Two staff members of Israel’s embassy in Washington, D.C., were shot dead outside the Capital Jewish Museum last night, according to police. Police say the suspect chanted “free, free Palestine” after being detained. The victims were named by the embassy as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim.
American and Israeli politicians have condemned the attack. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blamed the shooting on rising antisemitism and incitement against Israel. Israel’s ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter, said the couple was about to be engaged and the man bought the ring this week with plans to propose next week in Jerusalem. Police have tentatively identified the shooter as Elias Rodriguez, a 30-year-old from Chicago. The FBI says they are investigating the shooting as a possible hate crime and act of terrorism.
Meanwhile, in Gaza, a trickle of aid has entered the enclave after Israel’s nearly three-month-long total blockade of everything from food to medicine. The UN says it hasn’t reached those in need.
In his first press conference with Israeli journalists in five months, Netanyahu defended expanding the war, NPR’s Hadeel Al-Shalchi reports. He stated that his plan is to push all of northern Gaza into an area to the south.
The south is almost entirely destroyed and has very few resources. Netanyahu said he would be willing to end the war under the conditions that the hostages come home, Hamas lays down its arms, and President Trump’s plan is implemented. Trump’s proposal is to fully displace Palestinians from Gaza. In a statement, Hamas condemned Netanyahu’s pledge to Trump’s plan, saying it undermined Washington’s role as a “mediator.”