Operation Iron Swords (Updated to 1 p.m., January 2, 2024)
The IDF forces continued their integrated ground maneuver in the Gaza Strip focusing on the Daraj-Tufah neighborhoods in Gaza City and Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip, while the fighting continued against terrorist centers in the northern and central Gaza Strip. Senior Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) terrorists continue to claim that they have the upper hand in the fighting with the IDF.Regarding the issue of the hostages, "Palestinian sources" reported that Hamas waived the condition of a permanent ceasefire and agreed to release about 40 Israeli hostages in exchange for a 40-day ceasefire: The Hamas-controlled crossings authority in the Gaza Strip reported that since October 21, 2023, 5,294 trucks bringing humanitarian aid had entered the Strip. Senior Hamas and PIJ terrorists, as well as senior figures in the Palestinian Authority (PA), expressed strong opposition to the idea of uprooting Palestinians from their places of residence as a solution for "the day after." Hezbollah continues attacking IDF posts and concentrations of forces on the northern border. Over the past day Hezbollah claimed responsibility for three attacks . The Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility for a relatively large number of attacks on American military bases in Syria and Iraq.
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