Members phkrause Posted November 24, 2023 Author Members Share Posted November 24, 2023 Biden's secret hostage group Shortly after Hamas' terrorist attack on Israel, Qatar approached the White House with sensitive information regarding the hostages — and word that a deal for their release was possible, a senior U.S. official tells Axios' Barak Ravid. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan directed Biden's top Middle East adviser, Brett McGurk, and another top adviser, Josh Geltzer, to establish a secret working group on the hostage issue. The group's work wasn't read into the White House's interagency process because Qatar and Israel — which quietly created similar working groups — demanded extreme secrecy. Only a few people in the Biden administration knew the details of the group's work. But now we can take you behind the scenes. Interviews with the officials reveal how Biden's team shaped the agreement during six weeks of often-tense negotiations, how he was driven by "gut-wrenching" meetings with hostages' family members, and his aggressive push to seal the deal. Six days after the Hamas attack, Biden met virtually with the families of Americans who were then unaccounted for in Israel. Some were later designated as hostages in Gaza. A few others were found dead in Israel. Biden spent more than 90 minutes talking with the families. A U.S. official who was on the Zoom call described it as "one of the most gut-wrenching things I have experienced." Several days later, on Oct. 18, Biden was in Israel for an unprecedented wartime visit. He spent more than an hour with a group of Israelis who were survivors of the Oct. 7 attack or had family members taken hostage. Two Israelis who attended the meeting said the Secret Service and Biden's aides told him several times he needed to move to his next appointment. But he put them off and kept talking with the survivors. Later that day, Biden met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel's war Cabinet in Tel Aviv, and had a lengthy discussion on what it might take to secure the hostages' release, U.S. and Israeli officials said. A senior U.S. official said Biden made clear to Netanyahu and his ministers that humanitarian assistance had to reach Palestinians in Gaza regardless of any future hostage deal. Reluctantly, they agreed. Biden and Netanyahu continued to have near-daily chats. The first breakthrough on hostages came Oct. 23. Qatari mediators persuaded Hamas to release Judith Raanan, 59, and her 17-year-old daughter Natalie — two Americans from Chicago who'd been swept up in Hamas' attack. The episode showed the White House that Qatar could deliver hostage releases — and gave U.S. officials hope for a larger hostage deal. Between the lines: The White House — under increasing pressure to push for a pause in Israel's attacks on Gaza — realized that the only realistic path to such a pause would be a deal for the release of a large number of hostages, U.S. officials say. Biden's team decided to get CIA Director William Burns more involved in the hostage talks. Since then, Burns has been a key player in the negotiations, Israeli and U.S. officials said. Mossad director David Barnea has been negotiating for Israel. Keep reading. Quote phkrause By the decree enforcing the institution of the papacy in violation of the law of God, our nation will disconnect herself fully from righteousness. When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power, when she shall reach over the abyss to clasp hands with spiritualism, when, under the influence of this threefold union, our country shall repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and republican government, and shall make provision for the propagation of papal falsehoods and delusions, then we may know that the time has come for the marvelous working of Satan and that the end is near. {5T 451.1} Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members phkrause Posted November 25, 2023 Author Members Share Posted November 25, 2023 A truce in Gaza sets the stage for the release of dozens of hostages The cease-fire kicked off at 7 a.m. local time and will last at least four days. The deal came after weeks of intense indirect negotiations. Qatar, the U.S. and Egypt served as mediators. The halt in fighting promised some relief for Gaza’s 2.3 million people, who have endured weeks of Israeli bombardment, as well as families in Israel fearful for the fate of loved ones held captive by Hamas. Read more. Recent developments Hamas pledged to free at least 50 of the about 240 hostages it and other militants took on Oct. 7. They are Israeli citizens, and some of them have a second nationality, according to a Hamas official who spoke on condition of anonymity. The group added that Israel would free 150 Palestinian prisoners. Israel published a list of 300 prisoners eligible for release, mainly teenagers detained for rock-throwing and other minor offenses. The deal also lets more aid reach southern Gaza, where Palestinians are facing severe shortages. Trucks carrying supplies could be seen entering the terminal at the Rafah crossing from Egypt. The supplies were then transferred to other trucks that would carry them into Gaza. Qatar said the aid will include fuel but gave no details on quantities. The agreement has raised hopes of eventually winding down the war. But Israel has pushed back against such speculation, saying it is determined to resume its bombardment once the truce ends. Over 13,300 Palestinians have been killed, health officials in Hamas-ruled Gaza say. Vast swaths of the coastal enclave have been destroyed and violence has also surged in the occupied West Bank. Some 1,200 people have been killed in Israel, mostly during the initial incursion by Hamas. Related coverage ➤ What does the cease-fire between Israel and Hamas look like? When the battles stop, many fear Gaza will remain uninhabitable Portraits of those held hostage after Hamas attack on Israel Quote phkrause By the decree enforcing the institution of the papacy in violation of the law of God, our nation will disconnect herself fully from righteousness. When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power, when she shall reach over the abyss to clasp hands with spiritualism, when, under the influence of this threefold union, our country shall repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and republican government, and shall make provision for the propagation of papal falsehoods and delusions, then we may know that the time has come for the marvelous working of Satan and that the end is near. {5T 451.1} Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members phkrause Posted November 25, 2023 Author Members Share Posted November 25, 2023 ⚡ Hostage release begins Hamas began the process of freeing the first group of Israeli hostages, hours after a four-day pause in Gaza fighting began, Axios' Barak Ravid reports. The hostages include 13 Israeli women and children and 12 Thai nationals. Israel is expected to release 39 Palestinians from Israeli prisons later Friday as part of the deal with Hamas. The pause in the fighting in Gaza started this morning. Hamas agreed to free at least 50 women and children over the four days. Israel is set to release 150 Palestinians, primarily women and children, held in Israeli prisons. Israel will allow hundreds of trucks carrying humanitarian aid and additional fuel to enter Gaza each day during the pause. At least four trucks of fuel and four trucks of cooking gas entered Gaza not long after the pause began. Get the latest. Quote phkrause By the decree enforcing the institution of the papacy in violation of the law of God, our nation will disconnect herself fully from righteousness. When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power, when she shall reach over the abyss to clasp hands with spiritualism, when, under the influence of this threefold union, our country shall repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and republican government, and shall make provision for the propagation of papal falsehoods and delusions, then we may know that the time has come for the marvelous working of Satan and that the end is near. {5T 451.1} Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members phkrause Posted November 25, 2023 Author Members Share Posted November 25, 2023 13 Israeli hostages are freed from Gaza as ceasefire holds; more expected in coming days (JTA) — Hamas released 13 Israeli hostages into Egypt on Friday, a sign that the four-day ceasefire brokered between Israel and the terror group that runs Gaza was holding. https://www.jta.org/2023/11/24/israel/hamas-releases-13-israeli-hostages-as-ceasefire-holds? At a small Tel Aviv protest ahead of the Israel-Hamas hostage deal, families feel hope and uncertainty TEL AVIV (JTA) — Wearing a face that bore the marks of 47 days of anguished waiting, Hadas Kalderon took to the streets to block traffic on a central Tel Aviv thoroughfare next to Israel’s military headquarters. https://www.jta.org/2023/11/21/israel/at-a-small-tel-aviv-protest-ahead-of-the-israel-hamas-hostage-deal-families-feel-hope-and-uncertainty? What we know — and don’t yet — about the hostage deal to release Israelis held by Hamas (JTA) — When it attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and wounding thousands, Hamas also took an estimated 240 people hostage. Following weeks of breathless advocacy, protest and anxiety that spread across the world, some of those captives are about to be released in a deal between Israel and Hamas. https://www.jta.org/2023/11/21/israel/what-we-know-and-dont-yet-about-the-hostage-deal-to-release-israelis-held-by-hamas? For US officials, Israeli hostage deal brings joy — and hard questions about how much more war to support WASHINGTON (JTA) — If the provisions of a likely agreement bear out and Hamas releases dozens of hostages, U.S. officials will celebrate alongside the Israelis. https://www.jta.org/2023/11/21/united-states/for-us-officials-israeli-hostage-deal-brings-joy-and-hard-questions-about-how-much-more-war-to-support? Quote phkrause By the decree enforcing the institution of the papacy in violation of the law of God, our nation will disconnect herself fully from righteousness. When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power, when she shall reach over the abyss to clasp hands with spiritualism, when, under the influence of this threefold union, our country shall repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and republican government, and shall make provision for the propagation of papal falsehoods and delusions, then we may know that the time has come for the marvelous working of Satan and that the end is near. {5T 451.1} Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members phkrause Posted November 26, 2023 Author Members Share Posted November 26, 2023 Hostages reach Israel Hamas today freed the first group of hostages — including 13 Israeli women and children — who have been held in Gaza since the Oct. 7 terrorist attack, Axios' Barak Ravid writes. 10 Thai nationals and one Filipino who worked in Israel were also freed, Qatar's Foreign Ministry said. State of play: 39 Palestinian prisoners — 24 women, including some convicted of attempted murder for attacks on Israeli forces, and 15 teenagers jailed for offenses like throwing stones — were released from Israeli custody. Israel is set to release 150 Palestinians over the four-day pause. Hamas agreed to free at least 50 women and children. Zoom in: Most of the released Israeli hostages (listed below) are from Nir Oz — the kibbutz where one in every four residents was killed or abducted. They reached Israeli territory and underwent medical checks late Friday, Israeli officials said. Yaffa Adar, 85 Daniel Aloni, 44 Emilia Aloni, 6 Aviv Katz-Asher, 2 Raz Katz-Asher, 4 Doron Katz-Asher, 34 Hanna Katzir, 77 Adina Moshe, 72 Margalit Moses, 78 Ruth Munder, 78 Keren Munder, 54 Ohad Munder, 9 Hanna Peri, 79 Get the latest. Quote phkrause By the decree enforcing the institution of the papacy in violation of the law of God, our nation will disconnect herself fully from righteousness. When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power, when she shall reach over the abyss to clasp hands with spiritualism, when, under the influence of this threefold union, our country shall repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and republican government, and shall make provision for the propagation of papal falsehoods and delusions, then we may know that the time has come for the marvelous working of Satan and that the end is near. {5T 451.1} Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members phkrause Posted November 26, 2023 Author Members Share Posted November 26, 2023 On Day One of Gaza cease-fire, Hamas and Israel carry out first swap of hostages and prisoners RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Hamas on Friday released 24 hostages it held captive in Gaza for weeks, and Israel freed 39 Palestinians from prison in the first stage of a swap under a four-day cease-fire that offered a small glimmer of relief to both sides. https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-11-24-2023-172256dd593189f7b37f7c62f4739c6b? Quote phkrause By the decree enforcing the institution of the papacy in violation of the law of God, our nation will disconnect herself fully from righteousness. When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power, when she shall reach over the abyss to clasp hands with spiritualism, when, under the influence of this threefold union, our country shall repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and republican government, and shall make provision for the propagation of papal falsehoods and delusions, then we may know that the time has come for the marvelous working of Satan and that the end is near. {5T 451.1} Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members phkrause Posted November 26, 2023 Author Members Share Posted November 26, 2023 🚁 More hostages headed home An International Red Cross vehicle, apparently carrying hostages, crosses the Rafah border point in the Gaza Strip toward Egypt yesterday. Photo from video: Mahmud Hams/AFPTV via Getty Images Hamas is expected to release a second group of Israelis today, as a planned four-day truce to allow an exchange of 50 hostages for Palestinian prisoners continues to hold in the besieged Gaza Strip, Reuters reports. Egyptian security sources said they had received the names of 14 Israeli women and children from Hamas and were waiting for more details on when the hostages would be handed over to Egyptian authorities. A helicopter arrives with hostages at Schneider hospital in Petah Tikva, Israel, yesterday. They disembarked behind privacy screens. Photo: Erik Marmor/Getty Images Among the hostages freed yesterday after almost 50 days in captivity in Gaza was a Rubik's Cube-loving 9-year-old, Ohad Munder, who ran down a hospital corridor in Israel into his father's open arms. He and three other children were in relatively good condition, the hospital said. Israeli prison authorities said they're preparing to release an additional 42 Palestinian detainees today. Go deeper: Meet the hostages released yesterday. Quote phkrause By the decree enforcing the institution of the papacy in violation of the law of God, our nation will disconnect herself fully from righteousness. When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power, when she shall reach over the abyss to clasp hands with spiritualism, when, under the influence of this threefold union, our country shall repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and republican government, and shall make provision for the propagation of papal falsehoods and delusions, then we may know that the time has come for the marvelous working of Satan and that the end is near. {5T 451.1} Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members phkrause Posted November 27, 2023 Author Members Share Posted November 27, 2023 ⚡ American hostages slated for release Yoni Asher cradles three family members who were released by Hamas after being taken hostage from a kibbutz on Oct. 7 — his wife, Doron Katz Asher, and their daughters, Raz, age 4½ (left), and Aviv, 2½ — at Schneider Children's Medical Center in Petah Tikva, Israel. Photo released by family permission, via Reuters The list of hostages Hamas provided for today's expected release includes Americans, two Israeli officials tell Axios' Barak Ravid. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told NBC News' Kristen Welker on "Meet the Press" that the White House has "reason to believe that at least one American will be released today. We hope [4-year-old] Abigail Edan will be released. But we can't know for sure until it happens." State of play: The Biden administration was involved at the highest levels in the Qatar-mediated talks that led to the deal. The agreement includes a four-day pause in the fighting in Gaza and the release of dozens of Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. Hamas is expected to release 50 women and children over the four-day pause. About 150 Palestinian prisoners, mainly women and children, will be released in return. Hamas freed a total of 26 Israeli women and children over the first two days of the pause. Israel released 78 Palestinian women and minors from Israeli prisons. President Biden is expected to speak to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today, Sullivan said. Get the latest. Quote phkrause By the decree enforcing the institution of the papacy in violation of the law of God, our nation will disconnect herself fully from righteousness. When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power, when she shall reach over the abyss to clasp hands with spiritualism, when, under the influence of this threefold union, our country shall repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and republican government, and shall make provision for the propagation of papal falsehoods and delusions, then we may know that the time has come for the marvelous working of Satan and that the end is near. {5T 451.1} Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members phkrause Posted November 27, 2023 Author Members Share Posted November 27, 2023 🇺🇸 Hamas releases 4-year-old American hostage Hamas released 14 Israeli hostages today, including at least one American — 4-year-old Abigail Edan — as part of the deal between Israel and the militant group, Axios' Barak Ravid reports. Driving the news: Abigail, a dual citizen who turned 4 on Friday, "spent her birthday and at least 50 days held hostage by Hamas.… What she endured is unthinkable," President Biden said in remarks confirming the news. "The proof that this is working and worth pursuing further is in every smile and every grateful tear we see on the faces of those families who are finally getting back together again," he added. Abigail's parents were both killed at their kibbutz in the Oct. 7 terrorist attack. Her two siblings survived by hiding in a closet, while Abigail was taken hostage after running to a neighbor's house. The big picture: The Biden administration has been involved at the highest levels in the Qatar-mediated talks that led to the deal, which calls for a four-day pause in the fighting in Gaza and the release of dozens of Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. Today marked the third day of the pause. Quote phkrause By the decree enforcing the institution of the papacy in violation of the law of God, our nation will disconnect herself fully from righteousness. When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power, when she shall reach over the abyss to clasp hands with spiritualism, when, under the influence of this threefold union, our country shall repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and republican government, and shall make provision for the propagation of papal falsehoods and delusions, then we may know that the time has come for the marvelous working of Satan and that the end is near. {5T 451.1} Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members phkrause Posted November 27, 2023 Author Members Share Posted November 27, 2023 📖 What we're reading: Biden's private regret On Oct. 26, the day after he publicly cast doubt on the Palestinian death toll provided by Gaza's Ministry of Health, Biden met with five prominent Muslim Americans who expressed frustration with his remarks. Participants in the meeting — which was scheduled for 30 minutes but lasted well over an hour — all shared stories about the families they knew who had been affected by Israel's war in Gaza, the Washington Post reports. "I'm sorry. I'm disappointed in myself," Biden reportedly told the group. "I will do better." Why it matters: The Post's Sunday deep dive — based on interviews with 27 White House officials, senior Biden officials and outside advisers — explores the deeply personal ways in which the Israel-Hamas war has roiled the administration and divided staff. Key details: A listening session with about a dozen Palestinian Americans "turned contentious" when they warned White House staff that Biden would lose Arab and Muslim voters over his approach to the war. One participant said they left more committed to organizing their communities against voting for Biden in 2024, though they also said Arabs and Muslims would not vote for Trump. Biden added a line to his Oct. 10 address — widely considered one of the most pro-Israel speeches by a president in U.S. history — condemning Islamophobia after a suggestion from Vice President Kamala Harris. U.S. officials said Biden has taken a more confrontational approach with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in recent weeks: "Biden has banged Bibi really hard on settler violence and civilian casualties in private," one official said. Read the full piece Quote phkrause By the decree enforcing the institution of the papacy in violation of the law of God, our nation will disconnect herself fully from righteousness. When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power, when she shall reach over the abyss to clasp hands with spiritualism, when, under the influence of this threefold union, our country shall repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and republican government, and shall make provision for the propagation of papal falsehoods and delusions, then we may know that the time has come for the marvelous working of Satan and that the end is near. {5T 451.1} Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members phkrause Posted November 28, 2023 Author Members Share Posted November 28, 2023 Gaza shrinks for Palestinians seeking refuge. 4 stories offer a glimpse into a diminished world The world for Palestinians in an already small Gaza has shrunk to the size of whatever refuge they can find: a jammed shelter, a car, the walls of a shared apartment, or floors and benches in hospital corridors. As more than 2 million people, the majority of Gaza’s population, cram into what’s left, four residents chronicled their struggle to survive with The Associated Press. Read more. Why this matters: All four people followed by the AP are part of its fragile professional class, living in central areas of Gaza City which has largely been spared in past conflicts but is at the heart of this one. They now are nowhere near each other, but they chronicle the despair of the same shattered, anguished world that is closing in on them. While most civilians have been able to flee the combat zone in other wars like Ukraine, Palestinians in Gaza have nowhere to go. One lawyer, determined to stay in Gaza City, carries her paralyzed father from place to place to escape bombs. A U.N. worker shelters with tens of thousands of displaced, retreating to his car for a sliver of privacy. A writer is trapped between four walls and is urged by his family to stop documenting the war for their safety. Israel says it is dismantling Hamas, the group that unleashed a surprise attack on Oct. 7 that killed around 1,200 people in Israel. Weeks of Israeli bombardment have killed more than 13,000 Palestinians, 70% of them women and children. That’s more than the number of civilians killed in 18 months of war in Ukraine. Related coverage ➤ Two weeks ago she was thriving. Now, a middle-class mom in Gaza struggles to survive Unprecedented Israeli bombardment lays waste to upscale Rimal, the beating heart of Gaza City Gaza has become a moonscape in war. When the battles stop, many fear it will remain uninhabitable Quote phkrause By the decree enforcing the institution of the papacy in violation of the law of God, our nation will disconnect herself fully from righteousness. When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power, when she shall reach over the abyss to clasp hands with spiritualism, when, under the influence of this threefold union, our country shall repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and republican government, and shall make provision for the propagation of papal falsehoods and delusions, then we may know that the time has come for the marvelous working of Satan and that the end is near. {5T 451.1} Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members phkrause Posted November 28, 2023 Author Members Share Posted November 28, 2023 First American hostage released Hostages released by Hamas wave to the crowd from a vehicle driving toward an army base in Ofakim, Israel, yesterday. Photo: Menahem Kahana/AFP via Getty Images Hamas released more than a dozen hostages from Gaza yesterday, including at least one American — 4-year-old Abigail Edan, Axios' Barak Ravid reports. "Thank God she's home," President Biden told reporters in Nantucket. "I wish I was there to hold her." Biden said he wants the pause in fighting to extend beyond the originally agreed four days, which ends today: "I hope this is not the end. I would like to see this pause continuing as long as we can get more hostages out." Residential buildings, destroyed in Israeli strikes during the conflict, lie in ruin in southern Gaza City yesterday. Photo: Bassam Masoud/Reuters Gaza civilians are being killed at a historic pace — more quickly "than in even the deadliest moments of U.S.-led attacks in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan, which were themselves widely criticized by human rights groups, conflict-casualty experts tell the N.Y. Times. "It is not just the scale of the strikes ... It is also the nature of the weaponry itself," The Times adds. "Israel's liberal use of very large weapons in dense urban areas, including U.S.-made 2,000-pound bombs that can flatten an apartment tower, is surprising, some experts say." The Israeli military points out that Gaza "is small and dense, with civilians living next to, and even on top of, Hamas combatants who rely on tunnel networks to shield themselves and their weapons, putting residents directly in the line of fire," The Times notes. Keep reading (no paywall). Quote phkrause By the decree enforcing the institution of the papacy in violation of the law of God, our nation will disconnect herself fully from righteousness. When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power, when she shall reach over the abyss to clasp hands with spiritualism, when, under the influence of this threefold union, our country shall repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and republican government, and shall make provision for the propagation of papal falsehoods and delusions, then we may know that the time has come for the marvelous working of Satan and that the end is near. {5T 451.1} Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members phkrause Posted November 28, 2023 Author Members Share Posted November 28, 2023 17 additional hostages released by Hamas to Red Cross en route to Israel (JTA) — Hamas has released 17 more hostages — 14 Israelis, including one U.S. citizen, and three foreign nationals — to the Red Cross as part of its agreement with Israel to pause the fighting in the Gaza Strip. https://www.jta.org/2023/11/26/israel/17-additional-hostages-released-by-hamas-to-red-cross-en-route-to-israel? Quote phkrause By the decree enforcing the institution of the papacy in violation of the law of God, our nation will disconnect herself fully from righteousness. When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power, when she shall reach over the abyss to clasp hands with spiritualism, when, under the influence of this threefold union, our country shall repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and republican government, and shall make provision for the propagation of papal falsehoods and delusions, then we may know that the time has come for the marvelous working of Satan and that the end is near. {5T 451.1} Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members phkrause Posted November 29, 2023 Author Members Share Posted November 29, 2023 ⚡Fighting pause extended Hamas released a fourth group of hostages hours after Israel and Hamas agreed to extend the pause in the fighting in Gaza by two days, Axios' Barak Ravid writes. The released hostages included nine Israeli children and two women. The extension will allow for the release of at least 20 more Israeli hostages. Israel will also allow more aid trucks into Gaza and release three Palestinian prisoners for every additional hostage released. Get the latest. Quote phkrause By the decree enforcing the institution of the papacy in violation of the law of God, our nation will disconnect herself fully from righteousness. When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power, when she shall reach over the abyss to clasp hands with spiritualism, when, under the influence of this threefold union, our country shall repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and republican government, and shall make provision for the propagation of papal falsehoods and delusions, then we may know that the time has come for the marvelous working of Satan and that the end is near. {5T 451.1} Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members phkrause Posted November 29, 2023 Author Members Share Posted November 29, 2023 Israel and Hamas agree to extend truce for two more days, and to free more hostages and prisoners TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israel and Hamas agreed to extend their cease-fire for two more days past Monday, raising the prospect of further exchanges of militant-held hostages for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel and a longer halt to their deadliest and most destructive war. https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-11-27-2023-852065d35c4643f4c874fb5993313b13? Quote phkrause By the decree enforcing the institution of the papacy in violation of the law of God, our nation will disconnect herself fully from righteousness. When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power, when she shall reach over the abyss to clasp hands with spiritualism, when, under the influence of this threefold union, our country shall repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and republican government, and shall make provision for the propagation of papal falsehoods and delusions, then we may know that the time has come for the marvelous working of Satan and that the end is near. {5T 451.1} Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members phkrause Posted November 29, 2023 Author Members Share Posted November 29, 2023 ⚡ Biden's next hostage move The U.S. made it clear to Israel that it expects the increased levels of humanitarian aid and fuel entering Gaza during the pause in fighting to continue even when the temporary ceasefire ends, Axios' Barak Ravid reports. CIA director Bill Burns will meet Mossad chief David Barnea and Qatar's prime minister in Doha today to discuss a possible second extension of the pause in Gaza fighting if Hamas releases more hostages. Israel and Hamas have agreed to extend a pause in fighting for two more days in Gaza in return for the release of another 20 hostages. If the extended deal holds, the pause in fighting will last through tomorrow — and Hamas will have released 92 of the 240 hostages the terror group and its allies took captive on Oct. 7. Israel also would release another 60 Palestinian prisoners it is holding, on top of the 150 it released under the original hostage deal. 🔎 Behind the scenes: Neither Israel nor the U.S. has negotiated directly with Hamas. Qatar has communicated with the terror group in its role as mediator. Israeli officials said that over the last few days when hostages were released, Burns and his staff were in constant communication with the joint Israeli-Qatari "situation room" in Mossad's headquarters in Tel Aviv. U.S. officials believe up to nine Americans are being held. Keep reading. Quote phkrause By the decree enforcing the institution of the papacy in violation of the law of God, our nation will disconnect herself fully from righteousness. When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power, when she shall reach over the abyss to clasp hands with spiritualism, when, under the influence of this threefold union, our country shall repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and republican government, and shall make provision for the propagation of papal falsehoods and delusions, then we may know that the time has come for the marvelous working of Satan and that the end is near. {5T 451.1} Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members phkrause Posted November 29, 2023 Author Members Share Posted November 29, 2023 Freed Israeli hostage describes deteriorating conditions while being held by Hamas An Israeli hostage freed by Hamas said in an interview that she was initially fed well in captivity until conditions worsened and people became hungry. She was kept in a “suffocating” room and slept on plastic chairs with a sheet for nearly 50 days. Read more. Key details: In one of the first interviews with a freed hostage, 78-year-old Ruti Munder told Israel’s Channel 13 that she spent the entirety of her time with her daughter and grandson, who celebrated his ninth birthday in captivity. Her account on Monday adds to the trickle of information about the experience of captives held in Gaza. Israel has maintained a tight siege on Gaza since the war erupted, leading to shortages of food, fuel and other basic items. While Munder says she was fed well in the beginning, the menu changed when “the economic situation was not good, and people were hungry.” She also confirmed accounts from relatives of other freed captives that they slept on plastic chairs. Munder, freed Friday, returned in good physical condition, like most other captives. But one of the released hostages has been hospitalized in life-threatening condition after not receiving proper care in captivity, doctors said. Another freed captive needed surgery. Related coverage ➤ 11 Israeli women and children entered Israel on Monday, and 33 Palestinian hostages released by Israel arrived Tuesday in east Jerusalem and Ramallah in the West Bank Israel and Hamas extend their truce, but it seems only a matter of time before the war resumes Qatar is the go-to mediator in the Mideast war. Its unprecedented Tel Aviv trip saved a shaky truce Quote phkrause By the decree enforcing the institution of the papacy in violation of the law of God, our nation will disconnect herself fully from righteousness. When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power, when she shall reach over the abyss to clasp hands with spiritualism, when, under the influence of this threefold union, our country shall repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and republican government, and shall make provision for the propagation of papal falsehoods and delusions, then we may know that the time has come for the marvelous working of Satan and that the end is near. {5T 451.1} Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members phkrause Posted November 29, 2023 Author Members Share Posted November 29, 2023 Fake babies, real horror: Deepfakes from the Gaza war increase fears about AI’s power to mislead WASHINGTON (AP) — Among images of the bombed out homes and ravaged streets of Gaza, some stood out for the utter horror: Bloodied, abandoned infants. https://apnews.com/article/artificial-intelligence-hamas-israel-misinformation-ai-gaza-a1bb303b637ffbbb9cbc3aa1e000db47? With deadline looming, diplomats seek to extend Gaza truce; more hostages, prisoners are freed DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Hamas and Israel released more hostages and prisoners under terms of a fragile cease-fire that held for a fifth day Tuesday as international mediators in Qatar worked to extend the truce. The United States urged Israel to better protect Palestinian civilians in Gaza if it follows through on its promise to resume the war. https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-11-28-2023-a909a0a0c9c76ce80d1ff3e94bbe2ec4? Quote phkrause By the decree enforcing the institution of the papacy in violation of the law of God, our nation will disconnect herself fully from righteousness. When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power, when she shall reach over the abyss to clasp hands with spiritualism, when, under the influence of this threefold union, our country shall repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and republican government, and shall make provision for the propagation of papal falsehoods and delusions, then we may know that the time has come for the marvelous working of Satan and that the end is near. {5T 451.1} Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members phkrause Posted November 30, 2023 Author Members Share Posted November 30, 2023 Hamas frees 12 hostages amid talks on possible second extension of Gaza ceasefire Hamas on Tuesday freed 10 more Israeli hostages and two Thai nationals after the militant group and Israel agreed to extend the pause in fighting in Gaza by two days. https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/hamas-israel-hostage-release-pause-extension-gaza? Quote phkrause By the decree enforcing the institution of the papacy in violation of the law of God, our nation will disconnect herself fully from righteousness. When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power, when she shall reach over the abyss to clasp hands with spiritualism, when, under the influence of this threefold union, our country shall repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and republican government, and shall make provision for the propagation of papal falsehoods and delusions, then we may know that the time has come for the marvelous working of Satan and that the end is near. {5T 451.1} Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members phkrause Posted December 1, 2023 Author Members Share Posted December 1, 2023 Truce in Gaza extended at last minute as talks get tougher Israel and Hamas on Thursday agreed to extend their cease-fire by another day, just minutes before it was set to expire. The truce in Gaza appeared increasingly tenuous as most women and children held by Hamas militants already were released in swaps for Palestinian prisoners. Read more. Recent developments The cease-fire talks appear to be getting tougher. The militants are expected to make greater demands in return for freeing men and soldiers. Israel says it will maintain the truce until Hamas stops releasing captives, at which point it will resume its offensive aimed at eliminating the group. With Israeli troops holding much of northern Gaza, a ground invasion south will likely bring an escalating cost in Palestinian lives and destruction. As word of the extension came, gunmen opened fire on people waiting for buses where a main highway from Tel Aviv enters Jerusalem, killing at least three people and wounding several others, police said. The two attackers were killed, they added. It was unclear if the attack was carried out by a Palestinian militant group or individuals acting on their own. International pressure has mounted for the cease-fire to continue as long as possible. Nearly eight weeks of Israeli bombardment and a ground campaign in Gaza have killed thousands of Palestinians, uprooted three quarters of the 2.3 million population and led to a humanitarian crisis. Related coverage ➤ Man charged with shooting 3 Palestinian college students accused of harassing ex-girlfriend in 2019 A friendship forged over 7 weeks of captivity lives on as freed women are reunited White House not seeking conditions on military aid to Israel, despite earlier Biden comment, senator says Quote phkrause By the decree enforcing the institution of the papacy in violation of the law of God, our nation will disconnect herself fully from righteousness. When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power, when she shall reach over the abyss to clasp hands with spiritualism, when, under the influence of this threefold union, our country shall repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and republican government, and shall make provision for the propagation of papal falsehoods and delusions, then we may know that the time has come for the marvelous working of Satan and that the end is near. {5T 451.1} Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members phkrause Posted December 1, 2023 Author Members Share Posted December 1, 2023 Mediators scrambling for Israel-Hamas truce extension, as hostages-for-prisoners swaps get harder DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Mediators were scrambling to extend an Israel-Hamas truce set to expire after daybreak Friday, as the two sides appeared to be struggling to agree on how to continue the daily exchanges of hostages held by Hamas for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel that have sustained the week-long pause in fighting. https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-11-30-2023-ea1a8fad4e2f4a394e5427a7c5815d38? Quote phkrause By the decree enforcing the institution of the papacy in violation of the law of God, our nation will disconnect herself fully from righteousness. When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power, when she shall reach over the abyss to clasp hands with spiritualism, when, under the influence of this threefold union, our country shall repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and republican government, and shall make provision for the propagation of papal falsehoods and delusions, then we may know that the time has come for the marvelous working of Satan and that the end is near. {5T 451.1} Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members phkrause Posted December 1, 2023 Author Members Share Posted December 1, 2023 Scoop: Blinken warns Israeli officials global pressure will grow longer war goes on Israel Defense Forces chief of staff Gen. Herzi Halevi told Secretary of State Tony Blinken on Thursday that the Israeli military operation in Gaza, including in the southern part of the enclave, is expected to take "more than a few additional weeks," three people with direct knowledge of the meeting said. https://www.axios.com/2023/11/30/blinken-israel-gaza-war-warning-hamas? Quote phkrause By the decree enforcing the institution of the papacy in violation of the law of God, our nation will disconnect herself fully from righteousness. When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power, when she shall reach over the abyss to clasp hands with spiritualism, when, under the influence of this threefold union, our country shall repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and republican government, and shall make provision for the propagation of papal falsehoods and delusions, then we may know that the time has come for the marvelous working of Satan and that the end is near. {5T 451.1} Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members phkrause Posted December 2, 2023 Author Members Share Posted December 2, 2023 Warplanes hit targets in Gaza as Israel resumes strikes after truce expires The war has resumed in full force. Israel’s announcement of the strikes on Hamas targets in the Gaza strip came only 30 minutes after the cease-fire expired at 7 a.m. local time. Only hours into the renewed offensive, health officials in the Hamas-controlled enclave said 32 people had been killed and dozens wounded. 140 hostages remain in Gaza, after more than 100 were freed as part of the truce. Read more. Recent developments One of the first airstrikes destroyed a large building in Khan Younis. Residents were seen frantically searching the rubble for survivors as medics approached. One wounded person was carried away on a stretcher. Israel dropped leaflets over parts of southern Gaza urging people to leave their homes, suggesting it was preparing to widen its offensive. The Israeli military also released a map carving up the Gaza Strip into hundreds of numbered parcels, and asked residents to learn the number associated with their location in case of an eventual evacuation. Qatar, which has mediated talks along with Egypt, said negotiators from both sides were still trying to reach a deal on restarting the cease-fire. The resumption of hostilities “complicates mediation efforts and exacerbates the humanitarian catastrophe,” Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said. In Israel, sirens warning of incoming rockets blared at several communal farms near Gaza, a sign that Hamas also resumed attacks, but there were no reports of hits or damage. The renewed fighting came a day after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Israeli officials and urged them to do more to protect Palestinian civilians. It was not clear to what extent Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will heed the appeals of the United States, Israel’s most important ally. Related coverage ➤ Wartime Israel shows little tolerance for Palestinian dissent Nearly 2 months into the war, many Israelis have no idea if their relatives are dead or alive Quote phkrause By the decree enforcing the institution of the papacy in violation of the law of God, our nation will disconnect herself fully from righteousness. When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power, when she shall reach over the abyss to clasp hands with spiritualism, when, under the influence of this threefold union, our country shall repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and republican government, and shall make provision for the propagation of papal falsehoods and delusions, then we may know that the time has come for the marvelous working of Satan and that the end is near. {5T 451.1} Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members phkrause Posted December 2, 2023 Author Members Share Posted December 2, 2023 Bombs are falling on Gaza again. Who are the hostages still remaining in the besieged strip? JERUSALEM (AP) — A weeklong cease-fire that brought the exchanges of dozens of hostages held by Hamas for scores of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel gave way Friday morning to resumed fighting between Israel and Hamas. As mediators scuttle between the warring sides in a last-ditch effort to broker another swap, questions emerge on who remains in captivity in the besieged enclave. https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-remaining-hostages-gaza-d760e0b30a5fc8bb29623ee350ce0668? Quote phkrause By the decree enforcing the institution of the papacy in violation of the law of God, our nation will disconnect herself fully from righteousness. When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power, when she shall reach over the abyss to clasp hands with spiritualism, when, under the influence of this threefold union, our country shall repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and republican government, and shall make provision for the propagation of papal falsehoods and delusions, then we may know that the time has come for the marvelous working of Satan and that the end is near. {5T 451.1} Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members phkrause Posted December 2, 2023 Author Members Share Posted December 2, 2023 Transformed Into Mist How to Read the Israeli “Kidnapped” Posters https://theintercept.com/2023/11/28/kidnapped-posters-israel-latin-america/? Joe Biden Moves to Lift Nearly Every Restriction on Israel’s Access to U.S. Weapons Stockpile By easing virtually all limits on Israel’s use of the stockpile, Biden could undercut U.S. military preparedness and congressional oversight. https://theintercept.com/2023/11/25/biden-israel-weapons-stockpile-arms-gaza/? Israel’s Insidious Narrative About Palestinian Prisoners The Israeli government narrative surrounding the Palestinian prisoners being released during this temporary ceasefire is both insidious and dishonest. Interior Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has banned Palestinians from celebrating their release. “My instructions are clear: there are to be no expressions of joy,” he said. “Expressions of joy are equivalent to backing terrorism, victory celebrations give backing to those human scum, for those Nazis.” He told Israeli police to deploy an “iron fist” to enforce his edict. https://theintercept.com/2023/11/26/palestine-israel-prisoners/? All the Times Israel Has Rejected Peace With Palestinians Israel has been widely condemned for its brutal response to the October 7 terrorist attacks by Hamas. With the coming expiration of the ceasefire, this will only become more vociferous. But many U.S. supporters of Israel have responded to the criticism with a question: What else is the beleaguered country supposed to do? https://theintercept.com/2023/11/28/israel-palestine-history-peace/? Quote phkrause By the decree enforcing the institution of the papacy in violation of the law of God, our nation will disconnect herself fully from righteousness. When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power, when she shall reach over the abyss to clasp hands with spiritualism, when, under the influence of this threefold union, our country shall repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and republican government, and shall make provision for the propagation of papal falsehoods and delusions, then we may know that the time has come for the marvelous working of Satan and that the end is near. {5T 451.1} Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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