The USA is increasing pressure against pro-Iranian militias in the Middle East. The militias act in solidarity with the Islamist Hamas, which is fighting against the army of US ally Israel in the Gaza Strip.
Meanwhile, thousands of people demonstrated in Israel to increase pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to do more to release the hostages. The more than 130 hostages have been held by Hamas for 120 days now. Netanyahu is accused of prioritizing efforts to free the hostages to his own political survival. Hamas wants to comment on a possible ceasefire soon.