Syria's new leadership appoints Murhaf Abu Qasra, a prominent figure in Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham, as defense minister in the interim government.

<p>Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel tweeted a response to Pope Francis' claims that Israel is acting with "cruelty" in Gaza: "Hamas uses children as human shields and targets innocent civilians on both sides. The Pope’s comments overlook the reality of Israel’s fight against brutal terror imposed on it on October 7. The responsibility lies with the terrorists, not with the state defending its citizens."</p><p>"In his continued attitude toward Israel, the Pope is undermining 80 years of rebuilding relations between Roman Catholics and Jews since the Holocaust, when the Vatican protected Nazis.</p><p>"He is destroying the reconciliation that Pope John Paul ll was so passionate about with the Jews. This is a just war as Israel still has 100 hostages left in Gaza."</p>

Erin Molan, a pro-Israel host who was fired by Sky News Australia, recently visited Nir Oz - one of the towns targeted by the Hamas invasion, which killed nearly a quarter of its population.

<p>Netanyahu said he would not agree to end the war before eliminating Hamas. 'We will not leave them in power in Gaza, 50 kilometers from Tel Aviv. It will not happen.'</p>

<p>Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar met with his Cypriot counterpart, Minister of Foreign Affairs Constantinos Kombos.</p><p>The two discussed the regional challenges facing Israel and Cyprus. "We both agreed on the need to ensure the safety of minorities in Syria, among them the Kurdish and Christian communities," Sa'ar stated.</p><p>"Israel is a pillar of strength and stability in this turbulent region. I look forward to strengthening the important Israeli-Cypriot relations in all dimensions," he added.</p>

More than six months after his sudden disappearance in the Ukraine war, the body of soldier David Strauber was located and community of Vinnytsia conducted a Jewish burial.

<p>The Palestinians are reporting that an Israeli drone struck a vehicle on al-Jala'a Street in Gaza City. According to the report, four individuals were killed and several others were wounded. </p>

<p>A suspect driving a stolen vehicle from Lod collided with a police car and ran over an officer at the Ginaton Junction. The officer who was moderately injured was treated at the scene.</p><p>Officers at a roadblock fired shots at the stolen vehicle. A short time later the suspect ditched the car on Route 40 and fled. Police are currently searching for the suspect.</p>