The Collapse and Reconciliation of Israel in a War of Genocide: Benny Gantz, Benjamin Netanyahu, and Yahya Sinwar
Netanyahu is under pressure to make a cease-fire with Hamas after protests over the deaths of six hostages. Hamas killed the hostages just as Israeli troops were approaching the part of Gaza where they were. Netanyahu’s critics blame Hamas for the killings but accuse him of blocking a deal that could have brought the hostages home. Former general Benny Gantz demanded Netanyahu make a deal or quit.
In 2006, an Israeli soldier named Gilad Shalit was captured by Hamas and held in Gaza. He was freed in exchange for over 1000 Palestinian security prisoners, many of which were terrorists. The deal, which was approved by Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister of Israel, included the release of Yahya Sinwar, the mastermind of Oct. 7.
Since the days of Abraham — who, according to Genesis, rescued his nephew Lot after he’d been seized by an invading army — Jewish tradition has placed supreme value on the redemption of captives. It is the fulfillment of a primary, implicit commandment, to be one’s brother’s keeper. It is a source of Jewish communal unity and never gives up on those taken, even if only to give them a proper burial.
The Up First newsletter – Preparing for a major reshuffle of the Ukrainian government in the wake of Russia’s deadly missile attack
He is correct that it is the highest justification for fighting a war that is to prevent repetition. In the fight against Hamas, Israel has lost many soldiers. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have been killed and many more have been injured, because Hamas has held them all captive. Hamas was able to fight this war because of its logistical supply under the Egyptian border.
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Ukraine is mourning today after Russian missiles struck a military academy, killing dozens and injuring hundreds of others in Poltava, a central-eastern city. It’s one of the deadliest attacks of the war. This comes as Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy prepares a major reshuffle of his government, leading to several resignations. This morning, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, one of the most prominent cabinet members, resigned. The war could be the biggest shakeup so far if parliament accepts the resignations.
Source: Ex-aide to N.Y. govs accused of working for China. And Russia’s deadly missile attack
How to Break Free of Co-dependency: The Case of Linda Sun, an Agent of the Chinese Communist Party and the Imilla Skate Collective
Linda Sun is accused of being an agent of the Chinese government. The FBI says she worked in secret for China as early as 2016. The Justice Department alleges that she was taking money from the communist party in China. Sun and her husband Chris Hu pleaded not guilty yesterday at a Brooklyn courthouse.
It’s normal for people to lose sleep over social bonds. That can be a sign of something called co-dependency, if you worry about other people negatively or rely on others for self-esteem. The author of Codependency No More says it can lead to negative emotional consequences such as a deep need for approval from others and a pattern of avoiding conflict. If that is the case, here are ways to break free.
The women of Imilla Skate, an all-female skate collective from Bolivia, are widely known for their unique skateboard attire: skirts called polleras and wide-brim hats. The Indigenous garb pays tribute to the strength of their mothers and grandmothers. Since becoming an internet sensation in 2020, they have attracted over 170,000 followers across Instagram and TikTok and traveled the world. Some members are working to make a difference in their communities because of the newfound popularity.