Operation Iron Swords (Updated to 1 p.m., December 20, 2023)
The IDF forces continued their integrated ground maneuver in the northern and southern Gaza Strip, attacking more than 300 targets. The ground forces, air force and navy carried out simultaneous attacks, and according to reports gained control of the Jabaliya area in the northern Gaza Strip. The Palestinians reported heavy fighting. In the Gaza Strip Senior Hamas terrorists continue to reiterate their refusal to conduct negotiations without a comprehensive ceasefire. An "Egyptian source" said the American administration still believed that if Egypt and Qatar exerted greater pressure on Hamas, a new agreement could be reached. Trucks carrying humanitarian aid continue to enter the Gaza StripHezbollah claimed responsibility for two attacks, claiming one was carried out in response to the death of a Lebanese civilian. IDF forces attacked Hezbollah targets in south Lebanon. Israeli aerial defense forces intercepted a rocket and a UAV launched at Israel from Lebanese territory. A Palestinian attempted a vehicular-ramming attack. Meanwhile, the Israeli security forces continue their counterterrorism activities. The Army of the Nation in Jerusalem, a Salafi-Jihadi organization, operating in the Gaza Strip and affiliated with al-Qaeda, claimed its operatives were involved in the October 7 attack and massacre, and in the fighting in the Gaza Strip.
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