Israeli Soldiers Killed by Hamas and Islamic Jihad
On the 129th day of the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip, both Hamas and Islamic Jihad, announced their successful attacks on Israeli soldiers. The Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, claimed to have killed 10 Israeli soldiers at close range. Meanwhile, the Al-Quds Brigades, the military arm of Islamic Jihad, ambushed an Israeli force, resulting in casualties. Israel also admitted to the killing of one of its battalion commanders.
Concerns for Civilians in Rafah
Amnesty International expressed worry about the situation in Rafah, a city in the southern Gaza Strip. They warned of a potential genocide, as civilians have no safe place to escape from Israeli bombings. The International Criminal Court Prosecutor, Karim Khan, also expressed concern about the bombing and the possibility of an Israeli ground incursion into Rafah.
American Position
The White House stated that it does not support a general ceasefire in Gaza at the moment. They believe that the crisis will only end when Hamas releases all Israeli hostages. However, they emphasized the importance of protecting civilians and having a well-planned military operation in Rafah, urging Israel to exercise caution when pursuing Hamas.
Israeli Losses
The Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades reported that they killed 10 Israeli occupation soldiers in the Abasan al-Kabira area. They also successfully detonated an anti-personnel device, causing casualties among the Israeli forces. The Israeli army confirmed the death of two soldiers and the injury of nine others in battles in the southern Gaza Strip. Israeli media sources also confirmed that the Palestinian resistance ambushed the occupation army, resulting in the deaths of more than 11 soldiers.
The Issue of Prisoners
Hamas leader Osama Hamdan denied the Israeli claim of freeing two prisoners from the Shaboura camp in Rafah. He stated that the prisoners were actually in the possession of a civilian family, and the resistance's account of the incident should be awaited. CNN reported that the rescue operation of two hostages in Rafah may have led to the deaths of about 100 Palestinians, which raised concerns in the United States. The Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades announced the killing of three Israeli prisoners in the Gaza Strip, and they will reveal more details once the fate of the remaining wounded is clear.
Egypt and Israel
Extremist Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich criticized Egypt's opposition to Israel's plan for a large-scale ground operation in Rafah. He blamed Egypt for arming Hamas and called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to ignore American pressure and not send a delegation to Cairo for talks on a prisoner exchange deal. Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry responded by reaffirming Egypt's commitment to the peace agreement and condemning Smotrich's statements.
Qatari Involvement
The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, discussed the latest developments in Gaza with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. They talked about efforts to achieve an immediate ceasefire and end the division among Palestinians. The Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister also discussed the situation in Gaza with the Iranian Foreign Minister, emphasizing the need for an immediate ceasefire.
Developments in the West Bank
In the West Bank, a 16-year-old boy named Muhammad Tariq Abu Sneina was martyred inside a prison due to injuries sustained from Israeli bullets in Jerusalem. Israeli forces continue to carry out raids in various cities of the West Bank. The occupation forces arrested the boy on Sunday, accusing him of attempting a stabbing attack. Several Palestinians were injured, and others were arrested during these raids and incursions.
The occupation forces stormed multiple areas, including the village of Madama, south of Nablus, resulting in clashes with Palestinian youths. Settlers also attacked the village of Asira al-Qibliya, burning cars and property and injuring two Palestinians with gunfire.
Confrontations in South Lebanon
Lebanese militant group Hezbollah reported the killing of two of its members in clashes with the Israeli occupation army in southern Lebanon. This brings the total number of Hezbollah casualties to 190 since October 8, 2023. Additionally, four people were killed and others injured in Israeli raids on two homes in the towns of Tayr Harfa and Maroun al-Ras, according to the Civil Defense in southern Lebanon.
Hezbollah targeted Israeli radar sites, barracks, and a building with guided missiles, achieving direct hits. An Israeli drone also targeted a car near Bint Jbeil Governmental Hospital, injuring a local Hezbollah official.
Israeli Security Breach
An Israeli reserve officer was recently arrested and charged with espionage and impersonation after a major security breach. The officer had unauthorized access to military bases for weeks, gathering highly sensitive information, including troop deployments, which he shared with military and civilian personnel. The chaos in the Southern Command of the Israeli occupation army during the early days of the war on Gaza was revealed.
British Sanctions on Extremist Settlers
The British Foreign Office imposed sanctions on four extremist Israeli settlers for their involvement in violence and human rights violations against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. The ministry cited an increase in violence by extremist settlers in the past year. These sanctions include financial restrictions and a travel ban on the individuals. The United States had previously imposed similar sanctions on four Israelis.
Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir criticized Britain's decision, considering it a moral confusion without a legal basis.
Source: Al Jazeera
