Several uncertainties remain as Israel and Hamas observe a four-day truce in Gaza. While 24 hostages have been released, the fate of the remaining 200 captives is still unknown. The truce was made possible through Qatari, Egyptian, and American mediation, with the deal entailing the release of 50 Israeli hostages in exchange for the release of 150 Palestinians in Israeli prisons. Although the released hostages, mainly women and children, are now safe, their harrowing accounts are expected to fuel the debate in Israel on whether to prioritize saving hostages or focus on destroying Hamas's capacity to terrorize Israelis. Internationally, there is mounting outrage over the destruction caused by Israel in Gaza.
On Sunday, Hamas is set to release a third batch of hostages, including an American citizen, marking the first time a US hostage will be returned since the truce commenced. It is reported that all 41 foreign nationals released by Hamas so far are in stable condition. The remaining hostages include 27 children, 45 adult women, and 102 men.
As the truce brings a temporary halt to airstrikes and fighting, Palestinians in Gaza are emerging from their homes and tents in the south, hoping for a respite from the violence. The question remains whether Israel will modify its tactics to minimize civilian casualties and increase focus on capturing Hamas's leaders and fighters. The future of the Gaza war hangs in the balance.
Winter weather is on its way to Metro Detroit, with accumulating snow expected on Sunday. According to the 4Warn Weather forecast, snow is set to move into the region throughout the day on Sunday, with around an inch or so of accumulation possible by Sunday night.
While this system is not expected to be very strong, it will have enough moisture to leave some accumulating snow behind. Most places in Metro Detroit should see around an inch of snowfall, with a slight chance of a rain/snow mix along the lakeshore.
Temperatures will reach the middle 30s by early Sunday afternoon before dropping into the lower 30s in the evening. The snow is expected to continue into late Sunday night before tapering off.
This first significant snowfall of the season may impact holiday travel for those returning home after the Thanksgiving weekend. Motorists should exercise caution on the roads and allow for extra travel time.
After the snow moves out, Metro Detroit can expect warmer temperatures later in the week, with highs reaching the middle 40s by midweek. However, a cold start to the week is expected, with gusty winds and temperatures in the teens on Monday and Tuesday.
Keep an eye on the forecast for any changes and stay safe on the roads this winter season.
An Israeli-linked oil tanker has been seized by attackers off the coast of Yemen, according to reports from intelligence firm Ambrey and the tanker's management company, Zodiac Maritime. The Liberian-flagged tanker, named Central Park, was reportedly seized by unidentified armed individuals in the Gulf of Aden. The vessel is managed by Zodiac Maritime, which is part of Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer's Zodiac Group. The company referred to the incident as a "suspected piracy incident" and expressed its priority of ensuring the safety of the 22 crew members onboard. The tanker is carrying a full cargo of phosphoric acid. The attack comes in the midst of heightened tensions between Israel and Hamas, with at least two other recent maritime attacks being linked to the ongoing conflict. The identity of the attackers remains unknown, and it is unclear why the vessel was targeted. The U.S. defense official has confirmed the incident and stated that "US and coalition forces are in the vicinity and we are closely monitoring the situation." Details regarding the response to the attack and the current status of the vessel remain undisclosed.
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New York Republican, George Santos, is facing a potential expulsion from Congress following a scathing report by the House Ethics Committee. The report found substantial evidence of lawbreaking by Santos, including the misuse of campaign funds for personal expenses. Despite surviving two previous expulsion votes, many of his colleagues who previously opposed the effort now support it, citing the findings of the committee's investigation. Santos himself has admitted that he expects to be expelled once the resolution reaches the floor.
During a recent appearance on X Spaces, Santos delivered a defiant and combative speech, taunting and obscenities aimed at his congressional colleagues. He also accused some of them of having committed felonies and others of inappropriate relationships with lobbyists. Refusing to address the specifics of the report, Santos denounced it as "slanderous" and claimed it was designed to force him out of his seat.
The House Ethics Committee report revealed that Santos used campaign funds for personal purchases at luxury retailers and adult content websites, while causing the campaign to file false or incomplete reports. The congressman failed to cooperate with the investigation and repeatedly evaded requests for information. The resolution for Santos's expulsion is expected to be successful when Congress returns from Thanksgiving break.
If expelled, Santos would become the sixth member of Congress to face such consequences. However, he defiantly stated that he would wear expulsion as a "badge of honor."
Congress is facing a race against time to pass a foreign aid package that would provide assistance to key U.S. allies, including Ukraine and Israel. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has announced plans to hold a vote on President Joe Biden's request for billions of dollars in aid as early as the week of December 4th. However, negotiations have been complicated by various issues, including funding sources for the aid, Israel's war in Gaza, and immigration reform. Republicans are seeking border security policy changes as part of any spending bill, which Schumer has identified as the biggest obstacle to delivering aid to Ukraine and Israel. Bipartisan negotiations have been ongoing, but finding a compromise has proven to be exceedingly difficult. Both houses of Congress are under pressure to reach an agreement with only three weeks left on the legislative calendar. The outcome of the negotiations and the details of the aid package, including the amount of funding, are still uncertain.
The exact details of the attack are unclear, as the federal Bureau of Prisons has not released additional information for "privacy and safety reasons." However, Chauvin's condition was confirmed as stable by a spokesperson for Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison's office and Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara.
O'Hara and the prosecutors in Chauvin's case have condemned the attack, stating that regardless of his crimes, Chauvin deserves to be safe while serving his sentence. Ellison emphasized that Chauvin should not be subjected to retaliation or violence.
This incident marks the second high-profile attack on a federal prisoner in the past five months. Chauvin's lawyer has expressed disappointment in the lack of information provided by the prison, highlighting the importance of empathy in recognizing the impact on Chauvin and his loved ones.
Overall, the stabbing of Derek Chauvin in prison raises questions about inmate safety and the need for accountability in ensuring the well-being of all incarcerated individuals, regardless of their crimes.
After weeks of striking, Portland Public Schools (PPS) has reached a tentative agreement with the Portland Association of Teachers (PAT), according to PPS School Board Chair Gary Hollands. The deal was announced on Sunday, and school will resume on Monday after a two-hour delay.
The strike, which began on November 1, was initiated by teachers demanding increased wages, smaller class sizes, and more preparation time. This was the first time in history that PPS teachers went on strike. Bargaining for a new contract had been ongoing since January.
In the agreement, teachers will receive a cumulative cost of living increase of 13.8% over the next three years. Additionally, around half of the teachers in the district will benefit from a 10.6% wage increase through yearly step increases. The agreement also includes the creation of class-size thresholds to address concerns over large classes.
PPS had proposed a salary increase of over 13% in their most recent compensation offer, but the teachers' union stated that there were still disagreements on compensation.
The details of the agreement were shared by PPS after the cancellation of three scheduled meetings where the collective bargaining agreement was to be considered.
Overall, it seems that the PPS teachers' strike will come to an end, bringing relief to both students and parents who have been affected by the prolonged strike.
As winter weather swept through the Kansas City area, locals experienced their first snowfall of the season. Although Kansas received the brunt of the storm, most areas in Kansas City, Missouri, also saw some snow accumulation. The snowfall amounts varied depending on the location, with totals expected to be between two and four inches in the Kansas City metro area.
While some areas are currently experiencing slushy conditions on untreated or unplowed side streets, warming temperatures as the sun comes out are expected to help thaw the roads. However, caution is advised as the slush may refreeze as temperatures drop later in the evening. The Missouri Department of Transportation and KanDrive both provide real-time updates on road conditions for travelers.
In Topeka, the capital city of Kansas, the National Weather Service reported the snowiest November day in 135 years. Topeka received 7.2 inches of snow over the weekend, making it the second-highest one-day November snowfall total since records began in 1887. The highest snowfall total of 12 inches was recorded near Hutchinson.
Looking ahead, law enforcement officials advised against driving during the wintry conditions, and crews have been working to plow streets and roads. Sunny skies and gradually warming temperatures are expected in the coming days, with a slight chance of rain on Thursday night.
Overall, the first snowstorm of the year left its mark on the Kansas City area, but residents can expect improving conditions as the storm moves further east and temperatures rise.
Sources:
- FOX4
- KCTV
- Topeka Capital-Journal
Police in Niagara Falls are using 3D-scanning technology to investigate the cause of a deadly high-speed crash on the Rainbow Bridge. The incident occurred when a 2022 Bentley driven by Kurt Villani and his wife Monica crashed into a barrier at around 100mph, resulting in a massive fireball. The couple was killed instantly. The FBI later confirmed that there was no explosive material or terrorism connection involved in the crash.
Niagara Falls Police Department Chief John Faso stated that digitally recreating the scene using 3D-scanning technology will be a challenging task. The police are looking at the possibility of a medical incident or a vehicle malfunction as potential causes of the crash. The investigation will rely on the car's Event Data Recorder, similar to an aircraft's "black box," to analyze information about how the car was driven.
Friends and community members mourn the loss of the couple, describing them as hardworking with deep ties to the Grand Island community. Kurt Villani Sr., Kurt Villani's father, started the family's hardware business nearly four decades ago. The police investigation aims to determine the exact cause of the crash, although the condition of the vehicle and human remains may pose challenges to uncovering the truth.
AccuWeather meteorologists are warning that the Great Lakes region could be in for several days of lake-effect snow, with the potential for over a foot of snow in some states. This wintry weather is expected to result from the same storm that brought heavy snow to the Rockies over Thanksgiving.
Following the initial swath of snow, cold air will move over the relatively warmer Great Lakes, creating intense bands of lake-effect snow. These bands may even produce thunder and lightning, known as thundersnow. The event is anticipated to last several days, with peak intensity expected from Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning.
While snow showers are expected to reach more than half a dozen states, the heaviest accumulation is likely to occur closer to the lakes. Northern Michigan, northwestern Pennsylvania, and northern New York are expected to be the most impacted, with 1-2 feet of snow forecasted. Areas that typically don't experience lake-effect snow, such as Detroit and northern New England, may also see some bursts of heavy snow.
Lake effect snow warnings and winter storm watches have been issued for northern counties starting Monday. Accumulation will gradually increase through Wednesday, with higher totals in elevated areas. Buffalo area residents are not expecting significant snowfall on Monday, but travel in Chautauqua County and Cattaraugus County may be hazardous due to lake-effect snow. Tuesday snowfall locations are uncertain at this time, as wind direction will determine the areas most affected.
A tanker linked to Israel has been seized by attackers off the coast of Yemen, marking the third such assault during the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. The Liberian-flagged tanker named Central Park, which is managed by Zodiac Maritime, was seized in the Gulf of Aden on Sunday. The incident comes in the wake of two other maritime attacks that have been linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict in recent days. While no group has claimed responsibility for the latest attack, it raises concerns about the security of vessels in the region.
The safety of the 22 crew members on board the tanker is the top priority, according to Zodiac Maritime. The vessel, captained by a Turkish national, has a multinational crew composed of individuals from Russia, Vietnam, Bulgaria, India, Georgia, and the Philippines. It is carrying a full cargo of phosphoric acid, which is commonly used for fertilizers.
The identity of the attackers is still unknown, and it remains unclear whether the seizure of the tanker is related to the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The Gulf of Aden, where the incident occurred, is typically under the control of forces allied with Yemen's internationally recognized government and the Saudi-led coalition.
Russia has placed Meta Platforms' spokesperson, Andy Stone, on a wanted list on unspecified charges, according to the Russian news agency TASS. The details of the investigation and charges have not been disclosed by the Russian Interior Ministry. This move comes after Russia classified Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, as a "terrorist and extremist" organization, leading to possible criminal investigations and fines for users in Russia. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Meta's social platforms have been banned in Russia. In March 2022, the Russian investigative committee opened a criminal investigation into Meta's employees, including Stone, accusing him of inciting extremist activity by lifting a ban on calls for violence against the Russian military on its platforms. Meta's press office has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Sources:
- Reuters: https://www.reuters.com/world/russia-puts-metas-spokesperson-wanted-list-state-tass-2023-11-26/
- Hindustan Times: https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/russia-puts-meta-s-spokesperson-on-wanted-list-launches-criminal-investigation-101641523744469.html
- The Associated Press: https://apnews.com/article/facilitating-terrorism-business-technology-russia-mark-zuckerberg-18f32bed01f1a9ba70cc0f331811457a
Devin Duvernay, wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens, participated fully in Thursday's practice. After being limited on Wednesday due to a knee issue, Duvernay seems to have moved past the problem and is expected to play his usual role as a depth receiver and special-teams contributor in Week 12 against the Los Angeles Chargers. As the Ravens face the Chargers on Sunday, is Duvernay a good bet to score a touchdown? His odds for an anytime touchdown in this game are +800 (Bet $10 to win $80.00 if he scores a TD). However, it's important to note that Duvernay has only caught four passes for 18 yards this season and has yet to score a touchdown. With a game log that lacks touchdowns, it remains to be seen if Duvernay will break the streak in Week 12.
Source:
- RotoWire Staff. (2023, November 23). Ravens' Devin Duvernay: Logs full practice. CBS Sports.
- Data Skrive. (2023, November 22). Will Devin Duvernay Play in Week 12? NFL Injury Status, News & Updates. NBC Sports Edge.
Ten-man Leon managed to hold off a relentless Santos Laguna side to secure a 3-2 victory in the Liga MX Play-In tournament. The hosts took a comfortable 3-0 lead before midfielder Fidel Ambriz was sent off in the 53rd minute. Santos Laguna quickly capitalized on the advantage, scoring two goals to narrow the deficit. However, Leon's defense held firm, denying Santos Laguna the equalizer in the remaining minutes. With this win, Leon advances to the quarterfinals where they will face No. 1 seed, America.
The match began with Leon dominating possession and taking a 2-0 lead into halftime. They extended their lead to 3-0 shortly after the restart. However, the game took a turn when Ambriz received a second yellow card and was dismissed. Santos Laguna launched a comeback, but their efforts fell short as Leon's defense stood strong.
This victory sets up an intense two-game series between Leon and America in the quarterfinals. Can Leon maintain their momentum and overcome the top seed? Only time will tell.
The Philadelphia Eagles have reinstated wide receiver Quez Watkins to their active roster after his stint on injured reserve, the team announced on Saturday. Watkins, a former standout at Athens High School in Alabama, had been sidelined for the past five games due to a hamstring injury. He had previously missed two games earlier in the season due to the same injury. Despite his limited appearances in 2023, Watkins had shown promise in previous seasons with the Eagles, recording 76 receptions for 1,001 yards and four touchdowns. During Watkins' absence, the Eagles signed another former Alabama high school standout, Julio Jones. Jones has contributed four receptions for 16 yards and one touchdown in four games. As the Eagles prepare to face the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, Watkins' return provides a boost to their receiving corps and adds depth to the team's roster. The Eagles may opt to ease Watkins back into action, with Julio Jones and Olamide Zaccheaus also vying for playing time behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.
The Buffalo Bills face a tough challenge as they take on the Philadelphia Eagles today. The Eagles currently have the best record in football, with a 9-1 record. The Bills, on the other hand, have had a rocky season but showed signs of improvement in their recent win against the New York Jets.
One area where the Bills can potentially find success is through their quarterback, Josh Allen. Allen is known for his ability to run the ball, especially in important games. Despite rushing less frequently this season, he has hit a line of over 5.5 rush attempts in four of seven close games. In their previous game against the Jets, Allen ran three times in the first half alone.
The Eagles' defense has been focused on stopping opposing quarterbacks through the air, leaving room for Allen to take advantage of rushing opportunities. In fact, in the Eagles' last game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes ran six times for 38 yards. It is projected that Allen will have around seven rush attempts in today's game.
Although the Bills have a challenging road ahead in their playoff push, a win against the Eagles could be a significant step in the right direction. Will Allen and the Bills be able to defeat the Eagles and secure a much-needed victory? Stay tuned for updates on this exciting late slate of NFL games.
In a thrilling Western Conference semifinal matchup, Los Angeles FC (LAFC) emerged victorious with a 1-0 win over the Seattle Sounders. The game was marked by a goal from Golden Boot Award winner Denis Bouanga and an outstanding performance from LAFC goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau, who made seven crucial saves.
The only goal of the game came in the 30th minute when Timothy Tillman delivered a pass to Cristian Olivera, who set up Bouanga for a powerful shot into the far side netting. This goal proved to be enough for LAFC to secure their spot in the conference final.
Crepeau showcased his skills early on with two impressive saves in the opening minutes of the match. Throughout the game, he continued to make key saves, including tipping shots from Alex Roldan and Joao Paulo over the crossbar in the 80th and 81st minutes.
The Sounders, who had a league-record 19-game home unbeaten streak dating back to 2014, were unable to find the back of the net. Despite several scoring opportunities, Crepeau's exceptional performance denied them any chance of a comeback.
With this win, LAFC will now face the Houston Dynamo in the conference final on Saturday. Both teams will be vying for a spot in the MLS Cup as they seek to continue their journey towards the championship title.
According to reports, Odell Beckham Jr. is expected to play against the Chargers on Sunday night. Despite being listed as "questionable" due to a shoulder injury, Beckham has been practicing and his status is trending towards probable. This will be Beckham's first time playing at SoFi Stadium since tearing his ACL in Super Bowl LVI. The Ravens' wide receiver will have the opportunity to take advantage of the Chargers' poor pass defense and could see more targets with tight end Mark Andrews out due to an ankle injury. The Ravens' offense will also have Zay Flowers active, further bolstering their receiving corps. Meanwhile, cornerback Marlon Humphrey will be inactive for a second consecutive game due to a calf injury, which could strain Baltimore's defense against Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert. The Ravens will have to rely on their depth to fill in for inactive players such as linebackers Malik Harrison and Trenton Simpson.
The Ravens are set to take on the Chargers tonight on Sunday Night Football, but they'll be missing their star tight end, Mark Andrews. Andrews recently underwent surgery on his ankle and will likely miss the rest of the season. This leaves a big question mark for the Ravens' offense, as Andrews has been a key playmaker for them.
While Lamar Jackson and Odell Beckham Jr. also suffered injuries last week, they are not expected to be long-term concerns. However, the absence of Andrews will certainly be felt. The Pro Bowl tight end has been a reliable target for Jackson and a crucial part of the Ravens' offensive game plan.
Without Andrews, other offensive playmakers will have to step up. The Ravens will need players like Zay Flowers and Odell Beckham Jr. to take on bigger roles and make plays in order to fill the void left by Andrews. It will be interesting to see how the Ravens' offense responds to this tough blow and if they can still find success against the Chargers' defense.
Kickoff for the Ravens vs. Chargers game is set for 8:20 p.m. ET tonight and will be aired on NBC.
In a much-needed win for the Denver Nuggets, Nikola Jokic proved once again why he is the reigning MVP. Despite the defensive challenge posed by the Spurs' Victor Wembanyama, Jokic scored an efficient 39 points and led his team to a resounding 132-120 victory. Wembanyama, the highly touted rookie, showcased his skills with 22 points, 11 rebounds, four blocks, and six steals, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Nuggets' dominance.
The Nuggets' win comes after a 1-4 road trip that ended with their elimination from the in-season tournament. With three more road games looming in the next six days, this home victory was crucial for the team's morale. Head coach Michael Malone emphasized the importance of improving their road performance, particularly on defense.
To secure the win, the Nuggets received bounce-back performances from Michael Porter Jr., who scored 25 points, and Reggie Jackson, who contributed 20 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. The team's ability to outscore the Spurs 64-46 in the paint was a return to their winning form.
As for the Spurs, they extended their losing streak to 12 games, struggling to find the necessary defensive stops. While Wembanyama showed promise in his first visit to the Front Range, the team's overall performance fell short.
Both Jokic and Wembanyama's performances highlight their individual talents. But the Nuggets' victory raises the question: Can Jokic outshine Wembanyama and lead his team to success? Only time will tell as both players continue to make their mark in the NBA.
The Buffalo Bills will be facing a tough challenge on defense as they take on the Philadelphia Eagles and their strong passing attack. After dealing with uncertainties in their secondary, the Bills head into the game with their full group of starting cornerbacks and safeties. Nickel cornerback Taron Johnson has cleared concussion protocol and safety Micah Hyde is also good to go despite dealing with a stinger. The duo, along with cornerbacks Rasul Douglas, Christian Benford, and safety Jordan Poyer, will have their hands full with the likes of DeVonta Smith and the returning Quez Watkins. However, the focal point of the Eagles passing attack is A.J. Brown, who has had success against the Bills in the past when he played for the Titans. The Bills will need to decide how to defend the 6-foot-1, 227-pound Brown, whether to have Douglas travel with him or have the nickel corner Johnson cover him when he moves to the slot. It will be a test of the Bills' secondary to contain the explosive Eagles passing attack.
On the offensive side, the Bills will be looking to build on their success from last week when new interim offensive coordinator Joe Brady took over. They will need to prove that their improved performance was not just a one-week boost but something sustainable. One key factor in their success was sticking with the rushing game and utilizing James Cook. With the threat of the run, it opened up opportunities for the Bills' passing attack led by quarterback Josh Allen. Allen looked more comfortable and decisive, resulting in more downfield shots. The Bills will aim to replicate this offensive success against the high-powered Eagles defense.
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Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox suffered a groin injury during Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills, forcing him to leave the field early in the first half. The Eagles have announced that Cox is questionable to return. He was seen walking gingerly towards the locker room. Cox's absence will leave a void in the Eagles' defensive line, but they have several players available to fill in, including Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis. Cox's potential return to the game remains uncertain as the Eagles continue to battle the Bills.
Baltimore Ravens rookie Zay Flowers made an impact in Sunday night's game against the Los Angeles Chargers. With tight end Mark Andrews sidelined due to injury, the question was who would step up in the red zone for the Ravens. Early in the second quarter, Lamar Jackson found Flowers in the back of the end zone for a touchdown, putting Baltimore ahead 7-3. Flowers' celebration after the touchdown, where he threw the ball over his head like a wedding bouquet, caught the attention of his teammates. However, Jackson's reaction seemed less enthusiastic. While Flowers may need to work on impressing his quarterback, his performance on the field showed promise for filling the void left by Andrews. It was Jackson's third play-action touchdown pass of the season, according to ESPN Stats & Information. With Flowers' potential and Jackson's skills, the Ravens offense may have found a new weapon in the red zone as they continue their playoff push.
Families of the 41 construction workers trapped in the collapsed tunnel in Uttarkashi are facing an agonizing wait as the rescue operation is delayed due to a broken drilling machine. Among those waiting are Chaudhary, who has been at the tunnel site for the past 11 days after traveling almost 600km (372 miles) from his village in Uttar Pradesh to be closer to his son. Chaudhary, who lost his eldest son in a construction accident two years ago, prays that his son will be rescued safely.
Meanwhile, medical experts and doctors are working with the families outside the tunnel, providing counseling and coaching on communication. They are advising the families on what to say and what not to say to their trapped loved ones, encouraging them to maintain hope and avoid emotional conversations that might break the workers' stoicism.
As the days pass, the trapped workers are growing restless and despondent. The doctors and officials on site are doing their best to provide motivation and support, not only to the workers but also to their families, who anxiously wait for any positive news. In addition to mental fortitude, the workers are also receiving lessons on hygiene.
The rescue operation continues, and officials assure that the trapped workers are in good health as they receive regular food deliveries through a small pipe.
Four-year-old Abigail Mor Edan, the youngest U.S. citizen held by Hamas, was among the group of hostages released back to Israel on Sunday. Abigail was kidnapped and taken to Gaza during the deadly attacks on Israel on October 7th. Her parents were killed in the attacks. The release of Abigail and other hostages is part of a deal between Israel and Hamas, which also includes the release of Palestinian prisoners and a temporary ceasefire. The truce is set to last for four days, but Israel has expressed willingness to extend it for every 10 additional hostages released by Hamas. The identities of the other hostages released on Sunday, including three foreign nationals, have not been disclosed. This release follows two previous waves of hostage releases as part of the deal. The release of Abigail and the other hostages is expected to dominate discussions in Israel and deepen the debate on how to prioritize saving further hostages versus destroying Hamas's capacity to terrorize Israelis.