Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the military will take full control of Gaza, even as his government agreed to ease a months-long blockade by permitting limited aid into the territory. (Wall Street Journal)
The latest… Israel said it allowed in five humanitarian aid trucks on Monday, but experts warned that at least 500 are needed each day, calling the effort a “drop in the ocean.” (BBC, Reuters)
The leaders of the U.K., France, and Canada on Monday condemned Israel’s conduct in Gaza, urging an immediate ceasefire and greater aid access — and warning of possible consequences if it doesn’t comply. (JTA)
The U.S. shut down its Office of Palestinian Affairs in Jerusalem, effectively cutting off the main diplomatic channel between Palestinians and Washington — just as Israel ramps up military operations in Gaza that have killed hundreds in recent days, according to local health officials. (Guardian)
Miki Zohar, a top official in Netanyahu’s party, warned that Israel may annex parts of Gaza if Hamas doesn’t surrender control and free the remaining Israeli hostages. (JTA)
Adam Boehler, the Trump administration’s lead negotiator on American hostages, said Monday that “we’re closer than we ever were” to a deal with Hamas. (JTA)
Since returning home last week after 584 days in captivity, former hostage Edan Alexander has wolfed down beers and hamburgers and scrolled through Spotify, his mother said of his path to recovery. (AP)
The U.S. State Department is offering up to $10 million for information leading to the disruption of Hezbollah’s financial networks — particularly in Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. (Bloomberg)
Israel recovered thousands of documents and personal items belonging to Eli Cohen, its most legendary spy, in a covert operation inside Syria. Cohen, whose espionage work and death by hanging was dramatized in a Netflix series starring Sacha Baron Cohen, is widely credited with helping Israel secure victory in the 1967 Arab-Israeli War. (New York Times) | 