Greetings. Today is Tuesday, October the 31st, 2023. Welcome to the Daily Article podcast. I'm Chris Elkins,

narrating today's article written by Denison Forum co-founder and CEO, Dr. Jim Denison.

Israeli forces made a major advance overnight towards Gaza City, marking the deepest push

into Palestinian territory since they entered the Strip last week.

An Israeli soldier who was kidnapped by Hamas on October 7th was freed overnight during

ground operations as well.

Meanwhile, in a rare news briefing, Israeli Prime Minister

Benjamin Netanyahu ruled out a ceasefire in the conflict. He was answering calls for such

action from the United Nations and Amni International, among others. Critics of Israel's continuing

military action against Hamas are responding to reports from Gaza

health ministry that the death toll among Palestinians has already passed 8,000, mostly women

and minors. Many doubt the veracity of this organization's numbers since it is run by Hamas,

but the pictures of devastation in Gaza tell a tragic story of their own. We should all grieve the

loss of life in this conflict. However, Israel's military must contend with the fact that Hamas has

hidden weapons under hospitals, schools, and mosques, while disguising its fighters like civilians.

Their strategy is intended to escalate Palestinian deaths and provoke an

international backlash against Israel. Hamas's strategy appears to be working. So, should Israel seek a

ceasefire with Hamas? As I followed reporting on this conflict from a wide variety of sources and

viewpoints, I found a New York Times guest

essay by Dennis B. Ross to be especially informative. Mr. Ross served in the State Department

under President George H.W. Bush and was the special Middle East coordinator under President

Bill Clinton and has served as a special advisor for the region as well.

...