Congress Faces Deadline to Approve U.S. Aid to Israel and Ukraine as International Mediators Push for Cease-Fire Extension in Gaza

International mediators are pushing for an extension of the cease-fire in Gaza, which has halted the deadliest Israeli-Palestinian violence in decades, but is set to expire on Monday. This extension comes as Israel and Hamas prepare for a fourth exchange of militant-held hostages for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

When Congress returns from Thanksgiving recess this week, lawmakers will reignite a debate over approving U.S. aid to Israel and Ukraine. This debate is complicated by divisions between the two parties, as Republicans insist on enacting tougher U.S. border enforcement and stricter asylum laws.

Israel has said it would extend the cease-fire by one day for every 10 additional hostages released. On Monday, Sharon Hertzman and her daughter Noam, 12 years old, were released by Hamas after being held as hostages in Gaza for 50 days.

Along with a defense policy bill and reauthorizing the Federal Aviation Administration by the end of the year, Congress must also grapple with a two-part deadline to fund the government that could creep up on it sooner than expected. International mediators are pushing for an extension of the cease-fire in Gaza, as the clock ticks on the deadline for Congress to approve U.S. aid to Israel and Ukraine.