() Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set on a full takeover of the Gaza Strip, according to multiple reports, despite growing calls for a ceasefire and a worsening hunger crisis in the area.
Netanyahu’s security Cabinet is expected to meet Tuesday to make a formal decision, potentially paving the way for Israeli military operations in areas where the remaining hostages are held.
The Israeli Defense Forces currently have operational control of 75% of the Gaza Strip, according to the military.
Hours after the report was released, House Speaker Mike Johnson met with Netanyahu. A source for the lawmaker tells the two leaders directly talked about the ongoing war.
DHS denies withholding FEMA funding based on Israel boycotts
In the United States, the Department of Homeland Security has pushed back on a report from Reuters claiming the Federal Emergency Management Agency would deny disaster relief funds to cities and states that boycott Israeli businesses.
DHS said in a statement that FEMA grants are not tied to a political litmus test.
On Monday, the agency removed part of its terms and conditions, which required applicants to confirm they wouldn’t sever “commercial relations specifically with Israeli companies.”
“Discriminatory prohibited boycott means refusing to deal, cutting commercial relations, or otherwise limiting commercial relations specifically with Israeli companies or with companies doing business in or with Israel or authorized by, licensed by, or organized under the laws of Israel to do business,” it read.
US officials visit Gaza amid deepening hunger crisis
U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff was recently in Israel, where he met with the families of hostages.
Witkoff told the families President Donald Trump believes there should be no piecemeal deals, several in the room confirmed.
Witkoff also said the U.S. is working on an “all or nothing plan” to end the war and bring the hostages home, though he couldn’t discuss the specific plan.
Talks of peace continue as pressure continues to grow on Israel amid reports of starvation in Gaza. Although American and Israeli officials insist Hamas has created the crisis by stealing the aid coming into the strip, blowback from stateside officials has grown recently.
There have been votes to block U.S. weapons sales and proposals to recognize a Palestinian state. Many lawmakers have issued statements of public condemnation. Others have gone a step further, with accusations of genocide.
Some of the harshest rebukes have come from conservative Republicans who have traditionally been stalwart defenders of Israel’s military exploits.
partner The Hill and Anna Kutz contributed to this report.
