Israel and Hamas at War – Days 65 to 92

Israeli forces were fighting intense battles in the southern Gazan city of Khan Younis on Wednesday and Thursday, and eliminated significant numbers of Hamas fighters, the Israel Defense Forces said.

About 20 Hamas operatives were killed inside one tunnel, and five members of Hamas’ elite Nukhba force surrendered, the IDF said.

IDF spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said on Wednesday that “intensive battles against terrorist operatives” were taking place in Khan Younis.

He said that four Hamas fighters were killed when they tried to attach an explosive device to an Israeli tank.

The commander of the Kiryati Brigade, Col. Mickey Sharvit, said that “there is no innocent infrastructure” in his brigade’s area of operations.

“We encounter terror in almost every home, in hospitals and schools. Our forces even eliminated terrorists who emerged from underground in a school,” he said.

The US intelligence community has confirmed that armed Palestinian groups, including Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, used Gaza’s largest hospital, the al-Shifa complex, for military purposes. According to a declassified assessment, the complex housed command infrastructure, weapon storage, and held hostages. This information supports Israeli claims about the hospital, which was raided in November, drawing international criticism. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby revealed that classified intelligence corroborated these findings. The hospital’s use for military operations challenges its protected status under international law. The Israeli military had previously presented a model depicting the hospital’s underground military installations, though evidence of such extensive facilities remains undisclosed.

Over the previous day, Lebanon-based Hizbullah claimed 10 separate attacks on northern Israel, four of which took place shortly after the group vowed to seek vengeance for the death of Hamas deputy leader Saleh al-Arouri, who was killed in an alleged Israeli airstrike in Beirut late Tuesday evening.

The group claims to have targeted Israeli military positions along the Lebanon-Israel border with rocket and drone attacks. Local reports indicate, however, that Israeli communities in the region were struck as well. Hebrew-language media allege that two IDF soldiers operating in the area were lightly wounded by an anti-tank missile near the Israeli community of Manara, but that claim has not been verified by the Israeli military.

Since the onset of the Israel-Hamas war, the IDF and Hizbullah, a close ally of Hamas and a core component of Iran’s Islamist, anti-Israel “Axis of Resistance,” have traded cross-border strikes with increasing frequency, becoming a near-daily occurrence leading into the new year. Tuesday’s strikes, however, may represent a further escalation of hostilities to a point not seen since the two sides last went to war in 2006.

When asked about a possible Hizbullah reprisal for the Beirut strike during a press briefing Tuesday evening, IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, who did not directly address the question, stated in response that “the IDF is in a very high state of readiness in all arenas, in defense and offense. We are highly prepared for any scenario. The most important thing to say tonight is that we are focused and remain focused on fighting Hamas.”

Amid fears of another significant escalation in the region, French President Emmanuel Macron called Israeli minister and War Cabinet member Benny Gantz regarding the incident in Beirut. Referencing the call, the French president is cited as saying, “It is essential to avoid any escalatory attitude, particularly in Lebanon.” Macron’s office noted that France intends to “pass on these messages to all players directly or indirectly involved in the area.”

Israel has chosen to participate in a hearing at the United Nations’ International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, Netherlands, regarding accusations made by South Africa of “genocidal” acts in Gaza. Israel’s national security adviser Tzachi Hanegbi said, “Israel has been a signatory of the convention against genocide for decades, and we will certainly not boycott the proceeding but stand up and repel the absurd blood libel against us.”

This decision follows extensive discussions among senior Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. South Africa’s case, filed last Friday, alleges violations by Israel of its obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, particularly concerning Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. The ICJ has been urged by South Africa to implement “provisional measures” to protect Palestinians against further harm.

Over 20 rockets were launched from Gaza toward southern and central Israel, including Tel Aviv, just after midnight as Israelis celebrated the new year early Monday. The missiles, aimed at densely populated areas, triggered sirens in various cities, including Rehovot, Ness Ziona, Holon, Lod, Modiin, Ashdod, and Sderot.

The Iron Dome air defense system successfully intercepted the incoming rockets, preventing potential casualties and damage. Despite the widespread alarm caused by the sirens, Magen David Adom, Israel’s national ambulance service, reported no injuries from the incident.

Hamas has claimed responsibility for the rocket attack.

Youssef Salama, a former Palestinian Authority minister, was reportedly killed on Sunday during an Israeli airstrike on his residence in the Gaza Strip. The Palestinian news agency Wafa, along with the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry, reported the death of the 68-year-old former religious affairs minister in the Maghazi refugee camp in central Gaza.

Salama, who was known for his close ties to Fatah, the party led by Palestinian Authority President Mahmud Abbas, held the ministerial position from February 2005 to March 2006. Additionally, he was a preacher at Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.

The Israel Defense Forces has not commented on the reports.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted on Saturday that Israel’s military action against Hamas in Gaza would persist for many more months. This statement comes amid rising international demands for a cease-fire, following significant civilian casualties, widespread displacement, and acute shortages in Gaza. Netanyahu expressed gratitude to the US for its ongoing support, including a recent approval of an emergency weapons sale and blocking a UN Security Council resolution for an immediate cease-fire. Israel’s stance, echoed by the US, is that ceasing hostilities now would effectively grant victory to Hamas.

The escalating conflict saw Israeli forces intensify attacks, including air raids on Nuseirat and Bureij refugee camps and an expanded ground offensive in Khan Yunis. Gaza’s Health Ministry reports over 21,600 Palestinian fatalities since the ground operation began.

The Israeli military, meanwhile, confirmed the death of 170 soldiers in the ongoing operations. Around 1,200 Israelis and foreign nations were killed in atrocities carried out by Hamas on October 7.

The conflict has displaced approximately 85% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, with many seeking refuge in areas that continue to face Israeli bombardments. In Rafah, the southernmost city of Gaza, thousands of displaced Palestinians have set up makeshift shelters, facing dire shortages of food and water.

Around 500,000 Israelis have also been displaced due to the conflict. Most are living in government-supplied accommodations or with friends or family until they can return to their homes.

Netanyahu, in defiance of international pressure and US suggestions for targeted operations, maintains that the offensive will continue until all objectives, including the destruction of Hamas and the release of all hostages, are met.

The Biden Administration, for the second time this month, has bypassed Congress to authorize an emergency arms sale to Israel amid its ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza. On Friday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken informed Congress of a $147.5 million sale for equipment essential to operationalize 155 mm shells previously purchased by Israel.

The State Department emphasized the urgency of Israel’s defense needs, justifying the emergency determination to expedite the transfer without the standard congressional review for foreign military sales. Blinken had made a similar decision on December 9 for a sale of nearly 14,000 rounds of tank ammunition valued at over $106 million.

These decisions coincide with President Joe Biden’s stalled request for a nearly $106 billion aid package, including $14.3 billion for Israel. The package is currently entangled in debates over US immigration policy and border security in Congress. Some Democratic lawmakers have suggested tying American assistance to Israel with measures to minimize civilian casualties in Gaza.

The State Department has highlighted its ongoing dialogue with Israel to ensure compliance with international humanitarian law and the reduction of civilian harm. Despite Hamas using civilians as shields, the department stressed Israel’s responsibility to distinguish between civilians and terrorists during military operations.

Thousands of Israeli teenagers have marched on the Knesset in Jerusalem calling for the immediate return of the hostages from the Gaza Strip.

The young marchers set out from central Tel Aviv on Sunday and reached Jerusalem today.

“There is nothing more important, every hostage must return,” and “Everyone, now!” they chanted as they marched.

At the Knesset, the teenagers plan to stage a protest calling for a new deal to bring the remaining hostages back.

According to official figures, over 120 hostages are still being held in Gaza. It is known that several of them are no longer alive.

The Israel Defense Forces uncovered and destroyed three large Hamas tunnel shafts found near Rantisi Hospital and a nearby girls’ school in Gaza City, the IDF reported on Wednesday.

The three shafts were identified in recent weeks, and military units deployed to the area discovered that they connected to a large underground tunnel network spanning several kilometers, which ran under the hospital and linked to other entrances in strategic locations in Gaza City, the IDF said.

“The route included blast doors, combat management rooms, emergency hideout rooms, many weapons that were underground, and other intelligence materials that we took and are using to expose additional terrorist infrastructure,” IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said at a press briefing.

An operational shaft was also found at a nearby school. The IDF said the tunnel was about 20 meters deep and includes an elevator and electrical infrastructure. Another tunnel shaft was found in the area inside a home used as a hideout by a Hamas naval commander.

The IDF said there had been fierce combat in and around the hospital, with IDF soldiers from the 401st and 460th brigades reportedly eliminating dozens of Hamas fighters.

Meanwhile, in the southern Gazan city of Khan Younis, the IDF said an additional brigade had been deployed to help expel Hamas forces from the city.

On Thursday morning, the IDF announced the deaths of three more Israeli soldiers killed in combat in Gaza, bringing the toll since the ground offensive began on Oct. 27 to 167.

Israeli State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman announced a comprehensive investigation into the failures surrounding the Hamas attack on October 7. Englman stated that his office would thoroughly examine “multi-system failures” across policy, military, and civilian levels, including those with personal responsibility. This probe will be the primary focus of the comptroller’s office in 2024, overshadowing other state function reports.

The investigation will encompass various aspects, including the government’s security cabinet conduct, military and policymakers’ actions on October 7, intelligence and defense preparedness, civilian security in the Gaza border region, Hamas funding, and equipment shortages for IDF soldiers. Postwar government actions, including civilian relocation, victim assistance, and public diplomacy, will also be scrutinized.

Englman highlighted the need to examine the government’s response before, during, and after the October 7 massacre, in which Hamas terrorists killed 1,200 people and kidnapped more than 240. The Israeli military campaign aims to dismantle Hamas and secure the hostages’ release, while dealing with ongoing rocket attacks and displacement of citizens.

Critics have labeled the government’s response as ineffective, leading to civil society stepping in to provide aid and support. Englman emphasized the need for change in national reality following the massacre, underscoring the importance of this extensive state audit.

Israel has intensified its ground offensive in central Gaza, prompting the UN to warn of worsening humanitarian conditions in the area. Despite earlier urging Gaza residents to move to what were deemed “safe zones” in central and southern regions, Israeli forces expanded their strikes to these areas as well.

The UN Human Rights Office reported over 50 strikes in central Gaza on December 24-25, targeting refugee camps and killing at least 86 people. Many are still trapped under rubble, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis. The attacks have destroyed all connecting roads between the camps, severely hampering relief efforts. Overcrowded shelters and hospitals are struggling to cope with the influx of injured and displaced persons.

The Health Ministry in Gaza’s Hamas-run government reports approximately 21,100 casualties, and more than 7,000 missing. The majority of Gaza’s 2.3 million population is displaced, facing widespread hunger.

Israeli military chief Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi said that while many Hamas terrorists have been neutralized, the fight in central and southern Gaza will continue for months. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant echoed this sentiment, highlighting Israel’s multifront war and its retaliatory actions in six out of seven conflict arenas.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, discussed the Gaza Strip’s worsening humanitarian and security situation during a phone call on Monday. The ministers focused on coordinating international efforts to alleviate suffering among Gazan residents. Shoukry briefed Amir-Abdollahian on Egypt’s role in pursuing a lasting cease-fire and facilitating humanitarian aid to Gaza, emphasizing the importance of implementing a recent UN Security Council resolution for aid delivery. The Gaza Health Ministry reported a Palestinian death toll of 20,674 since October 7, while around 1,200 Israelis were killed in the initial Hamas assault on Israel and 158 Israeli soldiers were killed in the ground offensive.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a Wall Street Journal opinion piece, demanded three key conditions for “peace” with the Palestinians: the obliteration of Hamas, Gaza’s demilitarization, and the deradicalization of Palestinian society. Netanyahu stressed the necessity of ending Hamas’ military presence and political influence in Gaza, a stance supported by several countries including the US and UK.

The Israeli prime minister focused on ending the current conflict in the Gaza Strip, as distinct from resolving the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict. His terms focused on immediate steps to halt the ongoing violence, rather than addressing the comprehensive final status issues such as Jerusalem, settlements, refugees, borders, security, and water rights, which are essential for a full peace treaty.

Conspicuously absent from Netanyahu’s article was any mention of the ongoing hostage crisis. Since October 7, when Hamas terrorists kidnapped more than 240 individuals, including around 129 still held captive, Netanyahu has faced criticism for not prioritizing their release in his peace conditions. This omission has sparked controversy, highlighting a potential gap in his government’s approach to resolving the conflict.

Netanyahu also dismissed the idea of the Palestinian Authority (PA) governing Gaza post-war, labeling expectations of the PA’s ability to demilitarize the region as unrealistic. He accused the PA of encouraging terrorism and failing to condemn the October 7 atrocities. Additionally, he called for a transformation in Palestinian education and societal values, likening the needed change to the post-WWII deradicalization in Germany and Japan.

The prime minister concluded by asserting Israel’s need to maintain overarching security control over Gaza, a position at odds with the White House’s preference for a reformed PA governance of the area.

During a visit to IDF reservists stationed along the Gaza border, President Isaac Herzog and first lady Michal Herzog emphasized Israel’s commitment to supporting its reservists. President Herzog assured that appreciation for their service would extend beyond mere certificates to practical support in areas like small business and education.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in his visit to northern Gaza, was updated by IDF commanders on the ongoing war against Hamas. He assured the soldiers of Israel’s dedication to their safety and the mission’s completion. Netanyahu emphasized the continuation of the war until Hamas is defeated, acknowledging the sacrifices made by the soldiers and their families.

The prime minister was also briefed about the significant amount of munitions found in Gaza buildings and the extensive tunnel network constructed by Hamas in civilian areas.

The Israeli military has intensified its operations across the Gaza Strip, engaging in joint ground, air, and naval combat against Hamas targets. Israeli Navy forces struck several Hamas cells and military posts, including those close to IDF troops, and buildings used by Hamas fighters.

Israeli troops guided an air force jet to eliminate a high-ranking Hamas commander in the Khan Yunis area. This operation was followed by the Israeli Air Force targeting a group of Hamas combatants with a rocket near IDF forces.

In Beit Lahia, Israeli troops discovered weapons, including Kalashnikov rifles and explosive devices, belonging to Hamas. Additionally, a targeted raid in Khan Yunis led to the discovery and destruction of a Hamas terrorist’s residence, along with various weapons.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) revealed on Sunday night the details behind the discovery of five bodies of hostages held by Hamas in a vast underground tunnel near Jabalya, northern Gaza. Initially, the IDF found two bodies and later discovered three more in different sections of the expansive tunnel, which featured facilities like elevators, command centers, and medical stations. According to an IDF source, the discovery combined preexisting intelligence with real-time field intelligence and forensic methods. The identified hostages were Eden Zechariah, Ziv Dado, Elia Toledano, Nik Beizer, and Ron Sherman. Hamas recently released a video of Toledano, Beizer, and Sherman, suggesting their demise during captivity. The IDF delayed announcing the additional bodies to protect field operations and is still investigating the exact timing of the hostages’ deaths.

The Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ military wing, announced on Saturday a loss of contact with a unit holding five Israeli hostages in Gaza, raising fears of casualties from an Israeli airstrike. According to spokesperson Abu Ubaida, contact was lost during an Israeli raid. The names of three hostages were released, hinting at possible fatalities, while details on the remaining two were withheld. The Israeli military has not yet commented. These hostages are among approximately 129 Israelis and foreigners who remain detained in Gaza, with Hamas seeking the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange.

Continuing its recent digital propaganda campaign, Hamas released another video on Thursday of hostages it once held in Gaza. The video features three men, Elia Toledano, Ron Sherman, and Nik Beizer, all of whom were taken by Hamas terrorists during the group’s Oct. 7 incursion into southern Israel.

Toledano, Sherman, and Beizer all died while in captivity in Gaza, and their bodies have since been recovered by Israeli forces. Saying that the men were killed by Israel Defense Forces’ airstrikes, the recent video blames Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for their deaths. This is the third hostage-focused video published by Hamas in the last week.

Since October 19, pro-Iran militias have carried out 60 attacks on American bases in eastern Syria, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported. These attacks, including rocket and drone strikes, are in retaliation for the United States’ support of Israel during the ongoing Gaza conflict. The attacks have targeted US military bases rather than energy fields in the region. The Britain-based watchdog group highlighted an escalation in these assaults concurrent with the Israeli military operations in Gaza. Details on US casualties remain undisclosed. Previously, the observatory reported that these attacks originated from Iraqi territories, specifically targeting US bases in Syria’s eastern province of Deir ez-Zur, near the Iraqi border.

The Israeli military has alerted residents across Israel following a significant rocket barrage fired from Gaza toward multiple Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv. The armed wing of Hamas has claimed responsibility for the attack. This latest offensive contradicts earlier reports in Hebrew media outlets that suggested Hamas might be running out of rockets. The barrage, affecting areas from Ashkelon to Rishon Lezion, resulted in numerous explosions. Additional rockets targeted regions from Ashkelon through Raanana, including Tel Aviv, with several interceptions reported in central Israel. In response to the threat and falling shrapnel, the Home Front Command issued a statement advising residents to remain in shelters for at least 10 minutes for safety.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and his Qatari counterpart, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, met in Doha to deliberate on reinforcing efforts for a political resolution to the ongoing Gaza crisis. In their discussions, they also explored bilateral relations and regional matters of mutual interest. The Iranian Foreign Ministry’s statement emphasized that the Palestinian issue and recent developments in Gaza have been a central focus for both nations, aiming to halt Israeli attacks and facilitate aid delivery to the war-torn area. Amir-Abdollahian highlighted the need for increased regional and international efforts to find a political solution to the crisis. Sheikh Mohammed regarded their joint efforts toward achieving a lasting truce in Gaza and enhancing aid delivery as positive and effective. Additionally, the ministers committed to expanding their countries’ bilateral cooperation across various sectors.

The Hamas-run government media office reported on Wednesday that the death toll from Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip since October 7 had reached 20,000. The fatalities include over 8,000 children and 6,200 women, with more than 52,000 injured and 6,700 missing. Among the casualties are 310 medical personnel, 35 civil defense staff, and 97 journalists. This escalation follows Israel’s large-scale offensive in Gaza, retaliating against a Hamas attack on southern Israel that killed about 1,200 people and took around 250 hostages. The death toll among Israelis now exceeds 1,400, with more than 8,700 injured.

The Israeli ambassador to the United States, Michael Herzog, has officially confirmed that Israel is willing to engage in a week-long truce with Hamas, contingent upon the release of hostages. This announcement aligns with the statement made by the Israeli president and underscores Israel’s commitment to resolving the ongoing conflict.

Ambassador Herzog highlighted that despite the willingness of Israel to temporarily truce, Hamas has thus far rejected the proposed agreement. He emphasized the combined efforts of Qatari mediators and the Israeli military’s ground operation, expressing hope that these factors will compel Hamas to reconsider and engage in negotiations.

Internal divisions within Israel’s war cabinet escalated during Monday’s session as Defense Minister Yoav Gallant openly criticized Itamar Ben Gvir, leader of the far-right Otzma Yehudit party and Israel’s national security minister. The rebuke centered on Ben Gvir’s perceived threats against Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi.

Ben Gvir expressed dissatisfaction with Halevi’s decision to suspend Israeli soldiers who recorded themselves playing Hanukkah music over a mosque’s loudspeaker in the West Bank city of Jenin. He passionately insisted that “under no circumstances should [the soldiers] be dismissed.”

In response to the altercation, Gallant issued a statement affirming his continued support for the IDF and the chief of staff, condemning “irresponsible politicians” attempting to gain political advantage at the expense of commanders carrying the weight of the war.

Rockets targeted central Israel today, with warning sirens sounding in Tel Aviv, Jaffa, Bat Yam, Rishon Lezion, Kfar Chabad, and Beit Dagan. Five rockets were launched, and one was intercepted. 

Hamas claims responsibility, but Magen David Adom reports no direct hits or injuries in Tel Aviv. The rescue service is conducting searches in the area. The incident marks the first attack on the Tel Aviv region in a week, emphasizing ongoing security challenges

In a targeted operation, the IDF and Shin Bet have identified and eliminated a key Hamas financier, Subhi Ferwana, in Rafah, southern Gaza. Involved in funneling tens of millions of dollars to Hamas, the financier’s demise marks a significant blow to the group’s financial infrastructure. 

Simultaneously, in Gaza City, the IDF uncovered an explosive device within a clinic near a school, along with a weapons storage facility. The developments underscore the complex challenges faced by the military in maintaining security in the region

Recent footage released by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) provides a shocking glimpse into the extensive underground labyrinth crafted by Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The focus is on Muhammed Sinwar, a senior Hamas commander and brother of the group’s leader, Yahya Sinwar. The footage showcases Muhammed driving through a colossal tunnel near the Erez border crossing, the construction of which he allegedly spearheaded.

The IDF considers this labyrinth the largest-ever Hamas attack tunnel discovered, spanning approximately 2.5 miles beneath the Jabaliya refugee camp. Muhammed Sinwar, entrusted with the project’s secrecy for years, is a key figure in Hamas’ belligerent activities, having been involved in the kidnapping of Gilad Shalit.

The strategic location of the tunnel, situated only 400 meters from the Erez humanitarian crossing, reveals Hamas’ alarming disregard for the well-being of Gaza’s residents. The crossing, once a symbol of hope and coexistence, facilitated the movement of thousands of Palestinians for work and medical treatment. However, it became a focal point of Hamas’ invasion on October 7, resulting in the death and abduction of IDF soldiers.

In a shocking revelation on Monday, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) uncovered a significant cache of five million shekels (approximately $1.37 million) in cash in the living room of a high-ranking Hamas member’s home in Jabaliya. Alongside the hefty sum, the IDF also discovered a substantial arsenal of weapons at the undisclosed official’s residence.

The cash, comprising around 900,000 NIS 200 bills, weighed a staggering one ton and was traced back to two branches of the Bank of Palestine in the northern Gaza Strip. The sum enabled the replenishment of six operational ATMs in the southern and central parts of the Strip.

Prior to the Gaza war in May, Qatar disbursed $30 million in cash payments to Hamas-controlled entities in Gaza, designated for distribution as $100 grants to needy families. Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar has advocated for the resumption of these payments, warning of potential violence if denied.

Israel, wary of funds falling into Hamas’s hands for military purposes, is reluctant to permit money back into Gaza. While there are reports of a potential deal involving the United Nations overseeing cash payments to prevent their misuse for terrorist activities, this remains unverified. The delicate balance between humanitarian aid and security concerns continues to shape the complex dynamics in the region.

In a heartbreaking incident during intense combat operations in the northern Gaza neighborhood of Shejaiya, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) mistakenly identified three Israeli hostages as threats and opened fire, resulting in their tragic deaths. IDF spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari expressed deep regret for the “sad and painful event” and acknowledged the military’s responsibility for the mistaken shooting.

The hostages were identified as Yotam Haim and Alon Shimriz, abducted from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, and Samer Talalka, kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Am. The IDF believes the three either escaped their captors or were left behind amid the intense fighting.

During a press briefing, Hagari disclosed that the soldiers encountered a challenging battlefield where terrorists, including suicide bombers, were prevalent. The IDF is conducting a thorough investigation into the incident and has already implemented new protocols for identifying hostages to prevent similar tragedies.

The IDF expressed deep remorse and offered condolences to the grieving families. The event underscores the complexities faced by troops in combat zones and the imperative for continual reassessment of protocols to avoid such devastating errors.

As the IDF reviews the incident and works to gather more facts, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the deaths as an “unbearable tragedy” and pledged to learn from the accident. The entire nation mourns the loss of these hostages, emphasizing the inherent risks and sacrifices involved in the mission to locate and secure the release of captives.

Thursday night is the last night of Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights. To mark the occasion, residents of the Young Generation neighborhood in Kfar Aza, a kibbutz that was one of the locations targeted in the Hamas-perpetrated massacre on October 7, lit the final candle of the holiday. They expressed the hope that light would triumph and that the remaining hostages in Gaza would soon return home.

The ceremony took place at Hostages Square in the heart of Tel Aviv, drawing hundreds of attendees. Sixty-nine days have elapsed since the onset of the Israel-Hamas war. Despite the return of many hostages during the cease-fire, more than a hundred individuals, including two children and 16 women, are still held captive by Hamas in Gaza.

In a surprising development, a senior Hamas official, Mousa Abu Marzouk, hinted at the possibility of the Palestinian terrorist group recognizing Israel as a move towards achieving unity among Palestinian factions. The suggestion follows recent remarks by Hamas politburo chief Ismail Haniyeh, expressing openness to talks aimed at ending the ongoing conflict and establishing political stability in both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

Hamas, traditionally committed to the destruction of Israel, has now raised the prospect of recognizing the State of Israel, signaling potential internal and external pressures amid Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. Marzouk emphasized that the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), governing the West Bank, officially recognized Israel under the Oslo Accords in the 1990s. However, Hamas has maintained a staunch refusal to acknowledge Israel, until now.

Marzouk stated in an interview with Al-Monitor, “You should follow the official stance. The official stance is that the PLO has recognized the State of Israel.” He also asserted that while Israelis deserve rights, it should not come at the expense of others.

Hamas has faced international and regional scrutiny for its actions during the October 7 attack on Israel.  The recent shift in rhetoric aligns with a broader debate within Palestinian territories about the direction of their political future.

Despite these signals, it remains uncertain whether Marzouk’s stance reflects the official position of the organization. Meanwhile, Haniyeh, in a televised address, emphasized the importance of Hamas in any future arrangement in Gaza, dismissing the notion of excluding the group from discussions.

The potential recognition of Israel by Hamas adds a complex layer to the ongoing geopolitical dynamics, raising questions about the organization’s evolving stance and the implications for the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

An inquiry into the tragic events at the Nahal Oz base on October 7 has disclosed that IDF surveillance soldiers met their demise due to exposure to a toxic gas, leading to suffocation and loss of consciousness in a matter of minutes. 

According to findings reported by Channel 12, an unidentified but toxic flammable substance was seemingly thrown into the soldiers’ command center, igniting a fire that released lethal gases. Efforts to extinguish the flames failed, and as smoke permeated the command center, desperate attempts to escape ensued. 

The soldiers, facing respiratory distress, encountered a door ablaze and struggled to find an exit. Eventually, a few managed to escape through a bathroom window. 

“The soldiers began to leave the room and search for an exit. They were coughing and some couldn’t breathe,” the IDF officer told Channel 12. “Some told us that they felt they were stepping on some people, they tried to pick them up, and with the rest of their strength tried to call to them. They were simply surviving and trying to figure out how to get themselves out of there.”

This tragic incident occurred amid a heinous attack by Hamas, involving thousands of terrorists infiltrating Israel, resulting in widespread devastation. 

Amid the ground offensive in the Gaza Strip, new data from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reveals that 20 out of the 105 soldiers killed lost their lives to friendly fire and operational accidents. 

The IDF reported that 13 soldiers were mistakenly identified and killed, including incidents involving airstrikes, tank fire, and gunfire. Another two soldiers were unintentionally killed by gunfire, while two more succumbed to accidental misfires. 

Tragically, two soldiers lost their lives in incidents involving armored vehicles running over troops, and two others were killed by shrapnel from explosives intentionally set off by Israeli forces. 

The IDF emphasized its commitment to an ongoing assessment of the fatalities and will use lessons learned to enhance operational discipline and coordination between forces.

Israel’s socioeconomic cabinet on Sunday rejected a proposal to allow Palestinian laborers from the West Bank to return to work in Israel.

It is the first time a proposal to allow Palestinian workers back into Israel was discussed since Hamas attacked Israel and war erupted on Oct. 7.

Opposition to the idea was led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who heads the socioeconomic cabinet. Smotrich said that aside from Agriculture Minister Avi Dichter, who abstained from the vote, his 15-member cabinet voted against advancing the proposal.

“We can and must advance alternatives that will provide a different solution to the economy,” Smotrich said in a statement.

“Whoever killed us when there was no money will kill us also when there is money. The security of the citizens of Israel comes first.”

Citing disagreement among cabinet members, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided not to have the security cabinet vote on the proposal.

Representatives from the Israel Defense Forces, the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, and the Shin Bet all reportedly expressed support for allowing West Bank Palestinians to return to work in Israel, while Israel Police delegates reportedly opposed the idea.

The toll of the ongoing conflict in Gaza has reached a heartbreaking milestone as the Israeli army announced the deaths of five more soldiers, including Sgt. Maor Cohen Eisenkot, the nephew of War Cabinet Minister Gadi Eisenkot. The devastating news comes just two days after Eisenkot lost his son, Master Sgt. (res.) Gal Meir Eisenkot.

Sgt. Maor Cohen Eisenkot, a 19-year-old member of the Golani Brigade’s 12th Battalion from Eilat, was killed in Jabaliya on Thursday during the decisive phase of battles in Jabaliya, Shaja’iya, and Khan Younis. The Israeli losses continue to mount, with three additional soldiers falling in the battles surrounding Khan Younis.

The broader impact of the conflict is also evident in the staggering number of injuries sustained by Israeli forces. Around 60 soldiers per day have been lost to injuries of varying degrees since October 7, with over 2,000 soldiers, police officers, and other security forces declared disabled as a result of their service.

Limor Luria, head of the rehab division at the Defense Ministry, expressed the unprecedented challenges faced, stating, “We have never experienced anything even similar to this.” The wounded, she noted, encompass severe injuries to the hands and feet, internal injuries, head and eye injuries, and trauma.

As the nation mourns the sacrifices of these brave soldiers, the conflict continues to unfold with profound human costs and an indelible impact on those serving on the front lines.

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar reportedly fled northern Gaza at the onset of the conflict, employing a clever strategy to evade detection. According to Israeli officials cited by Kan public broadcaster, Sinwar concealed himself within a humanitarian convoy traveling southward.

The elusive escape saw Sinwar departing Gaza City, making his way toward Khan Younis in a vehicle that masqueraded as part of a humanitarian effort. While specific details about the vehicle remain confidential, the report indicates that Israel’s assessment suggests Sinwar is currently located in Khan Younis or potentially hiding in the intricate network of tunnels beneath the area.

This revelation adds a layer of intrigue to the ongoing conflict, highlighting the lengths to which key figures may go to navigate the complex dynamics of the region. The situation remains fluid, with continued speculation about Sinwar’s precise whereabouts.