Israel and Hamas at War – Days 20 to 40
Other days
A US Navy destroyer, the Thomas Hudner, intercepted and shot down a drone originating from Yemen in the Red Sea. This incident, reported by two US officials under anonymity, marks one of the few instances where the United States has downed projectiles near its warships since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict. The officials did not provide details on whether the drone was armed or its proximity to the ship at the time it was neutralized.
In a recent meeting with White House Middle East Coordinator Brett McGurk at the Kirya defense headquarters in Tel Aviv, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant outlined the current situation of the ground operation in Gaza. Gallant highlighted the challenges posed by Hamas’ tactics of using hospitals, schools, and mosques for military purposes. He firmly stated, “The State of Israel will continue its operations in Gaza until the objectives are achieved—specifically, the dismantling of Hamas and the safe return of our hostages.”
The Israeli military conducted a targeted operation at Gaza’s largest hospital, Al-Shifa, aiming to dismantle a Hamas stronghold within the facility. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson, in a CNN interview, stated the mission’s objective was to defeat Hamas and rescue hostages. Israeli officials allege that Hamas has been using the hospital’s underground tunnels for military operations, including command posts and the concealment of hostages. Despite the presence of numerous patients and medical staff, the IDF had previously refrained from entering due to the risk of civilian casualties. This operation reflects ongoing claims by both Israel and the United States that Hamas fighters are exploiting Gaza’s hospitals for their military agenda.
The Belizean government announced the suspension of its diplomatic relations with Israel. The decision, detailed in an official statement, was prompted by what Belize described as “unceasing indiscriminate bombing in Gaza.” This action comes amid ongoing Israeli military operations against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
A ‘March for Israel’ was held in Washington, DC, with hundreds of thousands gathered, attending live and thousands more attending via video-streaming, to show support for Israel, for the hostages to be freed, and to protest antisemitism.
“Guterres does not deserve to be the head of the United Nations. Guterres did not promote any peace process in the region … Guterres, like all the free nations, should say clearly and loudly: ‘Free Gaza from Hamas’,” Cohen told a press conference at the UN in Geneva.
The Red Cross has not met any of the hostages being held by in the Gaza Strip, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said after meeting the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) president.
“Until today, none of our hostages met the Red Cross … we don’t have any proof of life,” Cohen told a press conference at the United Nations in Geneva following a meeting with Mirjana Spoljaric, president of the ICRC.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson announced on Tuesday that the IDF has delivered critical incubators to Shifa Hospital in Gaza. This humanitarian aid comes in response to an urgent appeal from the hospital’s administrators, who reported severe fuel shortages impacting the care of premature babies. The delivery of the incubators aims to support the hospital’s neonatal care facilities and ensure the safe transfer of these vulnerable infants.
Israeli security forces have received intelligence from Gaza that a pregnant Israeli hostage has given birth while in Hamas captivity.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) disclosed that they have informed the family of an Israeli hostage that their daughter appears in a recent propaganda video released by Hamas. In a statement, the IDF affirmed its commitment to all families of captives and missing persons. “The IDF, in collaboration with security agencies, is employing all available intelligence and operational resources to bring the hostages home,” the IDF stated. They condemned Hamas for its continued use of psychological warfare, emphasizing that the terrorist group’s tactic of releasing videos and photos of hostages is a form of inhumane behavior and psychological terror.
Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari revealed Monday night the discovery of a Hamas command center located underneath Gaza City’s Rantisi Hospital. During an English-language press conference, Hagari detailed the findings from the hospital, known for treating children. The IDF’s elite Shayetet 13 commando unit and the 401st Armored Brigade, after raiding the hospital, uncovered a trove of military-grade weapons, including suicide-bomb vests, grenades, AK-47s, RPGs, and more. Additionally, they found computers, money, and signs indicating the hospital was used to hold hostages.
The operation at Rantisi Hospital is part of the IDF’s broader campaign against Hamas, particularly following the October 7 massacre in southern Israel. Hagari emphasized that evidence pointed to Hamas operatives returning to this and other hospitals after the attacks. The IDF’s efforts extended to ensuring the safe evacuation of patients from Rantisi and other hospitals in northern Gaza. Hagari underscored Israel’s commitment to distinguishing between Hamas and the civilians of Gaza, including the sick, women, and children, whom he accused Hamas of using as human shields. The IDF is now focusing on revealing the extent of Hamas’ use of civilian infrastructure for military purposes, which Hagari labeled as war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Israel’s Foreign Minister Eli Cohen stated that the nation has a two- to three-week window to achieve its military goals in the Gaza Strip. This timeframe is constrained by mounting international pressure for a cease-fire. Cohen, addressing a press briefing, noted that while the current global pressure on Israel is not yet at its peak, it is steadily increasing. He highlighted that in his discussions, the focus has shifted towards humanitarian concerns, with the initial shock and sympathy following the Oct. 7 massacre gradually diminishing. Additionally, Cohen mentioned that some parties are discreetly pushing for a cease-fire, despite the lack of public declarations.
A Turkish vessel loaded with supplies for establishing field hospitals has docked at Egypt’s El Arish port, near the Rafah border crossing with the Gaza Strip, according to a port official. This marks the first arrival of an aid vessel in Egypt since the outbreak of conflict in the region on October 7.
The ship, carrying essential items like materials, generators, and ambulances, is poised to set up eight field hospitals. A Turkish health official informed AFP about the cargo’s specifics and the intended purpose.
Ankara had earlier sought Cairo’s approval to erect these medical facilities in El Arish, located approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the Rafah border — the only entry point to Gaza not under Israeli control. The Turkish official confirmed that Egyptian authorities had given the necessary permission. “We received the green light from Egyptian authorities. We will set up these hospitals in the areas indicated by the Egyptian authorities,” stated the official.
In response to this incident, the association has issued a public advisory emphasizing the importance of robust cyber security practices. It recommends avoiding the reuse of passwords across different websites, implementing two-step verification, and enhancing website security with additional protective measures. This proactive stance highlights the ongoing need for vigilance in the digital realm, especially in the face of politically motivated cyber attacks.
Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) ground troops conducted a raid on the home of a high-ranking member of the Islamic Jihad terrorist organization in the Gaza Strip, uncovering a substantial cache of weapons hidden in the children’s room. In a related operation in the Beit Hanoun area, the IDF discovered a tunnel shaft, intelligence assets belonging to the terrorist group, and additional weapons.
The forces also seized an extensive array of weapons, combat gear, and operational plans of Hamas, another designated terrorist organization, stored in civilian structures across the Gaza Strip. These locations included Al Quds University and a prominent mosque in Gaza. The raids highlight ongoing efforts by the IDF to dismantle terrorist infrastructure and prevent the use of civilian spaces for terrorist activities in the region.
Amnesty International’s petition for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza has garnered the support of over a million people worldwide. The human rights organization has accused Israel of committing war crimes, including the destruction of entire Palestinian families. The petition highlights the devastating impact of the conflict on densely populated areas, including refugee camps, hospitals, schools, and places of worship, as well as civilian homes and infrastructure.
The petition also acknowledges the peril faced by civilians in Gaza, including those held hostage by Hamas and other armed groups. It points out the ongoing threat posed by indiscriminate rocket fire into Israel, which endangers civilian lives. This significant global response reflects the urgent call for de-escalation and the protection of civilians caught in the crossfire of the ongoing conflict.
In a tragic incident, five US service members lost their lives when their aircraft crashed into the Mediterranean Sea during a refueling training exercise, as reported by the US Defense Department.
Search and rescue operations were immediately launched, involving nearby US military aircraft and ships. The US European Command, responsible for American military operations in Europe and parts of the Middle East, is conducting a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.
The US has increased its military presence in the eastern Mediterranean with two aircraft carriers, their support ships, and multiple aircraft following Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel. This deployment serves as a deterrent to prevent the escalation of the conflict.
The US European Command emphasized that the ill-fated flight was strictly a training mission, with no evidence of hostile activity involved. The identities of the deceased service members are being withheld until their families are notified. President Joe Biden has extended his condolences to the families and loved ones of those who perished in this unfortunate event.
In a revealing interview with the British BBC network, Israeli President Isaac Herzog shared that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) discovered a copy of Adolf Hitler’s “Mein Kampf” in a Gaza Strip home used as a base by Hamas. The book was found in a children’s room of a civilian house, which also contained weapons and explosive laboratories.
Herzog highlighted this discovery as further evidence of Hamas’s operations within civilian areas in Gaza. He detailed that the terrorist occupant of the house had actively studied and annotated Hitler’s manifesto, which is known for its anti-Semitic ideology. “The terrorist wrote notes, marked the sections, and studied again and again Adolf Hitler’s ideology of hating the Jews, killing the Jews, burning and slaughtering Jews wherever they are. This is the real war we are facing,” stated Herzog. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges in the region, where the intertwining of terrorist activities and civilian spaces complicates the conflict dynamics.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that its Harel Reserve Brigade has successfully captured the al-Karameh area, located between Beit Hanoun and Jabaliya in the northern Gaza Strip. The area, named after a local hospital, was the focus of a significant military operation.
During the raid, IDF troops targeted and destroyed a range of Hamas infrastructure. This included the dismantling of long-range rocket launchers positioned to target Israel, as well as the neutralization of anti-tank missile launch sites.
In response, the IDF struck a terrorist squad in Lebanon attempting to launch anti-tank missiles towards Israel.
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the establishment of today’s humanitarian corridor, open from 10 am to 2 pm, specifically for residents of the Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza seeking safe passage to the south. This temporary corridor, operational for a four-hour window, is intended to facilitate the evacuation of civilians from the densely populated area amid ongoing conflict. The initiative represents a critical humanitarian effort to aid those caught in the crossfire, providing a brief but vital opportunity for safer relocation.
In a recent interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasized the need for a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip, while acknowledging the complexities of the situation.
Wong pointed out that any cease-fire cannot be one-sided, highlighting that “Hamas is still holding hostages and is still attacking Israel.” She reiterated Australia’s support for Israel’s right to self-defense, but also stressed that Israel must adhere to international humanitarian law. This adherence, according to Wong, includes the protection of hospitals, patients, and medical teams.
Her comments underscore the delicate balance required in addressing the ongoing conflict in Gaza, as well as the importance of both parties respecting international legal standards to move towards peace.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that Israel would maintain security control over the Gaza Strip following the war. Netanyahu emphasized that this control would include the ability to conduct operations as necessary to target terrorists. He made it clear that Hamas, the organization currently governing Gaza, would not have a role in the region’s future.
Netanyahu criticized the Palestinian Authority for not condemning the recent Hamas massacre and for financially rewarding families of perpetrators based on the number of victims. He stated that an alternative governance structure is needed in Gaza, one that does not endorse violence against Israel or its people. Despite potential international pressures, Netanyahu affirmed his commitment to these principles, underscoring the Israeli government’s stance on ensuring the security and stability of the region.
In a recent update, Israel has revised its estimated death toll from the Hamas attacks on October 7 to approximately 1,200 victims. This figure, which includes foreign workers and individuals of various nationalities, was confirmed by Lior Haiat, a spokesperson for the foreign ministry, during an online briefing with journalists. The new estimate represents a reduction from the previously reported number of 1,400 fatalities. Haiat emphasized that this count is not yet final, as the identification process for some of the victims is still ongoing. The attacks, which targeted Israeli communities and gatherings near Gaza, have been marked as one of the most brutal incidents in recent times. The revised death toll reflects the ongoing efforts to accurately assess the impact of the October 7 attacks.
Syrian President Bashar Assad attended the Arab League summit in the Saudi capital of Riyadh. The summit focused on the ongoing conflict in Gaza and discussed “the cessation of violence in Gaza.” Leaders and delegations from Arab nations were also in attendance. The summit had been prefaced by a preparatory meeting involving Arab foreign ministers.
An estimated half a million demonstrators took to the streets of London on Armistice Day in what is being called the largest pro-Palestinian protest to date. The march, which included a route passing the US embassy, has stirred controversy in Britain, particularly because it coincided with the nation’s Armistice Day commemorations, a solemn occasion honoring fallen British soldiers of past wars.
Additionally, thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters rallied in New York City, marking one of the city’s most significant protests since the onset of the conflict. The demonstration began at Columbus Circle, near Central Park, and progressed towards Times Square. In a bold move, protesters obstructed the entrance to The New York Times offices, echoing a similar action the previous day. The march continued towards Grand Central Station, where attempts to breach the entrance led to police intervention and several arrests.
In a move seen as a step toward easing the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, Israel has announced it will initiate daily four-hour humanitarian pauses in northern Gaza. The decision comes as Gazans face dire living conditions due to ongoing hostilities.
These humanitarian pauses allow civilians to restock supplies and evacuate. Israel will rotate the pauses through different northern Gaza neighborhoods, with residents receiving three hours’ notice before each pause begins.
The move follows the establishment of a humanitarian corridor earlier, which allowed Gazans to evacuate from the north to the south of the Strip during periods of reduced hostilities. Israel’s decision to formalize and expand these pauses was welcomed by US President Joe Biden, who sees them as a positive step to protect civilians.
However, Israeli officials have cautioned that if Hamas exploits these pauses to initiate combat or launch attacks, the Israel Defense Forces will respond to the threat accordingly.
This development aims to alleviate the dire situation faced by Gazans during the ongoing conflict and facilitate their access to essential supplies and safety.
A group of pro-Palestinian journalists and media personnel took control of the entrance lobby at The New York Times offices for approximately an hour. The protesters accused the newspaper of complicity in what they referred to as “whitewashing genocide” against Palestinians. Their demands included a public endorsement of a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip, with chants of “Shame” and “Shut it down” echoing outside the building. In a solemn moment, the protesters also read aloud the names of journalists who have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict.
Following their eviction from the lobby, some demonstrators resorted to hurling objects adorned with the words “IDF” (Israel Defense Forces) and “Free Palestine” at a police van.
The IDF announced that the Arrow defense system successfully intercepted a surface-to-surface missile aimed at the southern city of Eilat. The missile was intercepted at a considerable distance from Israel. Prior to the interception, sirens had been activated in the city and its surrounding areas.
The United States State Department, through its Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel, announced that a comprehensive review has concluded that Israel did not commit any war crimes during the conflict in Gaza. This statement comes in response to accusations made by the UN High Commissioner on Refugees, Volker Türk, who had raised concerns about potential war crimes committed by Israel during the Gaza war.
The thorough examination and subsequent clearance of Israel from these allegations reaffirm the US government’s position regarding the conflict. The White House has expressed its confidence in the outcome of this review, emphasizing its commitment to upholding international humanitarian law and promoting peace in the region.
As part of the psychological warfare waged against Israel by the Islamist factions in Gaza, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) released video of 12-year-old Yagil Yaakov and 76-year old Hana Katzir, both abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz on Oct. 7 and held in Gaza, claiming they could be released on humanitarian grounds without providing any more details.
Abu Hamza, the spokesperson for the organization, made the announcement.
This marks the first instance in which the terrorist group has publicly showcased hostages held by its members.
Israel has officially agreed to implement daily four-hour humanitarian pauses in northern Gaza, as confirmed by the White House. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby stated that Israel will provide three-hour advance notifications before these pauses take effect.
The primary objective of these cease-fires is to create a safer environment for civilians in the midst of ongoing hostilities. Kirby emphasized that such measures are crucial to enable civilians to reach safer locations away from the active conflict zones.
This decision is seen as a positive step towards alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and reflects Israeli and international efforts to minimize harm to civilians.
The IDF contends that this location played a pivotal role in planning and preparing Hamas operatives for the deadly attack that occurred on October 7. The operation signifies Israel’s ongoing efforts to disrupt and dismantle Hamas’ infrastructure in Gaza, targeting key facilities responsible for orchestrating terrorist activities.
GPO Director Nitzan Chen has called on the heads of AP, Reuters, CNN, and The New York Times to provide explanations regarding their photographers’ roles in the events of October 7th. The demand follows the release of a report by the HonestReporting NGO, which uncovered disturbing details about the involvement of these photographers in the incidents, described by Chen as “crossing every professional and moral red line.”
Photographers working for these news networks were on the scene as Hamas terrorists breached the Israeli border fence, capturing distressing images of civilian murders, the desecration of bodies, and the abduction of men and women. The GPO’s request seeks to address questions surrounding the photographers’ roles in documenting these events and their potential implications.
In an overnight operation on Thursday, IDF forces, in collaboration with the Shin Bet, apprehended nine wanted individuals in the West Bank. The mission’s primary objective was to dismantle terrorist networks within the Jenin refugee camp. During the operation, engineering vehicles unearthed and neutralized numerous improvised explosive devices. Simultaneously, an IDF aircraft engaged and neutralized armed individuals who posed a threat to the responding forces.
Amid the operation, terrorists engaged the forces, firing shots and hurling explosives. In self-defense, the troops retaliated. In the northern West Bank village of Yavd, security personnel also discovered and confiscated a cache of weapons and explosives, further disrupting potential threats to regional stability.
The IDF’s Nahal Brigade has overtaken a Hamas military site in western Jabaliya, northern Gaza Strip, after intense overnight combat. The operation involved fierce confrontations with members of Hamas and Islamic Jihad, who were entrenched within the outpost, including its subterranean tunnel networks. The 10-hour battle resulted in the elimination of several terrorists and the confiscation of a cache of weapons. Nahal soldiers also uncovered critical intelligence on the group’s tactical intentions. This victory coincides with the Air Force’s extensive bombardment of terrorist infrastructures, marking a significant setback for Hamas. The IDF statement highlighted the tactical importance of Outpost 17 and the successful disruption of enemy operations
Efforts are underway, facilitated by Qatar, to negotiate the release of 10 to 15 civilians held by Hamas in exchange for a humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza. The source informed that the mediation, which involves US coordination, seeks to secure the freedom of hostages taken during Hamas’s deadly incursion into Israel on October 7. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum demands the release of all captives for any cease-fire agreement. Although the final number of hostages to be released is not confirmed, a temporary cease-fire of 24-48 hours is anticipated soon as international pressure mounts, with leaders including US President Joe Biden advocating for a pause on humanitarian grounds.
The Prime Minister’s Office in Israel has released a statement crediting a combined effort by Brazilian security, Mossad, and various global partners for preventing a terrorist attack planned by Hizbullah and funded by Iran.
The thwarted operation, which targeted Israeli and Jewish entities in Brazil, was part of a broader network active in several countries.
Mossad has expressed gratitude to the Brazilian authorities for detaining the Hizbullah-affiliated cell responsible for the planned aggression. This development unfolds against the ongoing conflict in Gaza with Hamas, as Hizbullah and Iran continue their global attempts to target Israeli, Jewish, and Western interests.
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto announced that Italy is deploying a hospital ship near Gaza’s coast to assist those injured in the Israel-Hamas conflict. The vessel, embarking from Civitavecchia port with 170 personnel, including 30 specialized in emergency medicine, aims to provide immediate aid. Additionally, Italy plans to establish a field hospital in Gaza. Two Italian naval ships in the area will also likely continue their current assignments.
South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation, under Director-General Zane Dangor, announced it will formally reprimand Israeli Ambassador Eliav Belotsercovsky through a “demarche.” The reprimand is expected to be requested promptly. This diplomatic action follows South Africa’s withdrawal of its diplomats from Israel for consultations amid escalating civilian casualties in the conflict with Hamas, which South Africa condemns. The nation has historically supported Palestinian causes and likens their struggle to its own past under apartheid.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that Israel will not govern Gaza but highlighted the potential for a transitional period after the current conflict. Speaking to reporters in Tokyo following a G7 meeting, Blinken emphasized the unsustainability of Hamas’ control over Gaza, referencing the violence on Oct. 7. He dismissed the possibility of Israel reoccupying the territory, noting that Israeli leaders have expressed no intention to do so. Instead, Blinken suggested a need for a transition phase to establish stability and prevent further conflict.
The Israeli Defense Forces announced that the humanitarian corridor in the southern part of the Gaza Strip will be open from 10 – 2 local time, maintaining the schedule established over the past two days. The military has advised civilians in Gaza to move southward to ensure their safety.
The Israel Police reports that the bodies of 843 civilian victims, who lost their lives in the attack by Hamas on Oct. 7, have been successfully identified. More bodies have not yet been identified to date.
Hundreds of protesters representing the Forum of the Families of the Hostages converged in front of the UN headquarters in New York on the one-month mark of the Hamas massacre. They demanded action from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for the immediate release of the captives.
Demonstrators displayed posters featuring images of Guterres’ own family as hostages, posing the provoking question: “What would you do if members of your family were kidnapped?”
A stark visual was created by 240 activists, standing blindfolded and handcuffed, symbolizing the Israeli hostages in Gaza. The demonstration aimed to draw the Secretary-General’s personal empathy and urgent attention to their plight.
Turkey’s parliament has ceased sales of Coca-Cola and Nestle products at its facilities, reacting to their alleged backing of Israel during the Gaza conflict. The Grand National Assembly announced the decision, which aligns with public calls for a boycott against companies that support Israel. The specific items removed include Coca-Cola beverages and Nestle instant coffee. The exact nature of the companies’ support for Israel was not detailed in the parliament’s statement.
Brandeis University has officially prohibited Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) from operating on campus, marking the institution as the first private US university to take such action. The campus administration cited the group’s support for Hamas, recognized as a terrorist organization by the United States, as the key reason for the ban. This decision aligns with Brandeis’s commitment to free speech, tempered by the need to reject associations with recognized terrorist entities. Additionally, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has indicated similar measures are being considered within the state’s public universities.
Thousands of Gaza residents are relocating from the northern part of the region toward the south, carrying white flags, under the watch of the Israel Defense Forces.
Israeli army footage shows Gazans waving white flags as they evacuate.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu told ABC News on Monday that while he opposed an unconditional cease-fire in the war on Hamas, he was not opposed to what he described as “tactical little pauses—an hour here, an hour there” to allow for the supply of humanitarian goods and to facilitate the release of hostages.
The Israeli military continues its operations, while the death toll rises. The Health Ministry of the Hamas-controlled government in Gaza says over 10,000 Palestinians have been killed, mostly in Israeli airstrikes. Israeli authorities report 1,450 Israelis have been killed in the conflict, most of them civilians who were massacred when Hamas gunmen invaded Israeli towns and villages near the Gaza border on October 7.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is actively working to remove explosives planted by terrorist groups within civilian areas across the West Bank. “Terrorist groups, with Hamas at the forefront, have been embedding numerous explosive devices under roads and within civilian structures in Palestinian cities,” a source stated. The IDF’s commitment to locating and disarming these threats is crucial for the safety of its forces and the preservation of operational freedom in the region. These actions also significantly jeopardize the lives of local residents and children. “The Engineering Corps of the Central Command is tasked with the detection and disarming of suspected explosive devices in any location, including the Jenin refugee camp and Nour a-Shams,” the source added, noting the collateral damage to infrastructure resulting from the terrorist groups’ deployment of explosives.
During an appearance on Piers Morgan Uncensored, President Isaac Herzog addressed Israel’s security challenges, its humanitarian initiatives, and the international community’s stance on Israel’s captives held by Hamas. President Herzog emphasized, “There is an empire of terror originating from Tehran, fostering a culture of hatred intent on annihilating us all.”
The United Arab Emirates is poised to establish a field hospital in the Gaza Strip, according to the country’s official media. Details regarding an agreement between Israel and the UAE for this initiative have not been clarified. Reports state that five planes, filled with essential equipment for building the hospital, have left Abu Dhabi and are en route to Al-Arish airport in Egypt.
The death toll in Gaza has exceeded 10,000 since the onset of the war between Hamas and Israel on Oct. 7, according to the health ministry in Gaza, which is administered by Hamas. Spokesman Ashraf Al-Qudra announced in a press briefing that the casualties include 4,104 children and 2,641 women, with injuries totaling 25,408. On the Israeli side, the death toll exceeds 1,400, mostly from the initial Hamas massacre on Oct. 7 that sparked the current hostilities.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson, addressing the Gaza Strip inhabitants in Arabic, has issued a renewed appeal for civilians to relocate southward via a humanitarian corridor along Salah al-Din Road. The spokesperson emphasized, “For your safety, please seize this opportunity to move to the south.”
William J. Burns, the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), is expected to land in Israel this week as a segment of his wider tour across the Middle East, with planned visits to Egypt, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. During his stay in Israel, Burns will engage in discussions with Israeli leaders focusing on America’s strategic endeavors to prevent the escalation of the conflict and to halt the expansion of combat zones. Additionally, he will address the ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has suspended Heritage Minister Amihai Eliyahu from cabinet discussions after Eliyahu’s remarks about a nuclear option against Gaza during a radio interview. Eliyahu claimed his statement was “metaphorical,” signifying a harsh stance against Hamas.
In response, Netanyahu’s office clarified Israel’s commitment to international norms and the minimization of civilian harm. As the Palestinian death toll rises, such comments have only intensified the international focus on Israel’s military tactics.
Following the interview, Ra’am’s leadership announced that there was no place for Khatib-Yassin in their list and asked her to resign.
In a separate incident, the leadership of Ra’am, the Islamist party that supported the previous Israeli government, has asked MK Iman Khatib-Yassin to resign after she disputed claims that Hamas terrorists killed babies and raped women in their attack on Israel on October 7. Her comments, she said, were based on a review of IDF documentary footage. However, she admitted that she had not watched the film herself. “I couldn’t watch it, but I heard about it first-hand,” she said.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has revealed evidence suggesting that Hamas is conducting military operations within medical institutions in Gaza, financed by Qatar and Indonesia. IDF spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari presented visual evidence, including a terrorist tunnel at Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani Hospital and a video of Palestinian combatants attacking Israeli soldiers from within the hospital. Additional proof shows the Indonesian Hospital was built over existing terror infrastructure, with a rocket launch site positioned dangerously close to the facility. The IDF maintains that Hamas’ strategic placement of military bases under hospitals, and its prevention of civilian evacuation from conflict zones, are clear violations of international law.
Jonathan Finer, a White House official, announced on the CBS program “Face the Nation” that while more than 300 American citizens have successfully exited Gaza, others remain within the conflict-afflicted coastal territory.
President Isaac Herzog welcomed US Ambassador Jack Lew to Israel, acknowledging the strength of the US-Israel friendship amid conflict with Hamas. Herzog highlighted the timely significance of American support during a ceremony in Jerusalem. Ambassador Lew echoed the sentiment, stressing the indestructible bond between the two democracies and the shared values guiding them. Lew also committed to prioritizing the release of hostages held by Hamas, expressing solidarity with their families and reaffirming the US’s unwavering support for Israel.
Iran has captured three individuals it purports to be agents of Israel’s Mossad, according to a report by the UK-based Arab newspaper Al-Araby Al-Jadid. The Rokna news agency stated that these arrests were made possible through a collaborative operation between Iranian intelligence and the Taliban in Afghanistan. The detainees are reported to be Iranian nationals accused of attempting to collect intelligence.
Hungarian President Katalin Novák visits Israel as a gesture of solidarity, meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. In a statement shared on social media, Novák declared, “Hungary stands up for Israel,” signaling strong support even amid regional tensions.
Over 1,200 Jewish Harvard graduates have formed an alliance demanding the university address anti-Zionist sentiments and the October 7 incident deemed an attack. They urge fellow alumni and previous benefactors to restrict their donations to a symbolic one dollar until Harvard takes definitive action to combat campus hostility toward Israel.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has declared that Turkey can no longer conduct diplomatic relations with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, dismissing him as irrelevant. This announcement was conveyed by the Anadolu Agency and further reported by Al-Jazeera.
Additionally, Erdoğan revealed plans for Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi to visit Turkey in the coming weeks.
President Erdoğan stated that cutting ties entirely is not feasible, particularly in international diplomacy. He highlighted ongoing discussions between Turkish ministers and the intelligence chief with their Israeli counterparts.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, on a visit to Israel, underscored the complexity of implementing humanitarian pauses in the conflict with Gaza while meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Blinken emphasized the US’s steadfast support for Israel and the importance of civilian protection, proposing mechanisms to ensure that humanitarian aid, especially fuel, reaches Gaza hospitals. Netanyahu, however, expressed his refusal to allow a temporary cease-fire or the entry of fuel into Gaza without the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
Blinken highlighted the necessity of aid flows to Gaza and the role of humanitarian pauses in both aiding civilians and potentially securing hostage release, despite concerns about Hamas exploiting these pauses. He also remarked on the dual goal of defeating Hamas militarily and presenting a vision for a future peace, including a two-state solution.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu affirmed Israel’s determination to continue its military campaign until Hamas is defeated and the safety and security of Israeli citizens and the return of hostages are achieved. Both leaders acknowledged the importance of addressing the rising settler violence in the West Bank.
Blinken is set to continue discussions at an Arab summit in Jordan, while Netanyahu stressed the importance of Israel’s victory in Gaza being definitive and lasting.
Syrian sources are reporting that thousands of Iranian-backed militia members have arrived in southern Lebanon over the last week and that tens of thousands are staging inside of Syria near the border with Lebanon and Israel’s Golan Heights.
Turkey has pledged to admit cancer patients from the Gaza Strip following the closure of the territory’s only cancer treatment center. Health Minister Fahrettin Koca announced Turkey’s readiness to transport patients requiring urgent medical care, including cancer patients, for treatment in Turkey. The Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital in Gaza ceased operations due to a fuel shortage amidst the ongoing conflict. Koca’s statement, made via a social media platform, emphasized Turkey’s willingness to assist with the necessary arrangements for patient transfers. Turkey has already dispatched over 200 tons of humanitarian aid and medical teams to Egypt in support of Gazans and is considering establishing a field hospital at the Rafah border.
The Kingdom of Bahrain has officially recalled its ambassador from Tel Aviv, and the Israeli ambassador has departed from Bahrain. In addition, Bahrain has announced the cessation of all economic relations with Israel. Israel disputes these measures, stating through its Foreign Ministry that it has not been formally notified and describes relations with Bahrain as “stable.”
The Egyptian Foreign Ministry has revealed plans to facilitate the evacuation of 7,000 foreign citizens and injured people from the Gaza Strip. This announcement came during a briefing with ambassadors from multiple nations, highlighting Cairo’s efforts to open the Rafah crossing. The move will assist individuals from over 60 different countries currently in Gaza.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has revised its estimate on the number of Hamas terrorists who entered Israel on October 7. Contrary to initial figures ranging from 1,500 to 2,000, the new assessment indicates that approximately 3,000 terrorists infiltrated the Western Negev. This count only includes armed combatants and not the secondary group that followed in a mass assault later that morning. In the initial days of the conflict, the IDF reports having killed around 1,000 of the infiltrators and capturing 200. As of nearly a month into the conflict, numerous bodies remain near the border area, with the IDF planning a safe removal in the coming days.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has urged Muslim nations to halt oil and food exports to Israel, calling for an immediate end to Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, according to state media reports. “The bombings in Gaza must come to an immediate halt. The flow of oil and food exports to Israel should also be stopped,” Khamenei said in a speech reported by Iranian state media.
Former Mossad Official: “Qatar is the head of the snake today to finance radical elements all over the world.”
Dr. Udi Levi, former Head of the Economic Warfare Division in the Mossad, described how Hamas and other Islamist terror organizations have access to financing through Qatar. He estimated that Hamas receives over 1 billion dollars per year.
The General Authority for Crossings and Borders in Gaza said Egyptian authorities claim that 81 Gazans who were severely wounded will be allowed to enter Egypt to complete treatment.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is due to visit Israel on Friday for the second time since the start of the war, according to Israeli media.
Bolivia’s government announced on Tuesday that it is once again cutting diplomatic ties with Israel, citing allegations of “crimes against humanity” in its military actions in the Gaza Strip. The Foreign Affairs Ministry made the announcement during a press conference. This marks the second time Bolivia has severed diplomatic relations with Israel over concerns about Gaza; the first was in 2009. The country briefly resumed relations in 2020 under President Jeanine Anez’s administration.
The Senate confirmed former Treasury Secretary Jack Lew as the next US ambassador to Israel, quickly approving his nomination amid the war in Gaza.
The Senate voted 53-43 to confirm Lew, with Republican Sens. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Rand Paul of Kentucky breaking with their party to join all Democrats in supporting him.
“The Senate, I’m proud to say, has now taken an extremely important step in our support of Israel,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said on the floor after the vote. “With Israel defending itself against Hamas, this ambassadorship is as important and timely as any nomination that the Senate has confirmed in a long time.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin has pointed the finger at the West, specifically the United States and its allies, for the ongoing crisis in the Gaza Strip, amid Israel’s military campaign to neutralize Hamas.
In his televised address, Putin implicated the “ruling elites of the US” for not only the violence in Gaza but also for turmoil in Ukraine, Iraq, and Syria, suggesting a broader strategy of fostering global chaos.
IDF and Shin Bet say forces rescued Cpl. Ori Megidish from Hamas captivity in an overnight operation in the Gaza Strip.
Hamas released a new propaganda video on Monday showing three female Israeli hostages, identified as Elena Trupanov, Daniel Aloni, and Ramon Kirsht. In the video, the hostages are seen seated against a white wall, with one of them addressing the camera.
The circumstances surrounding the video, including when it was taken and whether the hostages were instructed on what to say, remain unclear.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant have reportedly met with the families of the hostages. The Prime Minister’s Office labeled the video as “cruel psychological propaganda by Hamas-ISIS,” and Netanyahu extended his sentiments to the hostages, stating, “Our hearts go out to you and the other abductees. We are doing everything to bring all the kidnapped and missing people home.”
In the video, the hostage speaking to the camera addresses the Israeli prime minister, pleading, “Benjamin Netanyahu, hello. We have been in Hamas captivity for 23 days. Yesterday there was a press conference for the families of the prisoners, and we know that there was supposed to be a cease-fire, and you were supposed to release us, you promised to release us. However, we are suffering from your political, security, and military failure, because of your “screw-up” on October 7, because no soldier was in the place, and no one came to us, and no one protected us, and we are innocent citizens, citizens who pay taxes to the State of Israel, and now we are in captivity in inhuman conditions. You are killing us. Do you want to kill us all? Do you want the army to kill all of us? Isn’t it enough that you slaughtered everyone? Isn’t it enough that Israeli citizens were killed? Release us. Release us now. Release their [Palestinian] citizens and prisoners now. Release us. Release everyone. Let us go back to our families. Now! Now! Now!”
Hamas’ armed wing said that its fighters were engaged in “heavy fighting” with Israeli forces in Gaza after the Israeli military deployed more ground forces across the Palestinian territory.
“Our fighters are currently engaged in heavy fighting with machine guns and anti-tank weapons with the invading occupation (Israeli) forces in northwest Gaza,” Hamas’ Izz ad-Din al-Qassam said in a statement.
An angry mob of hundreds gathered at Makhachkala airport in Russia’s Dagestan region, forcing its closure as they protested an incoming flight from Tel Aviv. The predominantly Muslim region’s authorities and police responded to the incident where antisemitic chants were reported, but no injuries or arrests were immediately noted. Videos showed protestors waving Palestinian flags on the tarmac. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for the protection of Israeli and Jewish citizens, emphasizing cooperation between the Israeli ambassador and Russian authorities.
The military stepped up its war against Hamas in the Palestinian territory.
“Overnight we increased the entry of IDF forces into the (Gaza) Strip, and they joined the forces already fighting there,” army spokesman Daniel Hagari said in a televised briefing.
In a pivotal meeting of the Palestine Liberation Organization Executive Committee, President Mahmoud Abbas called on the global community to intervene in what he labeled as “genocidal massacres” carried out by Israel against Palestinians in Gaza. Abbas highlighted the dire circumstances, stating that despite diplomatic efforts and a majority vote in the UN General Assembly condemning the violence, Israel proceeded with a ground invasion, resulting in unprecedented loss of life and property.
The conflict has now left over 7,500 Palestinians dead and about 20,000 injured, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry in the Gaza Strip.
“How can one remain silent when over 3,000 Palestinian children have been killed, hospitals have been shelled, and civilians are being collectively punished?” questioned Abbas.
Abbas urged Arab nations to convene an emergency summit and also called for Palestinian unity against the Israeli military’s actions in Gaza, the West Bank, and Jerusalem. The Palestinian leader said Gaza would remain part of a unified Palestinian state, which is to include East Jerusalem as its capital.
In a high-stakes press conference on Saturday night, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, joined by Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and National Unity party leader Benny Gantz, announced that Israel would intensify its military offensive against Hamas.
The decision, which Netanyahu said was unanimous in both the war cabinet and wider security cabinet, came in retaliation for an Oct. 7 invasion in which Hamas committed widespread atrocities, destroying villages, killing around 1,400 Israelis, most of them civilians, and abducting more than 220 people as hostages.
Netanyahu confirmed the second stage of the war began on Friday night with additional ground forces entering the Gaza Strip.
Describing the war as Israel’s “second war of independence,” the prime minister said: “In the initial weeks of the war, we launched massive airstrikes that dealt a severe blow to the enemy.”
Netanyahu continued: “We eliminated many terrorists. However, we are only at the beginning. The battle within the Gaza Strip will be difficult and long; this is our second war of independence.”
“Our goals are the destruction of Hamas’ military and governing capabilities and returning the hostages home,” Netanyahu stated.
The prime minister drew upon the biblical injunction against the Amalekites, framing the conflict as Israel’s second war of independence. “Never again is now,” he said.
Both Netanyahu and Gallant reiterated that the conflict would be protracted but emphasized their commitment to bringing home the hostages. Gantz affirmed Israel’s united front, stating, “We are fighting on all fronts and making every effort to bring our people home.”
Netanyahu said that Gaza residents were being used as human shields and urged them to “save yourselves.” He also asserted that 90% of Hamas’ budget comes from Iran.
Israel has withdrawn its diplomats from Turkey, citing “escalating rhetoric” from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan over Israel’s role in the Gaza conflict. Erdoğan, addressing a large crowd in Istanbul, announced that Turkey was preparing to label Israel a “war criminal” for its actions in Gaza. The move casts doubt on the recently restored full diplomatic ties between the two nations. Erdoğan accused Western powers of a double standard for not intervening in Gaza, eliciting a swift response from Israeli officials.
Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced Saturday an escalation in military operations in Gaza, signifying a new phase in the protracted conflict with Hamas. Ground operations are now being supported by air and sea strikes, while heavy bombardment has crippled communication networks, isolating Gaza’s 2.3 million residents. The Palestinian death toll has risen sharply, exceeding 7,700 since October 7. Amid these developments, concerns grow over hostages taken into Gaza, as families in Tel Aviv call for their safe return. Hamas has counterproposed a hostage-prisoner swap, adding a new layer of complexity to an already fraught situation.
Senior Israeli authorities have revealed that a major prisoner exchange is in the works, with Qatar serving as the mediator. The deal aims to secure the release of captives in Gaza, focusing on women, children, and the elderly. Despite the prospective agreement, Israeli officials made it clear that their planned ground operations would continue. They also emphasized that time is running out for the deal, as Israel’s patience wanes. A deadline has been set for the Qataris and Americans to prompt Hamas into making concessions.
