They believed this out of religious fervor. They believed it because they hoped to inspire Hezbollah and Iran to join the battle with their own full-scale attacks. And they believed that Israel, for all its high-tech wizardry, was weak.

Early on Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led fighters launched a multipronged terrorist attack on Israel. The resulting war in Gaza has created a humanitarian catastrophe.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Nearly two years after the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks in Israel and the country’s ensuing invasion of the Gaza Strip, Americans are more divided on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict than they were before the war – and concerns are mounting about the safety of Jewish communities at home.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu won cabinet approval for the first phase of a cease-fire agreement with Hamas. President Trump said hostages held in Gaza would be released early next week.

Hamas said on Tuesday it was ready to reach a deal to end the war in Gaza based on Donald Trump's plan but still has demands, as the Qatari Prime Minister and senior U.S. mediators headed to Egypt to join indirect negotiations there between the Palestinian group and Israel.

About six-in-ten now say they have an unfavorable view of the Israeli government, with a rising share saying Israel is "going too far."

Former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant spoke in Florida as protesters cite war crimes and call for his arrest amid ICC warrants and ongoing ceasefire talks.

Qudwa, a prominent critic of the current Palestinian leadership, urged "a serious confrontation of corruption in this country."