"Israel-Hamas Conflict: Ongoing Negotiations Delay Hostage Release as Airstrikes Continue"

Former Obama White House adviser Stuart Seldowitz was arrested for hate crimes after harassing a halal cart vendor and making offensive remarks about Palestinian children. Israeli official Tzachi Hanegbi stated that Israeli captives would not be released by Hamas before Friday, while the US expressed hope that the truce agreement would begin implementation on Friday. Foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan called for an extension of the truce agreement and a resumption of talks for a two-state solution. Concerns of censorship in Hollywood rise as actors Susan Sarandon and Melissa Barrera are dropped by their companies for comments against Israel. In the ongoing conflict, an Israeli attack in southern Lebanon killed five Hezbollah members, while Israel continued its bombardment in Gaza. The US downed attack drones fired from Houthi-controlled parts of Yemen, and patients were evacuated from al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza. US President Joe Biden thanked Egypt for its efforts in the truce deal and assured that the US would not permit forced relocation or besiegement of Palestinians. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken thanked Qatar for its mediation and discussed securing the release of captives and increasing humanitarian aid. The European Commission welcomed the truce and pledged increased aid deliveries to Gaza. Pope Francis condemned the fighting as "terrorism" and met with Palestinians and families of Israeli captives. In the West Bank, Israeli raids and demolitions were reported, with Palestinians injured and rescue workers detained.