Amid stalled negotiations, Hamas and Israel exchanged deadly fire in Rafah, with Hamas rocket fire killing three Israeli soldiers and Israel responding by closing a border crossing and bombing Rafah, resulting in 16 deaths.

The article discusses the release of a propaganda video by Hamas featuring American-Israeli hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who was captured during an attack near Gaza and had lost his hand.

Israel repelled an Iranian missile attack using its advanced defense systems without any casualties or damage, showcasing its exceptional defensive capabilities.

The text discusses the current deadlock in hostage negotiations in Israel, with families pressuring the government for a resolution and right-wing MPs threatening to dissolve the coalition if the IDF does not take action in Rafah.

After six months of war in Israel, the Israeli military withdrew from the southern half of the Gaza Strip, marking a potential shift in strategy following the Hamas attack.

The article discusses the ongoing challenges faced by Israel, including pressure for a cease-fire, dissatisfaction with political leadership, and the emotional toll of conflict.

Minister Ron Dermer, a member of the Israeli War Cabinet, discusses the progress of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, focusing on goals such as dismantling Hamas's military capabilities, ending its political rule, ensuring Gaza does not threaten Israel, and returning hostages.

During the October 7 attacks by Hamas, 253 civilians and IDF soldiers were abducted, with 112 hostages freed since then.

Seventeen relatives of Americans who were taken hostage or killed by Hamas during the terrorist attacks in Israel on Oct. 7 are set to attend President Biden's State of the Union address, as part of a bipartisan effort by members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.

The text highlights the ongoing captivity of over 100 hostages, including women and children, by Hamas, with reports of brutalities like rape.

The article argues that the United States should stop vetoing ceasefire resolutions and instead condition its support for Israel on securing an actual and lasting ceasefire in Gaza.

This week's episode features discussions between Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber and IPF Atid Director Shanie Reichman on various topics including a potential upcoming Rafah operation, the status of hostage negotiations, strains in the Israel-U.S. relationship due to the Gaza war, and growing tensions on the northern border with Lebanon.

As the fighting between Israel and Hamas continues, there is growing doubt about Israel's ability to decisively defeat and destroy Hamas.

Hamas has taken dozens of American hostages in Gaza, marking the largest mass abduction of Americans since 1979.