The Israeli Palestinian Conflict

The southern sector: IDF forces continued its integrated ground maneuver, focusing on Gaza City and a number of locations in the northern Gaza Strip. The forces uncovered more evidence of Hamas's use of the civilian population as human shields. Hamas is trying to minimize the IDF’s achievements by claiming that the forces have stalled in the places they entered on the first day of the maneuver and have been prevented from advancing. They also deny the IDF's claims that Hamas headquarters are located in hospitals. According to an unofficial estimate, since October 7, approximately 1,200 Israeli civilians and security personnel have been killed, 352 of them soldiers and officers; 239 civilian and military abductees are held by the terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip. Hamas often relates to the issue of the abductees and an exchange deal conditioned on a ceasefire, distinguishing between civilian and military abductees. The Gaza Strip: According to reports, the situation in the Gaza Strip continues to deteriorate and there are shortages of food, water and electricity. As part of the battle for hearts and minds, Hamas has recently been increasing the use of the term "Israel’s war of starvation," and claiming it is a deliberate measure of collective punishment against the population. Several dozen aid trucks will arrive in the Gaza Strip after they have been inspected. The exodus of foreign citizens from the Gaza Strip continues. Hamas: Saleh al-'Arouri, deputy head of the Hamas political bureau, who lives in Beirut, was interviewed and discussed the war in Gaza, Hamas’ situation and the aid and support it receives from abroad. He also called on the Palestinians in Judea and Samaria to start a campaign against Israel. The northern sector: Hezbollah continued to attack IDF posts and the cities, towns and villages in the Galilee. Hezbollah forces were reportedly being transferred from Syria to Lebanon and equipped with sophisticated weapons. Meanwhile, voices are he Read more...

The southern sector: After encircling Gaza City, the IDF forces began operating inside the city, focusing on Hamas strongholds in the Shati refugee camp, in the northwest of the city and the area of the Shifa, al-Quds and Indonesian hospitals. The operation revealed more evidence of Hamas' use of civilian compounds for terrorist activities. Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) continue claiming they have the upper hand, are prepared for prolonged fighting, and that most of the dead are civilians and not military “operatives” [terrorists] or commanders. In the meantime, sporadic rocket fire attacking Israel continues. So far, since October 7, more than 1,400 civilian and soldier deaths have been reported; 240 civilian and soldier abductees are still being held by the terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip. A PIJ source claimed Israel would be forced to trade 6,000 prisoners in Israeli jails for the abductees. The Gaza Strip: According to the Hamas-controlled ministry of health, the number of dead in the Gaza Strip stands at 10,328. The IDF continued to urge the population to evacuate the combat arena, while Hamas continued to prevent their exodus in order to keep them as human shields during the fighting. The Rafah Crossing was reopened for the passage of foreign citizens. The northern sector: Hezbollah attacks along the border continued. A barrage of rockets, unusual in number and range, was launched at the Haifa area. Hamas’ military-terrorist wing claimed responsibility for the launch. In response, IDF forces attacked Hezbollah terrorist targets in south Lebanon. Judea and Samaria: An attempted stabbing attack was carried out at the Qalandiya Crossing. IDF forces eliminated a squad of four Hamas operatives who were planning to carry out attacks in Tulkarm. Iran: Iran continues its efforts in the international arena to bring about a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The Iranian foreign minister has been operating on the diplomatic level in preparation for Read more...