Operation Iron Swords (Updated to 1 p.m., December 21, 2023)
The IDF forces expanded their activities in the northern Gaza Strip. In Gaza City, the IDF took control of the "senior Hamas terrorist quarter. In Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip IDF forces raided the homes of senior Hamas terrorists and exposed an extensive underground infrastructure. A barrage of about 30 rockets was launched at south and central Israel. According to an unofficial estimate, since October 7 approximately,1,300 Israeli civilians and security personnel have been killed, 469 of them soldiers and officers; 129 civilian and military hostages are still being held by the terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip, 16 of them women and children; 121 hostages have been returned to Israel.
Hamas refused to discuss the issue of the hostages until a comprehensive ceasefire had been reached. In Gaza Strip the situation of the residents was deteriorating, especially of the displaced persons.
Hezbollah attacks continued, including launching rockets at the northern cities, towns and villages. In response, the IDF attacked with artillery fire and attacks near the city of Sidon. The Israeli security forces continued their counterterrorism activities. The Houthis announced they were recruiting operatives to "help" the Palestinians and were erecting camps to train them. The debate on a ceasefire was postponed once again because of differences of opinion between the UAE, which had submitted the proposal, and the US.
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