Operation Iron Swords (Updated to 1 p.m., February 18, 2024)
The IDF forces increased their hold on the Khan Yunis area while significantly damaging Hamas' Khan Yunis Brigade. They focused on Nasser Hospital, where according to intelligence, there was Hamas military activity and Israeli hostages had been held. Hamas claimed it had shown "flexibility" in its terms for a hostage deal but Israel sabotaged them. Hamas threatened to suspend the talks until aid was brought to the northern Gaza Strip.. Egypt continues to express concern regarding the movement of Gazans into its territory. Over the weekend Hezbollah claimed responsibility for 20 attacks on Israeli targets. Two of the attacks targeted Kiryat Shmona. Nasrallah gave a militant speech in which he noted the harm to civilians and assured Israel that Hezbollah had weapons capable of reaching Eilat. He also rejected any negotiations between Israel and Lebanon. A shooting attack was carried out at the Re'im Junction near Kiryat Malachi. Two Israelis were killed . PA Prime Minister Muhammad Shtayyeh participated in the African Union meeting held in Addis Ababa.. He met with South Africa's prime minister on the sidelines of the conference. The Houthis attacked two ships sailing in the Red Sea.
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