Newsletter
Newsletter Support JNS

Four hostages rescued from ‘innocent’ Gazan civilians

“Jerusalem Minute” with Middle East correspondent Josh Hasten, Ep. 21

Four hostages were joyously rescued from the hands of Hamas in another successful Israeli rescue operation. But almost immediately, the mainstream media flipped the script and focused on the Palestinian noncombatants allegedly killed in the attempt to save four people who were held captive for nearly nine months.

Were these residents of Gaza innocent? And do some of them continue to be complicit with Hamas in holding Israeli civilians hostage?

JNS CEO and Jerusalem bureau chief Alex Traiman and Middle East correspondent Josh Hasten delve into this issue and other pressing matters, including Benny Gantz leaving the Israeli War Cabinet; Blinken visiting Israel; and relentless rocket and missile attacks by Hezbollah in the north, many of which are endangering the environment with fires.

Don’t miss the up-to-minute news on “Jerusalem Minute!” Subscribe to @JNS_TV.

Alex Traiman is the CEO and Jerusalem bureau chief of the Jewish News Syndicate (JNS) and host of “Jerusalem Minute.” A seasoned Israeli journalist, documentary filmmaker and startup consultant, he is an expert on Israeli politics and U.S.-Israel relations. He has interviewed top political figures, including Israeli leaders, U.S. senators and national security officials with insights featured on major networks like BBC, Bloomberg, CBS, NBC, Fox and Newsmax. A former NCAA champion fencer and Yeshiva University Sports Hall of Fame member, he made aliyah in 2004, and lives in Jerusalem with his wife and five children.
Josh Hasten is a Middle East correspondent for JNS. He is co-host of the JNS podcast “Jerusalem Minute,” as well as the host of the JNS podcast “Judeacation.” He also hosts the weekly radio program “Israel Uncensored” on “The Land of Israel Radio Network.” An award-winning freelance journalist, he writes regularly for JNS and other publications. He is also a sought-after guest for television and radio interviews on current events in Israel, having appeared on CNN, BBC, Sky News, Fox, APTV, WABC, ILTV, i24News, and many others.
“If it’s something that families are attuned to, then I think it may be a good way to engage the kids on that level,” Rabbi Steven Burg, of Aish, told JNS.
“I was a little surprised at the U.K. to be honest with you,” U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House. “They should have acted a lot faster.”
“It is imperative that university administrators rise to the occasion to take a firm stand against antisemitism and racial violence,” Sen. Bill Cassidy wrote.
Organizers say the program will equip participants to “build lasting bridges between communities.”
Christina Valera Devitt is accused of grabbing an Israeli flag from a former IDF soldier during a 2025 rally confrontation outside the university’s stadium.
“Iran is the head of the snake when it comes to global terrorism,” stated Scott Bessent, the U.S. treasury secretary.