The Israeli Palestinian Conflict

IDF forces continued their integrated ground maneuver against terrorist operatives, destroying terrorist facilities and locating large quantities of weapons in the northern, central and southern Gaza Strip. Palestinians reported fierce ground fighting and airstrikes, as well as the extension of the fighting to the Philadelphia Axis area (the border area between the Gaza Strip and Egypt). "Sources" familiar with the talks held by the Hamas leadership with the Egyptian mediators in Cairo said that the Hamas delegation returned to Qatar to consult with the [Hamas] political bureau regarding an Egyptian initiative for a three-stage hostage deal. UNRWA officials said that the area was now full of displaced persons and UNRWA shelters were full. They said that no place in Gaza was safe. Residents complained of having to move from one place to another. Hezbollah continued attacking IDF posts. Between December 21and 24, 2023, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for 19 attacks. An IDF soldier was killed by rocket fire. In response the IDF attacked Hezbollah targets in south Lebanon with artillery fire and airstrikes. Border Police fighters were attacked in Barta'a (west of Jenin); a female fighter was slightly injured.The Islamic Resistance in Iraq announced it had attacked the Harish gas rig and the city of Eilat. A Japanese-owned ship was hit in the Indian Ocean by a UAV apparently launched from Iran. After a week of delays caused by differences of opinion, the Security Council passed a softened draft resolution calling for urgent, immediate entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, and for creating conditions for a cessation of the hostilities. Read more...

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. Read more...

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. Read more...

The IDF forces continued the integrated ground maneuver in the Gaza Strip, with fighting in Jabalia, Shejaiya and Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip; there was also activity in Gaza City. In the southern Gaza Strip IDF forces continued taking control of Khan Yunis. Palestinian sources reported escalating intensity and accused Israel of attacking hospitals throughout the Strip. Senior Hamas terrorists reiterated that no negotiations were currently taking place and that any deal would be conditioned on a comprehensive ceasefire. Regarding the publication of the video in which three hostages were seen, Hamas claimed it was message sent to the Israeli public because "the Israeli leadership was indifferent and misleading the public" [sic].There were reports of aid trucks entering the Gaza Strip through the Rafah crossing and the Kerem Shalom crossing.Hezbollah claimed responsibility for three attacks, one of which was a rocket barrage attacking Kiryat Shmona in response to an IDF attack during the funeral of a Hezbollah terrorist operative.Houthi sources, responding to the United States plan to establish a multinational force in the Red Sea, claimed they would be able to deal with such a force and reiterated that they only operated against Israeli ships or those whose destination was Israel. Read more...