Israel-Gaza Conflict Intensifies with Hostage Recoveries

Israel announced the recovery of the body of Idan Shtivi, a 28-year-old hostage held in Gaza for 693 days, in a joint operation with the IDF. Shtivi was kidnapped during the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, at the Nova music festival. This recovery brings the total number of hostages whose remains have been recovered to two. Israel continues its military offensive in Gaza, having launched the initial stages of a planned offensive to seize Gaza City. The ongoing conflict has raised concerns among the families of the remaining 48 hostages in Gaza, who fear for their safety and are demanding a ceasefire deal.

The US State Department has instructed its diplomats to refuse most visas for Palestinian passport holders, whether they live in the West Bank, Gaza, or overseas. The internal message, dated August 18 and signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, told all embassies and consulates to refuse nonimmigrant visas to 'all otherwise eligible Palestinian Authority passport holders' who are using that passport to apply for a visa. The sweeping refusal policy is among a slew of actions taken by the Trump administration to block Palestinians from coming to the United States. The restrictions come as a number of countries prepare to recognize a Palestinian state and the war in Gaza continues to rage.

The Israeli military recovered the body of Ilan Weiss, an Israeli hostage held captive in Gaza for 693 days, in a joint operation with the Israeli Security Agency. Weiss was kidnapped by Hamas during the October 7 massacre and was from Kibbutz Be'eri. His wife and daughter were taken hostage but released during a ceasefire deal in November 2023. The recovery is considered bittersweet for the Weiss family and others with loved ones still held captive. There are currently 48 hostages left in Gaza, with 20 believed to be alive.

Israel marked the one-year anniversary of the deaths of six hostages executed by Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The event sparked a renewed debate about the ongoing conflict and the fate of the remaining hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted on a comprehensive ceasefire that ensures the return of all hostages, while Israeli Opposition Leader Yair Lapid supports a full comprehensive deal to end the war. The Hostage and Missing Families Forum has warned that military pressure could endanger the remaining hostages.