WATCH: Here's what's happening in Israel today 

Negotiations for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas have reached a standstill. The first phase of an earlier agreement saw the release of 30 live hostages and the bodies of eight others from Gaza, leaving 59 hostages still held—up to 24 believed to be alive, according to Israeli estimates. A new proposal, crafted by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and tied to the Ramadan and Passover periods, was accepted by Israel. It stipulates the release of half the remaining hostages—both living and deceased—on the first day, with the rest contingent on a permanent ceasefire. The plan carries endorsements from both the previous U.S. administration and President Donald Trump’s current team.

Hamas rejected the proposal, prompting Israel to suspend all aid shipments to Gaza, halting food and supply trucks. The European Union issued a rare rebuke of Hamas for declining to extend the ceasefire and urged immediate talks to prevent further escalation. Videos circulating on social media platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, and Telegram show stocked markets in Gaza, aligning with reports that sufficient aid has entered to sustain the population for five months. Hamas, however, has labeled the aid suspension a “war crime.” In response, Israel’s government authorized the mobilization of up to 400,000 reserve soldiers through May 29, 2025, and discussions are underway about potentially cutting off Gaza’s water and electricity.

U.S. support for Israel remains firm, with Senator Marco Rubio approving $4 billion in emergency military aid and the Trump administration greenlighting nearly $12 billion in military sales since taking office. Concurrently, Yemen’s Houthi leadership threatened to target U.S. interests in the region if the Gaza conflict resumes and America backs Israel, despite Yemen facing its own humanitarian crisis, with 17 million people experiencing extreme food insecurity, according to the United Nations.

Druze Community in Syria Under Threat

In western Syria, the Jolani regime has imposed a siege on Druze communities, restricting access to food, water, and internet services. The Druze responded with force, killing two Jolani militants, injuring others, and reportedly detaining security personnel. The regime deployed Syrian army units in retaliation, heightening the conflict.

Israel, which maintains ties with the international Druze community, has intervened diplomatically and logistically. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved humanitarian aid shipments from Druze in the Galilee to their counterparts across the border, with dozens of trucks crossing via Quneitra. Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz also directed the Israel Defense Forces to prepare to defend Jaramana, a Druze village near Damascus, where Israeli drones were observed flying overhead on March 3. The Druze have announced plans to form a national army and forced Jolani personnel entering Jaramana to display Druze flags on their vehicles. While Syrian sources claim Druze leaders invited Jolani forces to reduce tensions, the armed resistance suggests otherwise.

Deadly Stabbing in Haifa

A stabbing attack at Haifa’s central bus station on March 3 left four Israelis wounded and claimed the life of a 70-year-old man. The assailant, identified as Jethro Shaheen, a 20-year-old Druze with German citizenship, was shot dead by security forces. Shaheen, originally from Shfaram, had returned from Germany with his parents months earlier. His father served in the Southern Lebanon Army, a historical ally of Israel, and Shaheen was known to have schizophrenia. Two of the wounded remain in critical condition. The motive remains unclear, with speculation ranging from mental health issues to external influence, given the Druze community’s longstanding alignment with Israel.

Regional Implications

The breakdown of ceasefire talks, the Druze standoff in Syria, and the Haifa attack reflect a volatile moment for the region. Israel’s military preparations, U.S. backing, and the Druze resistance signal potential escalation, while unanswered questions about the Haifa incident linger.