Israel and Hamas at War – Day 185

In a statement released on Monday by the IDF, it was confirmed that Ali Ahmed Hassin, a senior field commander equivalent to a brigade commander within the Radwan force, was killed in an airstrike.

Hassin was identified as a key figure in orchestrating attacks against northern Israel. The IDF outlined Hassin’s involvement in the conflict, stating, “As part of his role, he was responsible for the planning and execution of terror attacks in the Ramim Ridge area against the Israeli home front.”

The strike occurred in the town of as-Sultaniyah, located in southern Lebanon. Alongside Hassin, the IDF reported that two additional Hizbullah members, who were under his command, were also killed during the airstrike.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced a strategic shift in their approach towards operations on the northern border with Lebanon, signaling a move from defensive postures to offensive actions amidst escalating engagements with the Lebanese militant group Hizbullah. This declaration follows a period of intensified exchanges of fire between Israel and Hizbullah, which escalated in the wake of Hamas’ October 7 attacks on Israel, marking a significant moment in the ongoing conflicts with Iranian-backed groups.

The IDF has completed a crucial phase in its Northern Command’s war preparations, focusing on enhancing the readiness of emergency operational depots. This initiative aims to facilitate the rapid mobilization and deployment of forces to the frontline, equipped for combat within a very short timeframe. The readiness of both regular and reserve units has been emphasized, with commanders prepared to move out “within just a few hours.”

The IDF’s statement, issued in both English and Arabic, reveals a nuanced communication strategy. The Arabic version explicitly mentions the shift from defense to offense, contrasting the English version’s emphasis on “readiness for the transition from defense to offense.”

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that four soldiers were killed during a confrontation with Hamas in the southern Gaza Strip. This incident marks a tragic moment as the IDF commemorates six months since the outbreak of hostilities initiated by Hamas’ significant assault on Israel in October.

The soldiers, identified as Cpt. Ido Baruch, Sgt. Amitai Even Shoshan, Sgt. Ilai Zair and Sgt. Reef Harush was ambushed by gunmen emerging from a tunnel, highlighting the continued peril faced by troops in the conflict zone. Despite the dangers, including booby-trapped escape routes and RPG attacks, the IDF continues its mission to dismantle Hamas’ extensive tunnel network and counter its military infrastructure.

The ongoing conflict has exacted a heavy toll, with 260 soldiers lost in the ground offensive and a significant number of casualties reported on both sides. As the war extends into its sixth month, international scrutiny has intensified, particularly following an Israeli strike that killed several foreign aid workers, raising concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

In light of recent reports concerning Israel’s engagement in its conflict with Hamas in Gaza, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced his apprehensions regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in military operations.

Guterres highlighted concerns over the AI-assisted bombing campaign leading to a significant number of civilian casualties, sparking a global conversation on the ethical use of technology in warfare. This development comes amid rising global scrutiny following airstrikes that resulted in the death of several foreign aid workers in Gaza.

The utilization of AI in identifying targets was brought to the forefront by an investigation from +972 Magazine, which pointed to the Israeli military’s adoption of such technologies. Despite the Israeli military’s spokesperson’s denial of AI’s role in targeting suspected terrorists, the conversation has shifted towards the broader implications of AI in conflict scenarios, particularly in terms of accountability and the potential for increased civilian harm.

As the debate intensifies, Guterres’s comments underscore a pivotal moment in the intersection of technology and warfare, urging a reevaluation of the principles governing the use of AI on the battlefield, especially when civilian lives are at stake.

Israeli security forces, in a significant operation, disrupted a terror infrastructure planning attacks within Israel, targeting high-ranking officials and key installations. The Shin Bet Internal Security Agency (ISA) announced on Thursday the arrest of 11 individuals, including Arab Israelis and Palestinians from the West Bank, who were conspiring to assault locations such as Ben Gurion Airport, government buildings in Jerusalem, and IDF bases.

The operation, a collaboration between the ISA, IDF, and police, identified Rahat resident Bilal Nasasara as the cell’s leader, with recruits spread across Israel. The group notably plotted to assassinate Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir using an RPG in the Kiryat Arba area. Efforts were also made to secure backing from Hamas for their planned activities.

Central Israel, particularly Tel Aviv, experienced widespread disruptions to navigation systems on Thursday, with users mistakenly appearing as if they were in Beirut on programs such as Google Maps and Waze. These anomalies, less common in central regions compared to the north or near Gaza, have been attributed to the Israel Defense Forces’ (IDF) jamming of GPS signals amidst ongoing conflicts with Hamas and clashes with Hizbollah.

The timing of these disruptions coincides with the IDF enhancing its air defense and mobilizing reservists in anticipation of potential retaliatory actions from Iran following a strike in Syria. The attack, attributed to Israel, resulted in the deaths of several high-ranking Iranian military officials, intensifying regional tensions.

No official statement from the IDF regarding the GPS issues has been made. The situation has not only affected motorists but also impacted delivery and transport services, leading to warnings of potential delays from companies like Wolt and Gett.

The Biden Administration is currently deliberating over whether to proceed with an $18 billion arms transfer package to Israel, which would include dozens of F-15 aircraft, according to a Monday report from Reuters citing five sources familiar with the matter. This potential sale of 25 F-15s from Boeing Co. to Israel has been under review since January 2023, with the formal request pre-dating Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, during his recent visit to Washington, prioritized expediting the delivery of these aircraft, further indicating Israel’s eagerness to bolster its air capabilities. The move comes amidst escalating tensions not only with Hamas but also potential threats from Hizbullah in Lebanon and Iran.

However, President Biden faces pressure from various quarters, including foreign partners, human rights groups, and some Democratic lawmakers, to impose conditions on arms transfers, particularly in light of the high civilian death toll in Gaza. The Gaza conflict, which has seen over 32,000 Palestinians killed, has intensified calls for greater scrutiny over arms deals to Israel.

Gaza’s Health Ministry on Tuesday reported that at least 32,916 Palestinians have been killed and 75,494 wounded since October 7, a figure which includes deaths directly attributed to Israel but also incidents of rockets fired by Hamas or other Palestinian factions landing within Gaza and causing civilian casualties.

In contrast, Israel has provided its own account of casualties, stating that it has targeted and killed approximately 13,000 Hamas members inside Gaza since the onset of the war. However, Hamas’ lack of transparency regarding their casualties and the absence of clear methodology from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) for counting Hamas deaths further complicates efforts to determine the accuracy of casualty figures.

Despite these challenges, international agencies such as the WHO and the UN continue to rely on the Gaza Health Ministry’s data for reporting purposes, recognizing its credibility and well-developed data collection capacity. However, they also acknowledge the inherent limitations and potential discrepancies in casualty numbers, particularly in the immediate aftermath of attacks.

As Israel gears up to mark its 76th Independence Day, officials have announced that this year’s celebrations will be significantly toned down in light of the ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza and the persistent hostage crisis.

Transportation and Road Safety Minister Miri Regev, who oversees the national ceremony, confirmed that there would be no fireworks display this year. The steering committee responsible for the event is still deliberating on other aspects of the celebration, signaling a departure from the norm in how the day will be observed.

Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai said in a statement: “We can’t celebrate as usual on Independence Day as long as our hostages aren’t home.” He continued, “The State of Israel is in the midst of one of its most difficult hours, and it’s not a time for celebrations and fireworks. It’s time to focus on getting the hostages back and bringing quiet and security to the south and north.”

Accordingly, Tel Aviv will see a reduction in events, with the few planned activities being contained within neighborhoods, avoiding large central gatherings typical of previous years.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have officially concluded their operation targeting Hamas at the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. According to a Monday announcement, the operation—initiated on March 18—came to an end overnight, with all IDF troops withdrawing from the area.

According to the IDF, the raid was a strategic blow to Hamas, resulting in the capture of approximately 900 suspects. Over half of these individuals, more than 500, have been confirmed as terror operatives. Furthermore, the operation led to the elimination of more than 200 gunmen, including several high-ranking commanders from both Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

The IDF’s activities extended beyond the hospital raid. In central Gaza, an IDF attack helicopter targeted and struck a building identified as being utilized by Hamas operatives. Another structure, rigged with explosives and used by Hamas to monitor IDF troop movements, was also destroyed.

Additional IDF airstrikes targeted terror operatives across Gaza who posed an immediate threat to ground forces. Among those neutralized were a designated sniper and several other terrorists in various locations.

The Israel Defense Forces revealed on Sunday that the perpetrator of Thursday’s attack in the eastern West Bank was apprehended and taken into custody earlier that morning. 

According to the IDF’s Telegram announcement, “Muhammad Sadia shot and injured three Israeli civilians in a terror attack adjacent to the town of Al-Auja” before fleeing the scene. 

Sadia reportedly turned himself and the weapon he used over to security forces in Jericho, the IDF statement adds. He has since been transferred into the custody of Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security agency, for further questioning. 

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) engaged in significant combat activity, targeting terrorist factions and infrastructure. Notably, confrontations escalated around the Shifa Hospital in Gaza, where, according to an IDF statement, terrorists launched attacks against Israeli soldiers from within and surrounding the emergency room (ER) premises. The IDF reported the successful evacuation of civilians, patients, and medical personnel to alternative medical facilities, ensuring their safety amidst the turmoil.

Further south, in the Khan Yunis region, the IDF conducted raids in the Al Amal and Al Qarara districts. These operations led to the neutralization of multiple terrorists and the discovery of explosive devices and mortar shells, demonstrating the terrorists’ intent to launch further attacks on Israeli territories.

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) played a pivotal role in the offensive, conducting airstrikes throughout the Gaza Strip. These strikes targeted a plethora of terrorist infrastructures, including tunnels and underground missile launchers, which have been instrumental in the terrorists’ prolonged campaign against Israel.  Additionally, an IAF aircraft eliminated a terrorist cell detected in close proximity to Israeli ground forces.

The Israel Defense Forces said on Wednesday that at least 30 rockets were fired from Lebanon towards the town of Kiryat Shmona in northern Israel, killing one Israeli man who was inside an industrial building when it was struck by a rocket.  

The victim, Zaher Bashara, was not from Kiryat Shmona but instead came from the Druze village of Ein Qiniyye in the Golan Heights, according to Israeli media reports.  

Emergency responders at the scene disclosed that Bashara was already deceased when he was pulled out of the burning industrial facility. One other man in his 30s was also inside the building when it was struck but reportedly rescued unharmed, Magen David Adom ambulance service said.  

Bashar’s cousin, Dr. Majed Bashara, spoke to the press after his family members’ tragic deaths and disclosed that the man had been the primary breadwinner of his family and planned to propose to his partner soon.  

Bashar’s coworker at the Alon paper factory said that the staff is small and “very much like a family,” as most of the workers are high-functioning individuals with special needs.  

Lebanon-based terror group Hizbullah claimed responsibility for Wednesday’s attack, alleging that the rocket barrage targeted both Kiryat Shmona and a nearby military facility. The group stated that it was a response to an Israeli strike that killed seven people in southern Lebanon the night before.  

The IDF claims that last night’s strike on Habbariyeh was targeting a key military official from a group closely aligned with Hizbullah.  

Following the morning attack, the Upper Galilee Regional Council announced that the IDF had shut down multiple civilian roadways in the greater area. 

The Biden Administration is still in the process of evaluating whether Israel has breached international laws of war amidst ongoing military actions in Gaza, according to a statement from the State Department on Tuesday. Department spokesperson Matthew Miller highlighted that this assessment is part of a broader review mandated by a national security memorandum issued in February, which requires countries receiving US military aid to adhere to international law and ensure humanitarian aid access.

This memorandum, while not introducing new conditions on the use of US military equipment, obligates the administration to report to Congress by May 8 on the compliance of recipient countries with international humanitarian law. Israel, for its part, has provided written assurances affirming its adherence to these laws in its operations in Gaza, despite mounting international concern over the high civilian death toll and severe humanitarian crises resulting from its conflict with Hamas.

The administration’s scrutiny comes in the wake of Israel’s extensive military campaign in Gaza, triggered by a Hamas attack. The conflict has resulted in significant loss of life and widespread destruction, with over 32,000 Palestinians killed according to Gaza’s health authorities and extensive damage to the enclave’s infrastructure. The situation has led to a surge in calls for the US to reconsider its military support for Israel, particularly against the backdrop of the $3.8 billion in annual military assistance the US provides to its ally.

Israel announced the withdrawal of its negotiating team from Qatar on Tuesday, signaling a potential setback in the efforts to broker a peace deal and secure a hostage release with Hamas. This decision comes after Hamas reportedly dismissed Israel’s latest proposal aimed at ending the hostilities and facilitating the release of hostages.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office issued a statement expressing disappointment and frustration with Hamas’ stance in the negotiations. The PMO characterized Hamas’s rejection of the offer and its insistence on comprehensive demands—including an unconditional end to the conflict and a full withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) from Gaza—as evidence of the group’s disinterest in pursuing dialogue and resolving the crisis.

The Israeli government has firmly stated it will not acquiesce to what it considers to be “delusional demands” from Hamas. This stance is further reinforced by criticism of the recent United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire, which Israel believes has emboldened Hamas to maintain its hardline position.

Reports from Hebrew media sources indicate that during the negotiations, Hamas focused on the unconditional return of Gazans to the northern parts of the Gaza Strip without offering concessions regarding the release of hostages. This has led a diplomatic official to publicly question the feasibility of continuing discussions, given what Israel perceives as Hamas’ uncompromising and extreme demands.

Israel’s Foreign Affairs Ministry issued a rebuke on Monday to recent statements made by the Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, and a joint statement by Spain, Malta, Slovenia, and Ireland regarding their readiness to recognize a Palestinian state. In a post on the social media platform X, the Israeli spokesperson described these moves as a “reward for terrorism,” referencing the aftermath of the October 7 massacre by Hamas.

The Israeli official emphasized that recognizing a Palestinian state in the wake of such attacks sends a clear and counterproductive message to Hamas and other Palestinian terrorist organizations. According to Israel, it signals that terrorist actions against Israelis could lead to political gains for the Palestinians, thereby undermining the prospects for peace and stability in the region.

The spokesperson further stated that the only effective method to counteract Palestinian terrorism is through the unequivocal condemnation of Hamas for its war crimes, crimes against humanity, and sexual crimes committed during and after the October 7 attack. Israel calls for an explicit demand for the release of all hostages held by these groups.

Israel firmly believes that a resolution to the longstanding conflict can only emerge through direct negotiations between the concerned parties. The ministry’s statement warns that any steps toward the recognition of a Palestinian state would not only hinder the peace process but also escalate regional instability. Israel maintains that engagement in such recognition efforts detracts from the path to achieving a lasting resolution and contributes to increasing tensions in the Middle East.

The Israel Defense Forces announced on Sunday that their weeklong limited military operation at Shifa Hospital in northern Gaza is continuing.  

Although some international observers have protested Israel’s move into Shifa, the IDF upholds that the incursion into the medical facility is a security and tactical necessity, as the compound is being used by Hamas fighters to regroup and plan attacks against Israeli forces.  

According to the statement, of the 800 individuals detained by the IDF since reentering the sprawling hospital complex, at least 480 have been confirmed to be outright members of either Hamas or the Palestinian Islamic Jihad.  

Across the enclave, Israeli forces engaged with entrenched Hamas terrorists on the ground and in the air. Reportedly, Israeli fighter jets struck some 65 targets in central and northern Gaza over the last 24 hours, destroying tunnels and infrastructure.  

On the ground, soldiers from the Nahal Brigade raided and destroyed a drone manufacturing facility in central Gaza while engaging in small-scale firefights with Hamas gunmen across the area.  

In southern Gaza, Israeli troops destroyed a staging ground in Khan Yunis, while members of the 7th Armored Brigade allegedly killed several Hamas gunmen and destroyed a rocket launcher.

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken convened in Cairo, focusing on the Gaza conflict, with a strong push for a cease-fire and humanitarian aid. Amid escalating tensions, they discussed mediation efforts for a cease-fire and a prisoner exchange, aiming to address the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, particularly in Rafah. El-Sisi advocated for immediate aid delivery and a political resolution leading to an independent Palestinian state, while Blinken praised Egypt’s peace efforts and emphasized the need for ongoing collaboration to ensure regional stability.

Dutch authorities have detained an individual following an incident where a burning object was thrown at the Israeli Embassy in The Hague, according to police reports on Thursday. The nature of the object has not been disclosed by either the police or embassy officials and no injuries were reported. The incident is currently under investigation, details of which remain sparse.

This alarming event comes amid a notable surge in hate crimes across Europe following the escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza since last October. The Israeli Embassy, confirming the incident via a post on the social media platform X, expressed its concern over the attack, noting it as a reflection of the growing trend of hatred and incitement.

The Netherlands had previously increased security measures at the Israeli embassy following threats, underscoring the seriousness with which such incidents are regarded. This event follows a January incident outside the Israeli embassy in Sweden, where an object believed to be an explosive device was discovered, prompting investigations into a suspected terrorist crime.

The United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT) has released a comprehensive analysis based on high-resolution satellite imagery, revealing that 35% of buildings in the Gaza Strip have been damaged or destroyed in the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas. This assessment, which utilized images from February 29 and compared them with earlier data, indicates a significant increase in infrastructure damage across the territory.

According to the UNOSAT findings, 31,198 of the 88,868 structures assessed have been identified as destroyed, with another 16,908 and 40,762 structures classified as severely and moderately damaged, respectively. This is an escalation from an earlier assessment conducted in January, which showed nearly 20,000 additional structures affected.

“The governorates of Khan Yunis and Gaza have experienced the most significant rise in damage, with Khan Yunis seeing 12,279 additional damaged structures and Gaza experiencing 2,010,” UNOSAT says. “Khan Yunis City has been hit particularly hard, with 6,663 newly destroyed structures.”

Officials from 36 countries and various United Nations agencies convened in Cyprus this Thursday to deliberate on strategies to expedite humanitarian aid to the Palestinians in Gaza, utilizing a newly established sea route. The critical meeting included figures such as Sigrid Kaag, the UN’s senior humanitarian and reconstruction coordinator for Gaza, and Curtis Ried, the chief of staff of the US National Security Council.

With the threat of famine looming over Gaza, the international community is urgently seeking alternatives to land crossings for aid delivery, given the challenges posed by infrastructure limitations. In an attempt last week, one charity constructed a makeshift landing jetty from rubble to offload aid dispatched from Cyprus, while the US has announced intentions to establish a floating pier to facilitate these efforts.

A breakthrough in these efforts is the agreement reached with Israel, allowing cargoes to undergo security inspections in Cyprus by a team that includes Israeli officials. This arrangement is designed to expedite the aid delivery process by eliminating the need for additional screenings at Gaza’s offloading points, thereby avoiding potential delays.

The inaugural vessel under this new scheme left Cyprus last week, successfully delivering aid in Gaza, with plans for another two ships to set sail in the coming days, weather permitting.

Cyprus’ Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos emphasized the discussions on maximizing operational capacity, including the frequency of departures and the optimization of transport and distribution methods. The assembly also explored the establishment of a fund to coordinate this initiative’s operational activities, although Kombos clarified that this meeting was not intended as a donor conference.

Addressing the capacity for aid delivery, Kombos stated the goal is to dispatch “as many [vessels] as possible.” He also acknowledged the logistical challenges of ensuring that aid is not just accumulated but efficiently distributed within Gaza to meet urgent needs.

Israel’s Shin Bet security agency announced the arrest of Mahmoud Qawasmeh on Wednesday, a convicted terrorist implicated in the 2014 kidnapping and murder of three Israeli teenagers in the West Bank. The arrest occurred during a raid at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City on Tuesday.

Qawasmeh, who was previously released to the Gaza Strip under the terms of the 2011 Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange, has since been identified by the Shin Bet as a pivotal figure in Hamas’s ongoing terrorist operations, including orchestrating several shooting attacks against Israeli targets in recent years.

The 2014 incident, which tragically ended the lives of Israeli students Eyal Yifrach, 19, and Gilad Shaer and Naftali Fraenkel, both aged 16, stirred international condemnation and significantly escalated tensions in the region. According to the Shin Bet’s statement, Qawasmeh’s capture marks a crucial step in Israel’s efforts to dismantle the networks responsible for acts of terror and violence that threaten the peace and security of the area.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Wednesday that approximately 90 terrorists were killed and 160 arrested during a raid on Gaza’s Shifa Hospital. Before the ongoing conflict, Shifa was the largest medical facility in the Gaza Strip. Despite the war’s devastation, it remains one of the few partially functional healthcare centers in northern Gaza and has also provided shelter for displaced civilians.

The IDF stated, “Over the past day, the troops have eliminated terrorists and located weapons in the hospital area while preventing harm to civilians, patients, medical teams, and medical equipment.” This operation, which began in the early hours of Monday, involved special forces, infantry, and tanks, acting on intelligence that the hospital was being used by gunmen.

This is not the first time Shifa Hospital has been the focus of an Israeli military operation. A previous raid in November faced widespread condemnation after Israeli troops discovered tunnels under the facility, which they claimed were used by Hamas as command and control centers. Both Hamas and the medical staff at Shifa deny the allegations that the hospital has been utilized for military purposes or to shelter fighters.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed a cruise missile, launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, entered Israeli airspace from the Red Sea and impacted an open area near Eilat early Monday. This marks the first instance of a Houthi projectile reaching Israeli territory, distinguishing it from prior assaults where missiles and drones primarily targeted adjacent nations or were intercepted.

The missile caused no injuries or damage, with the Air Force tracking it throughout the incident, underscoring Israel’s robust surveillance capabilities. The IDF is currently conducting a thorough investigation to understand the full scope and intent behind this unprecedented attack.

Parallel to this, the Houthis targeted the MADO, a Marshall Islands-flagged liquefied petroleum gas tanker traversing from Saudi Arabia to Singapore. The attacks on March 15 and 17 aimed at the vessel missed, avoiding casualties and damage. Despite the Houthis’ claims of targeting American vessels, the MADO is owned by Greece’s Naftomar Shipping & Trading Co Ltd.

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira discussed strengthening Lebanon-Brazil ties and recent Middle Eastern developments in Beirut on Tuesday. Vieira condemned Israeli alleged breaches of international laws in southern Lebanon and supported Palestine’s full membership in the UN. His comments followed a tour that included Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Palestinian territories, emphasizing the Brazilian battalion in Lebanon as a symbol of the two nations’ robust relationship. Further, discussions with Lebanese officials focused on regional stability, Israel’s actions in Gaza and against Hizbullah, and the two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.

Qatar has expressed a “cautiously optimistic” view on the progress of Gaza cease-fire negotiations, the Qatari Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday. The optimism comes amid ongoing discussions, despite the departure of Israel’s Mossad chief David Barnea from Doha, where the talks were held. Technical teams will continue the dialogue, with the ministry highlighting the significance of resuming negotiations. However, spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari warned of the potential for disaster if an Israeli operation targets Rafah, a city on the southern border of the Gaza Strip, emphasizing the impact such actions could have on the peace talks.

On the 46th anniversary of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon, Head of Mission and Force Commander Lt. Gen. Aroldo Lázaro Sáenz urged Lebanon and Israel to cease hostilities and seek a diplomatic solution to their border conflict. Emphasizing the critical role of over 10,000 peacekeepers from 49 countries, Lázaro Sáenz highlighted their ongoing efforts in monitoring, de-escalation, and liaison amid rising tensions. His call to action focused on the importance of adhering to UN Resolution 1701, aimed at halting conflicts following the 2006 warfare between Israel and Hizbullah. Tensions at the Lebanon-Israel border have intensified since Oct. 8, 2023, after a cross-border exchange of fire that followed the invasion of southern Israel by Hamas forces on Oct. 7.

US and UK naval forces conducted 10 airstrikes on Houthi military targets in Yemen’s Hodeidah port city Monday, residents and the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported. The operation targeted the al-Jabbanah area and the al-Fazah coast, causing significant blasts in Houthi-held territories. This action comes amid Houthi assaults on Red Sea shipping, prompted by Israel’s military operation in Gaza. Despite no casualty reports, the strategic bombings mark an intensification in the efforts by the US-UK coalition to counter Houthi threats, which have disrupted crucial maritime routes and elevated shipping costs globally.

Israel’s security cabinet reportedly approved the dispatch of a negotiating team to Doha, Qatar, for indirect talks aimed at securing a temporary truce in Gaza and facilitating a hostage release. Mossad director David Barnea will lead the delegation, which is expected to arrive in Doha later on Monday. According to reports from Walla, citing a senior Israeli official, the team has been granted a “general mandate” to conduct the negotiations through Qatari and Egyptian mediators.

The negotiating team has requested a “significant amount of time” to improve the deal’s terms and present a viable outline for consideration. An official quoted by Ynet emphasized the importance of flexibility in the negotiations, stating, “We need to change the deal. It is important that we arrive with significant flexibility.”

The discussions in Qatar are set to address the key differences between Israel and Hamas, including the specifics of a potential Palestinian prisoner release in exchange for Israeli hostages, as well as the provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza. This initiative marks the first instance of Israeli officials and Hamas leaders engaging in indirect negotiations since the onset of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan last week.

In an effort to revive the stalled talks, Hamas has proposed a new three-stage plan to end the ongoing conflict. The plan begins with a six-week temporary cease-fire, during which 35 hostages would be exchanged for 350 Palestinian prisoners. This initial stage also includes the release of at least five female soldiers and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from strategic locations in Gaza to facilitate aid delivery.

The subsequent phases of the proposal outline a permanent cease-fire and the eventual lifting of the blockade on Gaza in exchange for the return of remaining hostages and bodies held by Hamas. However, Israel remains firm in its stance against a permanent cease-fire, insisting on continuing its efforts to dismantle Hamas post-agreement.

According to a report by Kan News on Sunday, Marwan Issa, the deputy to Hamas’s military chief Mohammed Deif, has been confirmed dead following an Israeli strike last week. Citing Palestinian sources, the news outlet revealed that Issa, who ranked third in Hamas’s command hierarchy, was targeted in the city of Nusirat, located in central Gaza. The strike, which aimed at one of Hamas’ terror tunnels where Issa was reportedly hiding, has led to his death.

The sources further disclosed to Kan News that Issa’s body remains trapped under the debris within the terror tunnel. In addition to Issa, Razi Abu Tomeh, a commander of a Hamas brigade, was also killed in the same strike, highlighting the significant impact of the Israeli military’s actions against the organization.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) had previously announced their targeting of Issa in a strategic move against Hamas leadership. However, immediate confirmation of his death was not available, and Hamas had not issued any statements regarding the incident. The IDF reassured that no hostages were present near the attack site, ensuring the operation’s precision.

In a subsequent statement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a step towards “complete victory,” referencing the successful targeting of Hamas’s leadership. Netanyahu’s assertion that the top ranks of Hamas are systematically being targeted underscores the ongoing efforts to dismantle the organization’s command structure.

Anti-government protesters intensified their demonstrations throughout Israel on Saturday evening, clashing with police and blocking major thoroughfares in both Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. These weekly protests, a recent fixture in Israeli society, are driven by demands for new elections and an urgent resolution to ongoing hostage situations.

Demonstrators attempted to block key junctions throughout the country, leading to physical altercations with police officers. In Jerusalem, demonstrators obstructed the intersection at Paris Square after poignant speeches from relatives of hostages held in Gaza. The situation escalated further in Tel Aviv, where protests advocating for both a hostage deal and electoral reform converged, resulting in clashes and a brief occupation of the Ayalon Highway.

The response from law enforcement was swift and forceful in both cities, with police employing horses, water cannons, and physical measures to clear the protesters, who had effectively paralyzed traffic. Despite the tense confrontations, only a handful of arrests were reported.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed the death of 19-year-old soldier Sgt. Itay Chen, previously held captive by Hamas since the terrorist organization’s assault on October 7. Chen, who bravely served in the 7th Armored Brigade’s 75th Battalion, was taken following combat near the Gaza border. For months, he was listed among the 253 hostages seized by Hamas, a group designated as a terrorist organization by Israel, the United States, and the European Union.

Chen’s death was determined by the IDF’s chief rabbi after analyzing new intelligence. His family, residing in Netanya and holding dual US-Israeli citizenship, is forgoing the traditional mourning period of shiva in anticipation of the return of their son’s remains for burial.

The Chen family’s ordeal has drawn international attention, with US President Joe Biden expressing his heartfelt condolences. Having previously engaged with the Chen family, President Biden emphasized the universal desire for the safe return of all hostages and reaffirmed his commitment to that cause.

Israel has initiated a humanitarian project to deliver aid to Gaza via sea from Cyprus, marking a significant effort to address the crisis in Gaza amid ongoing conflicts. A senior Israeli official revealed that preparations for this maritime route have been in the works for three months, aiming to gain international legitimacy for Israel’s actions against Hamas by focusing on humanitarian aid.

The initiative, set against the backdrop of a humanitarian crisis in Gaza following the October 7 Hamas attacks, involves coordination with Cyprus and inspection by Israeli security to ensure aid reaches civilians without benefiting Hamas. The project, supported by the World Central Kitchen and other international partners, seeks to establish a “maritime highway” to continuously supply Gaza with essential aid while also navigating the complexities of military operations and infrastructure challenges.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted two consecutive days of airstrikes targeting Hizbullah locations in Lebanon in response to the terror group’s significant rocket attacks on the Golan Heights. Initially, the IDF targeted sites in northeastern Lebanon’s Baalbek, after which Hizbullah launched approximately 70 rockets toward the Golan Heights, followed by another 30 rockets. Claiming responsibility, Hizbullah stated its attacks were in retaliation for the IDF’s airstrikes and claimed over 100 Katyusha rockets were fired at Israeli army bases. Despite the rocket barrage, there were no reported damages or injuries on the Israeli side, thanks to the Iron Dome air defense system intercepting several rockets.

The IDF’s airstrikes aimed at Hizbullah’s “aerial unit” facilities in Baalbek and later targeted rocket launchers used in the attacks against Israel. Additional strikes were carried out against Hizbullah command centers and infrastructure in response to the barrage of rockets. These operations marked a continuation of the conflict between Israel and Hizbullah, with both sides experiencing casualties.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), in collaboration with the Shin Bet internal security agency, launched airstrikes targeting Marwan Issa, the deputy military commander of Hamas, in the Gaza Strip. Palestinian sources initially reported the incident, later confirmed by an Israeli security official to Walla! News. Issa, a key figure within the Hamas hierarchy and the deputy to Mohammed Deif, head of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, has been under Israeli scrutiny for some time.

The operation, characterized by airstrikes and described as “unusual” by sources, aimed at reaching Issa’s underground location near the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. The success of the mission, while still under investigation by Hamas, could mark a significant blow to the organization, as Issa is considered the third highest-ranking official in Hamas’s military wing in Gaza.

This follows the elimination of Saleh Al-Arouri, another top Hamas official responsible for bridging efforts between the West Bank, Gaza, and Iranian proxies such as Hizbullah.

An Israeli airstrike Sunday targeted a vehicle in the village of Hebbariye, in southern Lebanon, killing three members of al-Fajr Forces, the military wing of the Islamic Group, and injuring another, according to Lebanese military sources. The attack involved four air-to-surface missiles. Following the strike, civil defense units and the Red Cross were reported to have moved the injured to a hospital. Al-Fajr Forces, a Sunni armed faction, has been active in recent military operations against the Israeli army from its positions in southern Lebanon.

Israeli authorities are set to charge over a dozen Arab citizens with plotting terror attacks on behalf of Hamas, a designated Palestinian terror organization. The Israel Police and Shin Bet security service unveiled the arrests following a comprehensive months-long covert investigation, revealing the suspects’ alleged plans to launch attacks inside Israel.

Originating mostly from Sakhnin in northern Israel, the 13 accused individuals reportedly acquired weapons through connections in the West Bank. The investigation into their activities gained momentum after the capture of Hamas intelligence documents by Israeli troops in Gaza, which provided crucial leads to the suspects.

Indictments are expected to be filed at the Haifa District Court, with two of the suspects, Muhammad Khaled and Muhammad Yousef, identified as the cell’s leaders, responsible for recruiting members and orchestrating the group’s activities. Among the seized items from the cell were four firearms, ammunition, and equipment, some of which were traced back to the Israel Defense Forces.

The arrests come at a sensitive time as Israel prepares for the Ramadan holy month amid escalating tensions and ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza. The Israeli police and Shin Bet have heightened their alert status, conducting additional arrests in East Jerusalem on charges of incitement and supporting terrorism.

Families of hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza took to the streets on Friday, blocking the crucial highway between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, aiming to pressure the Israeli government into securing a deal for the release of their loved ones amid reports of recent signs of life from the hostages.

As Israel continues to demand a comprehensive list of living hostages for ongoing negotiations, a debate has emerged among the families. The recent development has left some calling for intensified protests, fearing time is running out, while others advocate for patience to allow diplomatic efforts to bear fruit.

The demonstration saw protesters igniting tires and occupying five symbolic cages across the highway, a reminder of the cages discovered in Gaza tunnels in January, believed to be used by Hamas to detain hostages. The protest also coincided with International Women’s Day and brought attention to the 19 women still in captivity amid reports of ongoing sexual violence against hostages.

The protest prompted the Israel Police to redirect traffic, although they later reported that the highway was cleared and traffic flow restored. Despite this, the families’ message was clear: they demanded action from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging him to prioritize a hostage deal over political considerations and to sideline hardline opposition from within his government.

A delegation from Hamas departed Cairo on Thursday but remains committed to continuing cease-fire negotiations with Israel, according to an official statement from the group. Despite leaving Cairo for consultations, Hamas emphasized its dedication to halting the ongoing hostilities, aiding the displaced, and ensuring the delivery of relief to the people of Gaza. However, the progress towards a cease-fire has been hindered, with senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri accusing Israel of obstructing the efforts led by Qatar and Egypt to mediate a cessation of hostilities during the discussions that unfolded over four days in Cairo.

Abu Zuhri criticized Israel for not meeting Hamas’s conditions, which include ending the offensive in Gaza, withdrawing Israeli forces, and guaranteeing unrestricted access to aid alongside the safe return of displaced individuals. As of now, Israel has not issued any comments regarding these allegations.

The negotiations, involving representatives from Hamas, Qatar, and Egypt but excluding Israeli delegates, aimed to establish a 40-day cease-fire in anticipation of the upcoming Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. The proposal under consideration would potentially lead to the release of some hostages held by Hamas since the October 7 attack, during which Israel reported significant casualties and abductions. In exchange, Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody would also be set free.

Jamie McGoldrick, the UN’s humanitarian coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, sounded the alarm Wednesday over a severe hunger crisis in Gaza, putting countless children’s lives at risk. During a video link session at UN headquarters in New York, McGoldrick shared heart-wrenching details from his recent visit, including the tragic deaths of at least 20 children from starvation, highlighting the case of a 14-day-old baby. With “catastrophic levels” of hunger, he urgently called for an action plan that includes daily aid truck deliveries through a military access road to northern Gaza. McGoldrick’s observations from the Misq and Layan camps reveal the profound suffering of displaced women and children, with a significant number of toddlers facing acute malnutrition. The UN coordinator advocates for land deliveries as the most effective means to address the urgent needs of Gaza’s population, emphasizing the critical necessity for privacy, security, and basic hygiene in the camps.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced Wednesday the successful targeting and elimination of the head of Hamas’ rocket unit, Amar Atiya Darwish Aladini, in central Gaza. This operation, a collaborative effort involving Military Intelligence and the Shin Bet security service, aimed at disrupting Hamas’ rocket operations. Aladini, a long-serving member of Hamas, played a significant role in arming and launching attacks against Israel, including the assault on October 7 of last year, when he directed rocket fire toward Tel Aviv and other locations. The IDF also reported strikes on various Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad facilities in northern Gaza, alongside raids in Khan Yunis, resulting in the capture of 250 members from both groups and the confiscation of military gear. Among those detained were individuals implicated in the October 7 attacks, including leaders of Hamas’ sniper and combat units.

Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said on Wednesday they detained hundreds of operatives linked to Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad during a comprehensive raid on the Hamad Town residential complex located in the southern part of Gaza’s Khan Yunis.

The operation, led by the Commando Brigade’s elite Maglan and Egoz units, along with the Shayetet 13 naval commandos and Shin Bet security agents, involved meticulous building-to-building searches within the neighborhood. The IDF identified the high-rise towers in Hamad as strategic locations used by Hamas for its operations.

Among those captured were numerous operatives who surrendered to the forces, including a high-ranking sniper squad commander and two other key commanders affiliated with Hamas, according to the IDF’s statement.

In addition to detaining operatives, the Israeli commandos have confiscated a significant cache of firearms, explosives, and military equipment. Notably, the haul included scuba gear, hinting at the diverse operational capabilities of the terrorists.

Complementing the ground operations, the IDF’s 7th Armored Brigade has strategically encircled the Hamad area. Working in coordination with the Military Intelligence Directorate’s Unit 504, they have thwarted attempts by terror operatives to blend in with civilians attempting to evacuate the conflict zone.

To date, the IDF reports that it has captured a total of 250 operatives from Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Among the detainees are individuals implicated in the October 7 terror attacks and members of Hamas’ elite Nukhba force.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu determined on Tuesday that entry protocols to the Temple Mount during the forthcoming month of Ramadan will remain unchanged from previous years amid heightened tensions and concerns over security and religious freedoms in the region.

The decision, which aims to balance the preservation of worship freedom with security needs, specifies that for the initial week of Ramadan, there will be no new restrictions on the entry of Muslims from east Jerusalem and the West Bank to the Temple Mount. The number of worshippers allowed will mirror those of past years, ensuring continuity in religious practices during this sacred month.

This approach was reportedly recommended by both the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Shin Bet security agency in an effort to maintain peace and order. Subsequent to the first week, the situation will be assessed on a weekly basis, with adjustments to the entry limitations made as necessary.

Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s commitment to safeguarding the freedom of worship for all religions, particularly during the significant period of Ramadan and reassured that every effort would be made to uphold this principle while also addressing security and safety considerations.

Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant conveyed to the US special envoy, Amos Hochstein, the escalating threat Hizbullah poses to Israel, stating that Hizbullah’s aggressions are pushing Israel closer to military action in Lebanon. Gallant emphasized the critical situation during their Tel Aviv meeting, which also explored diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions, enabling some 80,000 displaced northern Israeli residents to return home.

This discussion comes as Hizbullah intensified its aggression, launching rockets and missiles into northern Israel, including a significant rocket strike on Kiryat Shmona, which, although causing property damage, fortunately, did not result in injuries, thanks to prior evacuations.

In Beirut, Hochstein noted that a full-scale war between Israel and Hizbullah would be uncontainable, but he expressed optimism about restoring stability in the affected regions.

On Tuesday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the successful destruction and sealing of what has been described as the largest Hamas attack tunnel discovered in Gaza. Initially revealed during their December offensive against the Palestinian terror group, the IDF has spent recent weeks investigating and ultimately neutralizing the tunnel.

This tunnel, stretching approximately four kilometers (2.5 miles) and reaching depths of up to 50 meters (165 feet), was part of Hamas’s extensive underground network intended for facilitating attacks. Despite its size and potential for vehicle passage, the tunnel did not extend into Israeli territory but was located dangerously close to the Erez Crossing, a key point for Palestinian civilians entering Israel for work and medical reasons.

Led by Muhammad Sinwar, commander of Hamas’s southern brigade and brother to the group’s Gaza leader Yahya Sinwar, the tunnel’s discovery has underscored the ongoing efforts by the IDF to combat Hamas’s strategies. The IDF’s approach included blowing up parts of the tunnel and filling the remainder with concrete.

US Vice President Kamala Harris is set to meet Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz at the White House on Monday for high-level discussions aimed at brokering a temporary cease-fire and enhancing humanitarian aid flow to the war-torn Gaza Strip.

According to a White House official, the talks, initially reported by Reuters, will cover a range of critical issues, including efforts to reduce Palestinian civilian casualties, secure a temporary cease-fire, negotiate the release of hostages held in Gaza, and increase the territory’s aid.

“The vice president will express her concern over the safety of the as many as 1.5 million people in Rafah,” the official told Reuters, adding that Israel also had a “right to defend itself in the face of continued Hamas terrorist threats.” Gantz, a key figure in Israeli politics and a former military chief, confirmed his upcoming engagements with Harris, US national security adviser Jake Sullivan, and bipartisan members of the US Congress.

The discussions will also touch on post-war planning and the revitalization of Gaza under the Palestinian Authority’s governance.

The meeting is set against the backdrop of the US military’s first airdrop of humanitarian aid into Gaza on Saturday, as the international community raises alarms over the growing humanitarian disaster in the enclave. With more than 30,000 Palestinians reported killed in Israel’s ongoing offensive and the UN warning of a looming famine, the push for a cease-fire has gained momentum. Talks aimed at a truce are expected to resume in Cairo, with delegations from Israel and Hamas anticipated to participate.

Five months after a harrowing attack by Hamas terrorists in Sderot, schools in the Gaza-adjacent city welcomed back students today. The step toward recovery comes after the terrorist group’s massive attack on Israel prompted the evacuation of thousands from their homes. Approximately 100 kindergartens, schools, and other educational sites reopened their doors, with officials from the Sderot municipality and the Education Ministry projecting a 60%-70% attendance rate, which is expected to rise to 80% within the week.

The attack on October 7, which led to the deaths of at least 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and included horrific acts of violence, prompted Israel to launch a military campaign against the Hamas regime in Gaza. In the aftermath, the IDF organized a mass evacuation of communities along the border, including Sderot, with evacuees housed in hotels and other accommodations funded by the government.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres praised the European Commission’s recent decision to allocate €50 million ($54 million) to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). This funding, highlighted by Guterres’ spokesman Stéphane Dujarric, arrives at a pivotal moment, contributing to the anticipated €82 million ($89 million) in support from the European Commission for UNRWA’s operations throughout the year.

The injection of funds is seen as a crucial boost for UNRWA, especially after funding challenges intensified following allegations that some of its employees participated in the Oct. 7 atrocities Hamas carried out in Israel. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini also hailed the decision, emphasizing the role of these funds in sustaining essential services for Palestinian refugees across Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and the Palestinian territories.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to the media on Thursday evening, addressing the ongoing conflict with Hamas and expressing condolences for the tragic loss of two Israelis in a terrorist attack near Eli’s entrance earlier that day.

Netanyahu conveyed his sympathy to the victims’ families, stating, “I would like to send my condolences to the families of those murdered in the attack near Eli. May God avenge their blood.” He highlighted the unparalleled level of operational freedom currently granted to Israeli security forces, describing it as “unprecedented since the establishment of the state.”

The Prime Minister stressed the strategic military goal of defeating Hamas, emphasizing the necessity of eliminating all Hamas battalions across the Gaza Strip to achieve victory. Furthermore, Netanyahu reiterated the paramount importance of securing the release of hostages held by Hamas, demanding transparency regarding the names of all living hostages expected to be released.

While discussing the potential for a deal with Hamas, Netanyahu maintained a firm stance against succumbing to the group’s demands, asserting, “It is too early to know if we will succeed in reaching a deal. We will not fold in the face of the delusional demands of Hamas. We are determined to return everyone, with or without a deal.”

Netanyahu concluded by emphasizing the strength found in unity, stating, “When we stand together, we are very strong. Since the beginning of the war, we have shown wonderful unity on the battlefield and outside it.”

The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip since the onset of hostilities with Hamas on October 7, 2023 has passed 30,000, Palestinian medical sources said on Thursday. Most of the fatalities were caused by airstrikes and artillery fire.

The Palestinian sources say the fatalities include over 12,600 children and 8,500 women, with more than 70,000 injured and 7,800 missing. Among the casualties are 340 medical personnel and 200 journalists.

The death toll among Israelis exceeds 1,400, including more than 800 civilians and 651 soldiers, with more than 10,500 injured.

Representatives from Hamas and Fatah are scheduled to convene in Moscow this Thursday, as reported by Russia’s RIA Novosti state news agency and confirmed by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, with the meeting focusing on establishing a unified government and the daunting task of rebuilding Gaza. This diplomatic effort comes on the heels of the Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh announcing his government’s resignation earlier this week, signaling a move towards greater political cohesion among Palestinian factions.

Shtayyeh’s resignation is viewed as a strategic maneuver to facilitate the formation of a broader consensus within the Palestinian political landscape, especially critical in the aftermath of Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza. In his announcement, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of the Palestinian Authority’s expanded governance over all Palestinian territories, including Gaza, highlighting the need for new governance frameworks to effectively address the post-conflict realities.

The anticipated outcome of these talks is the formation of a new, technocratic government. This interim administration, expected to comprise non-partisan professionals, would be tasked with managing Gaza’s reconstruction and preparing for future Palestinian elections. Hamas has indicated its support for such a government, advocating for an independent entity that transcends factional politics.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) shared footage obtained from the camera of a Hamas gunman on Tuesday. This footage, discovered following a confrontation in northern Gaza last week that resulted in the death of an Israeli soldier, provides insight into the group’s operational tactics as visuals from the video illustrate Hamas operatives creating an opening in a wall to facilitate missile launches and conducting surveillance on IDF engineering units and armored vehicles.

During an engagement in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City on February 20, involving the IDF’s Nahal Brigade’s 932nd Battalion, Hamas terrorists ambushed Israeli troops, leading to the death of Staff Sgt. Avraham Wovagen. In response, the battalion executed precise airstrikes targeting multiple Hamas cells, including those directly responsible for Wovagen’s death.

The IDF’s subsequent raid on the building from which the fatal attack was launched uncovered a significant arsenal of weapons, including anti-tank missiles, sniper rifles, and handguns. Among the recovered items was a camera abandoned by the Hamas fighters. The IDF stated that the footage captured on this device exposes the terrorists’ anti-tank missile firing techniques and their overall combat strategy in the vicinity.

The Israel Defense Forces noticed that hundreds of terrorist operatives in the Gaza Strip had suddenly activated Israeli SIMs on their phones around midnight on Oct. 6, but did not consider that to be a sign of an imminent planned attack, the military censor has cleared for publication.

Hamas launched its attack hours later, at 6:30 am on Oct. 7, sending more than 3,000 terrorists into Israel, where they slaughtered over 1,200 people, injured thousands more, and kidnapped over 240 people, including elderly people and young children, back to Gaza.

It is believed that having Israeli SIMs gave the terrorists better communication abilities during the attack.

According to the details permitted for publication, IDF officials believed that the activation of the Israeli SIMs meant that Hamas was planning to carry out an exercise and was not seen as a harbinger of a definite attack.

The IDF censor allowed some details of the incident to be published after it was leaked on an Israeli news broadcast on Sunday. The IDF has not verified the report.

It has previously been reported that multiple warnings and reports from IDF surveillance personnel of unusual activity in Gaza in the days and weeks before the attack were ignored or dismissed by senior officials.

An IDF probe initiated by IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi is set to begin at the end of the month to look into the military’s operational failures before, during, and after the attack. It will not examine government policies so as to avoid a conflict with political leaders, who have insisted that any investigation should wait until after the end of the war.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told US news channels that Israel will certainly invade Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip to root out Hamas, but that it has a plan to evacuate the million-plus civilians sheltering there.

Speaking on the “Fox and Friends” morning show on Fox News on Monday, Netanyahu said that Israel has a plan to evacuate the civilians there ahead of an operation in Rafah.

“We do have a combined plan of evacuating civilians out of harm’s way and destroying those [Hamas] battalions,” he said. “We’ll get the population out. … They’ll have the opportunity to leave.”

Netanyahu poured cold water on the recent talk of a pending hostage deal, saying that Hamas is still making “outlandish demands” and needs to “come back to reality.”

He also emphasized that despite international pressure, Israelis are “united as never before in saying that what we will not accept is a Palestinian state that endangers Israel.”

Earlier, appearing on CBS’s “Face the Nation,” Netanyahu said that Israel is committed to defeating Hamas while causing as little harm as possible to civilians.

About an Israeli operation in Rafah, Netanyahu said, “If we have a deal [for the release of the Israeli hostages], it will be delayed somewhat, but it will happen. If we don’t have a deal, we’ll do it anyway.”

Tel Aviv police resorted to water cannons and mounted units to disperse Saturday night’s demonstrators on Kaplan Street, despite the protesters adhering to the legally sanctioned route. The assembly, vocal in its opposition to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was met with an assertive crackdown by the authorities.

Captured video footage shows mounted officers pushing back the crowd as they tried to progress towards Democracy Square, their chants against the Prime Minister echoing through the city. “You are in charge; you are guilty,”

The protests have become a nationwide phenomenon, driven by a myriad of grievances, including demands for a resolution to the ongoing hostage crisis and broader discontent with Netanyahu’s administration. In a significant turnout at Caesarea, near Netanyahu’s private residence, demonstrators called for accountability and change, with some accusing the Prime Minister of playing a role in the failures leading to the October 7 Hamas massacre..

China has approached the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for a legal perspective on Israel’s presence in the Palestinian territories, citing concerns over the duration and nature of the situation. In a statement to the court based in The Hague, Netherlands, Ma Xinmin, a legal adviser from China’s Foreign Ministry, stressed the importance of addressing the issue, which has persisted for over five decades without resolution regarding its legality and the question of sovereignty over the territories in question.

This action is part of a wider initiative by Palestinian officials to involve global legal frameworks in scrutinizing the situation, gaining momentum, particularly after the events of October 7. The ICJ, as the UN’s primary judicial organ, has been tasked with providing a non-binding advisory opinion on the matter following a request from the UN General Assembly in 2022.

The current hearings, drawing input from more than fifty states, aim to assess the international legal standing of Israel’s presence in the territories. Israel has chosen not to participate, citing concerns that the proceedings might detract from the potential for a negotiated peace agreement.

Palestinian representatives at the court have proposed that a declaration by the ICJ regarding the alleged occupation could facilitate a move towards a two-state solution. A decision from the judges is anticipated within six months and is expected to contribute to the ongoing dialogue and potential resolution of the conflict.

Switzerland on Wednesday announced plans to ban Hamas following the group’s attacks in Israel last year, which resulted in nearly 1,200 deaths and triggered a war in Gaza. The decision comes after the October 7 attacks, which claimed the lives of two Swiss citizens and led to the taking of nearly 250 hostages. The Israeli military’s subsequent assault on Gaza resulted in more than 29,000 Palestinian deaths, with more casualties feared among the wreckage. The Swiss legislation aims to prevent Hamas from using Switzerland as a base or for carrying out attacks, facilitating easier entry bans and expulsions of Hamas supporters, and combating terrorist financing by enhancing information exchange with international anti-money laundering authorities. The proposed law, now in a consultation phase, will have a five-year limit.

After nearly three weeks of suspension due to escalating violence and internal conflict, humanitarian efforts have once again penetrated the northern Gaza Strip, bringing essential supplies to the enclave.

Trucks filled with crucial supplies made their way to the al-Rashid area on Tuesday, marking the first significant influx of aid for the region. Gazans have been facing severe shortages, and footage has circulated of residents hastily gathering to secure bags of flour and other necessities.

However, reports indicated that desperation for aid led to panic and fear among the residents. Videos have populated social media showing chaotic scenes at distribution points in Gaza City, where—amid the scramble for supplies—there seem to be gunshots.

Despite the delivery of over 175,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Gaza since the onset of the conflict with Hamas, including food, medical supplies, and shelter materials, the distribution process has been anything but smooth, with instances of clashes at aid distribution sites and even sightings of armed individuals atop aid trucks in Rafah.

The UK’s Prince William has publicly called for an end to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, highlighting the significant human toll and the urgent need for peace. In a rare move for a British royal, the heir to the throne emphasized the necessity of humanitarian aid access to Gaza and the release of hostages by Hamas.

“I remain deeply concerned about the terrible human cost of the conflict in the Middle East since the Hamas terrorist attack on 7 October. Too many have been killed,” the prince said.

Israeli spokesman Eylon Levy responded, saying, “Israelis of course want to see an end to the fighting as soon as possible, and that will be possible once the 134 hostages are released, and once the Hamas terror army threatening to repeat the October 7 atrocities is dismantled.”

Since his 2018 visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories, Prince William has closely monitored the region. His commitment to peace and humanitarian support was underscored during a recent visit to the British Red Cross and will continue with his planned visit to a synagogue to discuss combating antisemitism amid rising cases in Britain.

In a recent interview with Kan radio, Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated that securing the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza is crucial but “not the most important thing” amid the conflict. Smotrich, leader of the far-right Religious Zionism party, emphasized that the primary objective should be to dismantle Hamas, especially in the wake of the October 7 terror attacks on Israel’s south. While acknowledging the importance of freeing the 134 captives, some of whom are no longer alive, he cautioned against pursuing their release “at any cost.”

Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi issued a strong message to troops on Tuesday, emphasizing the ethical conduct of war. Amidst the brutal war that has unfolded since Hamas’ October 7 attack, Halevi’s directive serves as a reminder of the IDF’s commitment to distinguishing itself from the enemy’s tactics through humane actions and professional integrity.

Lt. Gen. Halevi’s communication comes as Israel’s military campaign against Hamas in the Gaza Strip marks its fifth month. The conflict, triggered by a devastating attack by Hamas terrorists, has seen Israel undertake a comprehensive military operation to dismantle Hamas’ capabilities and secure the release of hostages. With 130 hostages still held, the IDF’s mission remains critically challenging.

The chief of staff’s letter explicitly states the IDF’s stance against being on a “killing spree” or engaging in revenge or genocide, countering narratives that have gained attention internationally. This declaration is particularly poignant following reports of inappropriate conduct by some IDF soldiers, which have drawn criticism and raised questions about the moral compass guiding Israel’s military operations.

The head of Israel’s Shin Bet security service, Ronen Bar, reportedly cautioned ministers about the potential for Israel’s conflict with Hamas to escalate into a religious war if access to the Al-Aqsa compound is restricted during Ramadan. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, following proposals by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, considered imposing age and quota limits on visits to the holy site. Bar warned such measures could incite anger among Arab Israelis and play into Hamas’ narrative, risking a shift in the conflict’s nature.

Despite differing opinions within the security establishment, with some police—but not Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai—partially supporting the restrictions, the Shin Bet security agency and IDF opposed them, highlighting the need to maintain the war’s focus solely on Hamas. The upcoming month of Ramadan, a period of heightened religious fervor, has Israeli officials concerned about potential increases in tension.

Netanyahu’s office described the proposed restrictions as balancing religious freedom with necessary security measures, yet the idea faces opposition from various security and legal quarters. Defense Minister Gallant and IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi expressed concerns about the strategic implications of such restrictions, emphasizing the importance of considering their broader impact.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Monday his plans to introduce legislation reinforcing Israel’s rejection of international efforts to establish a Palestinian state. This move follows unanimous cabinet support, reflecting Israel’s longstanding resistance to what Netanyahu describes as “international diktats” promoting Palestinian statehood. According to Netanyahu, such initiatives pose a threat to Israel’s existence, a stance he has consistently held and acted upon throughout his political career.

Amid ongoing conflict in Gaza with Hamas, Israel finds itself under increased international pressure, with Netanyahu singling out attempts to unilaterally establish a Palestinian state as particularly unacceptable. The prime minister’s proposal, mirroring the cabinet’s decision, articulates Israel’s firm opposition to any form of unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state, labeling it a direct reward for terrorism and a potential obstacle to future peace agreements.

The legislation, expected to gain broad support in the Knesset, aims to showcase a unified stance within Israel against the imposition of a Palestinian state by international forces. Netanyahu’s declaration underscores his belief in maintaining complete security control over territories west of the Jordan River, including both Gaza and the West Bank, as essential to Israel’s security and sovereignty.

This development comes in the context of reports that the US and several Arab nations were formulating a comprehensive peace plan, which includes a timeline for the establishment of a Palestinian state. US Ambassador Jack Lew emphasized a vision for a demilitarized Palestinian state through negotiation and normalization efforts, particularly with Saudi Arabia.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Monday released footage showcasing the urgent situation of Shiri Bibas and her two young children, Ariel and Kfir, surrounded by gunmen in the Gaza Strip. Captured on October 7 by Hamas-led terrorists, this video marks the first visual confirmation of the family’s condition since their abduction. The footage, obtained from surveillance cameras in Khan Yunis, depicts a harrowing scene of Bibas clutching her children, aged 4 years and 9 months, respectively, during the initial hours of their capture.

During a press conference, IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari expressed grave concerns for the family’s safety, indicating the army’s limited information on their status but affirmed relentless efforts to gather more intelligence. Despite Hamas’ claims of the family’s demise in an IDF strike, these assertions remain unverified.

Both the family and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have described the footage as “heartbreaking,” with Netanyahu vowing to bring the kidnappers to justice. The IDF’s recent acquisition of the video from a Khan Yunis military post linked to the Mujahideen Brigades terror group has been shared with the Bibas family, echoing a collective demand for the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas.

Many of the over 100 Israeli hostages still being held by Hamas are in the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, Israel’s hostages and missing persons coordinator, Gal Hirsch, said in an interview with CNN over the weekend.

Hirsch said that an Israeli offensive on Rafah, where more than 1.3 million Gazans have taken refuge, is “next, of course,” but that Israeli forces are moral and would “do everything to avoid possible damage.”

“In Rafah, there are many hostages and many, many terror groups; actually Hamas is still there. … Rafah must be next, because we must release the hostages,” Hirsch said.

His words were echoed by war cabinet member and former Israel Defense Forces chief of staff Benny Gantz, who said that if the hostages are not released by the time the Muslim holiday of Ramadan begins on March 10, Israel would push into Rafah.

“The world must know, and Hamas leaders must know, if by Ramadan our hostages are not home, the fighting will continue everywhere, to include the Rafah area,” Gantz said.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Sunday the killing of dozens of Hamas operatives in a series of operations conducted over the past day. These actions come amid ongoing special forces’ efforts to comb through major facilities, including a prominent hospital in the region.

The IDF reported that its troops, specifically from the 98th Division, launched targeted raids against Hamas positions in southern Gaza’s Khan Yunis. These operations resulted in the elimination of gunmen and the discovery of weapon caches. The 7th Armored Brigade of the division further intensified the assault by employing tank shelling and coordinated airstrikes in western Khan Yunis, leading to the death of approximately 20 Hamas operatives.

Additionally, the IDF carried out a sequence of airstrikes in the city, claiming the lives of another 15 Hamas members and obliterating a weapons depot. The military’s focus also extended to Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, where the Commando Brigade and other special forces units are diligently searching for hidden arms, following intelligence reports that hostages had been held there. The IDF’s search efforts have yielded significant results, with over 100 terror suspects detained and various weapons uncovered within the medical facility.

Adjacent to the hospital, IDF commandos engaged and neutralized several Hamas gunmen, confiscating an array of safes and armaments in the process. Meanwhile, in central Gaza, the Nahal Brigade’s operations have led to the death of at least 10 Hamas operatives, further bolstered by supporting airstrikes.

A senior Hizbullah commander, Ali Muhammad al-Debas, was killed in southern Lebanon, reportedly by an Israeli drone. Lebanese sources claim al-Debas played a pivotal role in coordinating activities with Palestinian terror groups.

The incident was first reported by Al-Manar, a media outlet owned by Hizbullah, which stated that an Israeli drone had fired three missiles at a target in southern Lebanon. This targeted strike comes against the backdrop of heightened warnings from Hizbullah following a series of airstrikes by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

These military actions by the IDF were in response to recent rocket and missile attacks that led to the tragic death of Staff Sergeant Omer Sarah Benjo and left 10 others wounded on Wednesday.

Hizbullah, Iran’s proxy in Lebanon, has vowed to retaliate after two Israeli airstrikes hit a city and a village in southern Lebanon yesterday.

Israel launched the strikes after a Hizbullah rocket attack earlier on Wednesday hit a military base in the northern Israeli city of Safed, killing one soldier and injuring eight others.

Lebanese news reports said that the Israeli retaliatory strikes killed at least 10 civilians. The reports said that seven members of one family, including several children, were killed in a building that was hit in the city of Nabatiyeh, and a woman and her two young children were killed in the village of Souaneh.

Three or four Hizbullah fighters were also reportedly killed in the strikes. A Hizbullah spokesman said that the Israeli strikes “cannot pass without a response.”

Hizbullah has been firing numerous rockets and drones at Israel since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war on Oct. 7, and has said it will not stop until there is a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip. Tens of thousands of Israelis have been evacuated and displaced from their homes in northern Israel for months, preventing mass casualties, but property damage has been significant, with an estimated 500 houses destroyed in towns and communities in northern Israel.

Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hizbullah, announced on Tuesday that the Lebanon-based organization will not cease its attacks on Israel until the latter ends its military operations in the Gaza Strip. This declaration comes amidst ongoing hostilities that have seen Hizbullah engaging in cross-border shelling in solidarity with Hamas, which initiated a significant attack on Israel on October 7, leading to the death of approximately 1,200 Israelis and the abduction of 253 individuals into Gaza.

Nasrallah, in a televised address, stated that Hizbullah’s offensive measures in the north would halt only with a comprehensive cease-fire in Gaza. He criticized international diplomatic efforts to quell the violence along the Lebanon-Israel border, suggesting they disproportionately favor Israel’s security.

Recent weeks have seen visits by foreign dignitaries, including the foreign ministers of France, Britain, and the United States’ senior envoy Amos Hochstein, to Lebanon, attempting to mediate an end to the conflict. France reportedly proposed a plan requiring Hizbullah and other fighters to withdraw from the border area, which Nasrallah dismissed for failing to address Hizbullah’s concerns and focusing solely on Israel’s security.

A barrage of rockets launched from Lebanon struck the northern Israeli city of Safed and a nearby army base on Wednesday, resulting in one fatality and eight injuries. The attack targeted the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Northern Command headquarters in Safed, located approximately 13 kilometers (8 miles) from the Lebanon border, as well as the city’s industrial zone and vicinity near Ziv Hospital.

The IDF has attributed the assault to numerous rocket launches crossing from Lebanon, specifically targeting areas such as Netua, Menara, and the IDF base in northern Israel. In response, Israeli forces have initiated strikes on the launch sites. Although there was no immediate claim of responsibility, the attack is believed to be the work of Hizbullah.

Medical officials confirmed the casualties, reporting the death of an Israeli woman and injuries ranging from light to serious among the eight wounded. Ziv Hospital is providing care for the victims, with one individual in serious condition.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported on Tuesday the neutralization of dozens of Hamas operatives, particularly focusing on the Khan Yunis region. According to a morning briefing by the IDF, the past 24 hours have seen intense military operations against Hamas, with the 7th Armored Brigade achieving notable successes in the western part of Khan Yunis.

The IDF’s statement detailed that over 30 Hamas members were killed by the 7th Armored Brigade as Israeli troops worked to strengthen their hold on the area, signifying a strategic push to “deepen operational control.” This operation also saw the Paratroopers Brigade engaging enemy combatants attempting to blend in with civilians, a tactic that resulted in the elimination of two Hamas operatives after they posed a direct threat to IDF forces.

In a separate engagement, the IDF’s Border Defense Corps’ 414th Combat Intelligence Collection Unit identified and targeted a group of Hamas operatives transporting explosive materials on a motorcycle in western Khan Yunis, culminating in an airstrike against the cell. Further IDF actions included strikes on two weapons storage facilities within residential areas, pinpointing the homes of identified Hamas terrorists.

Moving to central Gaza, the IDF reports that the Nahal Brigade was active in countering Hamas operations, eliminating approximately 10 operatives. Among these, a cell was detected preparing for an anti-tank missile launch, underscoring the breadth of the IDF’s operational scope and its focus on preempting and neutralizing imminent threats.

US President Joe Biden is growing increasingly frustrated with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the latter’s refusal to adjust military tactics in Gaza, allegedly referring to him as an “asshole” on multiple occasions. 

NBC News’ Monday story cites five sources present for the president’s comments. 

President Biden apparently believes Netanyahu rejecting a deal exchanging Saudi normalization for a pathway towards a Palestinian state is unfathomable. According to one source, the US president says Netanyahu is “giving him hell” and may be trying to extend the war to stay in power.

The Israel Defense Forces released the names on Monday of two more Israeli soldiers killed battling Hamas in the Gaza Strip’s southern city of Khan Yunis over the weekend, bringing the post-October 7 ground invasion’s death toll to 229. 

The two slain troops were identified as Sgt. 1st Class Adi Eldor and Sgt. 1st Class Alon Kleinman; both men were only 21 years old and served in the Commando Brigade’s Maglan unit. Eldor was from Haifa, while Kleinman, a reservist, came from Tel Aviv. 

Haifa’s Rambam Medical Center and Wolfson Medical Center in Holon both released statements mourning the soldiers’ deaths: Eldor’s father serves as a doctor at Rambam, while Kleinman’s father is at Wolfson.

The European Union’s top diplomat reiterated the bloc’s position on Monday that Israel should not go through with its planned invasion of Rafah, the Gaza Strip’s southernmost city and the last major population center still under nominal Hamas control. 

In his statement, Josep Borell commented that even the United States, Israel’s closest ally, does not support the attack on Rafah, referring to President Joe Biden’s reported insistence that Israel change course due to the humanitarian consequences of such an attack. It is estimated that some 1.7 million internally displaced Gazan refugees are sheltering in Rafah. 

Borrell also took a jab at the Biden Administration, noting that the United States continues to sell weapons to Israel. 

US President Joe Biden welcomed Jordan’s King Abdullah II to Washington Monday for discussions focusing on efforts to secure the release of hostages in Gaza and addressing concerns over Israeli military actions in Rafah. This meeting is the leaders’ first since a drone strike in Jordan, attributed to Iran-backed militias, killed three American soldiers. Amid efforts to broker a cease-fire to facilitate humanitarian aid and hostage release, the White House faces criticism for its support of Israel as casualties rise in Gaza. A potential pause in fighting is on the horizon, with a framework for a deal being close, yet challenges remain. President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday held discussions over the phone that touched on the contentious issue of expanding military operations into Rafah, with the US president expressing strong opposition under “current conditions.”