an astronomer with Arizona State University.

including CIA Director Bill Burnsmeeting the head of Israels Mossad intelligence agency.National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said of the American hostages earlier this week.

but it was scuttled at 11th hour.Hamas would release an unknown number of women and children.there has been a focus on roughly 50 civilians.

He said he was doing everything he could to ensure their safe return.the hostage issue has become increasingly politically-charged in Israel.

6 million Palestinians from their homes.

It remained unclear where those Palestinian prisoners would go if they were released.Hard-right members upset by the short-term extension that did not include spending cuts and who wanted the House to pass the appropriations bills individually moved to oust House Speaker Kevin McCarthy as their leader.

McCarthys ouster paralyzed the House from moving any legislation for three weeks amid Republican Party infighting over who should replace him.but later said Democrats would support it given its exclusion of spending cuts and extreme right-wing policy riders.

Only one Democratic senator voted against the measure.None have been passed by both chambers.