Operation Iron Swords (Updated to 1 p.m., December 19, 2023)
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.
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