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Families of Hamas hostages frustrated, angry over stalled efforts to end captivity on January 17, 2024 at 9:20 pm
Frustration and heartbreak underscored the pleas of families whose loved ones have been held by Hamas for more than 100 days, as they advocated Wednesday on Capitol Hill and called for their release.
Families shared gut-wrenching stories of the last moments of contact with their loved ones on Oct. 7, when Hamas fighters attacked southern Israel, slaughtering people at a music festival and in their homes, and taking an estimated 240 people hostage.
Yarden Gonin recounted the final conversation she had with her 23-year-old sister Romi, who was kidnapped from the Nova music festival.
“’Mom, we were ambushed they are shooting at us. Ben is most likely dead, Gaia was shot and she’s not responding, Ophir is wounded badly. I was shot in my arm. If no one will come quickly, I will be dead,’” Gonin recounted.
“A phone call that ended with my sister, my beautiful, amazing, gentle, caring and loving little sister, being kidnapped into Gaza by cruel terrorists after she saw her best friend murdered in front of her eyes. 103 days. No daylight. No fresh water. No food. No air.”
More than 130 people are still being held hostage by Hamas, their specific conditions unknown.
But testimony from hostages released during a short-lived deal at the end of November have provided insight into harrowing conditions. This includes people being held in a maze of underground tunnels, at hospitals, in Palestinian homes, with little access to food, water, fresh air, stories of torture and sexual violence.
Ashley Waxman-Bakshi spoke on behalf of her 19-year-old cousin Agam Berger, who she said was kidnapped in her pajamas.
“What’s really scary for us is being a family member of such a young girl and we know that there is sexual abuse… we know that in captivity there is, and three months later pregnancy could be an issue. Every day that passes, you can only have an abortion up until a certain date, and this is something we’re really fearful. Everyone needs to come home, but specifically young women cannot be, teenagers,” she said.
The families were joined by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and other senior lawmakers promising to keep efforts to secure the hostages release as the most important priority, and who said that he discussed with the families “a new strategy that we can implement and I promise to try and do that,” but did not elaborate.
“Don’t give up hope, there are always new initiatives as there are now,” Schumer said.
“Slow, slow, slow but important progress, not that that progress cannot come fast enough.”
There’s little public insight into any potential deal between Israel and Hamas to secure the release of hostages.
An agreement to pause fighting between Israel and Hamas at the end of November saw about 100 hostages released by Hamas in exchange for the release of 180 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails and a scale up of humanitarian deliveries into the Gaza Strip.
The deal fell apart after Israel accused Hamas of holding back the release of women and children, leaving about 130 people — to include children, women, men, elderly and the injured and the bodies of those killed — in captivity in Gaza with little information as to their safety or health.
Israel and the U.S. have relied heavily on Qatar as a mediator with Hamas, with senior political figures in the group living in Doha, but have yet to revive a deal to release the hostages.
A bipartisan pair of senators last month urged President Biden to make clear to the Qataris that their relations with the U.S. were at risk if they did not exercise more pressure on Hamas.
But some families are critical of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as being a major obstacle in securing a deal for the hostages’ release and are calling for the U.S. to exert more pressure on the Israeli leader.
“This holdup is not with the U.S. or with the [Qataris],” said Liz Naftali, the aunt of 4-year-old Abigail, who was released after 50 days of captivity.
“This holdup is with the Netanyahu government,” she said, and accused the Israeli prime minister of being “unwilling to agree to the terms to release our loved ones, to make these deals final.”
Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.), chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, did not single out pressure on the Israeli government, but said that lawmakers will be “making some strong suggestions to our own government, to the Israelis and to third-country leaders.”
While Biden has stood by as Israel’s most stalwart supporters in his war against Hamas, the administration has voiced concern over the high death toll of Palestinians — an estimated 24,000 people, which includes thousands of Hamas fighters — and a delay in humanitarian assistance deliveries into Gaza.
Axios reported last week that Biden – who has been outspoken in criticisms against Netanyahu before Oct. 7 – is frustrated with the Israeli leader and running out of patience over the course of the war.
But not all families of hostages are centering criticisms against Netanyahu.
Waxman-Bakshi pointed to the hardship of feeling like there is a choice between securing the release of the hostages – where Hamas has called for Israel to end military action and release all Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails – and the necessity for Israel to ensure Hamas cannot launch another attack like Oct. 7.
“I’m not a politician or a military strategist, but for me I want a solution that will solve both simultaneously,” she said. “I’m not speaking politically, I have nothing for Netanyahu personally, if I’m in favor or against, I do think that whatever solution comes out has to take into account both the release of the hostages and the security and safety of Israel.”
Frustration and heartbreak underscored the pleas of families whose loved ones have been held by Hamas for more than 100 days, as they advocated Wednesday on Capitol Hill and called for their release. Families shared gut-wrenching stories of the last moments of contact with their loved ones on Oct. 7, when Hamas fighters attacked southern Israel, slaughtering people…
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GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT RETURNS FOR ITS 5TH EDITION AT THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT – HOUSE OF LORDS, PALACE OF WESTMINSTER
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Theme: “People, Planet, and Profit in the Age of AI and Innovation”
London, United Kingdom — The Global Sustainability Summit (GSS) is officially back for its landmark 5th Edition, continuing its legacy as one of the leading international platforms driving sustainable development, climate action, ethical investment, innovation, and global collaboration.
Convened annually at the prestigious British Parliament, House of Lords, Palace of Westminster, by Ambassador Canon Chinenem Otto, the Summit has, over the last four years, successfully fostered international dialogue and partnerships that have contributed to the advancement of global sustainability goals, the establishment of sustainability-focused ministries, departments and policy structures across national and subnational governments, and the attraction of major investors into sustainable development projects, corporations and emerging economies.
This year’s summit, themed “People, Planet, and Profit in the Age of AI and Innovation,” will explore how emerging technologies, responsible leadership, sustainable finance, innovation, and global partnerships can shape a more inclusive, resilient and environmentally conscious future.
The 5th Edition promises to be the most impactful yet, bringing together world leaders, policymakers, diplomats, investors, academics, innovators, climate experts and youth leaders from across the globe to discuss actionable solutions toward achieving a sustainable and equitable future.
Among the distinguished speakers, delegates and honorees already lined up for the Summit are:
• His Excellency Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq — Executive Governor of Kwara State, Nigeria and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum
• His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Otu — Executive Governor of Cross River State, Nigeria
• Ambassador Patricia Espinosa Cantellano — Former Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Former Foreign Minister of Mexico
• Lord Marvin Rees, Baron Rees of Easton OBE — Member of the House of Lords, United Kingdom
• Hon. Neema K. Lugangira — Secretary-General of Women Political Leaders (WPL), Brussels and Former Member of Parliament
• Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah — President of the Republic of Namibia
• His Excellency Nangolo Mbumba — Former President of Namibia
• Former President of Tanzania
• Her Excellency Ambassador Professor Olufolake AbdulRazaq — First Lady of Kwara State, Nigeria and Chairperson of Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum
• Your Excellency Dr. Dikko Umar Radda, PhD, CON — Executive Governor of Katsina State and Chairman of the Northwest Governors Forum, Nigeria
• Hon. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma — Governor of Khomas Region, Namibia
• H.E. Mr. Veiccoh Nghiwete — High Commissioner of the Republic of Namibia to the United Kingdom
• Her Excellency Ms. Macenje “Che Che” Mazoka — High Commissioner of Zambia to the United Kingdom
• Ms. Danielle Newman — Partner Lead, ICT, World Economic Forum
• Leanne Elliott Young — Co-founder, Institute of Digital Fashion & CommuneEast
• Ms. Chloe Russell — Producer & Presenter, Art, Science and Nature
• Professor Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger — University of Cambridge & University of Waterloo
• Dr. Alexandra R. Harrington — IUCN World Commission on Environmental Law (WCEL)
• Professor Payam Akhavan — Massey College, University of Toronto
• Mr. Mallai C. E. Sathya — President, Dravida Vetri Kazhagam and International Movement for Tamil Culture Asia
The Summit will feature high-level panel discussions, strategic investment conversations, sustainability awards, policy dialogues, innovation showcases, youth engagement sessions and international networking opportunities focused on climate resilience, ethical financing, food-water-energy sustainability, circular economy, artificial intelligence, diplomacy and sustainable development.
Speaking ahead of the Summit, Convener Ambassador Canon Chinenem Otto noted:
“As the world rapidly evolves through artificial intelligence and technological innovation, we must ensure that sustainability remains people-centered, environmentally responsible and economically inclusive. The Global Sustainability Summit continues to serve as a bridge connecting governments, institutions, innovators and investors to accelerate practical sustainability solutions globally. Our fifth edition is not only a celebration of progress made over the years, but also a renewed call for global collaboration and actionable impact toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and Net Zero ambitions.”
The Global Sustainability Summit continues to position itself as a catalyst for transformative partnerships and sustainable global progress, reinforcing the urgent need for collective action toward a more resilient and sustainable future.
More announcements regarding additional speakers, partners and summit activities will be unveiled in the coming weeks.
President Donald Trump says the United States might one day get rid of federal income tax because of money the government collects from tariffs on imported goods. Tariffs are extra taxes the U.S. puts on products that come from other countries.
What Trump Is Saying
Trump has said that tariff money could become so large that it might allow the government to cut income taxes “almost completely.” He has also talked about possibly phasing out income tax over the next few years if tariff money keeps going up.
How Taxes Work Now
Right now, the federal government gets much more money from income taxes than from tariffs. Income taxes bring in trillions of dollars each year, while tariffs bring in only a small part of that total. Because of this gap, experts say tariffs would need to grow by many times to replace income tax money.
Questions From Experts
Many economists and tax experts doubt that tariffs alone could pay for the whole federal budget. They warn that very high tariffs could make many imported goods more expensive for shoppers in the United States. This could hit lower- and middle‑income families hardest, because they spend a big share of their money on everyday items.
What Congress Must Do
The president can change some tariffs, but only Congress can change or end the federal income tax. That means any real plan to remove income tax would need new laws passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate. So far, there is no detailed law or full budget plan on this idea.
What It Means Right Now
For now, Trump’s comments are a proposal, not a change in the law. People and businesses still have to pay federal income tax under the current rules. The debate over using tariffs instead of income taxes is likely to continue among lawmakers, experts, and voters.
Former President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing federal agencies to declassify all government files related to Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier whose death in 2019 continues to fuel controversy and speculation.
The order, signed Wednesday at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, instructs the FBI, Department of Justice, and intelligence agencies to release documents detailing Epstein’s network, finances, and alleged connections to high-profile figures. Trump described the move as “a step toward transparency and public trust,” promising that no names would be shielded from scrutiny.
“This information belongs to the American people,” Trump said in a televised statement. “For too long, powerful interests have tried to bury the truth. That ends now.”
U.S. intelligence officials confirmed that preparations for the release are already underway. According to sources familiar with the process, the first batch of documents is expected to be made public within the next 30 days, with additional releases scheduled over several months.
Reactions poured in across the political spectrum. Supporters praised the decision as a bold act of accountability, while critics alleged it was politically motivated, timed to draw attention during a volatile election season. Civil rights advocates, meanwhile, emphasized caution, warning that some records could expose private victims or ongoing legal matters.
The Epstein case, which implicated figures in politics, business, and entertainment, remains one of the most talked-about scandals of the past decade. Epstein’s connections to influential individuals—including politicians, royals, and executives—have long sparked speculation about the extent of his operations and who may have been involved.
Former federal prosecutor Lauren Fields said the release could mark a turning point in public discourse surrounding government transparency. “Regardless of political stance, this declassification has the potential to reshape how Americans view power and accountability,” Fields noted.
Officials say redactions may still occur to protect sensitive intelligence or personal information, but the intent is a near-complete disclosure. For years, critics of the government’s handling of Epstein’s case have accused agencies of concealing evidence or shielding elites from exposure. Trump’s order promises to change that narrative.
As anticipation builds, journalists, legal analysts, and online commentators are preparing for what could be one of the most consequential information releases in recent history.
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