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Sept. 3, 2024, 9:34 a.m.

Amid massive protests across Israel, Netanyahu rejects calls to reach cease-fire deal

SUMMARY

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said he would not join cease-fire talks over his demand that Israel remain in control of Gaza's border with Egypt. He spoke after thousands of workers walked off their jobs following a night of protests over his failure to reach a deal for the release of hostages. On early Sunday, Israel officials said they had recovered the bodies of six hostages captured during Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack that started the Gaza war.

View the transcript of the story.

News alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.

KEY TERMS

cease-fire — a suspension of fighting, usually so peace talks can take place

WARM-UP QUESTIONS

  1. Who is Benjamin Netanyahu?
  2. What recently caused Israeli workers to walk off the job?
  3. Where is Gaza's border with Egypt located?
  4. When did the Israel-Hamas War start?
  5. Why has Netanyahu decided not to join cease-fire talks?

FOCUS QUESTIONS

Do you think Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should have accepted the cease-fire deal? Explain your response. Learn more about the cease-fire deal here.

Media literacy: It is most likely very upsetting to hear such sad and devastating news. Who could you talk to about your feelings?

Alternative: See, Think, Wonder: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What would you want to learn more about?

FOR MORE

What students can do:

  1. Learn more about the 6 Israeli hostages killed by militants, including 23-year-old Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin.

Link: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/we-all-failed-you-heartbreak-at-funeral-for-israeli-american-hostage-hersh-goldberg-polin

2. The video segment above includes news of a polio outbreak in Gaza. Watch the first 47 seconds to learn more. So far six Palestinian children have died from the disease.


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