The headlines this week remind us of Israel’s determination to defend itself, the urgent calls for Hamas to release every hostage, and the crucial role America continues to play in this struggle. For Modern-Day Esthers, these stories are a call to stay informed, prayerful, and steadfast in our support of Israel.
As Modern-Day Esthers, our role is to bear witness, to stand against propaganda, and to pray: for the captives’ release, for Israel’s security, and for leaders to act with courage and wisdom.
Precision Strikes in Qatar
On September 9, Fox News reported that Israel carried out a precision strike in Doha targeting senior Hamas leaders Khalil al-Hayya and Zaher Jabarin. The IDF emphasized that the operation used accurate munitions to minimize civilian casualties. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made it clear that Israel acted independently and vowed to continue pursuing terrorists responsible for the October 7 massacre.
Read the full article here.
Rubio on Qatar and Hostage Talks
Reporting from Jerusalem, Fox News covered U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s announcement that the U.S. and Qatar are nearing a defense cooperation agreement. Rubio called Qatar the only nation capable of mediating between Israel and Hamas, but warned the window for diplomacy is narrowing to “days, maybe a few weeks.” He urged Hamas to disarm and release every hostage — words that echo our own prayers for the captives.
Read the full article here.
Trump Invites Netanyahu to the White House
According to The Times of Israel, Netanyahu announced that President Donald Trump has invited him to the White House on September 29. Netanyahu warned Hamas not to harm hostages during the IDF’s Gaza City operations, while Secretary Rubio insisted Hamas will only stop if defeated. Netanyahu also criticized Qatar’s support for Hamas and pledged to make Israel self-reliant.
Read the full article here.
Ground Offensive in Gaza City
The New York Sun reported that Israel has launched its “Gideon Chariots 2” offensive, with three IDF divisions entering Gaza City to eliminate Hamas leadership. Netanyahu told investors that Israel will become a “super Sparta” and urged them to “get on board.” Secretary Rubio added that the war could end quickly if Hamas accepts Trump’s proposal and frees the hostages.
Read the full article here.
Why Striking Hamas in Qatar Was Justified
David Harsanyi argued in The New York Sun that Israel’s strike against Hamas leaders in Doha was “long overdue.” He wrote that these war criminals had lived in luxury while masterminding terror and stealing aid. He insisted Qatar’s sanctuary for Hamas must end, and that only decisive action will free the hostages.
Read the full article here.
Qatar’s Long Role in Undermining Peace
Another New York Sun report highlighted how Qatar hosted an emergency summit to condemn Israel’s actions while documents show its long record of financing Hamas and sheltering terrorists like Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. Analysts said Qatar has undermined peace for years. President Trump, meanwhile, is expected to press Qatar to use its influence to force Hamas to release hostages.
Read the full article here.
America and Israel: Allies in the Fight Against Terror
Writing in Newsmax, former U.S. national security official Fred Fleitz praised Trump’s pro-Israel policies but cautioned Netanyahu for not coordinating the September 9 Qatar strike with Washington. He emphasized that Hamas leaders killed were masterminds of October 7, but said U.S.–Israel coordination is vital to preserve the alliance and achieve the shared goal of defeating Hamas and freeing hostages.
Read the full article here.
