talks with Iran over its illicit nuclear program, a top aide to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Wednesday said Iran had its own preconditions before any negotiations could begin, Reuters reported. These preconditions include "ending America's military presence in Iraq and Afghanistan," as well as apologizing to Iran for a long list of grievances. The aide also said Iran did not intend to halt its nuclear work, as demanded by the Obama administration and the international community.
Jan 29, 2009 4:52 PM
Mitchell Calls for End to Hamas Weapons Smuggling
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
The Obama administration's envoy for Middle East peace called this week for an end to Hamas' weapons smuggling in order to implement a durable cease-fire in Gaza, The Washington Post reported. George Mitchell, speaking after a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in Jerusalem, said the United States is "committed to vigorously pursuing lasting peace and stability in the region," and called for an end to the hostilities and smuggling and to open border crossings on the basis of a 2005 agreement. That agreement requires international monitors to be present at Gaza crossings.
Jan 28, 2009 10:34 AM
U.N. Slams Hamas for 'Cynical' Use of Human Shields
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
U.N. Humanitarian Affairs Chief John Holmes blasted Hamas on Tuesday for its use of civilian facilities and human shields in its fight against Israel, the Israeli newspaper Ha'aretz reported. "The reckless and cynical use of civilian installations by Hamas and indiscriminate firing of rockets against civilian populations are clear violations of international humanitarian law," Holmes told the U.N. Security Council.
Jan 28, 2009 10:34 AM
Abbas Blames Hamas for Gaza Violence
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas criticized the Hamas leadership on Tuesday for bringing destruction to the Gaza Strip, the Associated Press reported. During a press conference, Abbas blamed Hamas for violating a six-month cease-fire with Israel, and said Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal could be taken to court in another country for "drawing his people to this destruction." He said he had warned Hamas against violating the truce, "but they didn't listen." Israel carried out its defensive operation in the Gaza Strip following years of unrelenting Hamas rocket and mortar attacks on its civilians.
Jan 28, 2009 8:34 AM
After IDF Soldier Killed, Israel Hits Smuggling Tunnels
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
Hours after an Israeli soldier was killed by a Palestinian roadside bomb, Israeli warplanes on Wednesday destroyed several weapons smuggling tunnels along Egypt's border with Gaza, The New York Times reported. Also on Wednesday, Palestinian terrorists fired a Qassam rocket into southern Israel, the first rocket attack since Israel concluded its defensive operation in Gaza. Defense Minister Ehud Barak warned that further attacks could not be ignored: "We do not intend to gloss over incidents like these," he said. "We will not let Hamas and its outgrowths continue their hostile acts of terror."
Jan 28, 2009 8:34 AM
Report: Iran Likely to Have Enough Fuel for Nukes in 2009
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
A prominent international security expert warned on Tuesday that Iran will most likely have produced enough enriched uranium to, with further purification, make an atomic bomb by the end of 2009, The Jerusalem Post reported. Despite these developments, Mark Fitzpatrick, a non-proliferation expert at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, wrote in a new report that Iran 's illicit nuclear program could still be "constrained and delayed by export controls, sanctions, financial pressure, interdiction and other means of exploiting Iran 's vulnerabilities."
Jan 27, 2009 12:11 PM
Roadside Bomb Kills Israeli Soldier Near Gaza Border
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
One Israel Defense Forces officer was killed and three others were wounded on Tuesday when a roadside bomb detonated under an army vehicle, The Jerusalem Post reported. While no one claimed responsibility for the attack, which occurred along the Gaza-Israel border, a Hamas leader said his group had not agreed to a cease-fire with Israel, adding that "the Zionists are responsible for any aggression."
Jan 27, 2009 8:11 AM
Obama Stresses Hopes for Peace, Support for Israel
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
President Obama reiterated on Monday U.S. support for Israel and expressed cautious optimism about the prospects for peace between Israel and the Palestinians, The Washington Post reported. "Israel is a strong ally of the United States," Obama told a correspondent from al-Arabiya in his first television interview. "They will not stop being a strong ally of the United States. And I will continue to believe that Israel's security is paramount." Obama added, "we cannot tell either the Israelis or the Palestinians what's best for them," and stressed the need for patience as the talks proceed.
Jan 27, 2009 8:11 AM
Rice: U.S. Must Be Firm With Iran Over Nuke Program
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
Ambassador Susan Rice said Monday that the United States would continue to press Iran to halt its illicit nuclear program as called for by multiple binding U.N. Security Council resolutions, Reuters reported. "We remain deeply concerned about the threat that Iran 's nuclear program poses to the region, indeed to the United States and to the entire international community," Rice, the newly-appointed U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, said after a meeting with U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
Jan 26, 2009 8:11 AM
U.S., French Ships to Seek Iran ian Arms Bound for Gaza
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
An American naval taskforce in the Gulf of Aden has been ordered to hunt for suspicious Iran ian arms ships seeking to rearm Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip, Britain's Times reported. The action follows a similar order by French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who on Friday dispatched a frigate to the waters off Gaza to patrol for smuggled weapons. In addition, several top European Union officials have pressed Egypt to step up its own efforts to prevent arms smuggling to Hamas. Click here to learn about efforts to halt Iran 's smuggling of weapons to Hamas.
Jan 26, 2009 8:11 AM
Top EU Official: Hamas Responsible for Gaza Conflict
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
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Hamas bears full responsibility for the recent violence in Gaza, a top European Union official said Monday during a visit to the coastal strip, The Jerusalem Post reported. "At this time we have to also recall the overwhelming responsibility of Hamas," Louis Michel, European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, said at a press conference in Jabalya, a town in northern Gaza. "I intentionally say this here - Hamas is a terrorist movement and it has to be denounced as such."
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Jan 23, 2009 9:28 AM
Obama's Treasury Pick Vows Action Against Iran
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner vowed to step up U.S. financial pressure on Iran to halt its illicit nuclear program and curb the country's support for terrorism, Agence France Presse reported. "If confirmed as secretary of the Treasury, I would consider the full range of tools available to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, including unilateral measures, to prevent Iran from misusing the financial system to engage in proliferation and terrorism," Geithner wrote in his response to senators' questions, which was released as part of his confirmation hearing on Jan. 22.
Jan 23, 2009 9:28 AM
Israel, Egypt to Boost Anti-Smuggling Forces in Sinai
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
Israeli officials approved on Thursday an Egyptian proposal meant to curb Hamas' ability to smuggle arms from Iran into Gaza, The Jerusalem Post reported. The new strategy, announced amid reports that several smuggling tunnels along the Egypt-Gaza border had reopened following Israel's recent military operation, is said to include heightened Israeli-Egyptian intelligence cooperation, the construction of obstacles in the Sinai Peninsula and the deployment of new tunnel-detection technology along the border. The agreement comes on the heels of a U.S.-Israeli deal to prevent Hamas from rearming.
Jan 22, 2009 10:25 AM
Obama Determined to Halt Hamas Arms Smuggling
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
President Barack Obama stressed on Wednesday his commitment to halting weapons smuggling from Iran to Hamas, Britain's Times reported. During a series of calls with Mideast leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, Obama "emphasized his determination to work to help consolidate the cease-fire by establishing an effective anti-smuggling regime to prevent Hamas from rearming, and facilitating in partnership with the Palestinian Authority a major reconstruction effort for Palestinians in Gaza," according to a statement.
Jan 21, 2009 4:25 PM
Iran Seeks to Replenish Hamas’ Weapon Stocks in Gaza
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
According to Israeli intelligence assessments, Iran has renewed its efforts to supply advanced weaponry to the terrorist group Hamas in the Gaza Strip, The Jerusalem Post reported. The IDF is concerned that Iran will provide Hamas with long-range Fajr missiles, which have a range of 43 miles and can easily reach Tel Aviv if fired from Gaza. The IDF believes that it destroyed about 1,200 Hamas rockets, but estimates that the terrorist group has about 1,000 left in its arsenal, including long range Grad-model Katyushas.
Jan 21, 2009 4:25 PM
Israel Congratulates President Barack Obama
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Tuesday congratulated President Barack Obama on his inauguration as the new U.S. commander-in-chief, saying he expects the United States and Israel to grow even closer in the coming years, the Israeli newspaper Ha’aretz reported. "We are certain that we will be full partners in the advancement of peace and stability in the Middle East," Olmert said in a statement. "The values of democracy, fraternity and liberty, which constitute the building blocks of American society, are shared by Israeli society..."
Jan 21, 2009 4:25 PM
Hillary Clinton Confirmed as Secretary of State
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY), the former first lady and Democratic candidate for president, was confirmed by the Senate on Wednesday as President Barack Obama’s secretary of state, The New York Times reported. She is the third woman to serve as America’s top diplomat. During her time in the Senate, Clinton was a strong supporter of increasing U.S. security assistance to Israel. She was also a vocal advocate for enacting stringent sanctions against Iran as well as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Jan 19, 2009 8:40 AM
AIPAC Offices Closed for MLK, Jr. Day, Inauguration
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
AIPAC offices will be closed on January 19 and 20 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and the Inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States. Regular Web site updates will resume on Wednesday, January 21. In the meantime, check out the Issues page for concise analysis, feature coverage and links to special reports on key issues affecting the Middle East, Israel's security and the U.S.-Israel relationship. In addition, see below for recent news items.
Jan 16, 2009 3:04 PM
U.S., Israel Agree to Tackle Hamas Arms Smuggling
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
The United States and Israel pledged on Friday to work together to prevent the supply of weapons and explosives to Hamas and other Iran ian-backed terrorist groups in Gaza with a new landmark agreement. The Memorandum of Understanding [full text], signed by Secretary of State Rice and Israeli Foreign Minister Livni, "is a first step towards an end to rocket attacks and threats directed against Israel from Gaza," said a State Dept. statement, calling for "an international consensus that Gaza will never again be used as a launching pad for terrorist attacks against Israeli citizens."
Jan 16, 2009 9:04 AM
Hamas Rejects Ceasefire Proposal, Vows More Attacks
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
Hamas chief Khaled Meshal refused on Friday to accept a ceasefire with Israel, saying an Egyptian-mediated proposal did not meet the terrorist group's demands, the Israeli newspaper Ha'aretz reported. Meshal, who was set to meet with Iran ian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad at a summit in Qatar, pledged to carry out further terrorist attacks against the Jewish state. Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni was set to arrive in Washington on Friday to sign an agreement with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on the joint supervision and prevention of weapons smuggling from Iran to Gaza.
Jan 14, 2009 11:33 AM
Hamas Deploys Suicide Bombers, Continues Rocket Fire
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
Would-be Hamas suicide bombers, disguised in Israel Defense Forces uniforms, have attempted to infiltrate groups of IDF soldiers operating in Gaza, The Jerusalem Post reported. On Wednesday, IDF paratroopers killed one such suicide bomber who attempted to detonate his explosives belt near them. Also on Wednesday, eight Hamas rockets struck several cities across southern Israel. Though rocket strikes continue, the number of attacks has dropped significantly since the start of Israel's operation in Gaza, and defense officials believe Hamas is nearing the end of its supply of long-range rockets.
Jan 13, 2009 5:57 PM
Hamas Raids Humanitarian Aid Trucks, Steals Supplies
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
Hamas on Monday hijacked 100 humanitarian aid trucks that Israel had allowed into Gaza, stole their contents and sold them, The Jerusalem Post reported. In addition, Israeli security officials thwarted an attempt to smuggle electrical goods, disguised as aid supplies, into Gaza. The goods included computers, infrared cameras and other electronic equipment. The incidents follow recent reports that Hamas terrorists had stolen medical supplies, originally destined for Palestinian civilians, in order to treat their fighters.
Jan 12, 2009 2:35 PM
Obama, Bush Reaffirm Israel's Right to Self-Defense
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
In separate statements, President-elect Barack Obama and President George Bush reaffirmed Israel's right to self-defense. Speaking about Israel's operation in Gaza on ABC's This Week, Obama said, "I think that's a basic principle of any country is that they've got to protect their citizens," reiterating comments he made in Israel last year. President Bush expressed his support for Israel's right to self-defense and called on Hamas to end its rocket attacks. "There will not be a sustainable ceasefire if they continue firing rockets. I happen to believe the choice is Hamas's to make," he said.
Jan 12, 2009 2:35 PM
Hamas Leaders Hiding in Bunker Beneath Gaza Hospital
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
The Gaza-based leadership of Hamas is in an underground bunker beneath the No. 2 building of Shifa Hospital, the largest in Gaza, The New York Times reported. At a recent cabinet meeting, Shin Bet chief Yuval Diskin confirmed that senior Hamas officials were hiding in the hospital basement, assured that Israel would not target it due to the patients being treated in the upper floors. Israeli troops this week also uncovered a school in the Gaza Strip rigged by Hamas terrorists with a large amount of explosives and found massive stocks of Hamas rockets and other weapons hidden in a Gaza mosque.
Jan 12, 2009 2:35 PM
Report: Iran Warns Hamas Against Ceasefire
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
Iran is exerting heavy pressure on Hamas not to accept an Egyptian proposal for a cease-fire with Israel, an Egyptian government official told The Jerusalem Post on Sunday.
Jan 9, 2009 11:51 AM
IDF Reveals Extensive Hamas Tunnel Network
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
Israeli military operations in Gaza this week revealed a maze of weapons smuggling tunnels built by Hamas terrorists, the Israeli Web site Ynet reported. The Israeli military referred to the discovery as an "underground city" and confirmed that the tunnels, built near a Gaza hospital, were used by the Iran ian-backed terrorist group to store weapons, plan attacks against Israeli civilians [see video] and kidnap Israeli soldiers.
Jan 8, 2009 9:56 AM
Congress Declares Steadfast Support for Israel
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
In one of the first acts of the new Congress, both the House and Senate passed strong and unequivocal resolutions in support of Israel's quest for peace and right to defend itself against Hamas rocket attacks from Gaza. AIPAC applauds both houses of Congress for passing the resolutions. The Senate measure, cosponsored by Majority Leader Reid (D-NV) and Republican Leader McConnell (R-KY), passed by unanimous consent; the House measure, introduced by Speaker Pelosi (D-CA) and Republican Leader Boehner (R-OH), passed by an overwhelming vote of 390-5. Click here to thank your members of Congress.
Jan 7, 2009 10:13 AM
Hamas Using Gaza Civilians as Human Shields
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
The White House on Tuesday condemned Hamas for using Gaza civilians as human shields, following reports that the terrorist group had been hiding in hospitals and storing weapons in mosques, schools and homes.
Jan 6, 2009 4:12 PM
Facts and Figures: Israel Transfers Humanitarian Aid to Gaza
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
Israel facilitated the transfer of significant amounts of humanitarian supplies—some of which has been stolen from civilians by Hamas terrorists for their own use—during the course of its ongoing operation in the Gaza Strip. Since January 7, the IDF has halted military operations for three hours each day to implement a "humanitarian recess," enabling the flow of food and medicine throughout Gaza.
Jan 6, 2009 4:12 PM
More than 100 Congressmen, Elected Officials Stand with Israel
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
AIPAC applauds the more than 100 bipartisan congressional leaders and elected officials from across the country who continue to stand firmly in support of Israel's quest for peace and back the Jewish state's right to defend its citizens from the ongoing attacks of the Iran ian-backed terrorist group Hamas.
Jan 5, 2009 2:58 PM
Israeli Operation Continues as Hamas Rockets Strike
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
Israel expanded its ground operation into the Gaza Strip on Monday, working to destroy Hamas' ability to fire rockets at Israeli civilians, the Israeli newspaper Ha'aretz reported. Head of Military Intelligence, General Amos Yadlin, said Hamas had taken "a serious blow, we killed hundreds of terrorists and damaged their ability to build weaponry." A New York Times report said between 75 and 90 percent of those killed in Israel's operation were Hamas terrorists. Still, some 30 rockets and mortars pounded southern Israel on Monday, including one barrage on a kindergarten in Ashkelon.
Jan 2, 2009 10:49 AM
Hamas Rockets Rain Down on Citizens of Israel
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
Four Israelis were killed and dozens more wounded this week as Hamas relentlessly pounded cities in southern Israel with hundreds of rockets and mortars, The Jerusalem Post reported. Hamas rockets continued to slam into Ashdod, Ashkelon and Beersheba on Friday, cities previously considered out of range, signaling a dangerous escalation in the Iran ian-backed terror group's seven-year campaign of terrorist attacks on Israeli civilians. More than 700,000 Israelis now find themselves within range of Hamas' rockets—critical Israeli infrastructure and the country's largest port are now under threat.
Jan 2, 2009 10:49 AM
Humanitarian Update: Israeli Hospitals Treating Palestinians, Gaza Food Stocks 'At Capacity'
from AIPAC - Today's Briefing
According to the Israeli Foreign Ministry, on Wednesday, "Ninety three trucks, with approximately 2500 tons of humanitarian aid, medical supplies and medication" were transferred to Gaza.