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Statements made by U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu following their White House meeting on Monday revealed that Netanyahu’s rapid trip to Washington was driven by the initiation of talks with Iran — not by concerns over trade tariffs, as had been speculated.

Trump had summoned Netanyahu for a private discussion about the developing diplomatic channel with Iran. His intent was to give Israel a heads-up and minimize the risk of interference or preemptive military action by Israel that could derail the talks.

Netanyahu’s attempt to address the issue of tariffs during his visit met with disappointment. Having traveled straight from a diplomatic stop in Hungary, he returned to Israel without any concessions on the matter. The tariffs will remain unchanged.

The announcement of direct talks between the U.S. and Iran likely came as a blow to Netanyahu. While Tehran publicly maintains that it does not trust Trump and refuses to talk with Washington directly, it seems the president’s warnings prompted them to reconsider.

Netanyahu was more receptive to Trump’s comments that any failure in the negotiations would spell trouble for Iran. The president’s remarks hinted at military consequences — a sharp departure from the more restrained approach of previous administrations — and Netanyahu appeared to approve.

Still, the Israeli leader left with little to show for his efforts. The tariff issue was unresolved, and Trump even brought up the $4 billion in annual military assistance Israel receives. However, he did applaud Netanyahu for easing restrictions on U.S. imports to Israel, suggesting that other nations should follow suit. The only concrete outcome was a vague pledge to continue discussing tariffs.

The summit also yielded no breakthroughs regarding the hostages being held in Gaza. While Trump condemned the brutal treatment the captives have endured at the hands of Hamas, he did not propose any actionable steps toward securing their freedom.

Trump once again floated the idea of relocating some of Gaza’s residents. According to the report, Netanyahu told the president there are countries that would accept Palestinians who opt to leave. Trump also expressed bewilderment at Israel’s 2005 disengagement from Gaza, saying he didn’t understand why Israel had given up what he described as an “incredible piece of real estate.” He speculated that it might have been for peace, but added, “we all saw how that worked out.”

As for Turkey’s expanding role in Syria, Trump remarked positively about President Erdogan and offered to assist if Israel encountered difficulties with the Turkish leader. This indicated that Washington would be willing to step in to help prevent a clash between the two regional powers.

{Matzav.com}

Nearly 550 days after Hamas terrorists stormed into Israel on October 7, 2023, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum has released a harrowing medical report that tears back the curtain on the nightmarish conditions faced by those still held captive in Gaza. Based on eyewitness testimonies, released hostage accounts, and Hamas propaganda footage, the report details a descent into darkness that survivors and families say is worsening by the day. Fifty-nine hostages remain in Gaza, including the body of a soldier held since 2014. Of those, only 24 are believed to be alive—surviving in a state of physical and psychological torment that pushes the limits of human endurance. “Time is running out, and every additional moment in captivity puts their lives in terrible danger,” the report says. The report paints a picture of hostages bound by their hands and feet, suspended upside down, burned, starved, and beaten. Many are kept underground for weeks or months at a time—chained, blindfolded, and stripped of daylight, fresh air, or any sense of time. Survivors of captivity describe total isolation. Some have had no contact with other Israelis or even knowledge of whether their loved ones are still alive. All are malnourished; many suffer from untreated infections, skin diseases, and injuries. Digestive issues—vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration—are rampant, a direct result of undrinkable water, filthy conditions, and total lack of medical care. At least eight hostages are suffering from visible injuries. Five have preexisting conditions like asthma and severe allergies—yet none have received treatment. One captive, Elkana Bohbot, who suffers from chronic respiratory disease, is believed to be at risk of death due to the lack of medication. Every one of the 24 believed living hostages is battling serious psychological disorders. The report cites widespread anxiety, depression, PTSD, and catatonia. Prolonged isolation, sleep deprivation, constant threats, and sensory deprivation are corroding their mental states. Ziv and Gali Berman, twin brothers taken on October 7, were split apart and are suffering from extreme psychological strain. Ziv, who sustained a head injury during IDF shelling early in the war, remains untreated. Nimrod Cohen, the lone survivor of a tank crew, has reportedly stopped speaking entirely, consumed by grief and depression. “Every additional day in captivity is a potential death sentence,” the Forum warned. “A preventable death.” Alon Ohel, abducted from the Nova music festival, is chained, starving, and at risk of total blindness. Matan Angrest, dragged from a burning IDF tank, has facial injuries possibly indicating neurological damage. Guy Gilboa-Dalal, once healthy, now appears emaciated and dehydrated to the point of losing his ability to speak. Rom Braslavski, who suffers from severe allergies and scoliosis, was taken without his glasses. No word has come from him in over a year. Many captives were young civilians, but Hamas treats nearly all male hostages as soldiers due to their age. This has resulted in particularly brutal treatment, especially for those suspected of military service. Of the 24 living hostages, Israel has received proof of life from 20 since the war began. But information on their current health is dangerously scarce. The Forum says concern is growing “by the hour” for the remaining four. “The information collected paints a very worrying picture,” the Forum said. “The hostages are being held in inhumane conditions, suffering severe physical and mental abuse, and […]

The Houthi’a intelligence chief may have been killed in a series of U.S. airstrikes overnight, according to a report from the Saudi-based news outlet al-Hadath. The report claims Abdul Nasser Al-Kamali, the Iran-backed rebel group’s intelligence chief, was killed in the capital city of Sa’ana, which remains under Houthi control. The alleged strike was part of a wider wave of American air assaults targeting Houthi positions in and around the capital and the neighboring Mar’ib province. A Houthi spokesperson, posting on Telegram, said U.S. warplanes carried out eleven strikes in Sa’ana and surrounding areas, along with nine more in Mar’ib, an inland region where the group maintains a strong presence. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has not issued a statement regarding the operation or the reported death of Al-Kamali. The Pentagon has remained tight-lipped since launching its renewed campaign against the Houthis on March 15. However, speaking at the White House Monday during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made clear that Washington’s military pressure on the Houthis is only intensifying. “We are not going to relent, and it’s only going to be more unrelenting until the Houthis declare they will stop shooting at our ships,” Hegseth said, in reference to the rebel group’s repeated attacks on commercial and naval vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

At a summit held in Cairo on Monday, leaders from France, Egypt, and Jordan delivered a shared message urging that the Palestinian Authority be placed in charge of governing Gaza after the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas concludes, according to AFP.

In a joint declaration, they stated, “Governance, law and order, and security in Gaza, as well as in all Palestinian territories, must be the sole responsibility of a strengthened Palestinian Authority.”

While appearing with President Sisi in Cairo, French President Emmanuel Macron voiced strong support for a regional plan to rebuild Gaza and insisted that the local population should not be forcibly displaced. He referred to an Arab League initiative as a starting point for creating new leadership for the Palestinians in the area.

“Our government has done crucial work on this plan, which offers a realistic path to the reconstruction of Gaza and should also pave the way for new Palestinian governance,” Macron said.

He made it clear that there is no place for Hamas in the future leadership of Gaza, declaring, “Hamas must have no role in this governance (of Gaza), and must no longer constitute a threat to Israel.”

Although Hamas has suggested it might be willing to let independent experts handle civil matters in Gaza, the group has not consented to give up arms or step aside entirely.

The meeting also featured a collective demand to reinstate a ceasefire in Gaza. A previous truce, arranged in January by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, fell apart after Hamas declined to release additional hostages or approve a proposal presented by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff.

Macron’s participation in the summit emphasized France’s support for Egypt and Jordan, both of which have rejected a plan floated by U.S. President Donald Trump that involved the United States managing Gaza post-war and relocating its residents to nearby countries.

President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi stressed that real peace cannot come without fulfilling the Palestinian Arab demand for self-determination. “There will not be lasting peace and permanent stability in the Middle East without a just solution,” he said.

King Abdullah of Jordan reinforced the call for peace through mutual recognition, pushing for a two-state outcome. He urged the pursuit of “a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution,” and voiced support for a Palestinian state existing beside Israel.

{Matzav.com Israel}

On Monday night, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that Iran and the United States would engage in indirect negotiations regarding Tehran’s nuclear activities, contradicting President Donald Trump’s assertion that the talks would be face-to-face.

Posting on the social platform X, Araqchi announced, “Iran and the United States will meet in Oman on Saturday for indirect high-level talks.”

He also commented, “It is as much an opportunity as it is a test” and emphasized, “The ball is in America’s court.”

Earlier that same day, while standing alongside Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu at the White House, President Trump had given a different account: “We are having direct talks with Iran. On Saturday we will have a very big meeting and we will see what can happen. I think everybody agrees that a deal would be preferable to doing the obvious, and the obvious is not something that I want to be involved with, or frankly that anyone here wants to be involved with.”

Trump warned that the matter was entering a volatile phase, saying it’s “getting to be very dangerous territory. Hopefully, those talks will be successful, and I think it would be in Iran’s best interests if they are.”

When questioned by a journalist about the possibility of military action against Iran, Trump replied, “I think if the talks are not successful with Iran, Iran is going to be in great danger. If the talks are not successful, I actually think that will be a very bad day for Iran,” Trump said.

Later that day, three Iranian officials familiar with preparations for the discussions told The New York Times that their understanding differed from what President Trump had described during his White House remarks.

According to these Iranian sources, the meetings set for Saturday in Oman would be indirect, with Iranian and American envoys stationed in separate rooms while Omani intermediaries relayed messages between them.

The officials also told The New York Times that Tehran might be willing to consider face-to-face discussions with Washington if the initial indirect engagement proved fruitful.

Not long ago, Iran had declined a proposal for direct negotiations from Trump. That proposal had been conveyed in a letter sent to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

After the rejection, Trump issued a stern warning, saying that “bad things” would befall Iran if it refused to reach a nuclear agreement.

He later escalated his rhetoric, cautioning that “if they don’t make a deal, there will be bombing — and it will be bombing the likes of which they have never seen before.”

In response, Ayatollah Khamenei declared that any aggression from the U.S. would be met with a “strong blow.”

Just three days afterward, Trump, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, said he was confident that Iran wanted direct talks with the United States about its nuclear program.

{Matzav.com}

A German court announced on Monday the death of Irmgard Furchner, a 99-year-old who had served as a secretary at a Nazi concentration camp and was found guilty in 2022 for her role in Holocaust crimes.

Furchner stood out as one of the final individuals likely to be held legally accountable in Germany for involvement in the atrocities of the Nazi regime during World War II.

She was handed a two-year suspended prison term after being convicted of assisting in the killing of more than 10,000 people at the Stutthof concentration camp, which was located in Nazi-occupied Poland. Although she challenged the verdict, her appeal was denied in 2024.

Her defense attorneys claimed that she worked at the camp merely as a civilian clerk with no knowledge of the mass killings, and they argued that she should be exonerated.

The court in Itzehoe, which oversaw her trial, officially confirmed her death. The case gained significant attention as she became the first woman in many years to be tried in Germany over Nazi-related offenses.

Despite the passage of nearly 80 years since the Holocaust, German authorities have continued to pursue justice against former members of the Nazi infrastructure. Still, numerous investigations in recent years have ended prematurely due to the advanced age or death of the accused.

From June 1943 through April 1945, Furchner was employed at Stutthof as the personal secretary to commandant Paul Werner Hoppe. Her duties included taking dictation and managing his correspondence. Her husband also worked at the camp as part of the SS.

Stutthof, which was situated near modern-day Gdansk, Poland, was the site of approximately 65,000 deaths, many of them Jews who had been deported there.

Just before her trial was scheduled to begin in September 2021, Furchner fled the senior home where she was living. She remained at large for several hours until she was apprehended in Hamburg.

Because she was under 21 when the crimes occurred, she was prosecuted under juvenile law.

Germany’s renewed pursuit of Nazi collaborators was largely reinvigorated by the 2011 trial in Munich of John Demjanjuk, who was convicted for complicity in the deaths of 28,060 people at the Sobibor death camp. He received a five-year sentence and died the following year in 2012.

In 2020, a Hamburg court convicted 93-year-old Bruno Dey, a former Stutthof guard, of 5,232 counts of accessory to murder — the same number as the estimated victims killed at the camp during his time there in 1944 and 1945.

Then in 2021, prosecutors in Germany charged a man who was 100 years old at the time, accusing him of working as a guard at Sachsenhausen, a concentration camp where over 100,000 individuals were killed.

In several instances, those who were found guilty of Nazi-era crimes died before they could be imprisoned and thus never served time.

Some investigations have also been terminated when the accused passed away or were deemed medically unfit for trial.

For instance, in June 2024, a court in Hanau ruled that a 99-year-old suspected former guard from Sachsenhausen was not healthy enough to face legal proceedings.

{Matzav.com}

As Pesach approaches, thousands of families cannot afford holiday provisions. The Gedolei Hador, aware of the situation and Kupat Ha’ir’s Kimcha D’Pischa project, have issued an unprecedented letter: Maran Rabbi Dov Landau, Rabbi Moshe Sternbuch, Rabbi B. D. Povarsky, Rabbi M.Y. Shelzinger, and Rabbi M.H. Hirsch say: Whoever donates for six people’s holiday meals will merit to see a simcha in their homes before Rosh Hashana תשפ”ו. The cost for Seder night, Shabbos, Yom Tov, and Chol HaMoed meals is $990 for six people. With a donation of $33/month for 30 months, you can bring joy to these families.

Israel’s Supreme Court convened on Tuesday morning to discuss the petitions filed against the dismissal of the Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar. The fact that the court has even agreed to discuss the petitions is controversial as Israeli law grants the prime minister and the government undisputed authority to fire the Shin Bet chief. The justices serving on the case are Supreme Court President Yitzchak Amit, a liberal whose authority as president has been challenged by Justice Minister Yariv Levin and other government members, liberal justice Daphne Baraz-Erez, and Deputy President Noam Sohlberg, considered a conservative. Since Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara, as usual, is opposing the government decision despite her clear conflict of interest in the matter, the government’s position is being represented by Adv. Tzion Amir. As the hearing began, bereaved father Yitzchak Bontzel, whose son Itzik, H’yd, was killed in the war in Gaza, interrupted the proceedings, berating the court for the hearing the petitions, saying that Bar, whose hands are dripping in blood, claimed responsiblity for the October 7 massacre so there is no justificiaton to discuss the petitions. He said that because of Ronen Bar, “our children are on Har Herzl.” “Who are you protecting here?” Bontzel cried. “A man who is responsible for the great failure in the State of Israel. Har Herzl is full of the blood of our children…listen to us, the bereaved parents. We are at a time of war, the blood of our sons is crying out! This man said I have sinned, I have failed. How can it be that he remains in office for another minute?” Others who oppose the court’s decision to hear the petitions crowded the courtroom, yelling “Busha! Busha! and “You don’t have authority!” Following the lengthy interruption, Amit called for a break in the hearing. After a discussion on the order of the proceedings, Amit decided that the hearing would be held without an audience in order to prevent disruptions. Those present in the court were forcibly removed. The hearing is being broadcast live. Bontzel is forcibly removed from the courtroom: (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

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