"Fernando and Louis – welcome home. I salute our brave soldiers for their bold action which brought about their release. Only continued military pressure, until a complete victory, will bring about the release of all of our hostages," Israeli president Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement.

The Secretary of State's remarks show America's allies and enemies alike that the country's policies remain rooted in seeing the world as they want things to be rather than how they really are.

IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari said that 31 hostage families were informed by the military that their loved ones have passed away.

An influential group of black megachurch pastors urged President Joe Biden to call for a ceasefire in Gaza amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. "For them to call for a ceasefire is Mr. Putin's message," Rep. Nance Pelosi told CNN.

I have been inundated by messages from friends across South Africa, and South African natives, ashamed of their government, assuring me the government does not represent the people, and that millions of South Africans stand in firm solidarity with Israel.