An American teenager held in an Israeli prison without trial for more than eight months will remain in detention for at least another week and a half, despite growing pressure from US lawmakers for his release.

Israel refused to release Barghouti among the 250 prisoners freed as a result of the Gaza cease-fire deal reached in late September.

Mahmoud Abbas, the president of the Palestinian Authority, clarified a succession plan after more than two decades in control. He said if he vacated his role, his deputy would rule for a short period until elections could be held.

Trump’s comment that he would “make a decision” on Marwan Barghouti’s case has prompted calls for him to press Israel to release the Palestinian leader.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized France's decision to recognize a Palestinian state, calling it "reckless" — French President Emmanuel Macron told CBS News the response was "excessive."

Israel's E1 settlement plan, as its known, would further divide Palestinian communities in the West Bank. One town in particular, Ezariya, would be hard hit by the settlement.

Israel’s military said Thursday that Palestinian militants handed over remains of two hostages, in the latest indication that the fragile ceasefire agreement is moving forward despite Israeli strikes on Gaza this week.

"This doesn't just concern Sami," said Sami Hamdi's wife. "It concerns everybody who values freedom of speech, everybody who values freedom of political expression"