Matzav

A terrorist released in the deal to free hostages from Gaza on October 7 was featured on a panel at the Detroit People’s Conference for Palestine last Sunday, according to a report from The Jerusalem Post, which reviewed social media activity from those who attended.

Hossam Shaheen, a member of Tanzim freed on February 1 in the swap with Hamas, appeared virtually during a session titled “The Palestinian Struggle Behind Bars.” He was joined on screen by Arab Barghouti, the son of convicted terrorist leader Marwan Barghouti, and journalist Lama Ghosheh.

Although most of the conference, which ran from August 29 to 31, was streamed live by BreakThrough News and archived on its platforms, Shaheen’s appearance was conspicuously absent. The two videos related to the Sunday session were removed from the broadcaster’s YouTube playlist, and aside from a brief Instagram notice on August 18 mentioning Shaheen, organizers avoided highlighting the panel in their online promotions.

Nevertheless, posts from attendees on TikTok confirmed that Shaheen, Ghosheh, and Barghouti all took part by video call. The Palestinian Youth Movement, one of the conference hosts, even posted an illustrated sketch of the session in a Thursday photo album on Instagram.

Shaheen was previously known for establishing an al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigade cell operating in the Jerusalem region. He was responsible for recruiting operatives and providing them with arms for planned attacks. Israeli forces arrested him in Ramallah in 2004.

The announcement of Shaheen’s participation sparked sharp criticism after it was revealed he had been serving a 27-year sentence for attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder before being freed.

In the wake of those revelations, the U.S. State Department issued warnings regarding international invitees who might seek visas to attend. Journalist Abubaker Abed, who was denied entry, told the gathering remotely that the United States was a “fascist and sadistic country.”

One of the participating groups, Writers Against the War on Gaza (WAWOG), listed Barghouti and Ghosheh in an online thread about the panels but omitted any reference to Shaheen.

During the discussion, Barghouti highlighted the role of the “prisoners’ movement” in the Palestinian cause. He told attendees, “My father told me that hopelessness is a privilege that we Palestinians don’t have. He promised my mother when he proposed to her over 40 years ago: ‘We will live a normal life.’”

His father, Marwan Barghouti, helped establish Fatah’s armed faction and in 2004 was sentenced to five life terms for orchestrating terror attacks that left five people dead.

Ghosheh, for her part, accused Israeli prison authorities of mistreating and degrading Palestinian female security detainees. A clip of her comments was circulated by a conference participant on TikTok.

Last year, Ghosheh was sentenced to community service and probation and fined NIS 4,500 after being found guilty of expressing support for a terror group and for incitement. In a series of Facebook posts from 2022 and 2023, she lauded multiple terrorists, among them Ibrahim al-Nabulsi, describing the slain Lions’ Den commander as a “hero” whose gunfire laid “the foundations for a clear operating model.”

In another post from May 2022, she uploaded a photo of Palestinian Islamic Jihad members, writing that their battalion model would spread across the West Bank and lead to further confrontations. She tagged the entry with the phrase: “Resistance is a continued gift.”

Earlier this August, Ghosheh interviewed Shaheen for her program Freedom Breakers, during which he called himself a “freedom fighter” and spoke of jailed PFLP cell leader Walid Daqqah as being like a “brother.”

Shaheen was not the only controversial figure featured at the Detroit event. That same Sunday, Omar Assaf, a veteran of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, joined to condemn the Palestinian Authority as a “barrier” holding back Palestinians from fighting Israel.

The gathering also included a message from Mumia Abu-Jamal, convicted of murdering a Philadelphia police officer, who addressed participants in a pre-recorded statement.

Among those in attendance were Rep. Rashida Tlaib, Richmond Mayor Eduardo Martinez, and Green Party presidential hopeful Dr. Jill Stein. Although organizers toned down some of the rhetoric compared to the prior year, there were still repeated instances of speakers glorifying terrorists and attacking the United States. Martinez at one point said, “If Palestine were a schoolyard playground, I would be a Palestinian. And that part of me, that part of me that couldn’t endure the abuse anymore, would be Hamas.”

At last year’s event, the atmosphere was even more extreme, with nearly every panel praising terrorism. The main auditorium was named in honor of Walid Daqqah, whose wife gave the keynote speech. PFLP operative Wisam Rafeedie also appeared remotely after being denied a U.S. visa.

{Matzav.com}

Mail deliveries into the United States dropped by more than four-fifths after the Trump administration removed tariff-free status for inexpensive imports, the United Nations postal authority reported on Saturday.

According to the Universal Postal Union (UPU), it has begun introducing new systems to help postal organizations worldwide determine and collect customs duties and taxes, following Washington’s decision to end the “de minimis exemption” that previously applied to low-value packages.

Eighty-eight postal providers have informed the UPU that they have either fully or partially suspended service to the United States until there is a workable arrangement regarding parcels worth $800 or less, which had been the threshold under which foreign packages avoided customs charges.

“The global network saw postal traffic to the US come to a near-halt after the implementation of the new rules on Aug 29, 2025, which for the first time placed the burden of customs duty collection and remittance on transportation carriers or US Customs and Border Protection agency-approved qualified parties,” the UPU stated.

Data exchanged among members of the UPU’s electronic system indicated that mail flows from its 192 member nations—essentially covering nearly the whole globe—declined by 81% on August 29 compared to the prior week.

Headquartered in Bern, Switzerland, the agency explained that these “major operational disruptions” occurred because airlines and freight handlers said they were either unwilling or unable to process the duties, and foreign postal services had not set up connections with CBP-authorized intermediaries.

In the weeks before the regulation was enforced, the postal union had written to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warning of the consequences it could trigger.

The de minimis exemption, which dates back to 1938, was described by the administration as a loophole that overseas companies used to dodge tariffs and that traffickers exploited to move narcotics into America.

Items that once bypassed customs checks now have to be processed and taxed at the tariff rate of their country of origin, which can fall anywhere between 10% and 50%.

Although the rules are being applied to all trading partners, Americans will still be exempt from paying duties on gifts worth up to $100 and on personal souvenirs up to $200 brought back from international travel, the White House confirmed.

The UPU added that its member organizations were not given adequate time or clear instruction to prepare for the protocols laid out in the executive order Donald Trump signed on July 30 that revoked duty-free treatment for lower-cost imports.

{Matzav.com}

Crowds gathered at the port of Sidi Bou Said in Tunisia on Sunday to greet Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, who arrived aboard a convoy of ships carrying aid bound for Gaza, according to the BBC.

Thunberg was joined by about 350 activists critical of Israel, all sailing as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla. Organizers of the effort said its purpose was to “break Israel’s illegal siege on Gaza.”

Addressing supporters at the port, the 22-year-old declared: “We all know why we are here. Just across the water there’s a genocide going on, a mass starvation by Israel’s murder machine.”

The group had departed Barcelona the previous Monday with a fleet of roughly 20 boats. Several vessels have now reached Tunisia, where they will coordinate with local teams and stock up on further supplies before continuing toward Gaza.

Although they were originally scheduled to leave Tunis on Sunday, organizers announced a delay until Wednesday, citing “technical and logistical reasons beyond management’s control” as the cause of the postponement.

In addition to Thunberg, the flotilla also features former Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau, who during her term cut the city’s official ties with Israel. The effort has attracted backing from Hollywood actors including Susan Sarandon and Liam Cunningham of HBO’s “Game of Thrones.”

Thunberg was deported from Israel earlier this year, in June, after participating in another flotilla, the Madleen, which was stopped by the Israeli navy.

Following that interception, the activists were supplied with food and water, even though many of them had recorded messages in advance alleging that they were “kidnapped” by the IDF.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry stated at the time that the cargo aboard the Madleen amounted to less than one truckload of aid and would instead be directed into Gaza through proper humanitarian channels.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said Sunday that he expects progress soon toward both a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages held by Hamas.

“I think we’re going to have a deal on Gaza very soon. It’s a hell of a problem. It’s a problem we want to solve for the Middle East, for Israel, for everybody. But it’s a problem we’re going to get done,” the President said.

Speaking specifically about the hostages, Trump noted, “It could be a little bit less than 20 because some, you know, they tend to die. Even though they’re young people, largely, they’re dying. Young people don’t die. Young people stay alive. But with this whole thing, they tend to die.”

“But we have, let’s say, 20 people and we have about 38 bodies. I think we’re going to get them all,” he continued.

These remarks followed Trump’s confirmation that he had recently submitted a new plan to Hamas for a sweeping hostage arrangement that differs substantially from past proposals.

Under this initiative, all 48 hostages—both those still alive and those killed—would be released on the first day, while Israel would free hundreds of terrorists and thousands of Palestinian Arab prisoners.

The plan also calls for Israel to suspend its advance into Gaza City and open immediate negotiations to end the conflict, with the talks managed personally by President Trump. Fighting would remain paused so long as those negotiations continued.

On Truth Social, Trump wrote: “Everyone wants the hostages home. Everyone wants this war to end! The Israelis have accepted my terms. It is time for Hamas to accept as well. I have warned Hamas about the consequences of not accepting. This is my last warning; there will not be another one! Thank you for your attention to this matter.”

Officials close to Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu commented that “Israel is seriously considering President Trump’s proposal; Hamas will likely continue its refusal.”

Later on Sunday, Hamas issued a response, again attaching conditions to any deal for a ceasefire and hostage release.

“We have received several ideas from the American side through mediators to reach a ceasefire agreement. In this context, the Hamas movement welcomes any effort that supports stopping the aggression against our people and emphasizes its immediate readiness to sit at the negotiating table,” the group declared.

“It is our aim to discuss the release of all prisoners in exchange for a clear declaration of an end to the war and the complete withdrawal of forces from the Gaza Strip. Additionally, we seek the establishment of a committee to manage Gaza, composed of independent Palestinians, which would begin operations immediately. This would include an explicit and binding commitment from the enemy to uphold the agreements, preventing a recurrence of past instances where agreements were made but later rejected or canceled,” Hamas added.

{Matzav.com}

A Hamas internal security official announced that the group’s security forces in Gaza carried out the execution of six alleged “agents” accused of passing intelligence to Israel.

“The sword of resistance will not spare anyone who dares to be a dagger in the back of the resistance and its heroic men,” he declared.

According to his statement, the individuals were put to death “after it had been proven that the agents were involved in providing information that helped Israel attack homes, civilians and fighters during the war in the Gaza Strip.”

He further stated, “The verdict was carried out after the completion of the security and religious procedures, and Hamas is taking a firm approach against agents and any element that poses a direct danger to the internal front and the steadfastness of the Palestinian people.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

Just weeks before Rosh Hashanah, Israeli officials are pointing fingers at the Moldovan government, accusing it of sabotaging the agreement that was meant to enable tens of thousands of Breslover chassidim to travel to the kever of Rav Nachman of Breslov in Uman. According to the Israeli team overseeing the arrangements, the Moldovan authorities “did everything possible to prevent the deal from being finalized.”

A decisive meeting is scheduled for tomorrow to determine whether Romania will now serve as the transit country for the thousands of Israelis preparing to make the annual journey to the tziyun in Uman, Ukraine.

For weeks, Israel had been negotiating with Moldova and had even allocated significant funds toward a travel framework that would facilitate passage through the country. But those talks have collapsed. Israeli representatives involved in the discussions claim that despite financial concessions and extensive flexibility, the Moldovan side remained uncooperative. “It felt like there was no one to talk to,” one official said.

According to information obtained by Matzav.com, Moldova’s government insisted that Israel leave behind all the equipment and upgrades paid for in preparing the Chisinau airport for the Uman flights, even after Rosh Hashanah. The demand, which would allow Moldova permanent use of infrastructure funded by Israeli money, was described as the final straw that led to the breakdown of talks.

As a result, Israeli officials shifted their focus to Romania and have already opened discussions with its government about using Romanian airports as the main gateway for the thousands of travelers heading to Uman.

Tomorrow at midday, a high-level Israeli delegation—consisting of the Foreign Ministry director-general, the Prime Minister’s Office director-general, a senior Interior Ministry representative, and the director-general of the Yerushalayim Affairs Ministry—is scheduled to meet with counterparts in Romania. That meeting is expected to determine whether a workable solution can be secured in time for Yom Tov.

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s High Court of Justice ruled on Sunday that the Israel Prison Service (IPS) is obligated to provide security prisoners with “basic living conditions,” including food in sufficient quantity and composition to safeguard their health.

The decision followed a petition alleging that security inmates were suffering from hunger and malnutrition, particularly after their ability to purchase food at the prison canteen was revoked due to the ongoing war in Gaza, along with other benefits that had been removed.

Justices Daphne Barak-Erez and Ofer Grosskopf wrote in their ruling that the state must ensure that every prisoner actually receives food adequate to maintain his health. Justice Noam Sohlberg Minz, however, dissented, stating that the state already fulfills this obligation under current conditions.

Justice Barak-Erez added in her reasoning that the plight of Israeli hostages in Gaza should not justify mistreating prisoners in Israel, noting: “We will not align ourselves with the worst of our enemies. We will not follow in the ways of terror organizations. Moreover, painful testimonies from freed captives have shown that a harsher food regime for prisoners in Israel does not improve the situation of our brothers still held hostage, and may even worsen it.”

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir blasted the ruling, declaring: “Judges of the High Court—are you on Israel’s side? Our hostages in Gaza have no High Court to protect them. But the Nukhba murderers and vile rapists have, shamefully, a High Court standing up for them. We will continue to provide these terrorists only the bare minimum conditions required by law.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Yariv Levin also denounced the decision: “We have become accustomed to High Court judges exceeding their judicial role and taking over the running of the state. Apparently, that wasn’t enough. Now they’ve crowned themselves judges in ‘Master Chef.’ The High Court judges, or in their new title—the Supreme Dieticians—have found a recipe unmatched in the world for distorted morality. While our hostages starve in tunnels, two judges demand that we improve the meals served to the worst of terrorists. This ruling is yet another clear example of the damage the Supreme Court inflicts on Israel’s security. That is why I have insisted on changing the Judicial Appointments Committee, and I will continue to demand that future appointments produce judges focused on the security of Israeli citizens and true justice—not on currying favor in progressive legal circles abroad.”

The “Choosing Life” Forum, representing bereaved families and victims of terror, also issued a sharp response: “Once again, the High Court chooses to side with terrorists instead of standing with our bereaved families and terror victims. The judges’ preoccupation with the meals of despicable murderers is a slap in the face to those who paid the highest price—families whose loved ones were slaughtered in cold blood. As bereaved families and victims of terror, we expect the High Court to focus on protecting Israel’s citizens, not on the culinary preferences of terrorist killers and the policies of the Prison Service.”

{Matzav.com}

In the framework of the extensive and meticulous supervision system operated by Badatz Chug Chasam Sofer Petach Tikvah, Rav Pinchos Leibush Padwa, Rav of Antwerp and Gaavad of Kehillas Shomrei Hadas, carried out a wide-ranging inspection tour of food factories under the hechsher.

Rav Padwa, an internationally renowned authority on kashrus with decades of experience certifying plants in Eretz Yisroel and abroad, heads the kashrus division of Badatz Chug Chasam Sofer Petach Tikvah. He was accompanied on the visits by the director of the kashrus organization, Rabbi Shai Tennenbaum, along with senior kashrus inspectors, to personally review the deployment of mashgichim and ensure that the highest standards of mehadrin min hamehadrin are upheld.

During the tour, the delegation visited numerous facilities and was introduced to a new plant that has recently joined the Badatz system: the Mishk Mizrachi greenhouses, which specialize in producing squash blossoms. These delicate yellow flowers, harvested before the squash matures, are a sought-after delicacy in high-end Mediterranean cuisine, typically stuffed and then fried or baked. Under the strict supervision of the Badatz, this unique product has now reached the highest level of kashrus.

The delegation also visited the Shuggart factory, which produces specialty sugar packets for hotels and restaurants. Rav Padwa carefully observed the manufacturing and packaging processes, insisting on the highest precision in every stage of production to guarantee the integrity of the kashrus certification.

Rabbi Tennenbaum explained the rigorous process by which factories are granted certification. In each plant, Rav Padwa personally reviews the full scope of operations—from raw materials through production methods to final output—before rendering a decision on whether the products can bear the Badatz Chug Chasam Sofer seal. “We provide kashrus to those who want the service of kashrus,” Rabbi Tennenbaum noted. “When there is sincerity and cooperation from the owners, we examine every detail thoroughly, conduct sampling, give clear lists of requirements for production and mashgiach presence, and only then does Rav Padwa and the team determine if certification can be granted.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, delivered a surprising message on Sunday, urging the population to stock up on essential goods, in remarks that fueled speculation both within Iran and across the Arab world.

Speaking at a government meeting, Khamenei stated, “We recommend the accumulation and storage of vital supplies and basic products.” He explained, “There are dangers that cannot be foreseen.”

The call comes against the backdrop of growing rumors in both Iran and Israel about the likelihood of another escalation between the two countries. Khamenei’s choice of words and tone have sparked intense curiosity, as such public recommendations are rare from Iran’s top authority.

In the aftermath of the recent war with Israel, Iranian society is grappling with heightened fear and an unparalleled sense of vulnerability. Israeli strikes during the conflict left deep scars, not only on infrastructure and defense systems, but also on the confidence of ordinary citizens.

Reports from inside Iran describe a population living in daily anxiety, with diminishing trust in the government’s ability to protect them. Many interpret Israel’s military actions as designed not only to inflict physical damage but also to project a message of intelligence and technological superiority—one that was clearly received in Tehran.

Beyond security concerns, Iranians are also facing severe economic hardship. Infrastructure damage, fresh international sanctions, and a growing lack of global confidence have compounded the financial instability, leaving the country in a state of deep uncertainty.

{Matzav.com}

Media critics are blasting the lack of outrage from liberal politicians and news outlets after the horrific killing of a young Ukrainian refugee in North Carolina, allegedly at the hands of a repeat offender with a staggering 14 prior arrests.

The victim, 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska, was stabbed to death while riding a Charlotte light rail train. Disturbing surveillance footage shows the shocking moment the unsuspecting woman was attacked without warning.

Authorities say the assailant, identified as 35-year-old Decarlos Brown Jr., can be seen in the video rising from his seat behind Zarutska, pulling a pocketknife, and unfolding the blade just before the clip cuts off.

In the recording, Zarutska appears completely unaware of the threat behind her, focused on her phone while Brown allegedly prepares to strike.

After the stabbing, the suspect strolls through the Lynx Blue Line car, leaving streaks of blood on the floor as he carries the knife.

Other riders appear oblivious to what has just occurred, with few reacting to the brutal slaying that unfolded only feet away.

The attacker then strips off his bloody sweatshirt and waits calmly until the train arrives at the next station, where he steps off.

The crime, which happened on August 22, has prompted frustration that major news outlets and political figures have kept largely silent.

Charlotte’s Democratic mayor even went as far as to commend reporters who chose not to show the surveillance footage.

“The video of the heartbreaking attack that took Iryna Zarutska’s life is now public. I want to thank our media partners and community members who have chosen not to repost or share the footage out of respect for Iryna’s family,” Mayor Vi Lyles posted on X.

Her message sparked fury, including from Republican lawmakers in North Carolina.

“The Mayor’s refusal to condemn senseless, horrific, and preventable violence is as telling as it is despicable. Violent criminals, regardless of who they are or what they look like, need to be in jail,” wrote Rep. Brad Knott (R-NC).

Lyles’ team has yet to respond to inquiries seeking comment.

Others argued the case reflects a wider crisis created by lenient policies on repeat offenders.

“The violence in Charlotte is a microcosm of a national epidemic. Americans deserve better than Democrats’ soft-on-crime policies,” wrote Rep. Mark Harris (R-NC).

Edwin B. Peacock, a candidate for Charlotte City Council, highlighted the issue by posting a nighttime video of his own ride on the city’s light rail, calling for serious reform.

“A week ago, 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska was brutally killed on Charlotte’s light rail. Her death is a tragedy we cannot ignore. Who’s riding without paying? Are they the ones causing problems? We need answers,” Peacock wrote on X.

Jim Taylor, the former mayor of nearby Matthews, added his concerns, noting the decline in safety on public transit.

“I’m deeply disappointed in what’s been happening & the loss of focus on making the light rail welcoming & safe to travelers. It’s only going to get worse until the current MTC (Metropolitan Transit Commission) & quite frankly, the City of Charlotte get serious addressing the root cause,” Taylor said in response.

Elon Musk also weighed in, pointing out what he described as a glaring lack of media attention. He reshared a post tallying the number of articles from major outlets about the murder, with the blunt remark: “Zero.”

The case has also drawn commentary from far-right voices, pointing to the racial dynamics of a black suspect accused of murdering a white woman.

Meanwhile, those who knew Iryna are mourning a young life cut short, noting she had fled Ukraine in 2022 seeking safety, only to be killed in such a brutal way in America.

At the time of the attack, she was still dressed in her work attire from Zepeddie’s Pizza, a Charlotte eatery. The restaurant honored her memory with an emotional message.

“Recently our Zepeddie’s family suffered a tremendous loss. We lost not only an incredible employee, but a true friend. Our dear Iryna left this world far too soon, and our hearts are heavy with grief,” the pizzeria posted on Instagram.

“Since her passing, we have kept a candle burning in her memory—a small reminder of the warmth, kindness, and light she brought into our lives every single day.”

Court records reveal Brown, who is homeless, has a long history of convictions dating back more than a decade.

He previously served five years in prison for armed robbery in 2014, was released in 2020, and within months was arrested again for attacking his sister.

Despite this extensive record, Brown was still on the streets when he allegedly carried out Zarutska’s murder.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump is slated to be in attendance at Yankee Stadium on Thursday, when the New York Yankees face off against the Detroit Tigers. The game coincides with the 24th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks in New York City, according to several news outlets.

This will be Trump’s first time at a Major League Baseball matchup since beginning his second term, and only the second game he has attended as president. His previous appearance came at Game 5 of the 2019 World Series in Washington, D.C. At that time, he chose not to participate in the ceremonial first pitch, and reports indicate he won’t be taking the mound for the opening toss this week either.

The connection between American presidents and baseball stretches back over a century. President William Howard Taft is credited as the first to attend a big-league game in the early 1900s, and he would go on to watch more than a dozen contests during his time in office.

Trump’s visit this week marks the first appearance at a major-league game by a sitting president since his own attendance in 2019. Records from Baseball Almanac show that President Joe Biden never went to an MLB game during his tenure. Before Taft, Theodore Roosevelt was the last president who never attended a professional baseball game.

The Yankees and Tigers are scheduled for a three-game series in the Bronx, running Tuesday through Thursday. Each matchup is set to begin at 7:05 p.m., and with both teams in contention, it could serve as an early glimpse of a potential playoff showdown.

President Trump on Sunday rejected the idea that he was preparing for a war with Chicago, clarifying comments he had posted online that portrayed the city in ruins and hinted at a looming conflict.

When pressed on whether he was threatening Chicago, Trump told reporters, “We’re not going to war. We’re going to clean up our cities.”

“We’re going to clean them up, so they don’t kill five people every weekend. That’s not war. That’s common sense,” Trump said.

In recent weeks, Trump has pointed to Chicago as the next location where he intends to carry out broad immigration enforcement measures.

His rhetoric has sharpened, and on Saturday he shared an AI-created image showing himself in a law enforcement role, set against a backdrop of a burning Chicago. The scene also showed helicopters flying over the city and text reading “Chipocalypse Now,” a play on the title of the 1979 film “Apocalypse Now” and a reference to Chicago.

“I love the smell of deportations in the morning… Chicago about to find out why it’s called the Department of WAR,” Trump posted, alluding to his executive order that changed the Department of Defense’s name to the Department of War.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker responded strongly on social media.

“The President of the United States is threatening to go to war with an American city,” Pritzker wrote. “This is not a joke. This is not normal.”

“Donald Trump isn’t a strongman, he’s a scared man,” Pritzker added. “Illinois won’t be intimidated by a wannabe dictator.”

Meanwhile, Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, said Sunday that Chicago should “absolutely” expect immigration enforcement activity in the coming week. He noted that the operation could even involve the use of National Guard units.

{Matzav.com}

Hamas issued a response Sunday night to President Donald Trump’s newly presented plan for a deal that would free hostages and bring about a truce in Gaza.

“We have received several ideas from the American side through mediators to reach a ceasefire agreement. In this context, the Hamas movement welcomes any effort that supports stopping the aggression against our people and emphasizes its immediate readiness to sit at the negotiating table,” the group declared.

“It is our aim to discuss the release of all prisoners in exchange for a clear declaration of an end to the war and the complete withdrawal of forces from the Gaza Strip. Additionally, we seek the establishment of a committee to manage Gaza, composed of independent Palestinians, which would begin operations immediately. This would include an explicit and binding commitment from the enemy to uphold the agreements, preventing a recurrence of past instances where agreements were made but later rejected or canceled,” Hamas added.

In recent days, Trump forwarded to Hamas a detailed outline for a broad exchange arrangement that differs considerably from prior proposals.

Under the terms, all 48 captives—both those alive and those who have been killed—would be handed over at the start of the agreement, while Israel would free hundreds of terrorists along with thousands of Palestinian Arab prisoners.

The outline also stipulates that Israel would suspend its campaign to take control of Gaza City and move straight into talks aimed at ending the conflict, with Trump personally overseeing the process. As long as talks continue, fighting would not resume.

Officials close to Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu responded by saying, “Israel is seriously considering President Trump’s proposal; Hamas will likely continue its refusal.”

Trump himself addressed the matter on Sunday on Truth Social, writing: “Everyone wants the hostages home. Everyone wants this war to end! The Israelis have accepted my terms. It is time for Hamas to accept as well. I have warned Hamas about the consequences of not accepting. This is my last warning; there will not be another one! Thank you for your attention to this matter.”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump announced what he called his “last warning” to Hamas today, telling the terror group to agree to his conditions for ending the fighting.

He issued the statement on Truth Social, without outlining the specifics of the proposal. Some of the reported terms surfaced earlier in the day, but Trump emphasized that Israel had already accepted them.

“Everyone wants the hostages HOME. Everyone wants this war to end!” Trump wrote.

“It is time for Hamas to accept [my terms] as well,” he added.

“I have warned Hamas about the consequences of not accepting. This is my last warning. There will not be another one,” Trump declared.

This isn’t the first time Trump has delivered such an ultimatum. Back in March, he told Hamas there would be “HELL TO PAY,” calling that statement his “last warning” as well.

Just a week ago, Trump posted that Hamas should “IMMEDIATELY give back all 20 Hostages.”

At present, there are 48 hostages being held in Gaza, with estimates indicating that only about 20 are still alive.

President Donald Trump issued a warning to the European Union over its continued imposition of massive fines on American technology firms, making it clear that retaliatory trade steps are on the table if the penalties persist.

“Europe today ‘hit’ another great American company, Google, with a $3.5 billion dollar fine, effectively taking money that would otherwise go to American investments and jobs,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “This is on top of the many other fines and taxes that have been issued against Google and other American Tech companies, in particular.

“Very unfair, and the American taxpayer will not stand for it!”

Trump has repeatedly criticized what he considers to be one-sided and damaging trade practices, singling out Europe in particular.

“As I have said before, my administration will not allow these discriminatory actions to stand,” Trump wrote. “Apple, as an example, was forced to pay $17 billion dollars in a fine that, in my opinion, should not have been charged — they should get their money back!

“We cannot let this happen to brilliant and unprecedented American ingenuity and, if it does, I will be forced to start a Section 301 proceeding to nullify the unfair penalties being charged to these taxpaying American companies.

“Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act of 1974 gives the American government authority to investigate foreign trade policies it believes are unfair and to strike back through tariffs or similar measures.

In another statement posted online, Trump highlighted the cumulative toll of earlier EU penalties on Google, which he said amounted to staggering sums.

“In addition to my previously posted Truth concerning Google, please let this statement serve to represent that Google has also paid, in the past, $13 billion dollars in false claims and charges for a total of $16.5 billion dollars,” Trump wrote.

“How crazy is that? The European Union must stop this practice against American companies, IMMEDIATELY!” Trump wrote.

For years, Trump has cautioned global partners that they cannot keep erecting tariffs and barriers on U.S. exports without facing direct countermeasures from his administration.

He also warned that legal challenges brought by Democratic-aligned firms, which he said rely on “radical left courts” and judges appointed by Democrats, were being used to block his tariff strategy.

“More than $15 trillion dollars will be invested in the USA, a record,” Trump wrote last Sunday. “Much of this investment is because of tariffs.

“If a radical left court is allowed to terminate these tariffs, almost all of this investment, and much more, will be immediately canceled! In many ways, we would become a third world nation, with no hope of greatness again.”

{Matzav.com}

Hagaon Rav Reuven Feinstein, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva of Staten Island, will be delivering divrei chizuk v’hisorerus this afternoon, at approximately 4:30 p.m., at the Kollel Dayanus of the Bais HaVaad, located at 290 River Avenue in Lakewood, NJ.

This gathering will be addressed to the dayanim and chavrei hakollel of the Bais HaVaad, and to the entire community who is warmly invited to join and hear words of inspiration in honor of the auspicious days of Elul and to receive the berachos of the rosh yeshiva in advance of the approaching Yamim Nora’im.

{Matzav.com}

Negotiations over the proposed IDF draft law are gaining momentum, with United Torah Judaism chairman MK Yitzchak Goldknopf scheduled to meet on Wednesday with MK Boaz Bismuth, the newly appointed head of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. This will be the first meeting between the two since Bismuth assumed his post. Until now, discussions had taken place mainly with Shas and Degel HaTorah, but Agudas Yisroel is now also taking an active seat at the negotiating table.

Another round of talks with Bismuth is planned for tomorrow, aimed at drafting a compromise bill that can withstand scrutiny both in the Knesset and before the High Court of Justice.

Sources indicate that they sense a shift since Bismuth replaced MK Yuli Edelstein as committee chair. “We see a positive change in the stance of the committee’s legal adviser, Miri Frenkel-Shor. The atmosphere has become more respectful and businesslike, and we feel a genuine sense of partnership that is allowing the dialogue on the law to move forward constructively,” one source said.

Meanwhile, at today’s committee session, Brig. Gen. Shai Tayeb, head of the IDF’s Planning and Manpower Division, revealed that 2,940 chareidim enlisted in the past year—well above the previous annual average of around 1,800. Still, he stressed that “the enlistment rate remains very low. Tens of thousands of young men are carrying this number on their shoulders, and the gap between the army’s needs and reality is large. The IDF has the capacity to absorb about 4,800 chareidi recruits per year, but we are far from that figure.”

The meeting also featured a clash over the long-debated quota framework. Attorney Dror Granit from the Justice Ministry argued that “the target model has failed,” saying government decisions had not led to meaningful change. But the committee’s legal adviser, Attorney Miri Frenkel-Shor, countered: “It is impossible to say the model failed—the High Court struck it down before it could actually be tested.”

During a review of the bill’s clauses, MK Elazar Stern criticized the terms for deferrals granted to yeshiva students: “According to the law, they are entitled to 75 vacation days per year—this is unreasonable. If so, reservists should also be given a similar vacation mechanism.” Committee chair Bismuth responded: “This is a comment worthy of deeper examination.”

In addition, the committee confirmed Bismuth’s appointment as chairman of the subcommittee on EAPC (the Eilat-Ashkelon Pipeline Company) confidentiality issues, replacing MK Yuli Edelstein.

{Matzav.com Israel}

This weekend’s Jerusalem Post featured a dramatic full-page appeal from the Forum of Religious Reservists and Shutfus L’Sheirut, urging prominent philanthropists of the Keren Olam HaTorah fund to step in and support reservists currently serving in the Israeli army.

The message was explicitly addressed to members of the International Fellowship and the Keren Olam HaTorah fund, listing benefactors from around the world: Solly Azrak (Panama), Meir Birnbaum, Joachim Cohen (Paris), Ezra Erani, Shimon Glick, Avi Goldstein (London), Benzion Heitner (Toronto), Ariel Mashiyev (Toronto), Yaakov (John) Kaplan (Toronto), Jack Hilu (Mexico), Salomon Jasqui (Mexico), Boruch Jeremias, Boruch Karfunkel, Jimmie Khezrie, Yissachar Knoll (Ramat Gan), Leiby Levison (London), Yitzchak Mirilashvili (Herzliya), Chaim Rajchenbach (Chicago), Yitzy Rokowsky, Alberto Safra (Sao Paulo), Leizer Scheiner, Rubin Schron, Jack I. Silvera (Panama), Ronald Wilheim (Cincinnati), Reuven Wolf, the Wolfson Family, and Tyrone Zinman (South Africa).

The body of the ad read in full:

“We are turning to you, as important supporters of Am Yisroel during these challenging times.

“Just this week, 60,000 reservists have been called up for the next phase of the war. Many are talmidei chachamim, older men, with wives and children. Their families are collapsing under the mental and financial pressure.

“How can the yeshiva world stand by while their brothers are drowning?
We know that it is possible to both serve in the army and live a Torah life.
It is possible to have both Safra and Saifa.

“Instead of spending money to keep bochurim out of the army, let’s invest in finding ways to support their Torah learning while in the army.

“The time is now! Please don’t abandon Klal Yisroel in our time of greatest need.”

{Matzav.com}

Thousands of residents of Arad staged a rare joint protest on Sunday at the entrance to the city, voicing strong opposition to the government’s decision earlier in the day to advance plans for a phosphate mine near the city.

Participants included secular, traditional, and chareidi residents, with large numbers of Gur chassidim joining at the direction of their rabbonim, who invoked the Torah principle of venishmartem—the obligation to safeguard health. Public health concerns and air pollution risks have long been central issues for the Gur community, which has previously mobilized political representatives in the Knesset and government to delay approval of the mine.

The demonstration was marked by an unusual show of unity across sectors of the city. In another unprecedented step, the entire Arad city council—both coalition and opposition members—signed a strongly worded letter to the prime minister and government ministers demanding that the project be halted. “Building the site at such a short distance from residents’ homes amounts to a death sentence for more than 100,000 people in the region. Human life and public health are not expendable,” the letter declared.

Mayor Yair Maayan emphasized the unprecedented consensus: “For the first time in years, there is wall-to-wall unity among all factions in the city on the issue of residents’ health and environmental protection. We will fight this decision until it is overturned in the High Court.”

Yitzchak Gordon, chairman of the city council’s finance committee, added: “Arad has seen many protests in the past, but this time the struggle has full support from all residents and the council. The government is surrendering to the pressure of lobbyists and tycoons at the expense of human life, and we will not stand idly by.”

Responding to the mounting public outcry, the government announced that any decision regarding the mine would be accompanied not only by an environmental impact study but also by a full health impact review, in order to prevent harm to residents.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Tucker Carlson once again ignited controversy yesterday, this time by suggesting that Hamas looks “more like a political organization” than a jihadist movement responsible for the October 7 massacre in Israel.

The ex-Fox News anchor made the remarks while addressing Israel’s strike on Gaza’s only Catholic church, which left three people dead. Carlson claimed that if Hamas were really a radical Islamist faction, then the deaths of Christians would “prove” that Israel was indiscriminately targeting civilians.

“No one can possibly claim that a Christian family are in Hamas. OK, so what, tell me — You can’t claim they’re in Hamas while simultaneously claiming that Hamas is a group of jihadis. They’re Islamist extremists, which they also claim. Constantly. I don’t know if that’s true, by the way. Seems more like a political organization,” Carlson said.

“But whatever it is, they’re telling us constantly that they’re Al-Qaeda. So, it can’t also be true that Christians are a member of Al-Qaeda. So, then, we know they’re not in Hamas, so why did they get killed?” he added.

His remarks immediately drew backlash, even from his longtime allies on the right, with many questioning whether Carlson had abandoned mainstream Republican views on terrorism.

Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) blasted him on X, writing: “Now, @TuckerCarlson doesn’t know if Hamas is a terrorist organization. (‘Elmo is just asking questions….’) What the hell happened to Tucker?? He’s turning into Ilhan Omar.”

Mark Levin, a conservative commentator and former Fox News colleague of Carlson, derisively dubbed him “Qatarlson” and wrote: “Qatarlson doesn’t know if Hamas is a terrorist group.”

{Matzav.com}