Operation Iron Swords (Updated to 1 p.m., February 8, 2024)
The IDF forces continued their activities throughout the Gaza Strip, focusing on the southern region. A tunnel was discovered in Khan Yunis where the leadership of Hamas and several hostages had apparently stayed. The Palestinians reported on escalating attacks in the Rafah.After drafting their response, senior Hamas officials stated they were "flexible and open to discussion," and accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of wanting to continue the fighting. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for seven attacks during the past day. Three IDF soldiers were injured by anti-tank missiles and rockets fired at Kiryat Shmona and Biranit. In response, IDF aircraft attacked terrorist targets. Shots were fired at an IDF position near Nablus; the shooter was killed. No IDF casualties. IDF forces continued counterterrorism activities. A senior operative of the Hezbollah Brigades in Iraq responsible for attacking United States military bases in Syria and Iraq, was killed in an American army attack. The Saudi Arabian foreign ministry announced that diplomatic relations with Israel would not be established before the end of the war in the Gaza Strip, the withdrawal of IDF forces and Israel's recognition of a Palestinian state with the 1967 borders.
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