Israel and Hamas at War – Days 229 to 318

The Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization (JHCO) announced that 118 trucks of humanitarian aid entered the Gaza Strip over the past week, ending Saturday. The aid was provided by the Jordanian Armed Forces and JHCO and included essential supplies such as food, hygiene parcels, ready-to-eat meals, clothing, blankets, medical supplies, tents, mattresses, and blood units.

According to JHCO Secretary-General Hussein Shibli, the aid will be distributed through partner organizations operating in Gaza. He noted that convoys were sent weekly from JHCO and its partners’ warehouses to ensure continuous support.

So far, JHCO has delivered 3,150 trucks of humanitarian assistance to Gaza through various land crossings.

Two Israeli reservists were killed by a roadside bomb in central Gaza on Saturday during ongoing clashes between Israel and Hamas. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) identified the soldiers as Maj. (res.) Yotam Itzhak Peled and Sgt. Maj. (res.) Mordechai Yosef Ben Shoam, both 34. The bomb struck their convoy in the Netzarim Corridor, where they were delivering supplies to troops in Gaza City. The bomb, planted by Hamas operatives, was followed by gunfire before the attackers fled.

The Israeli military continues operations in Gaza, including airstrikes targeting Hamas positions. On Saturday, Israeli aircraft hit over 40 targets, killing dozens of gunmen.

As US efforts push for a truce, Hamas officials remain skeptical, dismissing recent talks as an imposition of “American diktats.”

An Israeli drone strike in Jenin, in the northern West Bank, killed two Palestinians and injured another on Saturday, according to Palestinian and Israeli reports. The Palestinian Health Ministry confirmed that the bodies of two men were taken to a government hospital in the city. One of the deceased was identified as 28-year-old Raafat Dawasi, while the second body remains unidentified due to severe burns.

Wissam Bakar, director of Jenin’s government hospital, said that medical staff struggled to identify the remains because they arrived charred. Another individual sustained moderate injuries from shrapnel and was treated at the hospital.

Palestinian security sources reported that an Israeli drone fired a missile at a vehicle at the Al-Bateekha roundabout, causing a powerful explosion and completely destroying the vehicle.

Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee confirmed that an aircraft targeted a cell of combatants in the Jenin area but provided no further details. The West Bank has seen a surge in violence since October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of over 630 Palestinians.

The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry reports that the Palestinian death toll within the Gaza Strip since  October 7 has reached 40,005.

This figure includes more than 16,000 Hamas gunmen, according to Israeli military claims, which also state that some 1,000 terrorists were killed inside Israel on the day of the initial attack.

Hamas claimed responsibility for launching two rockets from the Gaza Strip towards Tel Aviv on Tuesday afternoon. According to reports, one rocket fell into the sea off the coast of the Gaza Strip, while the other landed off the coast of Rishon Lezion and Bat Yam, south of Tel Aviv.

The IDF confirmed that a rocket was launched from Gaza. Due to the rockets landing far from the coast, no alarms were triggered in the affected areas, and there were no reports of damage or casualties.

Hamas has urged the mediators involved in the Gaza cease-fire to focus on implementing previous agreements instead of introducing new proposals or entering further negotiations. The group emphasized its commitment to supporting efforts by Egyptian and Qatari mediators to end the conflict in Gaza and achieve a cease-fire. Despite engaging in multiple negotiation rounds and showing flexibility, Hamas stated that Israel responded to the most recent agreement in early July with new conditions, escalating the conflict further. In response, Hamas called on mediators to enforce the original plan and hold Israel accountable for its commitments. On August 8, leaders from Egypt, Qatar, and the US urged both Israel and Hamas to swiftly finalize a cease-fire agreement. The leaders proposed that talks resume on August 15 in Doha or Cairo to address remaining issues and implement the deal.

Israeli authorities announced on Saturday that a formal investigation has been launched into the July 29 incidents where ultranationalist activists, including several elected officials, forcibly entered two military bases—Sde Teiman and Beit Lid—in a bid to disrupt legal proceedings against IDF reservists accused of abusing Palestinian detainees. The probe is being conducted jointly by the Israel Police and the Criminal Investigations Division of the military police.

The incidents, which involved National Heritage Minister Amichay Eliyahu of Otzma Yehudit and MKs Nissim Vaturi (Likud) and Zvi Sukkot (Religious Zionism), have sparked significant controversy, particularly given the high-profile nature of the officials involved. The intruders allegedly confronted and even attacked soldiers during the break-in.

In response to the incidents, there were immediate calls for criminal proceedings against the participants, including from MK Efrat Rayten and the Movement for Quality Government in Israel, who have urged the attorney general to take action. The investigation marks the first official acknowledgment that authorities are taking the matter seriously.

Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who has been vocal about his support for the reservists, claimed that the Shin Bet pressured the attorney general into initiating the investigation, a claim that was denied by sources within the Shin Bet.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on Saturday responded sharply to recent criticism from White House national security spokesperson John Kirby, who had singled him out for his opposition to the proposed Gaza cease-fire and hostage release deal. Kirby accused Smotrich of spreading false claims and suggested that he “ought to be ashamed” for questioning the intentions of US President Joe Biden regarding Israel’s security.

Smotrich, a key figure in Israel’s far-right Religious Zionism party, has been a vocal opponent of the proposed agreement, which has been under negotiation for months. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Smotrich insisted that while he respects the US position and appreciates its support, he expects the US to respect Israel’s democratic process and the will of its citizens and elected officials on matters that directly impact Israel’s security.

He described the cease-fire agreement as a “surrender deal” to Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, warning that it would leave most hostages to die, release dangerous terrorists, and allow Hamas to rebuild its forces, posing a future threat to Israel. Despite Kirby’s rebuke, Smotrich reaffirmed his stance, stating, “No criticism and no attack will divert me from the goal.”

The World Central Kitchen (WCK), a US-based nongovernmental organization, announced on Thursday that one of its Palestinian staff members, Nadi Sallout, was killed in Gaza. Sallout, who was described as an integral member of WCK’s warehouse team in Rafah, reportedly died while off duty on Wednesday near Deir Al-Balah in central Gaza.

The organization is still seeking further details regarding the circumstances of his death. The Israeli military, however, stated that it was not aware of any incident involving harm to a WCK employee during recent days. “Thus far, the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) is unaware of any incident in which an employee of the organization was harmed during his work in recent days,” said an IDF spokesperson, noting that they had been in contact with WCK.

WCK’s announcement follows an incident on April 1, when three Israeli airstrikes targeted a convoy of aid vehicles in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of seven WCK staff members, including citizens from the United States, Australia, Britain, and Poland.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced Thursday that a senior Hamas member, Nael Sakhel, who played a crucial role in directing attacks against Israel from the West Bank, was killed in an airstrike two weeks ago. According to the military, Sakhel, a long-time member of Hamas’s West Bank headquarters, was targeted on July 24, and his death was confirmed a few days later through intelligence reports.

Sakhel was involved in supplying weapons and funding to terror cells in the West Bank. He had been sentenced to life imprisonment by Israel in 2003 for his involvement in a suicide bombing but was released and exiled to Gaza in 2011 as part of a prisoner exchange deal for captured IDF soldier Gilad Shalit.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that several drones entered Israeli airspace from Lebanon on Tuesday, with one being intercepted and others impacting south of Nahariya, resulting in civilian injuries. A man and a woman, both in their 30s, were wounded by shrapnel. The man is in critical condition, while the woman sustained moderate injuries, according to Magen David Adom paramedics.

The drone alerts were triggered in several northern towns, including Nahariya and Acre. Hezbollah later claimed responsibility for launching the drones, although a source stated it was not in retaliation for the recent IDF elimination of Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut.

In response to the drone intrusion, the IDF conducted airstrikes on a structure used by terrorists in southern Lebanon’s Nabatieh area.

Israeli Border Police and Civil Administration forces arrived early this morning at the illegal West Bank outpost of Tzur Harel, located in the Binyamin region north of Jerusalem, to demolish four structures that had been illegally constructed on private Palestinian land. The outpost had previously been the site of tensions between settlers and security forces, with several extremist settler activists attacking personnel during a similar operation in July, using Molotov cocktails and setting fires.

Following the latest demolition, several settler activists returned to the site, now declared a closed military zone, and burned tires in protest. Border Police detained three of the activists. The left-wing organization Peace Now, which monitors settlement activity, noted that 25 illegal outposts have been established since the outbreak of the war on Hamas in Gaza following the October 7 attacks.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich made a statement at a conference in Yad Binyamin, suggesting that blocking humanitarian aid to Gaza, even at the cost of causing 2 million civilians to die of hunger, might be “justified and moral” until Israeli hostages are returned. He acknowledged, however, that the international community would not permit such an action.

Speaking at an event hosted by Israel Hayom, Smotrich said, “We are bringing in aid because there is no choice. We can’t, in the current global reality, manage a war. Nobody will let us cause 2 million civilians to die of hunger, even though it might be justified and moral until our hostages are returned. Humanitarian in exchange for humanitarian is morally justified, but what can we do? We live today in a certain reality. We need international legitimacy for this war.”

Smotrich also voiced his opposition to the stance of the military and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on the control of aid entering the Gaza Strip. He emphasized the importance of Israel regaining full control over what enters Gaza, arguing that Hamas’ plundering of aid is a significant factor in prolonging the conflict.

The United States has expressed concerns that Iran could launch an attack on Israel within the next 24 to 48 hours, according to sources briefed on a call between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his counterparts from G7 countries. This information was first reported by Axios.

During the call, Blinken reportedly indicated that Washington believes an Iranian attack is imminent following the recent targeted killings of high-ranking officials from Hezbollah and Hamas, both of whom are backed by Tehran. The assassinations have significantly heightened tensions in the region, and the US is now engaged in efforts to de-escalate the situation to prevent a broader conflict.

While Blinken noted that the exact timing of the anticipated Iranian assault is uncertain, he warned that it could commence as early as Monday. The US is advocating for international pressure on Iran to limit its response in order to avoid the outbreak of an all-out regional war.

Two Israeli civilians were killed, and two others were wounded in a stabbing attack in the central city of Holon on Sunday morning, police and medics reported. The assailant, identified as a Palestinian man from the West Bank, carried out the attacks at three different locations before being shot dead by police.

The stabbing spree began at the entrance to a park on Moshe Dayan Street, where a 66-year-old woman was fatally attacked, and a 68-year-old man was seriously injured. The attacker then moved to a nearby bus stop, where he critically injured a man in his 70s, who later died at Wolfson Medical Center. The final victim, a 26-year-old, was stabbed at a bus parking lot on Dan Shomron Street and was hospitalized in moderate condition.

Police identified the attacker as Amar Odeh, a 34-year-old resident of Salfit in the West Bank, who had no prior security-related offenses and was in Israel without an entry permit. The attack comes amid heightened tensions between Israel and the Palestinians since the outbreak of violence on October 7, which has resulted in the deaths of 24 Israelis in terror attacks.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed that Muhammad Deif, the commander of Hamas’s military wing, was killed in an airstrike in the southern Gaza Strip last month. Deif, who had long been one of Israel’s most wanted men due to his role in orchestrating numerous attacks against Israelis, was targeted in a strike on July 13 at a compound in the Khan Yunis area. The military only recently obtained intelligence confirming his death.

Deif’s elimination is being hailed as a significant victory for Israel in its ongoing conflict with Hamas. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant described the killing as a “big step” towards dismantling Hamas as both a military and governmental entity, while Opposition Leader Yair Lapid called it an “unprecedentedly important military achievement.”

In a statement, Gallant emphasized the cooperation between the IDF and Shin Bet that led to Deif’s killing, marking it as a pivotal moment in Israel’s broader strategy to dismantle Hamas. He vowed that the security forces would continue to pursue Hamas terrorists “from the planners of the [October 7] massacre to the perpetrators” until the mission is fully accomplished.

A Lufthansa Airlines flight from Munich to Tel Aviv was diverted to Larnaca, Cyprus, on Thursday morning before returning to Germany after the crew refused to fly to Israel due to escalating tensions with Iran. The German airline had already announced the cancellation of two nighttime flights to Israel earlier in the week, citing security concerns.

According to Channel 12, passengers were initially informed that the plane would land in Cyprus for “technical reasons,” but later, it was decided that the flight would return to Munich. Passengers were given the option to disembark in Cyprus, although their luggage remained on board to be taken back to Germany.

The airline later confirmed that the plane landed in Cyprus “as a precautionary measure due to security activity.”

This incident follows the cancellation of flights by other major airlines, including Austrian Airlines and United Airlines, as tensions rise following the assassinations of Hezbollah military chief Fuad Shukr in Beirut and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran earlier this week. The ongoing conflict has led to increased caution among airlines operating in the region.

The Israeli Government Press Office stirred global attention Wednesday morning with a controversial Facebook post that announced the assassination of Hamas’ Political Bureau chief, Ismail Haniyeh. The post, which quickly drew widespread media coverage, featured an image of Haniyeh with the word “eliminated” superimposed in large black lettering across his face.

Despite the post being removed from Facebook shortly after its publication, its brief presence was enough to prompt international media to report it as Israel’s official confirmation of responsibility for the attack.

Early Wednesday morning, a military court in Israel extended the detention of eight reserve soldiers suspected of seriously sexually abusing a Palestinian detainee. The court’s decision at the Beit Lid base in central Israel cited “reasonable suspicion” that the soldiers had harmed the detainee at the Sde Teiman detention facility.

Initially, ten soldiers were detained in connection with the case, but charges against two were dropped after new evidence surfaced during the investigation. The remaining soldiers are now held until Sunday as the inquiry continues.

The charges against these soldiers include aggravated sodomy, causing bodily harm under aggravated circumstances, and other severe violations reflective of the gravity of the accusations. The case has prompted significant domestic and international attention, particularly following a distressing incident where far-right activists and lawmakers forcibly entered military bases in protest of the arrests.

An Israeli man was killed in a Hezbollah rocket strike on a kibbutz in northern Israel on Tuesday afternoon, intensifying tensions between Israel and the Iran-backed Lebanese group following a deadly attack on the Golan Heights over the weekend.

Medics confirmed the death of the Israeli civilian in his 30s, who was fatally wounded after a rocket struck Kibbutz HaGoshrim in the Upper Galilee. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that 10 rockets were fired from Lebanon, with most intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for the attack, stating it had launched dozens of rockets at a nearby military base.

In response, the IDF shelled the launch site with artillery and, earlier in the day, had struck a Hezbollah site in Jibchit, southern Lebanon, with fighter jets.

Lebanon has been bracing for Israeli retaliation since a Hezbollah rocket attack on Saturday killed 12 children and teenagers at a soccer field. Both Israel and the US have blamed Hezbollah for the attack despite the group’s denial of responsibility for the fatalities.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant visited the northern Druze village of Majdal Shams on Monday to offer condolences to the families of the 12 children killed in a Hezbollah rocket attack on Saturday. The attack targeted a soccer field, leading to the tragic loss of young lives and escalating tensions in the region.

Addressing the grieving families, Gallant expressed solidarity, stating, “To me, there’s no difference between a Jewish child who was murdered in the south of Israel on October 7 and a Druze child who was murdered in the Golan Heights. It’s the same thing, these are our children.” He assured the mourners that Israel would take decisive action to restore security and ensure that life continues as normal.

“We will do everything to restore security and let life continue as it should. Hezbollah will pay a price for this – our actions will speak volumes,” Gallant added, emphasizing the government’s commitment to a strong response.

On Sunday night, the security cabinet authorized Gallant and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to decide on the “manner and timing” of Israel’s response to the deadly strike, indicating a measured but firm approach to the escalating conflict.

Israel’s delegation to the Paris Olympics took a solemn moment on Monday to honor the victims of a recent deadly rocket attack by Hezbollah on the Druze town of Majdal Shams in the Golan Heights. The attack claimed the lives of 12 individuals, most of whom were children and teenagers.

The Israeli team gathered in the Olympic Village to observe a moment of silence, paying their respects to those who lost their lives in the tragic incident. Channel 12 News shared a poignant photo of the delegation on social media, capturing the athletes and staff united in their tribute.

The attack in Majdal Shams has drawn international condemnation and heightened tensions in the region. The observance by Israel’s Olympic athletes underscores the profound impact of the tragedy on the nation, even as they compete on the world stage.

The attack, which Hezbollah has denied responsibility for, has led to calls for retaliation and increased security measures in the affected areas. The moment of silence in Paris serves as a reminder of the ongoing conflict and its far-reaching effects.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Monday the confirmation of the deaths of two hostages, Alex Dancyg, 75, and Yagev Buchshtav, 35, who were held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The confirmation follows new intelligence that revealed the two were detained together in Khan Yunis and died several months ago amid IDF operations in the area.

The circumstances surrounding their deaths are currently under investigation, with the IDF exploring the possibility that they may have been casualties of Israeli fire. Both individuals were abducted from their homes in Kibbutz Nir Oz and Kibbutz Nirim during an attack on October 7. A health panel, including members of the rabbinate, officially declared their deaths based on the latest information provided by the IDF.

A Canadian citizen was shot and killed after attempting a knife attack at the entrance to Netiv HaAsara, an Israeli village bordering the Gaza Strip, earlier today. The assailant, who arrived in a rented car, was confronted by members of the local emergency squad as he brandished a knife and shouted accusations about the killing of civilians in Gaza.

The incident occurred around noon when the individual exited his vehicle at the village’s gate, wielding a knife and making threatening statements in English. Members of the standby squad stationed at the gate responded quickly, neutralizing the threat before he could harm anyone.

A school in Kibbutz Dafna, a northern Israeli community, was struck by a rocket fired from southern Lebanon, causing significant structural damage but, fortunately, no injuries, as the school was empty at the time. The incident is part of a broader barrage that targeted the area, also igniting fires in the surrounding landscapes, including the Banias nature reserve, where approximately 50 dunams were burned.

Anti-government protests intensified in cities across Israel on Saturday night, with demonstrators urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to finalize a hostage deal with Hamas before his scheduled departure for Washington. The protests, drawing thousands in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, and Caesarea, saw emotional appeals from the families of hostages held in Gaza.

In Tel Aviv, Einav Zangauker, a parent of one of the hostages, criticized Netanyahu’s priorities, suggesting that the prime minister values his political position over the lives of the captives. The protests were sparked by ongoing frustrations over stalled negotiations aimed at securing the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas since the attacks on October 7, which initiated the current conflict.

An Israeli drone strike in southern Lebanon killed a senior commander in a Hamas-aligned militia, the group said in a statement on Thursday. 

A strike on the country’s eastern Bekaa valley killed Mohammed Hamed Jbara, a high-ranking officer in Jamaa Islamiya’s armed wing, the Fajr Forces, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency. 

The Fajr Forces, which were founded in 1982 to oppose Israel’s 1982 invasion of Lebanon, have launched dozens of attacks on Israel in the nine months since war broke out in Gaza. 

Israeli security forces have arrested three citizens linked to a covert Iranian espionage operation. The Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) and the National Unit for International Investigations disclosed that these individuals were recruited by Iranian intelligence under the guise of foreign entities to conduct various illicit activities in Israel.

The investigation highlighted the case of Elimelech Stern, a 21-year-old from Beit Shemesh, who was directed by an online entity named “Anna Elena” to carry out assignments such as distributing threatening messages and setting fires. Stern, who communicated with his handlers via Telegram and was paid in cryptocurrency, has been charged with contacting a foreign agent.

An Israeli official confirmed to The Times of Israel on Monday that a negotiation team is set to depart this week for ongoing discussions aimed at securing a hostage release deal with Hamas. This follows a recent IDF airstrike targeting Muhammad Deif, a top commander within the terror group, which resulted in the death of another Hamas commander, Rafa’a Salameh. Despite the tensions, talks will proceed as planned, although the locations—whether in Doha or Cairo—remain undisclosed.

The Israeli government maintains that the continued military pressure is essential and believes it brings Israel closer to its goals of defeating Hamas and securing the release of hostages. This stance is supported by the fact that Hamas has not withdrawn from negotiation talks, which involve US, Egyptian, and Qatari mediators.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu highlighted an escalating issue of explicit threats against himself, his family, and other public officials in Israel during a government meeting on Sunday. This meeting came in the context of a broader discussion about the attempted assassination of former US President Donald Trump. Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs presented a compilation of incitements against the prime minister, which sparked a strong reaction among the ministers.

In response to these threats, the Israeli government has announced plans for a comprehensive meeting next Sunday. This session will involve top law enforcement officials and focus on the enforcement actions taken in response to threats against public figures, including police investigations and trials.

Netanyahu criticized the current enforcement measures as insufficient, noting a disparity in how legal actions are pursued against different social groups, including right-wing elements, settlers, the ultra-orthodox, and Ethiopians. He argued that threats against right-wing figures often lead to more stringent legal responses compared to those against his administration and supporters.

The prime minister also lamented the silence and inaction from senior figures regarding these threats, stating that it not only undermines democracy but also normalizes political violence. He called for a balanced and decisive response to what he termed as an attack on democracy, emphasizing the need for equal enforcement of the law across all segments of Israeli society.

In a recent development, Hamas has denied reports, initially cited by AFP, claiming that they had halted hostage-truce negotiations with Israel. The denial was issued through an official statement from the group, which Hebrew media outlets widely reported.

The statement criticized the actions of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government, accusing them of escalating aggression to obstruct a potential agreement. “One of the goals of the escalation against our nation by Netanyahu and his government is to block the road to an agreement that stops the aggression against our people, and this is clear to everyone,” the statement read.

This clarification comes after confusion stemming from comments made by a Hamas official who indicated that the group was pulling out of the talks due to Israel’s lack of seriousness in reaching an agreement.

Cease-fire talks aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in Gaza have been abruptly halted after three days of intense negotiations, according to two Egyptian security sources. The talks, which had been seen as a critical opportunity to de-escalate tensions, failed to reach a viable agreement, with the sources attributing the breakdown to a lack of genuine intent on the Israeli side.

The sources, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the discussions, told Reuters that the Israeli mediators’ behavior suggested significant internal disagreements within the delegation. They described a pattern where the Israeli team would initially agree to certain conditions, only to later backtrack by introducing amendments or entirely new terms that jeopardized the progress of the negotiations.

In a significant shift in military policy, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant announced on Wednesday that draft notices would soon be issued to some members of the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community, who have historically been exempt from mandatory military service. This move follows a ruling by Israel’s Supreme Court last month, which mandated the end of the longstanding exemption.

Addressing the Israeli parliament, Gallant detailed plans to dispatch thousands of draft notices in the coming weeks, although he noted that not all those who receive notices are expected to serve. The decision is seen as a response to the Israeli armed forces’ need for more personnel to maintain national security and support ongoing military operations against the Hamas group in Gaza.

The policy change comes amid political tensions, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government includes two ultra-Orthodox parties that have historically opposed mandatory military service for their community. The implementation of the Supreme Court’s ruling, therefore, sets the stage for a potential conflict within the coalition.

In a dramatic turn of events within the Israeli government, coalition whip Ofir Katz (Likud) announced the withdrawal of all legislation from the Knesset plenum’s agenda for Tuesday, citing the “irresponsible behavior” of the far-right Otzma Yehudit party. This decision comes after Otzma Yehudit opposed a Shas-backed amendment to the Religious Services Law, exacerbating existing tensions within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition.

The conflict peaked on Monday when Otzma Yehudit chairman, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, clashed with Aryeh Deri’s ultra-Orthodox Shas party. Ben Gvir’s refusal to support the coalition, unless given a significant role in wartime decisions, has led to a standoff, impacting the coalition’s functionality. This internal discord led to Shas members walking out of the Knesset in protest and the government pulling the contested legislation from the docket.

The situation further escalated with Ben Gvir criticizing Netanyahu for sidelining his cabinet and conducting what he described as a “one-man government.” He emphasized the need for the coalition partners to have a meaningful impact on governance, not just to be bystanders.

In a heated session of the Knesset Constitution, Law and Justice Committee, Danny Elgarat, the brother of hostage Itzik Elgarat, was forcibly removed from the chamber after interrupting another hostage’s family member during a crucial discussion about potential deals with Hamas. The incident unfolded as Boaz Miran, whose brother Omri was abducted by Hamas terrorists from Kibuzz Nahal Oz on October 7, was addressing the committee. Miran argued against what he described as a “reckless deal” with Hamas.

Danny Elgarat accused Boaz Miran of being influenced by the right-wing Tikvah Fund, claiming that Miran was speaking in favor of the committee chair, far-right MK Simcha Rothman, under their guidance. Activists from the Tikvah Fund were reportedly present at the meeting, further intensifying the controversy.

As Elgarat voiced his objections, he was ordered to be removed by MK Rothman for disrupting the proceedings. Despite Elgarat’s refusal to leave, insisting loudly on his right to stay, he was ultimately dragged out by Knesset ushers. Following his removal, he was seen receiving medical attention while lying facedown in a hallway, a scene that was quickly captured by photographers.

A source within Hezbollah has reported to Al Jazeera that the group has executed a substantial assault against northern Israel, launching over 200 rockets and approximately 20 drones at military bases within the past hour.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have yet to issue a statement regarding the attacks, leaving the details of any potential damage or casualties unconfirmed.

An Israeli drone strike in the West Bank’s Nur Shams camp near Tulkarem late Tuesday resulted in the deaths of four operatives from the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The IDF reported that the individuals were in the process of planting an explosive device at the time of the strike.

The military had been monitoring the group, known as the Tulkarem Battalion, and launched an ambush as they began to plant a roadside bomb approximately 100 meters from the location where an Israeli soldier was fatally injured by a similar device the previous day.

The deceased were identified by the local faction of Islamic Jihad as Yazid Saad al-Shafi, Nimr Anwar Hamarsheh, Mohamed Yasser Shehadeh, and Mohamed Hassan Ghannam.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the successful location and destruction of a kilometer-long tunnel in the strategically crucial Netzarim Corridor of the central Gaza Strip. This area, controlled by Israeli troops, serves as a vital east-west division within the territory.

According to the IDF, the tunnel, which was discovered by troops from the 99th Division, featured several branching paths that facilitated movement for terror operatives within the region. The tunnel demolition was carried out by the elite Yahalom combat engineering unit, which specializes in such operations.

In addition to this tunnel, the IDF reported significant military activity in the Netzarim Corridor over the past two months. Forces from the Alexandroni Reserve Infantry Brigade and the 8th Reserve Armored Brigade have been particularly active, eliminating dozens of gunmen and destroying over 100 sites associated with terror groups. These sites included weapons depots, observation posts, rocket launching pads, and additional tunnels.

Palestinian terrorists in the Gaza Strip fired a barrage of at least 20 rockets toward Israeli border communities on Monday, representing the most significant such attack in over seven months. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad group claimed responsibility for this offensive.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that the rockets were launched from the Khan Yunis area in southern Gaza, a locale where Israeli military activities had recently been conducted. Despite the ferocity of the assault, Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system successfully intercepted several of the rockets, while others fell in open areas, causing no casualties or damage.

In response to the attack, the IDF deployed artillery fire at the launching sites. Sirens alerted residents in several communities, including Ein Hashlosha, Kissufim, and Nir Oz, prompting evacuations as a precautionary measure.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s defense team has informed the Jerusalem District Court that due to his responsibility to manage the ongoing conflict in Gaza, he will not be able to testify in his corruption trial until March of next year. In a detailed submission, Netanyahu’s lawyer, Amit Hadad, emphasized the challenges of preparing for such significant testimony amidst war, asserting that a rushed preparation would compromise the prime minister’s defense rights.

The corruption trial began in May 2020 and is anticipated to extend into the late 2020s, factoring in potential appeals. Netanyahu faces multiple charges across three separate cases, including fraud, breach of trust, and bribery, the most severe allegations arising from Case 4000, involving purported regulatory favors that benefited the Bezeq telecommunications company in exchange for positive media coverage.

The trial has seen several delays and procedural challenges, further complicated by a recent request from one of Netanyahu’s key defense attorneys to resign due to personal family issues, necessitating a delay to allow the new attorney adequate preparation time.

A diplomatic dispute between Israel and the US continues as the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reports that ammunition shipments to Israel are “even higher than peacetime levels,” countering Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s claim of a “dramatic halt” to supplies.

The WSJ noted that the stagnation in American arms deliveries to Israel is not due to policy changes but fewer new requests from the Israeli government.

While the US advocates for maintaining or increasing the pace of deliveries, Netanyahu insists that shipments have significantly slowed. Although current delivery rates are lower than during the airlift of ammunition following Hamas’s October 7 attacks, they reportedly match or exceed peacetime levels.

US State Department spokesman Mathew Miller suggested that Israel’s requests for ammunition have decreased. The Israeli Defense Ministry has not commented on the matter.

Tracking arms deliveries to Israel is complex as orders are placed years in advance, and the lack of public disclosure, coupled with the use of various channels that bypass Congress, adds to the difficulty.

Former State Department official Josh Paul, who resigned in October 2023 due to disagreement with the Biden Administration’s decision to rush military assistance to Israel following Hamas’ October 7 attacks, stated that the lack of transparency in arms deliveries to Israel benefits President Joe Biden’s campaign by avoiding controversy over ammunition shipments. The president faces pressure from progressive Democrats to reduce weapons due to an alleged high civilian death toll in Gaza.

Palestinian health authorities say that more than 37,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war, most of them women and children. Israeli government sources dispute this claim, stating that around half of the Palestinians killed were combatants, a figure they say compares favorably to other examples of urban warfare.

The debate over ammunition deliveries comes at a critical time as Netanyahu prepares to address Congress on July 24 regarding war crimes charges from the International Criminal Court.

US Senator John Fetterman met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog today, marking his first official trip to Israel. Both leaders expressed mutual respect and commitment to further strengthening their bilateral relationship.

During their discussions, President Herzog expressed profound gratitude to Senator Fetterman for his steadfast support and solidarity with the Israeli people. Senator Fetterman showed President Herzog a bracelet given to him by families affected by the terrorist attacks at the Nova Festival on October 7th. The bracelet, a symbol of remembrance and solidarity, represents his commitment to not remove it until all hostages taken by Hamas terrorists are safely returned to their families.

President Herzog warmly welcomed Senator Fetterman, stating, “Welcome to Israel, my friend. I know that you come out of passion and love for this country. And I want to say thank you on behalf of our nation and on behalf of Israel. Those who stand with us showing moral clarity, we shall never forget them. And we want to thank you; you’re a true leader.”

Senator Fetterman responded by saying, “I’m honored by those words, but I don’t really believe I should be thanked for just doing my job. It’s been a very easy and clear choice throughout all of this, through everything your nation has been through after October 7. I’ve always wanted to be a very consistent voice throughout all this,” said Fetterman.

Israel’s military announced on Monday that it had killed Muhammad Salah, a senior Hamas weapons expert, in the Gaza Strip. Salah was identified as a key figure in Hamas’ weapons manufacturing headquarters, responsible for developing strategic weaponry and commanding several weapon development squads.

The military also reported ongoing operations in Rafah city and central Gaza, emphasizing intelligence-based, targeted actions.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Sunday that troops had raided and demolished a Hamas training complex in the Tel al-Sultan neighborhood of Rafah, southern Gaza. The raid targeted the Abu Said outpost, belonging to Hamas’ Tel al-Sultan Battalion, and resulted in the capture of the site by the 401st Armored Brigade. Troops discovered the office of the battalion’s commander, Mahmoud Hamdan, a weapons depot, and several tunnel shafts. Additional raids uncovered more weapons, tunnels, and intelligence materials.

Simultaneously, the IDF carried out dozens of airstrikes on military and terrorist infrastructure across Gaza. One strike targeted a site previously part of UNRWA’s headquarters in Gaza City, where Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad operatives were gathered. The IDF stated that “precision munition” and various intelligence measures were used to prevent civilian harm. At least five people were reported killed in this strike.

The IDF’s ground operations continue in central Gaza’s Netzarim Corridor and Rafah. Over a million Palestinians have sought refuge in Rafah, with most evacuating to the Al-Mawasi humanitarian zone. Local reports indicate Israeli tanks have advanced to the edge of this camp.

The US military’s floating pier in Gaza is set to resume operations on Thursday to deliver much-needed humanitarian aid, according to two US officials. The pier, which was removed due to poor sea conditions last Friday, was reattached on Wednesday.

Since May 17, aid has been arriving via the US-built pier, with the UN transporting 137 trucks of aid, totaling about 900 metric tons, to warehouses. However, rough seas and security issues have disrupted its operation.

President Joe Biden announced the pier initiative in March to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza during the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian terrorists. The US military estimates the pier’s first 90 days will cost over $200 million and involve around 1,000 service members.

Air Force Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder, speaking at the Pentagon, did not specify when the pier operations would end but emphasized the US’s commitment to delivering aid by any means necessary.

The United Nations rights office released a report on Wednesday accusing Israel of potentially violating the laws of war with its use of heavy bombs in the Gaza Strip. The report, welcomed by Palestinian representatives and dismissed by Israel as flawed, also noted violations by Palestinian armed groups.

The report highlights that since October 7, 2023, Palestinian armed groups have fired indiscriminate projectiles toward Israel, violating international law. It mentioned fatalities from rocket fire on that day but did not address other aspects of Hamas’ attack, which killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog addressed a bipartisan group of US lawmakers, advocating for discreet discussions on sensitive matters after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a video criticizing the Biden Administration for allegedly delaying weapons shipments to Israel. This public critique led to the White House canceling a high-level Israeli delegation’s visit to Washington.

“We are utterly grateful to the United States of America for standing with us in this war,” Herzog stated alongside Democratic Congressman Steny Hoyer. “And I’m very grateful to the president of the United States for being here at the beginning of the war and sending a clear message on behalf of the American people.” Herzog emphasized the significance of bipartisan support, noting, “We respect tremendously the bipartisan support that crosses all divides and conflicts within American society.”

A senior Israeli negotiator, speaking to AFP on Monday under conditions of anonymity, confirmed that dozens of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza are alive. He emphasized that Israel cannot consider halting the ongoing war until all captives are safely released in a negotiated deal.

The hostages, taken during the October 7 attack by Hamas that killed 1,200 people, are believed to be mostly civilians, with Israel confirming the deaths of 41. The negotiator highlighted the urgency of their situation, stating, “We cannot leave them there a long time. They will die.”

This statement aligns with US President Joe Biden’s recent presentation of a three-phase proposal to end the war, starting with a six-week full cease-fire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas in Gaza. The Israeli government has tentatively accepted Biden’s plan but is waiting for an affirmative response from Hamas.

In a significant development, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced the dissolution of Israel’s war cabinet, a specialized group formed to coordinate military operations against Hamas and Hezbollah. The announcement comes following the departure of National Unity party chair Benny Gantz, who was one of the three main members of the war cabinet. Gantz’s exit last week, along with observer Gadi Eisenkot, has prompted the anticipated disbandment of the forum.

This shift in the Israeli government’s approach to military strategy occurs amid internal political movements, notably the lobbying efforts of far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to be included in the decision-making forum. Following the dissolution, Prime Minister Netanyahu is expected to conduct critical war-related decisions through smaller, ad hoc meetings. These gatherings will exclude Ben-Gvir, while Netanyahu will still seek the broader security cabinet’s final approval on key decisions.

The cabinet appears to have postponed an anticipated discussion on extending an emergency measure delaying retirement for IDF reservists that was widely expected to take place Sunday.

Leaked copies of the government’s agenda do not show the Defense Ministry-backed “draft Security Service Law.” This law calls for extending a temporary measure that raises the age of cessation of reserve military service from 40 to 41 for soldiers, from 45 to 46 for officers, and from 49 to 50 for specialists such as doctors and air crewmen, until the end of the year.

The current increase in the exemption age, initially passed by the Knesset late last year, is set to expire at the end of the month.

If eventually approved by the Knesset, the draft bill would mark the second extension of the measure. It was intended as a stopgap solution to prevent a mass release from the reserves of soldiers reaching the exemption age amid ongoing combat operations in Gaza.

The Israeli military announced on Sunday it would implement daily “tactical pauses” in its offensive in the southern Gaza Strip to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid.

According to a military statement, the pause will occur from 8 am to 7 pm local time each day until further notice. This pause will cover the Rafah area, extending from the Kerem Shalom crossing in southern Gaza to Salah al-Din Road and the European Hospital in Khan Yunis.

The decision follows discussions with the United Nations and international aid organizations. The UN has reported a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, describing the hunger situation as “catastrophic” after more than eight months of Israeli military action.

The Hamas-run media office in Gaza reports that about 98% of children in Gaza lack access to clean drinking water, relying on less than 3 liters of water per day. Approximately 82,000 children show signs of malnutrition, with 35% experiencing severe symptoms. Furthermore, around 3,500 children are at risk of death due to malnutrition and insufficient medical care.

The tactical pauses are aimed at alleviating these dire conditions by ensuring the safe delivery of much-needed aid to the affected areas.

Hamas has accepted a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for a cease-fire in Gaza and is prepared to negotiate the specifics, senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri told Reuters on Tuesday. He emphasized that it is now up to Washington to ensure Israel complies with the resolution.

“The US administration is facing a real test to carry out its commitments in compelling the occupation to immediately end the war in an implementation of the UN Security Council resolution,” Abu Zuhri said, according to the news site.

The UN resolution, which was supported by 14 Security Council members with Russia abstaining, outlines a three-phase plan for a permanent cease-fire, the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and the reconstruction of Gaza.

Israeli fighter jets conducted airstrikes on what the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) described as a significant Hezbollah compound deep in Lebanon overnight Monday-Tuesday, following the downing of an Israeli drone by the terror group.

The IDF stated that the airstrikes targeted a site in the Baalbek region belonging to Hezbollah’s Unit 4400, responsible for logistical operations and the delivery of weaponry within Lebanon. Additional strikes hit sites in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah, backed by Iran, receives much of its arms from Tehran.

Lebanese media reported that the strikes occurred in the Hermel District near Baalbek in northeastern Lebanon. Sources within Hezbollah informed AFP that three of their members were killed during the attacks.

“Three Hezbollah members were killed by nine Israeli missile strikes that targeted a convoy of tankers and a building” in a village in Hermel District, said a Hezbollah source, adding that three others were wounded. The group named two of the deceased members as Bilal a-Din from Majdel Selm and Abbas Nasser from Tayr Felsay.

National Unity chairman Benny Gantz will hold a press conference in Kfar Maccabiah this evening at 8 p.m., following the cancellation of a planned announcement on Saturday night in which he was expected to declare his party’s exit from the government.

The decision to cancel Saturday’s announcement was reportedly tactical, influenced by the recent rescue of four Israeli hostages from Gaza. Despite this, Gantz’s party still plans to leave the coalition due to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s failure to address Gantz’s concerns.

After the rescue operation, Netanyahu tweeted a plea to Gantz, urging unity: “This is the time for unity and not for division.”

Gantz, one of three members of Netanyahu’s war cabinet, responded, acknowledging the success but emphasizing the ongoing challenges facing Israel: “Alongside the justified joy in the achievement, we must remember that all the challenges Israel faces have remained as they were. Therefore, I tell the prime minister and the entire leadership—today, too, we must consider responsibly how it is best and possible to continue from here.”

War Cabinet Minister Benny Gantz is set to announce the withdrawal of his National Unity party from the Israeli government by Saturday night. This decision fulfills an ultimatum he issued to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last month, demanding a clear strategy for the Gaza conflict, including plans for post-Hamas governance.

According to Hebrew media reports, there have been no negotiations to bridge the gap with Gantz or to ensure his continued support in the coalition after the June 8 deadline. Without any last-minute changes, Gantz will honor his ultimatum, as the government has not addressed his demands.

Gantz has faced pressure to remain in the government since joining the coalition following the Hamas assault on October 7. The Kan public broadcaster reported that the US government has urged Gantz to delay his departure amid ongoing cease-fire and hostage negotiation efforts with Hamas in Gaza.

Netanyahu’s far-right partners, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have opposed the proposed deal with Hamas, which the war cabinet, which includes Gantz, Netanyahu, and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, approved. They have threatened to collapse the government if the deal proceeds.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu came under fire on Wednesday for prioritizing political meetings over crisis management during his tour of Kiryat Shmona, a northern city recently bombarded by Hezbollah. Despite the escalating conflict, Netanyahu chose to meet with Kiryat Shmona’s Likud mayoral candidate instead of the incumbent Mayor Avichai Stern, who has openly criticized the prime minister.

Netanyahu’s visit was originally described by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) as a military and security assessment of the northern border, with no civilian meetings planned, including with Mayor Stern. However, the narrative shifted when Likud mayoral candidate Eli Zafrani posted photos on Facebook showing him briefing Netanyahu. The PMO later clarified that Zafrani was not officially invited but attended on his own initiative.

Zafrani’s post expressed his concerns about the city’s dire situation, stating, “I made it clear to him that the patience of our dear residents has run out, and something must be done about the abnormal situation that we have found ourselves in.”

Aharon Barak, the former president of Israel’s Supreme Court, has resigned from his role as an ad hoc judge on an International Court of Justice (ICJ) panel. The panel is currently addressing a genocide allegation related to Israel’s military actions in Gaza, officials reported on Wednesday.

In a resignation letter dated June 4, which was republished by various Israeli media outlets, Barak, who is 87 years old, cited personal and family reasons for his decision to step down. The specifics of these reasons were not disclosed in his letter.

According to the rules of the ICJ, a country that does not have a national judge on the bench is permitted to nominate an ad hoc judge to participate in cases concerning them. It remains unclear who will succeed Barak as Israel’s ad hoc judge on the panel.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed his gratitude towards Barak for his service at The Hague. In a formal statement, Herzog emphasized Israel’s resolve, stating, “We will continue to stand steadfast against the evil, hypocrisy, and libels cast against the State of Israel and IDF (Israel Defence Forces).”

A recent survey conducted by the Viterbi Family Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research at the Israel Democracy Institute between May 26 and May 28, 2024, reveals a significant decline in public optimism and confidence in the Israeli government’s post-war planning. The survey, which included 600 Jewish and 150 Arab respondents, highlights growing discontent and skepticism among the Israeli population.

The survey indicates a continuing decline in optimism regarding Israel’s future democratic rule and national security. Overall, optimism has reached its lowest point since the survey began. A substantial 80% of respondents believe the government lacks a clear plan for the aftermath of the Gaza conflict. This sentiment is shared widely among Jews and Arabs, as well as across various political factions. Among Jewish respondents, those identifying as Left or Center overwhelmingly feel the government is unprepared for the post-war scenario.

The government’s performance since October 7 was assessed on several fronts, including the war in Gaza, the conflict with Hezbollah, the treatment of evacuees, public diplomacy, and relations with the US. None of the issues received an average grade above the midpoint of 3, with Arab respondents giving particularly low ratings. Arab respondents gave the government’s handling of the Gaza conflict the lowest scores, while Jewish respondents rated the government’s management of relations with the US the highest, though still below satisfactory levels.

Purported Israeli airstrikes killed an unspecified number of people, including an Iranian military adviser, near the northern Syrian city of Aleppo on Monday, according to reporting from Syrian state-run news.  

Later, media affiliated with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard confirmed the death of military adviser Saeed Abyar in the blast. He is the first Iranian military attaché in Syria to be killed since Israel’s April strike near Iran’s consulate in Damascus.  

Israel rarely acknowledges its strikes in Syria and has so far not addressed the incident. 

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Monday that Dolev Yehud, who was initially believed to have been taken hostage by Hamas terrorists during the October 7 attacks, has been declared dead. His remains were identified among those found in Israel, concluding a painful chapter for his family and community.

Dolev Yehud, a 35-year-old volunteer medic with Magen David Adom and United Hatzalah, heroically left his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz on the morning of the attacks to assist others. Tragically, he was killed during the onslaught. Dolev is survived by his wife, Sigal, and their four children. His youngest child, Dor, was born shortly after the attack.

The identification process was complicated by the condition of the remains, as some victims of the Hamas massacre were burned or mutilated beyond recognition. Advances in scientific identification techniques, however, eventually helped confirm that the previously unidentified body was indeed that of Dolev.

A UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) official in Gaza warned that the besieged Palestinian enclave requires adequate food aid to prevent famine. Inas Hamdan, acting public information officer for UNRWA in Gaza, said in a Cairo interview with Egypt’s Al-Qahera News that there are no safe zones in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis is worsening. She reported that shelter centers in Khan Yunis and central Gaza are overcrowded with refugees from Rafah, with around 16,000 people per center. Hamdan emphasized the need for health services and sufficient food supplies.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has surpassed War Cabinet Minister Benny Gantz as the public’s preferred choice for premier, according to a recent television survey by Channel 12 news. This marks the first time in a year that Netanyahu has outpolled his closest rival, highlighting a significant shift in public opinion.

The poll results come at a time when Netanyahu’s Likud party has also shown gains against Gantz’s centrist National Union. The survey suggests that if elections were held today, Likud would secure 21 seats in the Knesset, trailing National Union’s 25 seats by a narrow margin. This gap represents a significant closing from previous polls where the National Union led by as much as 19 seats.

Additionally, the poll indicates that a potential new right-wing alliance, including Netanyahu’s former allies, could secure a substantial number of parliamentary seats, primarily at the expense of Gantz’s National Union.

Tensions escalated near Rafah on Monday as Israeli and Egyptian forces exchanged fire, resulting in the death of an Egyptian soldier. A second soldier was confirmed to have been killed later on Monday.

Sources within the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) indicated that the confrontation began when Egyptian soldiers opened fire, prompting Israeli forces to return fire. Following the exchange, IDF officials reportedly reached out to their Egyptian counterparts to de-escalate the situation and halt further hostilities.

This confrontation marks a rare instance of direct military engagement between Israel and Egypt, countries which have maintained a peace treaty since 1979.

Clashes erupted on Sunday between Israeli police and Jewish pilgrims at the site of a tragic crowd crush in Meron, which killed 45 people three years ago. The site, hosting the annual Lag B’Omer festival at the tomb of a 2nd-century sage, was closed this year due to ongoing security concerns, including recent rocket attacks from Lebanon.

Authorities, citing the past tragedy and current threats, had canceled this year’s event, which traditionally attracts tens of thousands of participants for all-night sessions of prayer, song, and dance. The recent hostilities initiated by Hezbollah following the October 7th Hamas assault on southern Israel led to evacuations across many northern Israeli towns and a heightened security alert.

Despite the official cancellation and warnings, hundreds of pilgrims breached the closure over the weekend, leading to confrontations with law enforcement. The police reported property damage and assaults, with several officers injured during the fracas. Media outlets also noted injuries among the pilgrims, with the police taking action against at least one officer for excessive use of force.

Benny Gantz, leader of the National Unity party and a key figure in Israel’s war cabinet, has officially submitted a proposal for the establishment of a state commission of inquiry into the events of the October 7 Hamas invasion and the ongoing war in Gaza. This proposal, aimed at scrutinizing the political, military, and intelligence decision-making at various stages of the conflict, was presented to the cabinet secretariat and is pending approval.

The proposed commission would not only delve into the decisions leading up to and during the conflict but also assess Israel’s compliance with international law throughout the duration of the war. This aspect of the inquiry is particularly significant given the current international legal challenges Israel faces, including potential arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

In a statement to the press, the National Unity party outlined that the commission would investigate “all events that preceded the war,” focusing on how different government and security bodies managed their responsibilities regarding the Gaza border and responded to the Hamas attack on October 7.

Gantz’s initiative comes at a time of heightened internal discord over the war’s management. Gantz threatens to leave the government unless Netanyahu outlines a comprehensive postwar strategy for Gaza by June 8.

Today, approximately 200 aid trucks, including four designated for fuel, are scheduled to enter Gaza through the Kerem Shalom Crossing, marking a crucial development in humanitarian efforts for the region. This announcement comes from Khaled Zayed, head of the Egyptian Red Crescent Society in North Sinai, who confirmed the details to Reuters.

The convoy’s rerouting through Kerem Shalom follows an impasse at the Rafah border crossing, which has been closed since May 7 due to an Israeli military operation. The decision to reroute the aid comes after a high-level agreement between Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi and US President Joe Biden, aimed at alleviating the humanitarian crisis without endorsing Israel’s military actions at Rafah.

Egypt has stood firm on not reopening Rafah for aid passage until Israeli forces withdraw, emphasizing its stance against appearing complicit in the military operations. The agreement reached by Sissi and Biden during their recent phone call will allow temporary relief through an alternative route, providing much-needed supplies and fuel to Gaza’s beleaguered population.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has announced the recovery of the bodies of three hostages from the northern Gaza Strip following an overnight operation. The hostages, identified as Orión Hernández Radoux, 30, Hanan Yablonka, 42, and Michel Nisenbaum, 59, were confirmed killed on October 7, based on newly acquired reliable intelligence.

Hernández Radoux, a dual Mexican-French national, Yablonka, and Nisenbaum were initially abducted from the Mefalsim area during a Hamas attack. This location had seen previous violent incidents, including the murder and abduction of four other hostages whose bodies were recently retrieved from a tunnel in Jabaliya.

The operation to recover the bodies was a joint effort between the military and Shin Bet, leveraging precise intelligence gathered in the ongoing conflict. Following the recovery, the bodies were taken to the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute for identification, after which the families were informed of the tragic news.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) revealed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received multiple warnings from Military Intelligence about the potential repercussions of domestic unrest on national security. Between March and July 2023, four communiques stressed concerns about how Israel’s enemies perceived the country’s internal divisions, particularly affecting the cohesion of the State of Israel and the IDF.

The disclosure came in response to a request by the Hatzlacha NGO, which sought details on the intelligence warnings seven months ago. The unrest cited in the warnings stemmed from widespread protests against the government’s controversial judicial reforms. Critics argued that the proposed changes and the resultant massive opposition movement projected an image of weakness, encouraging Hamas to initiate an aggressive attack on October 7.

During the demonstrations, military personnel, including Air Force reservists, also took significant action, frozing their service in protest against the government’s policies. This led to concerns within the IDF about potential impacts on Israel’s defense capabilities.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) carried out a targeted drone strike this morning in southern Lebanon, resulting in the death of a Hizbullah operative, Nasser Farran. The IDF identified Farran as a “prominent” figure within the group, primarily involved in the manufacturing and procurement of weapons for Hizbullah.

The operation took place near Kafr Dajjal, close to the city of Nabatieh. Hizbullah confirmed Farran’s death earlier today but did not comment on his specific role within the organization. According to the IDF, Farran played a crucial role in “the production of Hizbullah’s strategic and unique weapons,” and facilities under his command had been targeted by Israel in recent months.

The Israeli military stated that the strike was part of ongoing efforts to disrupt Hizbullah’s capability to build up arms intended to target the Israeli home front. The IDF has released footage of the drone strike, underlining their continued surveillance and readiness to engage threats across its borders.

During his first visit to the Temple Mount since the devastating October 7 attacks, Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir criticized the recent moves by Norway, Spain, and Ireland to recognize a Palestinian state, arguing that such actions reward Hamas.

Standing at one of the most sensitive religious sites in Jerusalem, Ben Gvir, surrounded by police, delivered a strong message against the diplomatic gestures that he equated to giving a prize to terrorists. He used his platform to argue for the complete destruction of Hamas, mentioning the need for a military strategy akin to a “root canal” to eradicate the group’s presence in Rafah completely.

The national security minister also proposed stringent measures such as cutting off fuel supplies to Gaza and restricting humanitarian aid, underscoring his position that only by fully dismantling Hamas can security be restored.

Israel’s Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and State Attorney Amit Aisman have dismissed the recent request by ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan for arrest warrants against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant as baseless. The top Israeli legal officials argued that the ICC has no jurisdiction to investigate or charge Israeli officials, asserting that Israel’s legal systems are fully capable of handling such matters themselves.

In a joint statement, Baharav-Miara and Aisman emphasized that the Israeli security forces, including the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), conduct their operations in strict adherence to international law. They stated, “The security forces wage war with full commitment to the rules of international law.”

They further reiterated the readiness of Israel’s legal system to scrutinize any serious allegations regarding policy or individual actions. The statement reinforced Israel’s long-standing position that the ICC lacks the authority to delve into matters involving Israeli officials, describing the court’s recent actions as unfounded.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry spoke with Dutch Foreign Minister Hanke Bruins Slot on Tuesday to discuss efforts for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, according to an Egyptian Foreign Ministry statement. They exchanged views on Israel’s military operation in Rafah, near the Egypt-Gaza border.

“They shared concern about the humanitarian and security consequences of these moves, which will only result in an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe that must be avoided,” the statement said.

Shoukry reaffirmed Egypt’s opposition to displacing Palestinians and emphasized the need for international efforts to end the conflict and establish an independent Palestinian state.

Bruins Slot stressed the importance of a cease-fire and humanitarian aid, supporting a two-state solution.

Recent cease-fire talks in Cairo mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the US failed to reach an agreement.