Israel and Hamas at War – Day 207

Thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv on Monday night, urging the government to negotiate with Hamas for the release of hostages held in Gaza since October 7. The peaceful rally quickly escalated into clashes with police after demonstrators defied orders to disperse, resulting in arrests and accusations of violence towards a lawmaker and relatives of a hostage.

Amid rising tensions and the looming threat of a military offensive in Rafah, protesters on Begin Road near the IDF headquarters lit a bonfire and displayed a message emphasizing the urgency of the hostage situation. Participants included relatives of hostages, some of whom were briefly released during a truce in November, advocating for an end to the conflict to facilitate the safe return of their loved ones.

The demonstration occurred as Israel considered a proposal to Hamas, offering a 40-day pause in fighting and the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for 33 hostages. This proposal, seen as a compromise to meet Hamas demands for a permanent cease-fire, has led to internal political strife, with threats from some coalition members to topple the government if the military operation in Rafah is halted.

Clashes intensified as the evening progressed, with police using water cannons and making several arrests near the Likud party headquarters. Accusations of excessive force surfaced after incidents involving a lawmaker and the partner of a released hostage, escalating tensions between the police and demonstrators.

IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari announced a significant increase in humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza, reiterating Israel’s commitment to alleviating civilian suffering amidst ongoing conflict. This boost in aid efforts comes as the region grapples with the repercussions of continuous hostilities.

In recent weeks, Gaza has seen a notable rise in the amount of aid received, with the trend set to continue. The IDF has intensified its operations, opening new channels for aid delivery, including the Israeli port of Ashdod and a new crossing into northern Gaza. Essential supplies such as food, water, medical provisions, and shelter equipment are reaching Gaza in unprecedented quantities.

The increased aid includes contributions from Jordan, facilitated through Israel via the Kerem Shalom Humanitarian Aid Crossing. Further enhancements are planned with the establishment of a temporary maritime pier, known as JLOTS, in collaboration with the United States Central Command, aimed at improving the distribution logistics.

Expanding humanitarian zones within Gaza to optimize aid distribution, this initiative, in coordination with international aid organizations, aims to maximize the effectiveness of the relief efforts and ensure that aid reaches those most in need.

Seven individuals were arrested in Tel Aviv following an unauthorized protest calling for the return of hostages. Although the protest initially received approval to take place at the Kaplan intersection, some participants deviated from the sanctioned route, gathering instead on Menachem Begin Road where they attempted to disrupt traffic and confront police officers.

Israeli law prevented the protesters from accessing the Ayalon highway, a major thoroughfare. This intervention led to the arrest of the individuals involved in the unauthorized gathering. The police have emphasized the importance of adhering to approved protest routes to ensure public safety and order.

Hizbullah launched a barrage of approximately 30 rockets from Lebanon towards the Mount Hermon area in northern Israel. The Israeli army confirmed the rocket fire, stating that it was in retaliation for the earlier elimination of two members of the al-Jama’a al-Islamiyya terrorist group by an IDF drone strike.

According to military sources, the Iron Dome missile defense system intercepted some of the rockets, while others landed in uninhabited areas. Remarkably, no injuries were reported from the incident, and sirens remained silent in the cities, indicating that the rockets did not threaten populated areas.

US President Joe Biden welcomed 4-year-old Avigail Idan to the White House, celebrating her resilience after her release from Hamas captivity in Gaza. Biden shared a tweet featuring a photo of himself with Avigail, underscoring her courage and the significant challenges she overcame.

“Last year, we secured the release of Avigail, a 4-year-old who was held by Hamas. She is amazing and recovering from unimaginable trauma. Our time together yesterday was a reminder of the hard work ahead of us to ensure the release of all remaining hostages in Gaza,” Biden expressed on X.

During her visit, Avigail enjoyed moments of childhood play in the Oval Office, reminiscent of historical photos of President Kennedy’s children. She crawled under the famous table and later played on the White House lawn, creating a light-hearted atmosphere amidst serious discussions.

Biden took this opportunity not only to provide a warm and joyful experience for Avigail and her family but also to discuss with them the ongoing efforts to secure the release of other hostages still held in Gaza.

Israeli media reported on Wednesday that the US has decided not to impose sanctions on the Netzah Yehuda Battalion, an Israeli army unit previously accused of human rights violations in the West Bank. This decision comes despite earlier signals from US officials that sanctions were forthcoming, as noted last Friday by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Blinken had hinted at possible actions against specific military units during a press conference, where he discussed the broader issues of military aid and human rights considerations.

The potential sanctions had sparked a strong reaction from Israeli political leaders. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to oppose such measures vigorously, describing them as “the height of absurdity and a moral blow” in a strongly worded statement released on social media platform X. Similarly, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid voiced his disagreement, calling the sanctions a mistake and urging actions to reverse the decision.

The US Congress has approved a substantial foreign aid package that includes significant support for Israel, among other nations. Late Tuesday, the package, valued at $95 billion, received overwhelming approval. It promises billions of dollars in military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and US partners in the Indo-Pacific region. The Senate passed the legislation following its approval by the House of Representatives, and it is set to be signed into law by President Joe Biden.

This legislative victory is particularly significant for Israel, as it allocates $26 billion in aid. This sum includes $5.2 billion earmarked for enhancing Israel’s missile and rocket defense systems, $3.5 billion for advanced weapons systems, $1 billion to boost weapons production capabilities, $4.4 billion for other defense supplies and services, and an additional $2.4 billion aimed at supporting US operations in the region amid ongoing conflicts, such as the war in Gaza.

The bill explicitly prohibits funds from being directed to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, which has been a contentious point in US-Israel relations. Israeli officials, including Foreign Minister Israel Katz and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have lauded the passage of the aid package, viewing it as a reaffirmation of strong US-Israel ties and a clear stance against regional threats, particularly from Iran.

The sister of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was officially indicted on charges of identifying with a proscribed terrorist organization and incitement to terrorism by the Beersheba Magistrate’s Court on Sunday.  

The charges in question center on two messages that the 57-year-old Sabah al-Salem Haniyeh sent in October of last year following Hamas’ October 7 terror attack. According to the legal documents, the woman’s chat messages fell under the umbrella of “praising, encouraging, and supporting” the attack and were sent to multiple WhatsApp groups, one with over 100 members and another with slightly less than ten.  

In her message sent on October 10, Sabah, who is a resident of the southern town of Tel Sheva, told the group’s other members to share a prayer that would help the fighters to “destroy the enemy,” the final line of which read: “O God, count them in number and kill them, and do not leave any one of them.”  

For both the above message and another message sent on October 9, the State Attorney’s Office has requested that Sabah not be released and be held in detention for the duration of the legal proceedings against her.  

Sabah is charged with two counts of identifying with a terrorist, which carries the possibility of a three-year prison sentence, as well as three counts of incitement to terrorism, carrying a five-year sentence. 

The Hamas-run health ministry has reported at least 34,097 Palestinians have been killed and 76,980 injured since the outbreak of hostilities on October 7.

These figures, which have not been independently verified, also account for approximately 13,000 Hamas gunmen that Israel claims to have eliminated in combat. In addition, Israel states that it neutralized around 1,000 terrorists on its territory on the day the conflict reignited.

On the Israeli side, the military has sustained substantial losses, with 260 IDF soldiers reported killed during the ground operations in Gaza.

The United Nations Security Council is set to decide on a Palestinian request for full UN membership this Friday, a proposal that is likely to be vetoed by the United States. The resolution, proposed by Algeria, aims to elevate Palestine to full membership status within the organization. This vote, scheduled for 3 p.m. GMT, would recognize the State of Palestine officially if passed.

The bid requires at least nine affirmative votes from the council and no vetoes from the five permanent members, which include the US, Britain, France, Russia, and China. Diplomatic sources indicate that as many as 13 members could support the measure, likely necessitating a US veto based on its stance that Palestinian statehood should be resolved through direct negotiations rather than unilateral UN actions.

US Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, emphasized that a Security Council resolution would not advance the cause towards a peaceful two-state solution. The vote comes amidst ongoing tensions, with Israel expanding settlements and a continued conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Israel’s UN Ambassador, Gilad Erdan, criticized the council’s efforts as promoting what he called a “Palestinian terrorist state,” questioning the legitimacy of the Palestinian Authority’s control and governance.

Tensions escalated further along the Israel-Lebanon border on Tuesday as Hizbullah and the Israeli military engaged in a series of violent exchanges. Hizbullah initiated the confrontation by launching two drones, reportedly packed with explosives, toward northern Israel. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), these drones targeted areas near the community of Beit Hillel, while Hizbullah claimed to have aimed at an Iron Dome missile defense battery.

Local media and authorities reported that three individuals were lightly injured during the drone attack. The IDF expressed concerns as sirens failed to activate, signaling an investigation into the lapse.

The situation intensified with an IDF drone strike on a vehicle in Ain Baal, close to Tyre, Lebanon, approximately 15 kilometers from the Israeli border. The strike resulted in the death of Ismail Yousef Baz, a prominent Hizbullah commander responsible for the coastal region’s operations, including rocket and anti-tank missile launches toward Israel. Hizbullah acknowledged Baz’s death, noting he was killed “on the road to Jerusalem,” a phrase it uses for operatives lost in conflict with Israel.

Later in the day, additional strikes by the IDF targeted a vehicle in Chehabiyeh, eliminating two more Hizbullah members, including Muhammad Shahouri, who led the western district rocket unit of Hizbullah’s  Radwan force. The IDF attributed multiple rocket attacks on Israel’s home front to Shahouri’s planning and execution.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock announced her departure to Israel on Tuesday, aiming to facilitate de-escalation efforts following Iran’s attack over the weekend and to underscore Germany’s unwavering support for Israel.

Speaking in Berlin after a strategic dialogue with her Jordanian counterpart, Ayman Safadi, Baerbock emphasized the necessity of solidarity with Israel and discussed strategies to prevent further violence.

“I will assure our Israeli partners of Germany’s full solidarity,” she stated. “And we will discuss how a further escalation with more and more violence can be prevented. Because what matters now is to put a stop to Iran without encouraging further escalation.”

“Of course, this further military escalation now also has further consequences,” Baerbock remarked, indicating a tough stance on future dealings with Iran.

The Foreign Minister also declared her intention to advocate for new sanctions against Iran within the European Union framework, targeting Iran’s significant drone program.

Furthermore, Baerbock reiterated her commitment to humanitarian issues, specifically the urgency of increasing aid to Gaza and condemning the recent violent incidents in the West Bank.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz has launched a concerted diplomatic effort to counter Iran’s military ambitions. On Tuesday, Katz revealed that he had contacted leaders from 32 countries and engaged in discussions with numerous international counterparts. His diplomatic offensive aims to secure global sanctions against Iran’s missile program and to have Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps officially designated as a terrorist organization.

Katz articulated the urgency of this diplomatic initiative in a social media post, stating, “Alongside the military response to the firing of missiles and drones, I am leading a diplomatic attack against Iran.” He emphasized the necessity of international cooperation to “stop and weaken Iran” before it becomes a greater threat.

This diplomatic move comes as Israel contemplates its response to Iran’s recent missile and drone strike, which marked the first direct military confrontation between the two nations. While Israel has confirmed its intent to respond, there has been a global call for restraint, particularly from allies who are concerned about further escalation in an already volatile Middle East.

In parallel, the Group of Seven (G7) major democracies, led by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, are reportedly developing a coordinated package of measures against Iran. This suggests a growing international consensus on the need to curb Iranian aggression through collective punitive actions.

Following Iran’s massive drone and missile attack on Israel this past weekend, tensions escalated between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Opposition Leader Yair Lapid as they exchanged accusations of inadequate security policies. During a press conference ahead of his Yesh Atid party’s weekly faction meeting, Lapid criticized Netanyahu’s government as being “an existential threat to Israel,” asserting that it has significantly eroded Israeli deterrence.

Lapid, who was in Washington last week meeting with US officials, remarked on the shock expressed by the US administration at the Israeli government’s “lack of responsibility” and “mismanagement.” He further criticized the government for the violence and loss of Israeli deterrence, particularly highlighting the damage from recent attacks stretching from Be’eri to Kiryat Shmona.

In response, Netanyahu’s Likud party rebuked Lapid for his previous agreements with Hizbullah and for being abroad during the weekend of the attack. Likud defended Netanyahu’s longstanding recognition of the Iranian threat and his leadership in the global campaign against it. The party also dismissed the maritime deal Lapid signed with Lebanon in 2022 as a “shameful surrender.”

The Israeli Defense Forces’ Home Front Command announced late Sunday night, to the surprise of many, that the country-wise restrictions placed on educational and social gatherings in response to Iran’s attack were being lifted effective 9 a.m. on Monday. 

While security limitations have been—and will remain—in place in Israel’s northernmost region since October 7, educators and day camp administrators report being taken entirely off guard by the last-minute change in policy. 

Older Israeli students are already on official school break for Passover, but the country’s day camps are attended by hundreds of thousands of children. 

The British security firm Ambrey reported on Sunday that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) intercepted an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) near Eilat, which they believe was launched from Yemen. This incident marked a significant use of Israel’s defense capabilities in the region.

According to Ambrey, unprecedented electronic interference was also detected in the maritime regions off Eilat and the neighboring city of Aqaba, Jordan. The firm attributed this disturbance to electronic warfare countermeasures.

The IDF utilized its Sa’ar 6-class corvette to successfully engage the UAV with the ‘C-Dome’ Defense System, a naval counterpart to the well-known Iron Dome missile defense system. This marks the first operational use of the C-Dome system since its deployment.

The interception occurred as sirens sounded in Eilat, alerting the residents to the approaching drone. This area, a strategic port city on the Red Sea, has frequently been targeted by UAVs believed to be launched by the Iran-backed Houthis from Yemen. These actions are seen as part of the Houthis’ support for Hamas, the governing authority in Gaza, which is also backed by Iran.

Iran has issued a stern warning to Israel, threatening a more substantial attack should Israel retaliate against Tehran’s recent drone and missile strikes. Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Iran’s armed forces chief of staff, announced on state television that any Israeli counteractions would provoke a more intense military response from Iran.

He also stated that the US had been warned against supporting any Israeli retaliatory measures, with potential consequences for US bases in the region.

Additionally, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Hossein Salami, declared that Iran would also respond to any attacks on its interests, officials, or citizens by Israel.

Amid these threats, reports from Axios and CNN revealed that US President Joe Biden has communicated to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the United States would neither support nor participate in any Israeli counterattacks against Iran.

Gaza’s Health Ministry reports that since the conflict’s onset, at least 33,634 Palestinians have died, and 76,214 have been injured. In the latest 24-hour period alone, 89 Palestinians were killed, and another 120 sustained injuries.

These figures, which include both civilians and Hamas operatives, highlight the heavy toll the conflict has taken on Gaza’s population. The accuracy of these figures cannot be independently verified and may include casualties caused by the misfire of rockets by terror groups operating in the region.

On the other side of the conflict, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have reported substantial casualties among combatants. According to IDF sources, over 13,000 Hamas operatives have been neutralized in Gaza, with an additional 1,000 terrorists killed inside Israel on the initial day of the conflict, October 7.

As fears of a potential Iranian attack loom, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the Tel Nof Airbase of the Israeli Air Force, situated 5 kilometers south of Rehovot. The visit comes amidst escalating tensions in the region and reports of heightened readiness by the Israeli military.

During his visit, Netanyahu met with members of Squadron 133, responsible for operating F-15 aircraft. Addressing the pilots, Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s preparedness for any scenario, stating, “We are in challenging times. We are in the middle of the war in Gaza, which continues in full force.”

He further added, “At the same time, we continue the non-stop effort to return our hostages, but we are also preparing for scenarios of challenges from other arenas.”

Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to security, asserting, “We have established a simple principle: whoever hurts us gets hurt. We are preparing to meet the security needs of the State of Israel both in defense and in offense.”

Expressing trust in the capabilities of the Israeli Air Force, he concluded, “I and the people of Israel trust you. May we all have great success.”

Meanwhile, reports indicate that the Israel Air Force (IAF) has conducted a drill over the Eastern Mediterranean, simulating a strike on Iranian soil. The drill comes as tensions continue to rise in the region amidst threats of retaliation and escalation.

Air Canada has recommenced flights to Israel, landing its first aircraft at Ben Gurion International Airport since the pause caused by the onset of war six months ago. This milestone was reached on Wednesday morning, following the airline’s announcement of its return just two days prior.

Starting from this week, Air Canada will offer four weekly non-stop flights connecting Toronto and Tel Aviv. This schedule is set to adjust in May when the frequency of flights from Toronto will reduce to three, complemented by an additional weekly flight connecting Montreal and Tel Aviv.

Air Canada’s cessation of services to Israel was in line with the actions taken by most major international airlines following the outbreak of conflict last October. However, in a sign of returning normalcy and confidence, several carriers, including United Airlines, have already resumed their operations in Israel or have disclosed plans to do so. Furthermore, the anticipated reopening of Ben Gurion’s Terminal 1 in June has paved the way for budget airlines such as Ryanair to announce their forthcoming operations in Israel.

The Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar reported on Wednesday that Hamas has expressed willingness to entertain a deal for the release of hostages. This proposed agreement would entail a phased withdrawal of Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) from the Gaza Strip, eventually culminating in an end to hostilities.

This potential pact includes the guarantee of unrestricted access to the northern Gaza Strip for all displaced individuals and what has been described as a “proportionate” release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the hostages.

This shift in stance by Hamas suggests an opening for Israel to secure the release of some hostages without fully committing to a cessation of the conflict or a complete troop withdrawal—conditions Hamas had previously deemed non-negotiable.

The report, citing sources close to the ongoing dialogue, reveals Hamas’ communication to intermediaries Qatar and Egypt that it remains firm on its conditions, mirroring its posture from the last negotiation round. Despite this steadfastness, the report outlines a detailed, phased plan for exchanging captives and prisoners, easing military activities, and facilitating humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts in Gaza.

This plan includes the initial retreat of Israeli forces from strategic locations within Gaza and the cessation of aerial military activities. In return, Hamas would commence the release of civilian hostages, including women, children, the elderly, and the sick, following a predefined ratio for the exchange of Palestinian prisoners.

Pope Francis on Monday hosted many families of the hostages taken by Hamas, marking six months since the victims were taken captive on October 7.

Monday’s encounter was the second time that Francis held an audience with the affected families, the first being on November 22.

The 87-year-old Argentinian religious leader is known for his humanitarian efforts and a renewed focus on charity since becoming head of the Catholic Church. He has long advocated for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas conflict, the unconditional release of hostages, and increased aid for civilians in Gaza.

As part of his diplomatic efforts, Francis also met last November with a group of Palestinians affected by the conflict.

Organized by the Holy See and held at the Vatican, the event featured an hour-long audience with Francis. Photos reveal the victims’ families engaging with him in his private library within the Apostolic Palace.

Each of the roughly 10 family members in the photos held a poster depicting their loved one, taken on October 7.

“He was very clear about his solidarity for the release of the hostages,” Waxman Bakshi, a relative of hostages Agah and Li-Yah Berger, told reporters after the meeting.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has confirmed carrying out an airstrike on military infrastructure and positions of the Syrian army early Tuesday morning. This rare confirmation by the IDF marks a notable incident in the ongoing conflict between Israel and neighboring Syria.

The military action targeted the Syrian army’s facilities in Mahajjah, located in the Daraa Governorate of southern Syria, according to an IDF statement. Fighter jets were reported to have engaged the military positions and infrastructure, underscoring the intensity of the operation.

In addition to the airstrike, the IDF disclosed two separate incidents involving artillery fire aimed at Syria. The first instance occurred Monday night when IDF artillery units targeted a Syrian army position in the country’s south. The second instance of artillery fire was a direct response to a detected “launch” from Syrian territory towards the Golan Heights, a strategically significant area under Israeli control.

The IDF statement elaborated on the cross-border fire, indicating that “one launch was detected from Syrian territory towards the Yonatan area in the Golan Heights, there were no casualties. The IDF attacked with artillery fire the sources of the fire.”