Lonny's War Update- October 214, 2023- May 7, 2024
Day 214 of 132 of our hostages in Hamas captivity- **There is nothing more important than getting them home! NOTHING!**
“I’ve never met them,But I miss them. I’ve never met them,but I think of them every second. I’ve never met them,but they are my family. BRING THEM HOME NOW!!!”
There is no victory until all of the hostages are home!אין נצחון עד שכל החטופים בבית
Today is exactly 7 months since the horrific attack on October 7, a day that will forever be imprinted on every Israeli and every Jew; the worst day in the history of the State of Israel and the worst day for the Jewish People since the Holocaust.
Red Alerts - Missile, Rocket, Drone (UAV - unmanned aerial vehicles), and Terror Attacks
*11:00pm-last night-South- rockets Sderot, Kibbutz Mefalsim, Shaar Hanegev- Iron Dome shooting down rocket fired at Sderot
*11:00am- Rockets to Kerem Shalom - This is a main crossing for humanitarian aid trucks and the same crossing that was targeted 2 days ago and the same one that Netanyahu promised Biden to reopen - this is Hamas' intentional way to prevent humanitarian aid from coming into Gaza to show the world how Israel is preventing aid to get through.
*12:40pm- Hostile aircraft intrusion - Kibbutzim Kfar Giladi and Misgav Am, Kiryat Shemona, Tel Hai, Dishon, Yiftach, Metulla, upper Galilee and Golan Heights
*1:10pm- Hostile aircraft intrusion - Yiftach, Malchia, Golan Heights, Ramot Naftali
*1:10pm- rockets north - Neot Mordecai
*1:15pm- Hostile aircraft intrusion - Kfar Giladi, Kfar Yuval, Metulla, Manara, Maayan Baruch, Misgav Am, Kiryat Shemona, Tel Hai, Upper and Western Galilee
*1:30pm- Hostile aircraft intrusion -Upper Galilee, Golan Heights
*2:15pm- rockets north - Hila, Ma'ilia, Goren, Gordot Hagalil
-Master Sgt. (reserve) Dan Kamkagi, 31, from Kfar Oranim,
-Master Sgt. (reserve) Nahman Natan Hertz, 31, from Elazar.
*My brother's interview on MSNBC about the hostage deal and a Rafah Offensive - https://www.msnbc.com/katy-tur/watch/-there-are-no-winners-hamas-accepts-deal-including-hostage-and-prisoner-swap-210359365709
* Mr brother’s interview in Al Jazeera— https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMNtRndeHYQ
Hostage Updates
- The full text of the mediators' paper approved by Hamas
- Brokers in Egypt Paper 5/5 2024 AD
- Basic principles of an agreement between the Israeli side and the Palestinian side in Gaza
- On the exchange of detainees and prisoners between the two sides and the return of sustainable calm
- The framework agreement aims to release all Israeli detainees in the Gaza Strip, whether civilians or soldiers, whether alive or otherwise, and from all periods and times, in exchange for an agreed-upon number of prisoners in Israeli prisons, and a return to sustainable calm in a way that achieves a permanent ceasefire. The withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, reconstruction and lifting of the siege.
- The framework agreement consists of 3 related and interconnected stages, which are as follows:
- First stage (42 days)
- Temporary cessation of mutual military operations between the two parties, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces eastward and away from densely populated areas to an area along the border in all areas of the Gaza Strip (including the Gaza Valley (Netzarim axis and Kuwait roundabout) as shown below)
- Cessation of aviation (military and reconnaissance) in the Gaza Strip for 10 hours a day, and for 12 hours on the days of the release of detainees and prisoners.
- The return of the displaced to their areas of residence, and withdrawal from the Gaza Valley (Netzarim axis and Kuwait roundabout):
- On the third day (after the release of 3 detainees), the Israeli forces completely withdraw from Al-Rashid Street eastward to Salah Al-Din Street, completely dismantle the military sites and installations in this area, and begin the return of the displaced to their areas of residence (without carrying weapons during their return), and freedom The movement of residents in all areas of the Strip, and the entry of humanitarian aid from Al-Rashid Street from the first day without obstacles.
- On the 22nd day (after the release of half of the living civilian detainees, including female soldiers), Israeli forces withdraw from the center of the Gaza Strip (especially the Netzarim Martyrs axis and the Kuwait Roundabout axis) east of Salah al-Din Road to a nearby area along the border, and the military sites and installations are completely dismantled, and the military sites and installations continue. The return of the displaced to their places of residence in the north of the Gaza Strip, and the freedom of movement of residents in all areas of the Gaza Strip
- Starting from the first day by introducing intensive and sufficient quantities of humanitarian aid, relief materials, and fuel (600 trucks per day, including 50 fuel trucks, including 300 for the north), including the fuel needed to operate the electricity and trade station and the equipment needed to remove rubble, and rehabilitate and operate hospitals and centers. Health services and bakeries in all areas of the Gaza Strip, and this will continue throughout all stages of the agreement.
- Exchange of detainees and prisoners between the two sides:
- During the first phase, Hamas releases 33 Israeli detainees (living or dead), including women (civilians and soldiers), children (under the age of 19, other than soldiers), the elderly (over the age of 50), and the sick, in exchange for numbers of prisoners in Israeli prisons and detention centers. , according to the following:
- Hamas releases all living Israeli detainees, including civilian women and children (under the age of 19, other than soldiers). In return, Israel releases 30 children and women for every Israeli detainee who is released, based on lists provided by Hamas according to The oldest arrest.
- Hamas releases all living Israeli detainees (over the age of 50), sick and wounded civilians. In return, Israel releases 30 elderly (over 50) and sick prisoners for every Israeli detainee(s), based on lists Hamas presents it according to the oldest arrest.
- Hamas releases all Israeli female soldiers who are alive. In return, Israel releases 50 prisoners from its prisons for every Israeli female soldier who is released (30 life sentences, 20 sentences) based on lists provided by Hamas.
- Scheduling the exchange of detainees and prisoners between the two parties in the first stage:
- Hamas releases 3 Israeli detainees on the third day of the agreement, after which Hamas releases 3 other detainees every seven days, starting with women as much as possible (civilian and female soldiers). In the sixth week, Hamas releases all remaining civilian detainees included in this phase. In return, it releases Israel releases the agreed-upon number of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons, according to the lists that Hamas will provide.
- By the seventh day (if possible), Hamas will provide information about the Israeli detainees who will be released at this stage.
- Defense Minister Benny Gantz said in an initial response to Hamas' announcement: "I want to address the citizens of Israel and particularly the families of the captives. We face a cruel enemy. We will never relent in our efforts to return our hostages. We will continue to act to bring about their return as a war goal, but first and foremost as a supreme moral obligation." Gantz added: "The negotiating team and professional officials continue to operate every minute and every moment, and are also examining the proposal conveyed by Hamas, which does not match the dialogue that has taken place so far with the mediators and contains significant gaps. Nevertheless, we continue to leave no stone unturned and a delegation will depart for Cairo. Any decision will be brought before the Security Cabinet - there will be no political considerations." Gantz also referred to the operation in Rafah: "It is an integral part of our continued efforts and our commitment to return our hostages and change the security reality in the south. We will continue all efforts until we bring them home." https://www.ynet.co.il/blogs/gazawar213day/article/by8vbyn8gr?utm_source=ynet.app.ios&utm_term=by8vbyn8gr&utm_campaign=general_share&utm_medium=social&utm_content=Header
- **The White House on Hamas' Response: We Are at a Critical Stage; In Israel Disappointed with the US: It's a Trap** The White House announced this evening (Monday) that the US is examining Hamas' statement that it accepts the terms of the ceasefire agreement proposed by Qatar and Egypt. According to the White House, reaching an agreement between Israel and Hamas is the best possible option, and efforts must continue to achieve it. While the White House did confirm that a response was received, they did not provide details on the clauses of the agreement. "We want to release the hostages, reach a six-week ceasefire and increase humanitarian aid," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby outlined the American position. The US firmly opposes an Israeli entry into Rafah, and Kirby said a ceasefire agreement would be "the best outcome." The White House said Hamas' response came at the end of discussions led by CIA Director William Burns, and that President Joe Biden was updated on the issue. "We are now at a critical stage," the White House said, adding that talks between American and Israeli counterparts would take place in the coming hours. "I can confirm that Hamas has released its response," said US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller. "We are now examining that response and will discuss it with our partners in the region." Reuters reported that a US official familiar with the details of the agreement criticized Israel, saying Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the security cabinet did not negotiate "in good faith" in the latest round of talks with Hamas. He added that Israel plans to begin an operation in Rafah - and the US is committed to stopping it. In the first official statement from the government regarding Hamas' announcement, issued by the Prime Minister's Office, it was written: "The Security Cabinet unanimously decided that Israel will continue its operation in Rafah in order to exert military pressure on Hamas with the aim of advancing the release of our captives and other war objectives. At the same time, although Hamas' proposal falls far short of Israel's necessary demands, Israel will send a working-level delegation to the mediators to exhaust the possibility of reaching an agreement on terms acceptable to Israel." **Israeli Delegation Heads to Cairo: "Gaps in Hamas' Response"**. Professional officials harshly criticized the proposal during the Security Cabinet meeting. They made clear that it is a trap aimed at portraying Israel as the rejectionist party, while Hamas deviated from all parameters of the deal that Israel had agreed to. According to diplomatic sources, there is anger towards the Americans, led by the CIA director, who cooked up this move and effectively provided assurances to the Arab mediators about ending the war that were unacceptable to Israel. Diplomatic officials said this evening that a delegation well-versed in the details of the negotiations is departing for Cairo. According to the officials, there are currently very significant gaps in Hamas' response that do not align with the Egyptian proposal that Israel accepted. The delegation will examine whether it is possible to bridge these gaps. The officials stated that Israel will continue to work towards an agreement - in parallel with fighting in Rafah. It was also reported that the CIA director will travel from Qatar to Egypt, but will not visit Israel for the time being. https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/h10dvjuza?utm_source=ynet.app.ios&utm_term=h10dvjuza&utm_campaign=general_share&utm_medium=social&utm_content=Header
- Message from the Families of the Abducted Headquarters: We welcome the Prime Minister and the War Cabinet for the quick discussion and decision to send out the negotiation delegation in order to exhaust Hamas' position and turn it into a deal for the return of all the abducted. This is the time to demand from the negotiation team - do not return from the mediator without a signed deal. https://www.mako.co.il/news-military/2024_q2/Article-62b6c3f9d1f4f81027.htm
- Hamas says in a statement that Israel’s incursion into Gaza’s Rafah Crossing aimed to undermine ceasefire efforts, after the Israeli army announced it took control of the Palestinian side of the crossing between Egypt and the Strip. The statement calls on the US and the international community to pressure Israel to halt the “escalation.” -- this statement is only half right. There is no doubt that Netanyahu doesn't want any hostage deal that calls for the end of the war. He firmly believes that the only way he can reach his "total victory" is through a Rafah Operation that includes taking over the Philadelphia Route where Hamas has its vast smuggling tunnel network. Ending the war now, for Netanyahu would mean losing the war because Hamas is still in power and would still have 4 functioning fighting battalions. However, Netanyahu's 'total victory' is a pie in the sky idea that has no definition whatsoever. For the majority of Israel, there is no victory whatsoever without getting the hostages home. And at this point, there is no one who can be seen as winning this war. The losses on both sides has been monumental. We have killed almost 40,000 people in Gaza with, at least 30,000 of them non-combatants and the majority of those women and children (based on population statistics of Gaza before the war) and we have destroyed and/or damaged about 80% of the buildings and infrastructure of Gaza. We have lost over 1500 people with over 250 taken hostage and 132 still hostage for 7 months, 100,000 evacuees in the south and north, and a loss of the feeling of security. Both sides are in an ongoing trauma. And the worst of all, there is no strategic plan for the future for anything, not the north, not the south and certainly not for Gaza. The overwhelming majority of the public recognizes and feels that this government is a non functional government and wants elections now. https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/hamas-says-israeli-rafah-incursion-aims-to-undermine-ceasefire-efforts/
- A team of mid-ranking Israeli officials will go to Cairo in the next few hours to assess whether Hamas can be persuaded to shift on its latest ceasefire offer, a senior Israeli official says, reiterating that the proposal as it currently stands was unacceptable to Israel. “This delegation is made up of mid-level envoys. Were there a credible deal in the offing, the principals would be heading the delegation,” the official tells Reuters. https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/mid-level-israeli-team-heads-to-cairo-to-assess-hamas-position-israeli-official-says/
Gaza Fighting
- Last night, Palestinian reports of tanks and additional forces advancing towards eastern Rafah. IDF aircraft in powerful strikes in eastern Rafah
- Hamas’ plan if/when a military operation begins: Explosion of the fence, residents fleeing to Sinai and international pressure
statement from the Prime Minister's Office:
"The Security Cabinet unanimously decided that Israel will continue operations in Rafah. At the same time, although Hamas's proposal falls far short of Israel's essential demands, Israel will send a delegation of working-level officials to the mediators in order to exhaust the possibility of reaching an agreement on terms acceptable to Israel."
Barak Ravid (a highly respected journalist): Israeli forces are expected to take control in the coming hours of the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip , The Philadelphia Route, according to two sources familiar with the details. — the Philadelphia Route is a 14 kilometers stretch that was developed as a security road between Gaza and Egypt. Israel insists that there are an unknown number of smuggling tunnels under the route and will work on finding and destroying them. Egypt has claimed that they destroyed and flooded up to 1500 of these tunnels and that there are no more left. Their claim is highly doubtful as the smuggling tunnels have been and probably continue to be Hamas’ lifeline in and out of Gaza. Egypt has stayed their extreme resistance to Israel coming and taking over the road.
- The US Army maritime pier off the coast of Gaza is set to be completed tomorrow, according to a report seen by The Times of Israel. The first truck carrying aid for Gazans is expected reach Gaza’s shores on Thursday, per the report. US President Joe Biden announced the construction of the pier in March as aid officials implored Israel to ease access for relief supplies into Gaza’s overland routes. Some 60 aid trucks reached the Erez Crossing yesterday, some from the Ashdod Port and some from Jordan. Dutch Foreign Minister Hanke Bruins Slot is slated to visit the Erez Crossing today. https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/us-built-aid-pier-on-gaza-coast-expected-to-be-completed-tomorrow/
- Israeli fighter jets and other aircraft struck several sites belonging to terror groups in the northern Gaza Strip following rocket fire from the area on the southern city of Sderot last night, the military says. The targets included a building and other infrastructure, according to the IDF. Two of the three rockets fired at Sderot were downed by the Iron Dome, and shrapnel caused slight damage to a home. In another incident, surveillance soldiers of the 414th Combat Intelligence Collection Unit spotted an armed cell in the Beit Hanoun area, and called in a drone strike, the IDF says. The strikes come as the troops continue to operate in central Gaza’s Netzarim Corridor. In one incident, the IDF says troops of the Yiftah Brigade spotted a group of gunmen at a building known to be used by terror groups, and called in an airstrike. https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/jets-hit-hamas-sites-in-northern-gaza-after-rocket-fire-at-sderot/
Northern Israel - Lebanon/Hizbollah
Reports in Lebanon of an Israeli attack on Jabal al-Jabbour and Jabal al-Rihan in southern Lebanon
- non stop attacks in the north all morning of rockets and UAVs. - Several explosive-laden drones launched at northern Israel, causing minor damage and no injuries. At least 6 “suspicious aerial targets” — believed to be explosive-laden drones launched by Hezbollah — that entered Israeli airspace from Lebanon set off numerous sirens in the Galilee Panhandle, the military says. One of the apparent drones was downed by air defenses, another struck an area near Yiftah, causing a fire, and others caused minor damage at unspecified locations, the IDF says. Another two drones struck open areas, according to the military. The IDF says there are no injuries in the attack. The IDF also confirms carrying out strikes in southern Lebanon last night, hitting Hezbollah positions.https://www.mako.co.il/news-military/2024_q2/Article-3ad3a0265fe4f81027.htm
- Overnight, Israeli fighter jets intercepted a drone flying toward Israel from the “eastern direction,” the military says. The IDF says the drone was tracked throughout the incident until it was shot down, and it did not enter Israeli airspace. The Iran-backed Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed to have launched a drone at Israel overnight, targeting a military base. It marks the second night in a row that a drone apparently launched from Iraq has been shot down by the IDF. https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/air-force-shoots-down-drone-apparently-launched-from-iraq/
- Storm following PM's comments on northern evacuees: "Disconnected, our lives are not expendable"--Heads of authorities and evacuees from the north of the country were outraged following the prime minister's comments revealed yesterday (Monday) on the "Main Edition", "What will happen if they return a few months after 1.9". The residents wondered whether Netanyahu is even aware of the economic and civilian disaster in the north of the country, and called on the government to take responsibility for what is happening. At the cabinet meeting held the day before yesterday, the need arose to hold a strategic discussion on all fronts, including the north, in light of the residents' demand to allow a return to studies on 1.9. Minister Benny Gantz said: "We need to reach a plan that will consolidate our actions regarding all fronts until 1.9", to which the prime minister replied: "Who said 1.9 is the target date? Why are they always talking about this date, and what will happen if they return a few months after?" Gantz: "That means they are not returning for the school year." Netanyahu: "I am familiar with the claims about the school year, it may take even longer than that." In recent weeks, Golan Regional Council head Giyora Zeltz has been pushing for the return of residents to their homes. "We are not waiting for decisions from someone unable to decide," he told N12, "We have started to act and create the possibility for the council's residents to return home in the summer. The government can choose whether to take responsibility for the north before we return home, or after." - Again, Netayahu, who has 3 personal homes (2 in Jerusalem and a mansion in Caesarea) shows no shame. He neither goes to meet with the residents or council heads in the northern communities, nor does he even agree to talk to them. In the first month or two of the war, he made all kinds of promises to the council heads but has not kept a single one (I have heard all of them interviewed on TV and radio) and their experiences with Netanyahu and his government are all the same. It doesn't matter what political party they are affiliated with. The ones who are from Likud are the angriest at the total abandonment of these communities. https://www.mako.co.il/news-israel/2024_q2/Article-3cc1b4905125f81026.htm?sCh=31750a2610f26110&pId=173113802_580918
Rocket hit in Shlomi
West Bank
Politics
With Palestinian flags and keffiyehs: Celebration of victories for Muslims in local elections in Britain
Dozens of Muslims were elected to local councils, among them many whose campaigns relied on anti-Israeli propaganda and who dedicated their victory to the residents of Gaza. Muthana Ali, who won in Leeds, celebrated: "We will amplify the cry of the Palestinians, Allahu Akbar." Previously he had attacked a rabbi who volunteered for the IDF, forcing him to flee into hiding: "The animal went to Israel to murder women and children."—I hate to say this, but this is just the beginning. It’s becoming more dangerous with each day to be Jewish in many places. October 7 and the war are not the cause, they were the excuse to come out from behind their years of planning and money invested, while we were sleeping.
- The Wall Street Journal reports that the ammunition shipment from the U.S. that was supposed to leave for Israel last week and is being delayed includes, among other things, about 6,500 JDAM ("heavy rain") kits that turn ballistic bombs into "smart bombs" and are target-guided. Since March, the Biden administration has not advanced the process of transferring additional fighting means worth about a billion dollars to Israel, in deals that include tank ammunition, military vehicles and mortar missiles. --Many people will see this as a very negative act. I see it as very positive. As I wrote last week, the strongest weapon that Biden has to get Netanyahu to make a hostage deal even if it hurts him politically is to withhold the shipment of bombs. Most, if not all of our bombs are from the US. If the supply becomes limited, Netanyahu will need an assessment of all the bombs we have to use and consider the needs if we have a war in the north. That would almost definitely limit our possibilities in Gaza and force a deal to bring the war to an end and bring the hostages home. As long as Netanyahu believes we have an endless supply of bombs and other weapons, his considerations will continue to be what is best for him politically first and only then consider what is best for the country and the hostages.
- An organization representing bereaved families is calling on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other national leaders to sign a public letter calling to “preserve the sanctity of Memorial Day.” The appeal — addressed to the prime minister, war cabinet minister Benny Gantz, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Opposition Leader Yair Lapid — comes in response to concerns over the politicization of the annual day of mourning, in light of the political climate and following the demonstrations seen at last year’s memorial ceremonies. Several ministers were greeted with protests and disruptions during Memorial Day ceremonies across the country in 2023, including clashes between the families of fallen soldiers at a ceremony attended by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir at a military cemetery in Beersheba. “The last few months are some of the most difficult that the State of Israel has known since its establishment, 76 years ago,” the letter, written by Yad Labanim chairman Eli Ben-Shem, explains. “Many families have joined the circle of bereavement and this is their first Memorial Day. God forbid we add to the pain during these difficult days.” “For their sake, so that we may be worthy of their heroism, their sacrifice and their memory, we call on you to leave the disputes outside the military cemeteries and avoid arguments over the graves of the girls and boys.” So far, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid has responded by signing. Some politicians and family members of victims of the October 7 Hamas massacre have asked government ministers and lawmakers to refrain from speaking at the various ceremonies on May 12-13, citing concerns that the day will be tainted by the presence of divisive politicians, whom many blame for the failures surrounding the unprecedented Hamas terror assault. https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/bereaved-families-urge-leaders-to-sign-pledge-to-keep-politics-out-of-memorial-day-ceremonies/
Comments
Post a Comment