π️Lonny's War Update- October 378, 2023 - October 18 2024 π️
π️Day 378 that 101 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!!!”
We’re waiting for you, all of you.
A deal is the only way to bring
all the hostages home- the murdered for burial and the living for rehabilitation.
#BringThemHomeNow #TurnTheHorrorIntoHope
A deal is the only way to bring
all the hostages home- the murdered for burial and the living for rehabilitation.
#BringThemHomeNow #TurnTheHorrorIntoHope
There is no victory until all of the hostages are home!ΧΧΧ Χ Χ¦ΧΧΧ Χ’Χ Χ©ΧΧ ΧΧΧΧΧ€ΧΧ ΧΧΧΧͺ
The two sections at the end, personal stories and Dark Legacy - The Abandonment of October 7th Hostages are very important to read, as important or more than the news of the day.
Red Alerts - Missile, Rocket, Drone (UAV - unmanned aerial vehicles), and Terror Attacks and Death Announcements
*9:30pm yesterday - north - rockets/missiles*1:50am - north - rockets/missiles
*6:50am - south - hostile aircraft - Eilat, Eilot
*6:55am -north - rockets/missiles*6:55am - Haifa, Acre and areas around - rockets/missiles
*7:00am - north - rockets/missiles
*9:05am - north - rockets/missiles
*9:40am - north - rockets/missiles
*10:15am - north - rockets/missiles
*10:40am - north - rockets/missiles
*10:55am -north - rockets/missiles
*1:45pm - north - rockets/missiles
*2:40pm - north - rockets/missiles
*3:00pm - north - rockets/missiles
*3:25pm - north - rockets/missiles
*3:35pm - north - rockets/missiles
*4:00pm -north - rockets/missiles
*4:20pm - north - rockets/missiles
*4:25pm - north - rockets/missiles
*6:10pm - north - rockets/missiles
IDF announces five killed, nine wounded in combat in southern Lebanon
Five soldiers from the Golani Brigade’s reconnaissance unit were killed amid the ground offensive in southern Lebanon, the military announced Thursday, as Hezbollah threatened to escalate attacks against Israel.
Major Ofek Bachar, aged 24, from Ness Ziona, a Company Commander from the Golani Reconnaissance Unit
Captain Elad Siman Tov, aged 23, from Tzofim, a Platoon Commander from the Golani Reconnaissance Unit
Staff Sergeant Elyashiv Eitan Wieder, aged 22, from Jerusalem, a Squad Commander from the Golani Reconnaissance Unit
Staff Sergeant Yakov Hillel, aged 21, from Jerusalem, a soldier from the Golani Reconnaissance Unit
Staff Sergeant Yehudah Dror Yahalom, aged 21, from Hebron, a soldier from the Golani Reconnaissance Unit
All fell during combat in southern Lebanon, the IDF announced on Thursday.
*6:50am - south - hostile aircraft - Eilat, Eilot
*6:55am -north - rockets/missiles
*7:00am - north - rockets/missiles
*9:05am - north - rockets/missiles
*9:40am - north - rockets/missiles
*10:15am - north - rockets/missiles
*10:40am - north - rockets/missiles
*10:55am -north - rockets/missiles
*1:45pm - north - rockets/missiles
*2:40pm - north - rockets/missiles
*3:00pm - north - rockets/missiles
*3:25pm - north - rockets/missiles
*3:35pm - north - rockets/missiles
*4:00pm -north - rockets/missiles
*4:20pm - north - rockets/missiles
*4:25pm - north - rockets/missiles
*6:10pm - north - rockets/missiles
Five soldiers from the Golani Brigade’s reconnaissance unit were killed amid the ground offensive in southern Lebanon, the military announced Thursday, as Hezbollah threatened to escalate attacks against Israel.
Captain Elad Siman Tov, aged 23, from Tzofim, a Platoon Commander from the Golani Reconnaissance Unit
Staff Sergeant Elyashiv Eitan Wieder, aged 22, from Jerusalem, a Squad Commander from the Golani Reconnaissance Unit
Staff Sergeant Yakov Hillel, aged 21, from Jerusalem, a soldier from the Golani Reconnaissance Unit
Staff Sergeant Yehudah Dror Yahalom, aged 21, from Hebron, a soldier from the Golani Reconnaissance Unit
All fell during combat in southern Lebanon, the IDF announced on Thursday.
Hostage Updates
- Israel should immediately publish a message to anyone holding a hostage that they will receive safe passage abroad (there are countries that will take them in) and a serious sum of money in exchange for the release of hostages. They should publish a phone number that those holding hostages can call to release hostages. It is impossible to predict and know what the fate of the hostages will be now, therefore Israel must act quickly and also inform Egypt and Qatar that they are ready to reach a deal to return all the hostages and end the war. Israel should express a willingness to accept another administration, not that of Hamas in Gaza, which will manage the Strip in the coming years. There may be a situation and an opportunity to reach a deal but it is very essential to act now. (Gershon Baskin, 10-17-2024)
The elimination of Yihya Sinwar is a very mixed blessing. Ever since October 7, he was a dead man walking. The question was 'when will be the best time to kill him?' Now, with his death, the hostages' lives are truly in one of the most precarious states they have been in since the beginning of their captivity. We don't know if they have been given orders to kill all of them if Sinwar is killed, or if they weren't given this order at all. If they weren't, it is a real question as to what will happen to them, who will be the negotiator for a deal, if Hamas is still open to a deal during this regrouping stage. We can be almost certain that the living hostages are undergoing additional torture due to the assassination of their leader, especially if Sinwar's brother, Mohammed has any say in the matter. It is said that he may be even more brutal than his brother and he has a history of sexual abuser as well.Netanyahu has continually stated that Sinwar is the only one blocking a hostage/ceasefire deal. That is a lie. He has blocked every possibility for a deal every step of the way since November. With my brother's 3 week deal on the table for more than a month, a senior member of the Israeli negotiating team told my brother point blank that Netanyahu doesn't want to end the war, so he will have nothing to do with the 3 week plan for getting all the hostages home within those 3 weeks and ending the war. Netanyahu's so called goals for the war have been:
1- the end of Hamas rule in Gaza
2- the end of military threat from Hamas/Islamic Jihad from Gaza on Israel
3- return of the hostages
Note that number 3 is in that position on purpose. It has never been Netanyahu's primary goal.
In any case, the 3 week plan gives Netanyahu every single one of those goals. Hamas has agreed to hand over governing rule of Gaza to a Technocratic Government (professionals and not politicians) made up of Palestinians. They have agreed to release all the hostages in return for the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli prisons (the number to be determined in negotiations). And the most suprising and very important move that Hamas has agreed to with my brother, is that they will hand over their weapons to the new technocratic government in Gaza. Until this deal, they were more than willing to hand over governance of Gaza (they never really wanted to deal with garbage, sewage, aid, and other municipal management as they don't really give a damn about their people), but they always maintained that they would continue to be the military wing in Gaza. They have finally and surprisingly agreed to hand this over as well. I don't know the motivation for this decision. I can make assumptions and speculate, but it doesn't even matter as long as they are really willing to do this.
The bottom line is that this deal answers all of Netanyahu's stated goals and demands for ending the war, but it doesn't answer his unstated goals. Those unstated goals are his personal goals and have to do with his personal and political position and future. Ending the war would almost certainly mean an Official Commission of Inquiry to determine all that led up to October 7 and then the handling/mishandling of the war since. Netanhayu will do almost anything (maybe even everything) to prevent this commission from being born. He wants a government commission, one that he and his cronies pick the judges and control everything that happens as well as totally limiting the impact of the outcomes of this pre-corrupted commission. They would not have any legal power to recommend or bring charges or even make a case to point fingers of responsibility. Netanyahu knows that he is most responsible for October 7 but will never admit it, nor allow any government body to be able to say that. An Official Commission made up of Supreme Court Judges would be a totally different story and this is the reason that Netanyahu will do everything and anything to stop it. In addition, ending the war may be a better catalyst for bringing about early elections, another thing that Netanyahu will do anything and everything to prevent. That is the reason that he brought on Gidon Saar into the government as another way to block early elections. And Gidon Saar, the person who said he would never be part of Netanyahu's government again, sold what little soul he had left for a few pieces of silver (keeping his political career - all the polls, without exception, showed that Saar would not make it into the Knesset if early elections are held).
And the other major reason that Netanyahu wants to keep the war going is to delay his criminal proceedings, or at least to drag them out indefinitely to give a chance to his corrupt, failed government to push the judicial takeover that they tried to do for the year leading up to the war (which weakened Israel, the army and the view of all our neighbors). If his government succeeds in the takeover of the judicial system, his trials will go away.
All of the reasons for continuing the war are Netanyahu's personal needs and have nothing to do with the good of the country. He is willing to sacrifice all of the hostages, watch more soldiers killed and maimed, do nothing to save our greatly damaged economy, continue to destroy our relations with our greatest allies, foremost among them, the US, England and France, and he is willing for a regional conflict with Iran to happen, all in the name of his personal needs. We need to be done with this person who has become the most dangerous person in Israel and the worst Prime Minister in our history.
- No Signs of Hostages Found in Area Where Sinwar Was Eliminated | Netanyahu's Directive
Contrary to assessments that Hamas leader in Gaza surrounded himself with hostages as protection against assassination attempts, and that he might even be rigged with explosives, the IDF spokesperson's dramatic announcement about the elimination of terrorists stated that "no signs of hostages were found in the area." The PM's spokesperson: Netanyahu instructed to inform the families that there are no signs of harm to hostages in the encounter.
In the joint announcement by IDF and Shin Bet spokespersons earlier today (Thursday), it was stated that "in the building where the terrorists were killed, no signs of hostages were found in the area. IDF and Shin Bet forces operating in the field continue to act with necessary caution." The announcement mentioned that "the forces are checking the possibility that one of the terrorists is Yahya Sinwar."
Shortly after, the Prime Minister's spokesperson announced that "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked his military secretary to instruct the IDF spokesperson to inform the hostages' families that there are no signs of harm to hostages in the mentioned encounter." The IDF spokesperson's announcements about the absence of hostages in Sinwar's vicinity comes against the backdrop of previous assessments that the October 7 massacre architect was staying with hostages as protection against assassination attempts, and might even be rigged with explosives.
On the anniversary eve of the October 7 massacre, Prime Minister Netanyahu held a relatively unusual discussion about the deadlock in negotiations for a deal to release the hostages who have been held captive in Gaza for a whole year. Sources familiar with the details said then that "negotiations for a deal are at a deadlock. No momentum. Sinwar is entrenching himself. We're waiting for the impact of the north - and meanwhile thinking about ideas of what can be done," they added, referring to the ground operation battles in southern Lebanon. Netanyahu himself publicly assessed that severely hitting Hezbollah would help increase pressure on Sinwar to reach a deal.
Last month, Israel examined whether Sinwar was injured or killed in one of the IDF's attacks in Gaza Strip, after he was again defined as "disconnected." At the beginning of the month, in a discussion with IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, a question mark was marked on his picture. Later, according to a New York Times report, American sources assessed that Sinwar was alive and even "making critical decisions."
At this stage, more than a year after the massacre, Israel assesses that the account with Sinwar was closed in a random encounter in Gaza Strip, where fighters eliminated three terrorists - one of whom resembles the Hamas leader in appearance. The IDF and Shin Bet are waiting for positive identification, and meanwhile, according to senior officials in Israel: "There are indications on the ground."link
- **Hostages' Families Headquarters: Demanding to Leverage Sinwar's Elimination for a Deal**
Einav Zangauker, mother of Matan who is held captive in Gaza: "Now, more than ever, the life of my son Matan and the other hostages are in tangible danger" • Avi Marciano, father of Noa Marciano who was murdered in captivity: "Consolation will only come when the hostages return."
The Hostages' Families Headquarters called today (Thursday) to leverage Sinwar's elimination for a hostage deal: "The hostages' families demand leveraging this military achievement for an immediate deal for their return." "Alongside appreciation for the significant achievement, the hostages' families express grave concern for the fate of 101 hostages still held captive by Hamas in Gaza. We demand leveraging this military achievement for an immediate deal for their return," the families' statement read.
The parents of captured soldier Omer Neutra published a video in response to Sinwar's elimination, stating: "This is a critical time point, the hostages are in more danger than ever. We call on the Israeli government and Biden administration to act quickly and reach a deal." Einav Zangauker, mother of captive Matan, responded to the elimination: "We've settled the score with the arch-murderer - but now, more than ever, the lives of my son Matan and the other hostages are in tangible danger. Especially today, when the country breathes a sigh of relief, it's important to remember and remind that the people want the hostages home and their return is one of the war's objectives."
Avi Marciano, father of surveillance soldier Noa Marciano who was held captive by Hamas and murdered in captivity: "A year after I hugged Noa for the last time, the monster who took her from me, whose hands are stained with all our daughters' blood, finally met the gates of hell. Some justice, but no consolation. Consolation will only come when Naama, Liri, Agam, Daniella, and Karina, our daughters' friends, return home. I pray."
Avida Bachar, who was severely injured and lost his wife and son in the Be'eri kibbutz massacre on October 7: "It's a happy day, but we need to end the Hamas story, there shouldn't be a Gaza, Be'eri's border should be at the Mediterranean Sea."
Iris Haim, mother of Yotam Haim who was accidentally shot by IDF soldiers, wrote on Facebook: "It's hard to say what I'm feeling now. On December 15, ten months and two days ago - it was also Bisla"ch, Battalion 17 of Givati, NCO School. This time - celebration and joy. Then - shock, trauma. How the wheel turns. Now we're happy and proud of them. All respect to our heroic soldiers."
Yagil Yaakov, who was kidnapped from Nir Oz kibbutz and released in a hostage deal, responded in a video to the elimination: "Wow, what a beautiful day outside. Brother, you got one hell of a bomb." Michal Lubnov, widow of Alex Lubnov who was kidnapped and murdered by Hamas, wrote in an Instagram story: "He destroyed my life and my family's life. Alex, now my circle is closed, nothing will ease the pain, but now celebrate up there, celebrate, be happy, it's over. Just please let the hostages return now, this victory isn't sweet without them." Shani Avigal, whose son Ido was killed by a rocket strike in Sderot during Operation Guardian of the Walls, wrote on X: "For everyone, Sinwar was responsible for the October 7 massacre. For me, he was responsible for my son's murder. Thank you IDF, for this important and significant moment." link
- 'No victory without all hostages home': Families react to Yahya Sinwar's deathHasamba, the organization of young family members of hostages reacted to reports of Sinwar's assassination saying that they are proud of the IDF, and that all the hostages must now be returned.
Family members of some of the 101 hostages still held by Hamas reacted Thursday to reports that [Hamas leader Yahya] Sinwar was eliminated by IDF soldiers, urging Israel's leadership to use this as leverage for a hostage deal, and expressing concern for the fate of the hostages.
"We settled the score with mass murderer Sinwar but now, more than ever, the life of my son Matan and the rest of the hostages is in real danger," said Einav Zangauker, reacting to reports of the assasination of Sinwar Thursday night.
"There will be no real closure, there will be no total victory, if we don't save lives and bring them home."
"This is the time to translate [military] achievements and the assasination to a diplomatic move that will bring our loved ones home," she added, highlighting that the prime minister, defense minister, and IDF chief of staff have all said that Hamas is militarily defeated.
"Netanyahu, do not bury the hostages. Go now to the negotiations and the public and present a new Israeli idea."
"My Matan and the other hostages in the tunnels are out of time," she said, stressing that Netanyahu has achieved an image of victory and should now bring about a deal.
Hostage Omer Neutra's parents Orna and Ronen also reacted to the news saying that the elimination is "a critical, time-sensitive development as it relates to the hostages. Their lives are in great danger now more than ever."
They called on US and Israeli leaders to "do whatever is needed to reach a deal with the captors. We are at an inflection point where the goals set for the war with Gaza have been achieved, all but the release of the hostages."
"Sinwar, who was described as a major obstacle to a deal, is no longer alive. It is critical that all attention is now focused on achieving the goal of a deal which will secure the release of our son Omer and the rest of the hostages," they added.
"We are fully aware of a few missed opportunities to reach a deal throughout the year. Omer is in the hands of ISIS-Hamas terrorists. This time, the opportunity must be seized; all hostages must be released in one deal immediately."
"The score is not settled until the last hostage comes home," Gil Dickmann, cousin of Carmel Gat who was slain in captivity said on X/Twitter Thursday.
Next step: Bringing them home
Hasamba, the organization of young family members of hostages reacted to reports of Sinwar's assassination saying that they are proud of the IDF, and that all the hostages must now be returned.
"We are proud of the IDF soldiers for the elimination of Sinwar who threatened our security. We are a step from victory. The mission will be complete when everyone is home," the organization said on Instagram.
This message was echoed by the Hostage Family Forum who welcomed the elimination, calling Sinwar one of the major obstacles to a hostage deal and expressing concern for the fate of the hostages.
"While acknowledging the significant achievement, the families of the hostages express grave concern for the fate of 101 men and women still held captive by Hamas," the forum said, adding a demand that "this military success be leveraged into an immediate deal for their return."
"The Hostages Families Forum commends the security forces for eliminating Sinwar, who masterminded the worst massacre our country has ever faced, responsible for the murder of thousands and the abduction of hundreds," said the forum.
"We call on the Israeli government, world leaders, and mediating countries to leverage the military achievement into a diplomatic one by pursuing an immediate agreement for the release of all 101 hostages: the living for rehabilitation and the murdered for proper burial."
The Tikva forum, which represents some hostage families and has called for increased military pressure in Gaza, also reacted to the elimination, congratulating the IDF, security forces, the government, and prime minister for the "historic achievement."
"Especially now, we must increase the military pressure, conquer as much territory as possible, and stop the continual supply of aid to Hamas terrorists."
"When Hamas is on its knees and begs for a deal - we can consider a deal that will bring all the hostages back at once. This is the only way," the organization added.
The message that there is no victory without the return of the hostages in spite of the elimination of Sinwar was echoed by organizations who have been fighting for the return of the hostages.
"There is no accomplishment in the elimination if its result is not a deal now, that will bring our brothers and sisters home" said the Women's Protests for the Return of the Hostages. link
Hostage Updates
- Israel should immediately publish a message to anyone holding a hostage that they will receive safe passage abroad (there are countries that will take them in) and a serious sum of money in exchange for the release of hostages. They should publish a phone number that those holding hostages can call to release hostages. It is impossible to predict and know what the fate of the hostages will be now, therefore Israel must act quickly and also inform Egypt and Qatar that they are ready to reach a deal to return all the hostages and end the war. Israel should express a willingness to accept another administration, not that of Hamas in Gaza, which will manage the Strip in the coming years. There may be a situation and an opportunity to reach a deal but it is very essential to act now. (Gershon Baskin, 10-17-2024)The elimination of Yihya Sinwar is a very mixed blessing. Ever since October 7, he was a dead man walking. The question was 'when will be the best time to kill him?' Now, with his death, the hostages' lives are truly in one of the most precarious states they have been in since the beginning of their captivity. We don't know if they have been given orders to kill all of them if Sinwar is killed, or if they weren't given this order at all. If they weren't, it is a real question as to what will happen to them, who will be the negotiator for a deal, if Hamas is still open to a deal during this regrouping stage. We can be almost certain that the living hostages are undergoing additional torture due to the assassination of their leader, especially if Sinwar's brother, Mohammed has any say in the matter. It is said that he may be even more brutal than his brother and he has a history of sexual abuser as well.Netanyahu has continually stated that Sinwar is the only one blocking a hostage/ceasefire deal. That is a lie. He has blocked every possibility for a deal every step of the way since November. With my brother's 3 week deal on the table for more than a month, a senior member of the Israeli negotiating team told my brother point blank that Netanyahu doesn't want to end the war, so he will have nothing to do with the 3 week plan for getting all the hostages home within those 3 weeks and ending the war. Netanyahu's so called goals for the war have been:
1- the end of Hamas rule in Gaza
2- the end of military threat from Hamas/Islamic Jihad from Gaza on Israel
3- return of the hostages
Note that number 3 is in that position on purpose. It has never been Netanyahu's primary goal.
In any case, the 3 week plan gives Netanyahu every single one of those goals. Hamas has agreed to hand over governing rule of Gaza to a Technocratic Government (professionals and not politicians) made up of Palestinians. They have agreed to release all the hostages in return for the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli prisons (the number to be determined in negotiations). And the most suprising and very important move that Hamas has agreed to with my brother, is that they will hand over their weapons to the new technocratic government in Gaza. Until this deal, they were more than willing to hand over governance of Gaza (they never really wanted to deal with garbage, sewage, aid, and other municipal management as they don't really give a damn about their people), but they always maintained that they would continue to be the military wing in Gaza. They have finally and surprisingly agreed to hand this over as well. I don't know the motivation for this decision. I can make assumptions and speculate, but it doesn't even matter as long as they are really willing to do this.
The bottom line is that this deal answers all of Netanyahu's stated goals and demands for ending the war, but it doesn't answer his unstated goals. Those unstated goals are his personal goals and have to do with his personal and political position and future. Ending the war would almost certainly mean an Official Commission of Inquiry to determine all that led up to October 7 and then the handling/mishandling of the war since. Netanhayu will do almost anything (maybe even everything) to prevent this commission from being born. He wants a government commission, one that he and his cronies pick the judges and control everything that happens as well as totally limiting the impact of the outcomes of this pre-corrupted commission. They would not have any legal power to recommend or bring charges or even make a case to point fingers of responsibility. Netanyahu knows that he is most responsible for October 7 but will never admit it, nor allow any government body to be able to say that. An Official Commission made up of Supreme Court Judges would be a totally different story and this is the reason that Netanyahu will do everything and anything to stop it. In addition, ending the war may be a better catalyst for bringing about early elections, another thing that Netanyahu will do anything and everything to prevent. That is the reason that he brought on Gidon Saar into the government as another way to block early elections. And Gidon Saar, the person who said he would never be part of Netanyahu's government again, sold what little soul he had left for a few pieces of silver (keeping his political career - all the polls, without exception, showed that Saar would not make it into the Knesset if early elections are held).
And the other major reason that Netanyahu wants to keep the war going is to delay his criminal proceedings, or at least to drag them out indefinitely to give a chance to his corrupt, failed government to push the judicial takeover that they tried to do for the year leading up to the war (which weakened Israel, the army and the view of all our neighbors). If his government succeeds in the takeover of the judicial system, his trials will go away.
All of the reasons for continuing the war are Netanyahu's personal needs and have nothing to do with the good of the country. He is willing to sacrifice all of the hostages, watch more soldiers killed and maimed, do nothing to save our greatly damaged economy, continue to destroy our relations with our greatest allies, foremost among them, the US, England and France, and he is willing for a regional conflict with Iran to happen, all in the name of his personal needs. We need to be done with this person who has become the most dangerous person in Israel and the worst Prime Minister in our history.
- No Signs of Hostages Found in Area Where Sinwar Was Eliminated | Netanyahu's DirectiveContrary to assessments that Hamas leader in Gaza surrounded himself with hostages as protection against assassination attempts, and that he might even be rigged with explosives, the IDF spokesperson's dramatic announcement about the elimination of terrorists stated that "no signs of hostages were found in the area." The PM's spokesperson: Netanyahu instructed to inform the families that there are no signs of harm to hostages in the encounter.In the joint announcement by IDF and Shin Bet spokespersons earlier today (Thursday), it was stated that "in the building where the terrorists were killed, no signs of hostages were found in the area. IDF and Shin Bet forces operating in the field continue to act with necessary caution." The announcement mentioned that "the forces are checking the possibility that one of the terrorists is Yahya Sinwar."Shortly after, the Prime Minister's spokesperson announced that "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked his military secretary to instruct the IDF spokesperson to inform the hostages' families that there are no signs of harm to hostages in the mentioned encounter." The IDF spokesperson's announcements about the absence of hostages in Sinwar's vicinity comes against the backdrop of previous assessments that the October 7 massacre architect was staying with hostages as protection against assassination attempts, and might even be rigged with explosives.On the anniversary eve of the October 7 massacre, Prime Minister Netanyahu held a relatively unusual discussion about the deadlock in negotiations for a deal to release the hostages who have been held captive in Gaza for a whole year. Sources familiar with the details said then that "negotiations for a deal are at a deadlock. No momentum. Sinwar is entrenching himself. We're waiting for the impact of the north - and meanwhile thinking about ideas of what can be done," they added, referring to the ground operation battles in southern Lebanon. Netanyahu himself publicly assessed that severely hitting Hezbollah would help increase pressure on Sinwar to reach a deal.Last month, Israel examined whether Sinwar was injured or killed in one of the IDF's attacks in Gaza Strip, after he was again defined as "disconnected." At the beginning of the month, in a discussion with IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, a question mark was marked on his picture. Later, according to a New York Times report, American sources assessed that Sinwar was alive and even "making critical decisions."At this stage, more than a year after the massacre, Israel assesses that the account with Sinwar was closed in a random encounter in Gaza Strip, where fighters eliminated three terrorists - one of whom resembles the Hamas leader in appearance. The IDF and Shin Bet are waiting for positive identification, and meanwhile, according to senior officials in Israel: "There are indications on the ground."link
- **Hostages' Families Headquarters: Demanding to Leverage Sinwar's Elimination for a Deal**Einav Zangauker, mother of Matan who is held captive in Gaza: "Now, more than ever, the life of my son Matan and the other hostages are in tangible danger" • Avi Marciano, father of Noa Marciano who was murdered in captivity: "Consolation will only come when the hostages return."The Hostages' Families Headquarters called today (Thursday) to leverage Sinwar's elimination for a hostage deal: "The hostages' families demand leveraging this military achievement for an immediate deal for their return." "Alongside appreciation for the significant achievement, the hostages' families express grave concern for the fate of 101 hostages still held captive by Hamas in Gaza. We demand leveraging this military achievement for an immediate deal for their return," the families' statement read.The parents of captured soldier Omer Neutra published a video in response to Sinwar's elimination, stating: "This is a critical time point, the hostages are in more danger than ever. We call on the Israeli government and Biden administration to act quickly and reach a deal." Einav Zangauker, mother of captive Matan, responded to the elimination: "We've settled the score with the arch-murderer - but now, more than ever, the lives of my son Matan and the other hostages are in tangible danger. Especially today, when the country breathes a sigh of relief, it's important to remember and remind that the people want the hostages home and their return is one of the war's objectives."Avi Marciano, father of surveillance soldier Noa Marciano who was held captive by Hamas and murdered in captivity: "A year after I hugged Noa for the last time, the monster who took her from me, whose hands are stained with all our daughters' blood, finally met the gates of hell. Some justice, but no consolation. Consolation will only come when Naama, Liri, Agam, Daniella, and Karina, our daughters' friends, return home. I pray."Avida Bachar, who was severely injured and lost his wife and son in the Be'eri kibbutz massacre on October 7: "It's a happy day, but we need to end the Hamas story, there shouldn't be a Gaza, Be'eri's border should be at the Mediterranean Sea."Iris Haim, mother of Yotam Haim who was accidentally shot by IDF soldiers, wrote on Facebook: "It's hard to say what I'm feeling now. On December 15, ten months and two days ago - it was also Bisla"ch, Battalion 17 of Givati, NCO School. This time - celebration and joy. Then - shock, trauma. How the wheel turns. Now we're happy and proud of them. All respect to our heroic soldiers."Yagil Yaakov, who was kidnapped from Nir Oz kibbutz and released in a hostage deal, responded in a video to the elimination: "Wow, what a beautiful day outside. Brother, you got one hell of a bomb." Michal Lubnov, widow of Alex Lubnov who was kidnapped and murdered by Hamas, wrote in an Instagram story: "He destroyed my life and my family's life. Alex, now my circle is closed, nothing will ease the pain, but now celebrate up there, celebrate, be happy, it's over. Just please let the hostages return now, this victory isn't sweet without them." Shani Avigal, whose son Ido was killed by a rocket strike in Sderot during Operation Guardian of the Walls, wrote on X: "For everyone, Sinwar was responsible for the October 7 massacre. For me, he was responsible for my son's murder. Thank you IDF, for this important and significant moment." link
- 'No victory without all hostages home': Families react to Yahya Sinwar's deathHasamba, the organization of young family members of hostages reacted to reports of Sinwar's assassination saying that they are proud of the IDF, and that all the hostages must now be returned.
Family members of some of the 101 hostages still held by Hamas reacted Thursday to reports that [Hamas leader Yahya] Sinwar was eliminated by IDF soldiers, urging Israel's leadership to use this as leverage for a hostage deal, and expressing concern for the fate of the hostages.
"We settled the score with mass murderer Sinwar but now, more than ever, the life of my son Matan and the rest of the hostages is in real danger," said Einav Zangauker, reacting to reports of the assasination of Sinwar Thursday night.
"There will be no real closure, there will be no total victory, if we don't save lives and bring them home."
"This is the time to translate [military] achievements and the assasination to a diplomatic move that will bring our loved ones home," she added, highlighting that the prime minister, defense minister, and IDF chief of staff have all said that Hamas is militarily defeated.
"Netanyahu, do not bury the hostages. Go now to the negotiations and the public and present a new Israeli idea."
"My Matan and the other hostages in the tunnels are out of time," she said, stressing that Netanyahu has achieved an image of victory and should now bring about a deal.
Hostage Omer Neutra's parents Orna and Ronen also reacted to the news saying that the elimination is "a critical, time-sensitive development as it relates to the hostages. Their lives are in great danger now more than ever."
They called on US and Israeli leaders to "do whatever is needed to reach a deal with the captors. We are at an inflection point where the goals set for the war with Gaza have been achieved, all but the release of the hostages."
"Sinwar, who was described as a major obstacle to a deal, is no longer alive. It is critical that all attention is now focused on achieving the goal of a deal which will secure the release of our son Omer and the rest of the hostages," they added.
"We are fully aware of a few missed opportunities to reach a deal throughout the year. Omer is in the hands of ISIS-Hamas terrorists. This time, the opportunity must be seized; all hostages must be released in one deal immediately."
"The score is not settled until the last hostage comes home," Gil Dickmann, cousin of Carmel Gat who was slain in captivity said on X/Twitter Thursday.
Next step: Bringing them home
Hasamba, the organization of young family members of hostages reacted to reports of Sinwar's assassination saying that they are proud of the IDF, and that all the hostages must now be returned.
"We are proud of the IDF soldiers for the elimination of Sinwar who threatened our security. We are a step from victory. The mission will be complete when everyone is home," the organization said on Instagram.
This message was echoed by the Hostage Family Forum who welcomed the elimination, calling Sinwar one of the major obstacles to a hostage deal and expressing concern for the fate of the hostages.
"While acknowledging the significant achievement, the families of the hostages express grave concern for the fate of 101 men and women still held captive by Hamas," the forum said, adding a demand that "this military success be leveraged into an immediate deal for their return."
"The Hostages Families Forum commends the security forces for eliminating Sinwar, who masterminded the worst massacre our country has ever faced, responsible for the murder of thousands and the abduction of hundreds," said the forum.
"We call on the Israeli government, world leaders, and mediating countries to leverage the military achievement into a diplomatic one by pursuing an immediate agreement for the release of all 101 hostages: the living for rehabilitation and the murdered for proper burial."
The Tikva forum, which represents some hostage families and has called for increased military pressure in Gaza, also reacted to the elimination, congratulating the IDF, security forces, the government, and prime minister for the "historic achievement."
"Especially now, we must increase the military pressure, conquer as much territory as possible, and stop the continual supply of aid to Hamas terrorists."
"When Hamas is on its knees and begs for a deal - we can consider a deal that will bring all the hostages back at once. This is the only way," the organization added.
The message that there is no victory without the return of the hostages in spite of the elimination of Sinwar was echoed by organizations who have been fighting for the return of the hostages.
"There is no accomplishment in the elimination if its result is not a deal now, that will bring our brothers and sisters home" said the Women's Protests for the Return of the Hostages. link
Gaza
- The Cruel Brother Who "Came Back from the Dead": This is Mohammed Sinwar - The Heir?
"When he passes by, people look at the floor," Gaza residents describe the character of Hamas leader's younger brother who was eliminated. He paved his way up through trust and proximity, and survived numerous assassination attempts, even though his death was once falsely reported. In 2022, he was heard making threats, and during the war, a video of him in a mega-tunnel was revealed.
Profile: The man who was closest to Yahya SinwarLast December, in a short video from a four-kilometer mega-tunnel, the first image of one of Gaza Strip's most wanted figures was published. His name is Mohammed Sinwar, brother of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. Since the elimination of Hamas military wing's senior officials – including Mohammed Deif and Marwan Issa, Sinwar the brother effectively became number 2 in the terror organization's leadership in Gaza, advancing upward also through blind support from his brother.
**We are bringing this article about Mohammed Sinwar again, after his brother's elimination.**
Mohammed Sinwar, 49, is the youngest son in the family. Born in Khan Yunis, he was among the first to join Hamas and participated in terrorist activities during the First Intifada. During that period, he was imprisoned in Israel for nine months, and also spent three years in a Palestinian Authority prison – until 2000, when he escaped. A source in Gaza said he grew up under the ideology of Abdul Aziz al-Rantisi, one of Hamas's founders.
Mohammed and his brother have much in common. It's not just the nickname "Abu Ibrahim" given to both following their first son's name, after their father Ibrahim. He is considered Hamas leader's confidant, and one of the few who knew his whereabouts and helped him navigate his way to hideouts throughout almost a year of war. There's no doubt that the family connection gave him credit over others. The organization didn't suspect or dare think he would cooperate with Israel - and his path to the top was smooth. This is how he integrated into the military wing and managed to meet Hamas seniors - led by Mohammed Deif.
Mohammed Sinwar's role was first revealed by Hamas in 2005. The organization broke all its secrecy traditions and revealed the identities of seven of its commanders in Gaza Strip who led attacks against Israelis and the IDF. Sinwar the brother was one of them – and there his role was also revealed: commander of the Khan Yunis Brigade. Already in 2005, according to Hamas's publication then, Israel tried to assassinate him three times: through sniper fire at his house; by bombing his house with two quarter-ton missiles; and by planting an explosive device in his house's wall in Khan Yunis – which he managed to discover.
One of the major operations that Mohammed Sinwar was responsible for was the kidnapping of soldier Gilad Shalit and efforts in the deal for his release - in which his brother Yahya was released from prison and later became Hamas leader, until his elimination. On the day of the kidnapping in June 2006, Sinwar served as Khan Yunis Brigade commander and over the years conditioned Shalit's release on his brother's release.
**"Loyalty Level Determines"**"Mohammed became a very significant figure in Hamas's military wing. When Yahya Sinwar was in Israeli prison, he relied on his brother Mohammed having control over Shalit. Today it's clear that his brother's status in the military wing grew stronger due to his proximity to Yahya - who believes in specific people," says Dr. Yuval Bitton, former head of the Intelligence Division in the Israel Prison Service, who knew Yahya Sinwar well. "Yahya doesn't look at capabilities - but at loyalty level. That's what determines, and that's why Mohammed advanced in Hamas." Sinwar, Bitton explains, probably tries to bring his confidants in leadership closer to him, so he can make individual decisions - without opponents. "When we approached the Shalit deal, the Sinwar brothers opposed it - even though Yahya's name was first on the release list. Yahya pushed his brother to convince leadership not to accept the deal, but Saleh al-Arouri and Khaled Mashal said yes and pushed for the deal against the Sinwars' position - and so it was," he said, what seems like a historical lesson for who became the terror organization's leader after Haniyeh's elimination.
Israel tried to assassinate Sinwar the brother repeatedly over the years. In 2012, during Operation Pillar of Defense, his house was bombed - and so in 2014, during Operation Protective Edge, but he wasn't there. During that operation, images and reports spread claiming Sinwar was killed. The publications, led by a Facebook page that didn't gain much attention, included an image where he appeared allegedly dead. From then until May 2022, Mohammed Sinwar's name barely came up - and Al Jazeera network even claimed he didn't attend his father's funeral in January 2022. In some Arab networks, he was described as "the one who returned from the dead." In May 2022, Sinwar the brother appeared in a short half-minute interview on Al Jazeera as a silhouette, similar to Mohammed Deif's practice over the years. "When we warn the occupation or deliver a message, we mean that every letter and word has weight and impact on the ground," he was heard saying. "Precise and focused efforts were made to establish this, and balanced and meaningful equations were formulated. When we say this, we know how to identify the occupation's pain points and how to pressure it. We managed to establish important equations, and the enemy calculates according to them well."
**"People Looked at the Floor if He Passed By Them"**Mohammed Sinwar, dubbed "the one who returned from the dead," managed to terrorize Gaza residents more than once. In Gaza, they tell of a charismatic figure, but very tough and threatening. "He's known as someone who commands much respect. This family is considered hot-tempered, especially Mohammed - a frightening man capable of killing someone without blinking," said a source in Gaza. After brother Yahya was released from prison in the Shalit deal, Mohammed gained more and more status. "Yahya Sinwar understands only force. That's his legacy and so is Mohammed's. He participated in quite a few executions (of collaborators, like his brother), abuse and cruelty in Hamas prisons," the source said about the days before the war. "Mohammed reached a point where if he scolds someone - they die of fear. He terrorizes everyone. No one messes with him in Gaza."
According to the source, "There were people who even feared looking him in the eyes - because you can't know how he'll interpret it. People looked at the floor if he passed by them." Sinwar the brother is also attributed with severe torture in Hamas prison, along with his brother Yahya. Among other things, it's claimed he was responsible for severe torture undergone by former Hamas Zeitoun Battalion Commander Mohammed Shtewi, who was executed in February 2016 for moral offenses.
Shtewi, it was previously claimed, was possibly involved in collaboration with Israel and providing information that led to an attempted assassination of Mohammed Deif. Another version, presented by another Hamas activist, suggests Shtewi was eliminated because he submitted a security report stating Yahya Sinwar made preparation mistakes that led to the elimination of Hamas seniors - and was then accused of having affairs with the deceased's wives. Either way, Shtewi was eliminated by the Sinwar brothers' order - after severe torture.
**In a Jeep, in the Giant Tunnel**Mohammed Sinwar's involvement in Hamas's surprise attack on October 7 was significant. He's considered one of the prominent wanted figures, due to his part - one of the massacre's architects. Now, after apparently inheriting Mohammed Deif's position, the target on his back has sharpened even more. In December, two months after the war broke out, the IDF revealed rare footage showing Mohammed Sinwar riding in a jeep with bodyguards inside a giant tunnel discovered hundreds of meters from Netiv HaAsara community and Erez Crossing. He received a briefing in the tunnel from a team of special engineers and diggers brought from Khan Yunis for the flagship project, and drove along its length and curves.
The army also managed to distribute leaflets in Gaza, putting a $300,000 bounty on Sinwar the brother's head - $100,000 less than his brother Yahya. The leaflet also featured eliminated Khan Yunis Brigade Commander Rafeh Salameh, and Mohammed Deif. Both were eliminated in a strike last July. There was a $200,000 bounty on Salameh, and $100,000 on Deif's head. IDF forces also managed to raid Mohammed Sinwar's office at "Al-Qadisiya" outpost in Khan Yunis last February, completely destroying it along with the entire outpost. Mohammed Sinwar's fate these days isn't necessarily clear. IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi didn't mark him on his senior officials list, but at the beginning of last month, during a visit to Netzarim axis, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant marked him - even before his brother, Hamas leader. "We'll eliminate Hamas, and we'll also get to Mohammed Sinwar and Yahya Sinwar. All these people, these cursed terrorists, we'll reach them," Gallant said. "Anyone who thinks otherwise should look at Marwan Issa, at Mohammed Deif. They also thought they were immune and they're not with us today. They made their mistake, he'll also make his mistake, we'll carry out our mission." link
- With Tank Shells, Not Planned in Advance: Behind the IDF Operation That Eliminated Sinwar
The forces, fighters from Brigade 828 and Armor, were operating in one of Gaza Strip's areas and accidentally located terrorists fleeing into a building • Then, they opened fire at them - including tank shell fire • After searches: 3 bodies were found, one identified as Yahya Sinwar's body • DNA sample was taken from the body and led to final identification, this is what was found on it
The soldiers arrive for scans and find the body suspected to be Sinwar
The operation in which Hamas leader, arch-murderer Yahya Sinwar was eliminated, began yesterday (Wednesday), after an IDF force operating in the area identified a terrorist cell fleeing to a nearby building in one of Gaza Strip's areas. The operation wasn't planned in advance, and the IDF didn't know Sinwar might be in the building. Here's how the operation was carried out - step by step:
* Terrorists fled into a building and were identified* The force, Bisla"ch Brigade fighters, identified them and fired at them* Exchange of fire began between the sides* A tank from the commanders' course fired a shell at the building, and it collapsed* Infantry forces from Battalion 450 raided the building and found 3 bodies* One body was suspected to be Yahya Sinwar's - and later was positively identified* According to IDF: No hostages were with him
After searching the building, a DNA sample was taken from Sinwar's suspected body, and its examination in Israel confirmed it was the Hamas leader. Items such as weapons and money were found at the site. It should be emphasized that according to the IDF spokesperson, no signs were found of hostages being held in the area. The searches in the building were delayed later, as the place was booby-trapped with explosives. A vest containing grenades was found on Sinwar's body.
In an announcement published by the IDF and Shin Bet earlier today, it was written: "During IDF fighters' activity in Gaza Strip, three terrorists were eliminated. The IDF and Shin Bet are checking the possibility that one of the terrorists is Yahya Sinwar. At this stage, the terrorists' identity cannot be confirmed."
Later, around eight in the evening, the IDF and Shin Bet confirmed in a joint announcement that Sinwar was eliminated: "IDF Spokesperson and Shin Bet Spokesperson confirm that at the end of a year-long hunt, last night (Wed), October 16, 2024, IDF Southern Command forces eliminated Yahya Sinwar, Hamas terror organization leader in activity in southern Gaza Strip. Sinwar planned and executed the murderous attack on October 7, and promoted his murderous ideology during and before the war, and is responsible for the murder and kidnapping of many Israelis."
"Sinwar was eliminated after a year in which he hid among civilian population in Gaza, and in above and underground hiding places in Hamas tunnels. Dozens of operations carried out by IDF and Shin Bet in the last year, and in recent weeks in the area where he was eliminated, reduced Yahya Sinwar's area of operation who was hunted by the forces, and led to his elimination."
"In recent weeks, IDF and Shin Bet forces led by Southern Command, including Division 162 and Gaza Division, are operating in southern Gaza Strip, based on Shin Bet and Military Intelligence intelligence, which pointed to suspicious areas where there's suspicion of Hamas seniors' presence. A force from Brigade 828 (Bisla"ch) operating in the area identified and eliminated three terrorists. After completing the body identification process, now it can be confirmed that he was eliminated." link
The IDF releases footage of a tank firing at the home where Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was hiding on Wednesday.
Weapons found in the house where Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was killed in the southern Gaza Strip in an image released on October 18, 2024 (Israel Defense Forces)One of the tank’s shells killed Sinwar, who had been spotted moving through the neighborhood with two bodyguards.
The IDF also releases images of weapons found in the home where Sinwar was killed, including three rifles and ammunition. The IDF releases footage of the tank firing at the at the building in which Yahya Sinwar was hiding on Wednesday. One of the tank shells killed the Hamas leader.
**We are bringing this article about Mohammed Sinwar again, after his brother's elimination.**
The IDF releases footage of a tank firing at the home where Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was hiding on Wednesday.
Weapons found in the house where Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was killed in the southern Gaza Strip in an image released on October 18, 2024 (Israel Defense Forces)
One of the tank’s shells killed Sinwar, who had been spotted moving through the neighborhood with two bodyguards.
The IDF also releases images of weapons found in the home where Sinwar was killed, including three rifles and ammunition. The IDF releases footage of the tank firing at the at the building in which Yahya Sinwar was hiding on Wednesday. One of the tank shells killed the Hamas leader.
Northern Israel - Lebanon/Hizbollah/Syria
Hezbollah meanwhile declared that it was launching a new phase in its war against Israel, saying it was using precision-guided missiles to target troops.
In a statement, the Iran-backed group “announces a transition to a new and escalatory phase in the confrontation with the Israeli enemy, which will be reflected in the developments and events of the coming days.”
The statement was issued after Israel said troops killed Sinwar, but made no mention of the Hamas chief.
Hezbollah said “hundreds of fighters…are fully prepared to counter any Israeli ground incursion into southern Lebanese villages,” noting that attacks against Israel have increased in recent days.
It also said its rocket strikes continue “to escalate day by day,” with “precision-guided ones…being deployed for the first time.”
Earlier, legislator Hassan Fadlallah said the aim of the terror organization’s military command is to keep fighting “with all available means” to prevent Israel from achieving its goals and to eventually agree on a ceasefire.
Hezbollah's Call for Ceasefire: "Top Priority" | The West to Israel: "Seize the Opportunity"
Hezbollah continues to call for a ceasefire independent of Gaza, but demands that the details of the arrangement be finalized later - while Israel made clear: "Negotiations? Only under fire." Meanwhile, the conquest of Aita al-Shaab village has been completed with the Israeli flag documented flying over its ruins. Western officials are concerned that the ground operation could become prolonged - calling on Israel to seize the opportunity for an arrangement - and expressed willingness to change UNIFIL's mandate: "We're amazed by your achievements."
"We're amazed by Israel's achievements in Lebanon - Operation Beepers and the elimination of Nasrallah. This is a tremendous intelligence and military achievement. You managed to surprise Hezbollah, throw them off balance, and effectively surprised the entire world. But now you need to seize this opportunity and pursue an arrangement in Lebanon."
This is what senior Western diplomats are saying, who fear the campaign in Lebanon could turn into a prolonged war. Conversations with them paint a concerning picture of distrust in Israel's plans regarding Lebanon, which also helps explain UNIFIL's strong opposition to Israel's request to evacuate five kilometers northward. However, the officials also admitted that UNIFIL's current mandate may be insufficient and said it could be changed as part of a future arrangement.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah continues to suffer strikes from Israel, including bombings deep in Lebanon's Bekaa region - and maintains their new position calling for an immediate ceasefire, without linking it to the previous demand by the eliminated Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah for a ceasefire in Gaza as well. After the latest speech by Nasrallah's deputy, Naim Qassem, calling for a ceasefire without linking it to Gaza, a similar message was repeated today by a senior official in the terror organization's political bureau - saying that ceasefire talks are now a top priority.
Hassan Fadlallah, a prominent Lebanese parliamentarian from Hezbollah, claimed at a noon press conference that the organization "chose to continue fighting with all means," but also said that Hezbollah "demands" reaching a ceasefire. "Hezbollah's leadership is coordinating with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in efforts to achieve a ceasefire," he said. "We won't get into details related to negotiations and we believe that Speaker Berri is capable of achieving the nation's interests," he added. Fadlallah emphasized that this is "a new phase in the war," after Hezbollah had described the northern front as a "support front for Gaza" for an entire year. "What we want today is to stop the aggression against Lebanon. We want a ceasefire and afterward we'll discuss political matters," he said. "The state's first priority is reaching a ceasefire, and then all other issues will be discussed." This message is quite similar to that of Naim Qassem, who in his latest speech demanded an immediate ceasefire first and said that only afterward would details of an indirect arrangement with Israel be finalized.
Israel is currently rejecting these calls, and yesterday Defense Minister Yoav Gallant declared that negotiations will only take place under fire - similar to past statements on the issue during the fighting against Hamas in Gaza. However, as mentioned, the West is calling on Israel to seize the current opportunity and reach an arrangement. "There is great concern in the international community that Israel's ground operation will deepen and cause casualties among Lebanese civilians and UNIFIL forces," explained senior Western diplomats. "There is great concern about getting entangled in Lebanon. You talked about an operation lasting a few days and it's already been going on for more than two weeks, getting deeper. We're worried we'll wake up in six months and see you still sitting in Lebanon and fighting."
According to them, "There is willingness in the international community to expand UNIFIL's mandate but this requires sitting down for negotiations. Any occupation of Lebanon would be a big mistake and would give Hezbollah justification to continue operating. Unfortunately, Israel isn't talking to anyone and therefore UNIFIL refuses to evacuate because on one hand it contradicts its mandate and on the other hand evacuation would be humiliating for them."
The senior diplomats said that despite the heavy blow Hezbollah suffered, the terror organization has leadership that can make decisions like Naim Qassem, who was as mentioned Nasrallah's deputy until his elimination. "There is understanding in the international community regarding the severity of the threat from Hezbollah. We're in danger of getting entangled, of an operation that was supposed to last a few days and could drag on for months. We understand today that UNIFIL's mandate was wrong and we need to examine expanding it or creating a different mandate," they explained. "There is willingness for this in the international community. It's clear to everyone that a different solution is needed for southern Lebanon because we can't allow the problem to return. The West needs to examine how it will contribute to the solution and negotiations will do this."
The diplomats claimed that "many Lebanese would like to see Hezbollah disappear. But an Israeli occupation in Lebanon would be a mistake because it would give Hezbollah justification to act - don't give them excuses. Israel needs a mechanism to supervise and enforce a deal, and this will require forces on the ground." They emphasized that "Israel isn't talking to anyone and that's a mistake. It won't achieve all its objectives in Lebanon. It had success against Hezbollah and should use this as leverage to reach an agreement."
The UN Security Council released a statement earlier this week condemning the repeated incidents in which UNIFIL personnel were injured by IDF fire in southern Lebanon, stating that the Council is "very concerned" about the harm to peacekeepers. "We urge all sides to respect the safety and security of peacekeepers," the statement said.
Israel has approached UNIFIL many times over the past two weeks trying to evacuate their forces from their positions in southern Lebanon - following incidents where UN peacekeepers were hurt. Various IDF commanders, including a Brigadier General, asked them to evacuate to ensure their safety - but they refused. Requests were also made to the force commander himself.
UNIFIL, as mentioned, strongly refuses to heed Israeli pleas to evacuate their positions and insists on remaining in the line of fire, thus effectively endangering foreign soldiers from countries around the world. The absolute refusal to evacuate surprised Israel, but the force's answer was unequivocal: "We won't move from our positions." Italy, Britain, France and Germany joined the condemnations Israel received following the injury to UNIFIL personnel with a joint statement on Monday. "UNIFIL plays a vital balancing role," the four countries determined, noting that Israel must protect the force's personnel.
Among the many condemnations Israel received following the injury to UNIFIL personnel, a joint statement from Italy, Britain, France, and Germany was added on Monday. "UNIFIL plays a vital balancing role," determined the four countries, noting that Israel must protect the security of the force's personnel.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in response that "the best way to ensure the safety of UNIFIL soldiers is to heed Israel's request to temporarily move away from the danger zone." According to Netanyahu, "The accusation that Israel intentionally attacked UNIFIL personnel is completely false. The opposite is true - Israel repeatedly asked UNIFIL to move away from danger. We asked them time and again to temporarily leave the combat zone, which is located near Israel's border with Lebanon. In fact, on the day Israel began the ground operation near the Lebanese border, we explicitly asked them: 'Please leave the area so that no harm comes to you.'"
Meanwhile, IDF strikes in Lebanon continued, with reports of attacks in Tyre and Al-Bekaa - after the IDF Arabic spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Avichay Adraee, issued evacuation notices to residents in the attacked areas. In a third notice he published, to the residents of Tir Daba in southern Lebanon, Col. Adraee stated: "Those in the building marked on the map and in adjacent buildings - you are located near Hezbollah facilities, against which the IDF will act in the near future. For your security and the safety of your family members, you must immediately evacuate the building and move to a distance of at least 500 meters." link A war only ends when a diplomatic solution is put in place. Again here in the war in the north, Netanyahu doesn't want the war to end but for somewhat different reasons than his reasons for not ending the war in Gaza. In Lebanon, he sees great successes in the war, killing Nasrallah and many of the top people in the Hizbollah ruling hierarchy as well as routing Radwan forces away from Israel's northern border and capturing and destroying Hizbollah weapons, tunnels and infrastructure. And of course, not only does Netayahu take responsibliity for the successes in the north, he takes all the credit. There is still not a concrete plan of returning the 80,000 northern residents who are refugees in their own country for over a year, or a strategy for how the future of the northern border will be. If there was strategy, we would be working with our allies who are also Lebanon's allies to help them build a new future without Hizbollah and potentially create a better relationship with our norther neighbor, but strategy is not in Netanyahu's lexicon, except when it comes to his own personal position and future. So, he doesn't want to end the war because he sees all of the successes and potential future successes and doesn't care about the northern resident refugees or the residents who are suffering and enduring rocket and missile fire for over a year, he doesn't care how many more soldiers will be killed and maimed, nor the fact that the soldiers who are in reserves have been serving almost continuously since last October 7 and their lives have been totally disrupted and there is no end in site. The only thing that matters is Netanyahu.
The IDF says four soldiers were seriously hurt in fighting in Lebanon yesterday and one soldier was seriously injured in combat in the Gaza Strip.
In Lebanon, three soldiers from the elite Maglan unit were hurt in fighting in south Lebanon. According to an IDF probe, they were mistakenly hit by a shell fired by an Israeli tank.
The IDF says it is investigating the incident.
Another officer, a reservist, was wounded in fighting on the border, the IDF says.
Separately, a soldier in the Givati Brigade was seriously wounded this morning in northern Gaza.
All the soldiers were evacuated for medical treatment and their families have been informed, the IDF says.
IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi tells commanders from the Golani Battalion that Israeli forces have killed some 1,500 Hezbollah operatives so far since Israel stepped up its assault on the Lebanese terror group.
“We are very determined to hit Hezbollah as hard as possible,” Halevi says during a visit to troops in southern Lebanon in remarks released by the IDF today.
“We have taken out their entire command layer,” he says referring to airstrikes that killed terror leader Hassan Nasrallah and other top leaders. “And you are taking out the local command structure.”
Halevi says the terror group “continues to shrink and shrink.”
“Hezbollah is hiding casualties, hiding dead commanders. We estimate that we have killed some 1,500 Hezbollah operatives and our estimates are conservative, I imagine there are more that we don’t know about from dozens of strikes.”
Halevi also says that Hezbollah forces continue to surrender. “It says a lot about their morale and the level of fighting.”
Halevi also says that Hezbollah’s Iranian backers “also don’t understand what is happening here to Hezbollah. And they are their main arm that they have been counting on, and that is very important.”
Hezbollah meanwhile declared that it was launching a new phase in its war against Israel, saying it was using precision-guided missiles to target troops.
In a statement, the Iran-backed group “announces a transition to a new and escalatory phase in the confrontation with the Israeli enemy, which will be reflected in the developments and events of the coming days.”
The statement was issued after Israel said troops killed Sinwar, but made no mention of the Hamas chief.
Hezbollah said “hundreds of fighters…are fully prepared to counter any Israeli ground incursion into southern Lebanese villages,” noting that attacks against Israel have increased in recent days.
It also said its rocket strikes continue “to escalate day by day,” with “precision-guided ones…being deployed for the first time.”
Earlier, legislator Hassan Fadlallah said the aim of the terror organization’s military command is to keep fighting “with all available means” to prevent Israel from achieving its goals and to eventually agree on a ceasefire.
Hezbollah's Call for Ceasefire: "Top Priority" | The West to Israel: "Seize the Opportunity"
Hezbollah continues to call for a ceasefire independent of Gaza, but demands that the details of the arrangement be finalized later - while Israel made clear: "Negotiations? Only under fire." Meanwhile, the conquest of Aita al-Shaab village has been completed with the Israeli flag documented flying over its ruins. Western officials are concerned that the ground operation could become prolonged - calling on Israel to seize the opportunity for an arrangement - and expressed willingness to change UNIFIL's mandate: "We're amazed by your achievements."
"We're amazed by Israel's achievements in Lebanon - Operation Beepers and the elimination of Nasrallah. This is a tremendous intelligence and military achievement. You managed to surprise Hezbollah, throw them off balance, and effectively surprised the entire world. But now you need to seize this opportunity and pursue an arrangement in Lebanon."
This is what senior Western diplomats are saying, who fear the campaign in Lebanon could turn into a prolonged war. Conversations with them paint a concerning picture of distrust in Israel's plans regarding Lebanon, which also helps explain UNIFIL's strong opposition to Israel's request to evacuate five kilometers northward. However, the officials also admitted that UNIFIL's current mandate may be insufficient and said it could be changed as part of a future arrangement.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah continues to suffer strikes from Israel, including bombings deep in Lebanon's Bekaa region - and maintains their new position calling for an immediate ceasefire, without linking it to the previous demand by the eliminated Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah for a ceasefire in Gaza as well. After the latest speech by Nasrallah's deputy, Naim Qassem, calling for a ceasefire without linking it to Gaza, a similar message was repeated today by a senior official in the terror organization's political bureau - saying that ceasefire talks are now a top priority.
Hassan Fadlallah, a prominent Lebanese parliamentarian from Hezbollah, claimed at a noon press conference that the organization "chose to continue fighting with all means," but also said that Hezbollah "demands" reaching a ceasefire. "Hezbollah's leadership is coordinating with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in efforts to achieve a ceasefire," he said. "We won't get into details related to negotiations and we believe that Speaker Berri is capable of achieving the nation's interests," he added. Fadlallah emphasized that this is "a new phase in the war," after Hezbollah had described the northern front as a "support front for Gaza" for an entire year. "What we want today is to stop the aggression against Lebanon. We want a ceasefire and afterward we'll discuss political matters," he said. "The state's first priority is reaching a ceasefire, and then all other issues will be discussed." This message is quite similar to that of Naim Qassem, who in his latest speech demanded an immediate ceasefire first and said that only afterward would details of an indirect arrangement with Israel be finalized.
Israel is currently rejecting these calls, and yesterday Defense Minister Yoav Gallant declared that negotiations will only take place under fire - similar to past statements on the issue during the fighting against Hamas in Gaza. However, as mentioned, the West is calling on Israel to seize the current opportunity and reach an arrangement. "There is great concern in the international community that Israel's ground operation will deepen and cause casualties among Lebanese civilians and UNIFIL forces," explained senior Western diplomats. "There is great concern about getting entangled in Lebanon. You talked about an operation lasting a few days and it's already been going on for more than two weeks, getting deeper. We're worried we'll wake up in six months and see you still sitting in Lebanon and fighting."
According to them, "There is willingness in the international community to expand UNIFIL's mandate but this requires sitting down for negotiations. Any occupation of Lebanon would be a big mistake and would give Hezbollah justification to continue operating. Unfortunately, Israel isn't talking to anyone and therefore UNIFIL refuses to evacuate because on one hand it contradicts its mandate and on the other hand evacuation would be humiliating for them."
The senior diplomats said that despite the heavy blow Hezbollah suffered, the terror organization has leadership that can make decisions like Naim Qassem, who was as mentioned Nasrallah's deputy until his elimination. "There is understanding in the international community regarding the severity of the threat from Hezbollah. We're in danger of getting entangled, of an operation that was supposed to last a few days and could drag on for months. We understand today that UNIFIL's mandate was wrong and we need to examine expanding it or creating a different mandate," they explained. "There is willingness for this in the international community. It's clear to everyone that a different solution is needed for southern Lebanon because we can't allow the problem to return. The West needs to examine how it will contribute to the solution and negotiations will do this."
The diplomats claimed that "many Lebanese would like to see Hezbollah disappear. But an Israeli occupation in Lebanon would be a mistake because it would give Hezbollah justification to act - don't give them excuses. Israel needs a mechanism to supervise and enforce a deal, and this will require forces on the ground." They emphasized that "Israel isn't talking to anyone and that's a mistake. It won't achieve all its objectives in Lebanon. It had success against Hezbollah and should use this as leverage to reach an agreement."
The UN Security Council released a statement earlier this week condemning the repeated incidents in which UNIFIL personnel were injured by IDF fire in southern Lebanon, stating that the Council is "very concerned" about the harm to peacekeepers. "We urge all sides to respect the safety and security of peacekeepers," the statement said.
Israel has approached UNIFIL many times over the past two weeks trying to evacuate their forces from their positions in southern Lebanon - following incidents where UN peacekeepers were hurt. Various IDF commanders, including a Brigadier General, asked them to evacuate to ensure their safety - but they refused. Requests were also made to the force commander himself.
UNIFIL, as mentioned, strongly refuses to heed Israeli pleas to evacuate their positions and insists on remaining in the line of fire, thus effectively endangering foreign soldiers from countries around the world. The absolute refusal to evacuate surprised Israel, but the force's answer was unequivocal: "We won't move from our positions." Italy, Britain, France and Germany joined the condemnations Israel received following the injury to UNIFIL personnel with a joint statement on Monday. "UNIFIL plays a vital balancing role," the four countries determined, noting that Israel must protect the force's personnel.
Among the many condemnations Israel received following the injury to UNIFIL personnel, a joint statement from Italy, Britain, France, and Germany was added on Monday. "UNIFIL plays a vital balancing role," determined the four countries, noting that Israel must protect the security of the force's personnel.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in response that "the best way to ensure the safety of UNIFIL soldiers is to heed Israel's request to temporarily move away from the danger zone." According to Netanyahu, "The accusation that Israel intentionally attacked UNIFIL personnel is completely false. The opposite is true - Israel repeatedly asked UNIFIL to move away from danger. We asked them time and again to temporarily leave the combat zone, which is located near Israel's border with Lebanon. In fact, on the day Israel began the ground operation near the Lebanese border, we explicitly asked them: 'Please leave the area so that no harm comes to you.'"
Meanwhile, IDF strikes in Lebanon continued, with reports of attacks in Tyre and Al-Bekaa - after the IDF Arabic spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Avichay Adraee, issued evacuation notices to residents in the attacked areas. In a third notice he published, to the residents of Tir Daba in southern Lebanon, Col. Adraee stated: "Those in the building marked on the map and in adjacent buildings - you are located near Hezbollah facilities, against which the IDF will act in the near future. For your security and the safety of your family members, you must immediately evacuate the building and move to a distance of at least 500 meters." link A war only ends when a diplomatic solution is put in place. Again here in the war in the north, Netanyahu doesn't want the war to end but for somewhat different reasons than his reasons for not ending the war in Gaza. In Lebanon, he sees great successes in the war, killing Nasrallah and many of the top people in the Hizbollah ruling hierarchy as well as routing Radwan forces away from Israel's northern border and capturing and destroying Hizbollah weapons, tunnels and infrastructure. And of course, not only does Netayahu take responsibliity for the successes in the north, he takes all the credit. There is still not a concrete plan of returning the 80,000 northern residents who are refugees in their own country for over a year, or a strategy for how the future of the northern border will be. If there was strategy, we would be working with our allies who are also Lebanon's allies to help them build a new future without Hizbollah and potentially create a better relationship with our norther neighbor, but strategy is not in Netanyahu's lexicon, except when it comes to his own personal position and future. So, he doesn't want to end the war because he sees all of the successes and potential future successes and doesn't care about the northern resident refugees or the residents who are suffering and enduring rocket and missile fire for over a year, he doesn't care how many more soldiers will be killed and maimed, nor the fact that the soldiers who are in reserves have been serving almost continuously since last October 7 and their lives have been totally disrupted and there is no end in site. The only thing that matters is Netanyahu.
The IDF says four soldiers were seriously hurt in fighting in Lebanon yesterday and one soldier was seriously injured in combat in the Gaza Strip.
In Lebanon, three soldiers from the elite Maglan unit were hurt in fighting in south Lebanon. According to an IDF probe, they were mistakenly hit by a shell fired by an Israeli tank.
The IDF says it is investigating the incident.
Another officer, a reservist, was wounded in fighting on the border, the IDF says.
Separately, a soldier in the Givati Brigade was seriously wounded this morning in northern Gaza.
All the soldiers were evacuated for medical treatment and their families have been informed, the IDF says.
IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi tells commanders from the Golani Battalion that Israeli forces have killed some 1,500 Hezbollah operatives so far since Israel stepped up its assault on the Lebanese terror group.
“We are very determined to hit Hezbollah as hard as possible,” Halevi says during a visit to troops in southern Lebanon in remarks released by the IDF today.
“We have taken out their entire command layer,” he says referring to airstrikes that killed terror leader Hassan Nasrallah and other top leaders. “And you are taking out the local command structure.”
Halevi says the terror group “continues to shrink and shrink.”
“Hezbollah is hiding casualties, hiding dead commanders. We estimate that we have killed some 1,500 Hezbollah operatives and our estimates are conservative, I imagine there are more that we don’t know about from dozens of strikes.”
Halevi also says that Hezbollah forces continue to surrender. “It says a lot about their morale and the level of fighting.”
Halevi also says that Hezbollah’s Iranian backers “also don’t understand what is happening here to Hezbollah. And they are their main arm that they have been counting on, and that is very important.”
West Bank and Jerusalem and Terror attacks within Israel
- The Muslim Brotherhood in Jordan says that two terrorists who were killed by the Israeli army after crossing the border were members of the Islamist group.
The attackers were “members of the group and always participated in events in solidarity with Gaza and in support of the resistance,” Muslim Brotherhood spokesman Moath al-Khawaldeh tells AFP.
The two, who breached the border from Jordan into Israel this morning, south of the Dead Sea, were killed shortly after crossing the border by troops who scrambled to intercept them, in a clash that also injured two soldiers.
The attackers were “members of the group and always participated in events in solidarity with Gaza and in support of the resistance,” Muslim Brotherhood spokesman Moath al-Khawaldeh tells AFP.
The two, who breached the border from Jordan into Israel this morning, south of the Dead Sea, were killed shortly after crossing the border by troops who scrambled to intercept them, in a clash that also injured two soldiers.Politics and the War (general news)
Olmert and Al-Kidwa meet Francis, bring their peace plan for Israel and Palestine
A former Israeli prime minister and a former Palestinian ambassador to the UN recently issued a joint appeal to resume negotiations for the two states and a political solution for Gaza. The pope received them in audience at the Vatican together with Gershon Baskin (Israeli negotiator with Hamas) and Samer Sinijlawi (a Palestinian very close to Mohammad Dahlan) just as the Israeli government claims to have killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
Vatican City (AsiaNews) – Pope Francis met this morning, at the Vatican, a former prime minister of Israel, a former foreign minister of the Palestinian Authority and nephew of Yasir Arafat, an Israeli academic known for having negotiated in the past with Hamas the release of hostages, and a Palestinian activist considered very close to Mohammad Dahlan, a former "rival" of Mahmud Abbas, expelled from Fatah in 2011 and who has been living "in exile" in the United Arab Emirates since then with the support of Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed of Abu Dhabi.
“This morning, the Holy Father Francis received in audience, [. . .] Mr. Ehud Olmert, former Prime Minister of Israel, Mr. Nasser Al-Kidwa, former Foreign Minister of Palestine, Mr. Gershon Baskin, and Mr. Samer Sinijlawi,” reads the press release by the Vatican Press Office.
As is customary for meetings that do not involve heads of state or government, no official information has been given on the contents of this meeting, but the very fact that it happened as it did sends a very important message from the pontiff amid a war that caused rivers of blood to flow in the Middle East for more than a year.
The four men are linked by a common thread: They have spoken out in favour of a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and restarting a negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Alongside his repeated appeals, Pope Francis has encouraged such rapprochements to turn the page on the endless violence between the two peoples.
He did so publicly in May, at the Verona arena, when he publicly embraced Maoz Inon, an Israeli entrepreneur, who lost his parents in the massacre carried out by Hamas on 7 October, and Azia Abu Sarah, his Palestinian colleague, who was also personally affected by the loss of a loved one due to the conflict.
But today's audience shifts attention from the personal to the political quest for solutions.
The presence of Ehud Olmert is a major fact. A political heir to Ariel Sharon, he served 16 months in prison in 2016 on corruption charges linked to his long tenure as mayor of Jerusalem in the 1990s.
He is also the last Israeli prime minister to have negotiated with the Palestinian Authority on a solution to the conflict in 2009. And for years he has been one of Israel’s most vociferous critics of Benjamin Netanyahu, once a party colleague in the Likud.
Earlier this month, Olmert and Nasser Al-Kidwa, who served as Palestinian representative at the UN (1991-2005) and later foreign minister of the Palestinian National Authority for a year, launched on the pages of some major international newspapers their own peace plan based on the creation of a Palestinian state.
The idea has remained substantially the same over the years. The 1967 borders are a reference point, Jerusalem as a shared capital, exchanges of territory between the two states (for an area equivalent to 4.4 per cent of the West Bank) to allow Israel to annex the most populous settlements near the Green Line to be compensated with other areas now in Israeli territory.
As for Gaza, the Olmert-Al-Kidwa plan proposes to place it under a Council of Commissioners, made up of professional Palestinian technocrats linked to the Palestinian Authority, to lead the transition to elections to be held within two or three years.
The Council would be aided by a Temporary Arab Security Presence (a peacekeeping contingent made up of troops from Arab countries) whose deployment would be coordinated with the withdrawal of Israeli forces.
Although the two figures no longer play any role in government, their plan represents an attempt to revive the so-called Track II diplomacy at such a tragic time, whereby individuals without governmental responsibilities try to jumpstart talks between the two sides.
Right now, this may seem a distant prospect, but by meeting them in the Vatican, Pope Francis is trying to encourage it.
Meanwhile, the Israeli government today announced that there is a “high likelihood" that Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas who masterminded the 7 October massacres, was killed in Gaza.
This is another crossroads in this conflict with political leaders extolling their military achievements, but continue to lack the courage to tell their peoples a single word about the aftermath. link
- Nir Oz invites Netanyahu to visit kibbutz for first time since Oct. 7 massacre
Chairwoman of community, which lost a quarter of its members, says visit on planned second national day of mourning could help rebuild trust in state leadership
Kibbutz Nir Oz has invited Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to make his first visit to the devastated community since a quarter of its residents were murdered or kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, while Israel’s security forces failed to show up for hours on end.
In a letter dated Tuesday, kibbutz chairwoman Osnat Peri — whose husband Chaim Peri died in captivity in Gaza — invited the premier to Nir Oz on the second national day of mourning that the government has set to commemorate the October 7, 2023, massacre.
“For us, there is no need for a national day of mourning,” wrote Peri. The day of the rampage, “in which nobody came to our help, continues to this day,” she wrote, noting that 29 kibbutz members are still being held hostage in Gaza.
If the government nonetheless goes through with the day of mourning, Netanyahu was invited to mark it in Nir Oz, wrote Peri, adding that such a visit would help rebuild the kibbutz’s trust in the national leadership.
On Sunday, the cabinet approved a second national day of mourning for the October 7 massacre, to be held on October 26-27, in accordance with the Hebrew calendar. In a break from custom for Israel, the first day of mourning was held on the massacre’s Gregorian anniversary.
Netanyahu has come under fire for his failure to visit some of the border communities that were hardest hit in the shock assault, when thousands of Hamas-led terrorists stormed southern Israel to kill nearly 1,200 people and take 251 hostages, mostly civilians, many amid acts of brutality and sexual assault. On that day, 117 of Nir Oz’s 400 residents were murdered or kidnapped. Security forces reached the community some seven hours after the onslaught began. With only seven out of 220 homes in Nir Oz left untouched, most of the families in the kibbutz haven’t returned home yet. link Netanyahu abandoned the Gaza communities long before October 7 but that Black Saturday was the pinacle of his total failure to do the most important thing that a Prime Minister and government are contracted to do: provide safety, security and protection to its citizens, the ones who gave them the power to govern. But not this prime minister and certainly not this government. They failed then and their failures have continue monumentally till this day. No amount of lip service will change that. Netanyahu has continued to ignore the Gaza border communities and their residents because he doesn't want the bad publicity. He doesn't want to face them on the turf that was turned into a worse than hell's inferno. He doesn't want to talk to them, and more importantly, he doesn't want them saying all that they have to say to him in a public setting that will certainly be recorded. He is always concerned about his public image before anything else and he will avoid this invitation like the plague. He is a failed prime minister, a danger to this country and a coward. link
Olmert and Al-Kidwa meet Francis, bring their peace plan for Israel and Palestine
A former Israeli prime minister and a former Palestinian ambassador to the UN recently issued a joint appeal to resume negotiations for the two states and a political solution for Gaza. The pope received them in audience at the Vatican together with Gershon Baskin (Israeli negotiator with Hamas) and Samer Sinijlawi (a Palestinian very close to Mohammad Dahlan) just as the Israeli government claims to have killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
Vatican City (AsiaNews) – Pope Francis met this morning, at the Vatican, a former prime minister of Israel, a former foreign minister of the Palestinian Authority and nephew of Yasir Arafat, an Israeli academic known for having negotiated in the past with Hamas the release of hostages, and a Palestinian activist considered very close to Mohammad Dahlan, a former "rival" of Mahmud Abbas, expelled from Fatah in 2011 and who has been living "in exile" in the United Arab Emirates since then with the support of Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed of Abu Dhabi.
“This morning, the Holy Father Francis received in audience, [. . .] Mr. Ehud Olmert, former Prime Minister of Israel, Mr. Nasser Al-Kidwa, former Foreign Minister of Palestine, Mr. Gershon Baskin, and Mr. Samer Sinijlawi,” reads the press release by the Vatican Press Office.
As is customary for meetings that do not involve heads of state or government, no official information has been given on the contents of this meeting, but the very fact that it happened as it did sends a very important message from the pontiff amid a war that caused rivers of blood to flow in the Middle East for more than a year.
The four men are linked by a common thread: They have spoken out in favour of a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and restarting a negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Alongside his repeated appeals, Pope Francis has encouraged such rapprochements to turn the page on the endless violence between the two peoples.
He did so publicly in May, at the Verona arena, when he publicly embraced Maoz Inon, an Israeli entrepreneur, who lost his parents in the massacre carried out by Hamas on 7 October, and Azia Abu Sarah, his Palestinian colleague, who was also personally affected by the loss of a loved one due to the conflict.
But today's audience shifts attention from the personal to the political quest for solutions.
The presence of Ehud Olmert is a major fact. A political heir to Ariel Sharon, he served 16 months in prison in 2016 on corruption charges linked to his long tenure as mayor of Jerusalem in the 1990s.
He is also the last Israeli prime minister to have negotiated with the Palestinian Authority on a solution to the conflict in 2009. And for years he has been one of Israel’s most vociferous critics of Benjamin Netanyahu, once a party colleague in the Likud.
Earlier this month, Olmert and Nasser Al-Kidwa, who served as Palestinian representative at the UN (1991-2005) and later foreign minister of the Palestinian National Authority for a year, launched on the pages of some major international newspapers their own peace plan based on the creation of a Palestinian state.
The idea has remained substantially the same over the years. The 1967 borders are a reference point, Jerusalem as a shared capital, exchanges of territory between the two states (for an area equivalent to 4.4 per cent of the West Bank) to allow Israel to annex the most populous settlements near the Green Line to be compensated with other areas now in Israeli territory.
As for Gaza, the Olmert-Al-Kidwa plan proposes to place it under a Council of Commissioners, made up of professional Palestinian technocrats linked to the Palestinian Authority, to lead the transition to elections to be held within two or three years.
The Council would be aided by a Temporary Arab Security Presence (a peacekeeping contingent made up of troops from Arab countries) whose deployment would be coordinated with the withdrawal of Israeli forces.
Although the two figures no longer play any role in government, their plan represents an attempt to revive the so-called Track II diplomacy at such a tragic time, whereby individuals without governmental responsibilities try to jumpstart talks between the two sides.
Right now, this may seem a distant prospect, but by meeting them in the Vatican, Pope Francis is trying to encourage it.
Meanwhile, the Israeli government today announced that there is a “high likelihood" that Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas who masterminded the 7 October massacres, was killed in Gaza.
This is another crossroads in this conflict with political leaders extolling their military achievements, but continue to lack the courage to tell their peoples a single word about the aftermath. link
Chairwoman of community, which lost a quarter of its members, says visit on planned second national day of mourning could help rebuild trust in state leadership
Kibbutz Nir Oz has invited Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to make his first visit to the devastated community since a quarter of its residents were murdered or kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, while Israel’s security forces failed to show up for hours on end.
In a letter dated Tuesday, kibbutz chairwoman Osnat Peri — whose husband Chaim Peri died in captivity in Gaza — invited the premier to Nir Oz on the second national day of mourning that the government has set to commemorate the October 7, 2023, massacre.
“For us, there is no need for a national day of mourning,” wrote Peri. The day of the rampage, “in which nobody came to our help, continues to this day,” she wrote, noting that 29 kibbutz members are still being held hostage in Gaza.
If the government nonetheless goes through with the day of mourning, Netanyahu was invited to mark it in Nir Oz, wrote Peri, adding that such a visit would help rebuild the kibbutz’s trust in the national leadership.
On Sunday, the cabinet approved a second national day of mourning for the October 7 massacre, to be held on October 26-27, in accordance with the Hebrew calendar. In a break from custom for Israel, the first day of mourning was held on the massacre’s Gregorian anniversary.
Netanyahu has come under fire for his failure to visit some of the border communities that were hardest hit in the shock assault, when thousands of Hamas-led terrorists stormed southern Israel to kill nearly 1,200 people and take 251 hostages, mostly civilians, many amid acts of brutality and sexual assault. On that day, 117 of Nir Oz’s 400 residents were murdered or kidnapped. Security forces reached the community some seven hours after the onslaught began. With only seven out of 220 homes in Nir Oz left untouched, most of the families in the kibbutz haven’t returned home yet. link Netanyahu abandoned the Gaza communities long before October 7 but that Black Saturday was the pinacle of his total failure to do the most important thing that a Prime Minister and government are contracted to do: provide safety, security and protection to its citizens, the ones who gave them the power to govern. But not this prime minister and certainly not this government. They failed then and their failures have continue monumentally till this day. No amount of lip service will change that. Netanyahu has continued to ignore the Gaza border communities and their residents because he doesn't want the bad publicity. He doesn't want to face them on the turf that was turned into a worse than hell's inferno. He doesn't want to talk to them, and more importantly, he doesn't want them saying all that they have to say to him in a public setting that will certainly be recorded. He is always concerned about his public image before anything else and he will avoid this invitation like the plague. He is a failed prime minister, a danger to this country and a coward. link
The Region and the World- US stealth bombers hit Houthi underground weapons depots in apparent warning to Iran
Long-range B-2 plane reported used in Yemen strike for first time; US Defense Secretary Austin says op shows ability to target enemies’ facilities that are seemingly out of reach US long-range B-2 stealth bombers launched airstrikes early Thursday morning targeting underground bunkers used by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, officials said.
It wasn’t immediately clear what damage was done in the strikes.
However, there are no previous reports of the B-2 Spirit being used in the strikes targeting the Houthis, who have been attacking ships for months in the Red Sea corridor over the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip, as well as launching direct attacks on Israel.
The Houthis’ al-Masirah satellite news channel reported airstrikes around Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, which the group has held since 2014. They also reported strikes around the Houthi stronghold of Saada. They offered no immediate information on damage or casualties.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement that the B-2 bombers targeted “five hardened underground weapons storage locations in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.”
The strike also appeared to be an indirect warning to Iran, the Houthis’ main benefactor, which has targeted Israel with ballistic missile attacks twice over the past year.
The B-2 would be used in any American attack on hardened Iranian nuclear facilities like Natanz or Fordo given it is the only aircraft in service that can drop the GBU-57, known as the “Massive Ordnance Penetrator.”
“This was a unique demonstration of the United States’ ability to target facilities that our adversaries seek to keep out of reach, no matter how deeply buried underground, hardened, or fortified,” Austin said. Austin and the US military’s Central Command offered no immediate assessment of the damage done. However, Central Command said in a statement that initial assessments suggested no civilians had been killed.
The Red Sea has become a battlefield for shippers since the Houthis began their campaign targeting ships traveling through the waterway, which once saw $1 trillion of cargo pass through it yearly.
Houthis have targeted more than 80 merchant vessels with missiles and drones since the war in Gaza started in October 2023, triggered by the Hamas attack on Israel.
Houthis have seized one vessel and sunk two in the campaign that has also killed four sailors. Other missiles and drones have either been intercepted by a US-led coalition in the Red Sea or failed to reach their targets, which have included Western military vessels.
In response to the Houthi attacks, a US-led coalition has carried out airstrikes in Yemen, and Israel has attacked the port of Hodeida. The latter serves as a key location for delivery of aid and commercial goods which are critical as the country is reliant on imports.
The rebels maintain that they target ships linked to Israel, the US or the United Kingdom to force an end to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. However, many of the ships attacked have little or no connection to the conflict, including some bound for Iran. The Houthis also continue to launch missiles and drones targeting Israel and have shot down a number of US military MQ-9 Reaper drones. The rebels have threatened new attacks in response to Israel’s ground invasion of Lebanon and its killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. link
Personal Stories Never Forget: The Testimony Project of Survivors of the October 7 Massacre
Over 1,200 testimonies from survivors of the Black Sabbath have been documented so far as part of the "710" project. "My husband heard about the horrors I went through and said, 'It's like listening to a Holocaust testimony,'" shared a resident of the Gaza border region. Ron Segal’s mother was murdered in Netiv HaAsara: "It’s important that there’s documentation of this story for the people of Israel." The founders of the project stated, "We must ensure how the massacre will be remembered in decades to come."
On October 9, two days after the October 7 massacre, residents from the Gaza border region began documenting and preserving their harrowing experiences and personal survival stories from the Black Sabbath. Their goal is to create a national archive containing thousands of video testimonies to serve as a memory for us and future generations.
"I found myself in the heart of the fighting with my parents in a shelter for 16 hours. When I managed to return to the kibbutz, I went back there with my husband, back to the same room, to the shelter, to the horror, and I recounted to him what had happened," said Yurit Orbach. "As I spoke, he muttered to himself, 'I can't believe it; it's like hearing a Holocaust testimony.' That was the moment I realized how important it was for our stories to be heard, even if I felt at that moment that my story was insignificant." Ron Segal's mother was murdered on October 7 in her home in Netiv HaAsara. "Soon after, I also received the news that a very close friend of mine, a partner I’ve worked with for many years from Be'er Milka, was also murdered," Segal shared. "It's very important for them to promote some form of conversation around this issue, for there to be documentation and continuity, so who am I to say no? This story is not really mine; it's the story of the people of Israel."
So far, over 1,200 testimonies have been documented in the "710" project, with the help of more than 400 volunteers traveling around the country to capture the survivors' stories. "Most of my work is finding the witnesses. It sounds simple, but it's not. We just finished an interview with a young woman who took a year to be able to sit and talk. The psychological processes and trauma are very deep," said Sela, an interviewer and coordinator in the project. "It’s very important to me that a hundred years from now, there will be a record of these events, for the sake of the state and the survivors," added Dave, a photographer and witness interviewer.
Hundreds of testimonies have already been released to the public, and hundreds more are expected to be published soon. The testimonies are currently being translated into multiple languages to present the atrocities to people around the world.
Ittai Kentor and Shagai Aloni, the project's founders, shared: "I am a filmmaker who has made many documentaries, some of which dealt with the Holocaust. Among other things, I produced films for the Yad Vashem museum. When the events began, I asked myself what the right thing to do was, and I realized our role is to listen to people and give them the opportunity to tell their story."
"One of the things that really guided us was thinking about how these events will be remembered in 10 years, 20 years, 30 years from now, not just today when all the information is available online and in the media, but what people will think about it decades from now," the project’s founders added.
In the coming months, they will continue traveling across the country, gathering filmed testimonies from people who experienced the worst, doing everything they can to ensure the memory of what happened here remains with us forever.
Orbach emphasized that "it’s crucial to pass this on to our generations and for the world to hear it, so that no one can ever deny what happened here. Our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will learn and know the history. I am the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, so I understand the significance of the story." link
Long-range B-2 plane reported used in Yemen strike for first time; US Defense Secretary Austin says op shows ability to target enemies’ facilities that are seemingly out of reach
US long-range B-2 stealth bombers launched airstrikes early Thursday morning targeting underground bunkers used by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, officials said.
It wasn’t immediately clear what damage was done in the strikes.
However, there are no previous reports of the B-2 Spirit being used in the strikes targeting the Houthis, who have been attacking ships for months in the Red Sea corridor over the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip, as well as launching direct attacks on Israel.
The Houthis’ al-Masirah satellite news channel reported airstrikes around Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, which the group has held since 2014. They also reported strikes around the Houthi stronghold of Saada. They offered no immediate information on damage or casualties.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement that the B-2 bombers targeted “five hardened underground weapons storage locations in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.”
The strike also appeared to be an indirect warning to Iran, the Houthis’ main benefactor, which has targeted Israel with ballistic missile attacks twice over the past year.
The B-2 would be used in any American attack on hardened Iranian nuclear facilities like Natanz or Fordo given it is the only aircraft in service that can drop the GBU-57, known as the “Massive Ordnance Penetrator.”
“This was a unique demonstration of the United States’ ability to target facilities that our adversaries seek to keep out of reach, no matter how deeply buried underground, hardened, or fortified,” Austin said. Austin and the US military’s Central Command offered no immediate assessment of the damage done. However, Central Command said in a statement that initial assessments suggested no civilians had been killed.
The Red Sea has become a battlefield for shippers since the Houthis began their campaign targeting ships traveling through the waterway, which once saw $1 trillion of cargo pass through it yearly.
Houthis have targeted more than 80 merchant vessels with missiles and drones since the war in Gaza started in October 2023, triggered by the Hamas attack on Israel.
Houthis have seized one vessel and sunk two in the campaign that has also killed four sailors. Other missiles and drones have either been intercepted by a US-led coalition in the Red Sea or failed to reach their targets, which have included Western military vessels.
In response to the Houthi attacks, a US-led coalition has carried out airstrikes in Yemen, and Israel has attacked the port of Hodeida. The latter serves as a key location for delivery of aid and commercial goods which are critical as the country is reliant on imports.
The rebels maintain that they target ships linked to Israel, the US or the United Kingdom to force an end to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. However, many of the ships attacked have little or no connection to the conflict, including some bound for Iran. The Houthis also continue to launch missiles and drones targeting Israel and have shot down a number of US military MQ-9 Reaper drones. The rebels have threatened new attacks in response to Israel’s ground invasion of Lebanon and its killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. link
Dark Legacy - The Abandonment of October 7th Hostages
I accuse
Benjamin Netanyahu
Gershon Baskin
Peace activist, played a central role in negotiating
the Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange.
What is Benjamin Netanyahu guilty of? Netanyahu was prime minister
during the October 7th disaster, the worst calamity to have befallen the
State of Israel since its founding. He is responsible for it and should have
resigned that same night. But this shameless man clings to his seat and
will not budge. Therefore, we, the majority of the people of Israel, must
remove him.
My "I accuse" against Netanyahu began many years ago with his strategic
plan to dismantle the Oslo peace process after Yitzhak Rabin's assassination.
It is well known that the incitement that led to Rabin's murder came from
Netanyahu's circles.
But I want to talk about what happened years later - in 2012 and 2013.
Gilad Shalit had been released and I had developed a productive working
relationship with senior Mossad officer David Meidan. I proposed to
Meidan that we promote direct secret talks between Netanyahu and
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas with regard to a two-state
solution. Meidan agreed. I raised the idea with Abbas, who immediately agreed. In a meeting between Meidan and Abbas' advisor, Dr. Mahmoud
Al-Habbash, we reached numerous agreements on the framework for
Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.
Shortly after that meeting, I received a definitive and negative response
from Netanyahu: He was not interested in negotiations with Abbas.
Publicly, Netanyahu spoke about Abbas' refusal to recognize Israel as
a Jewish state, so I went back to Abbas, and together we reached an
agreement on a formula for Palestinian recognition of the State of Israel
as the nation-state of the Jewish people.
In a meeting with MK (Member of the Knesset) Tzachi Hanegbi in the
Knesset cafeteria, I watched as he ate and told him that Abbas had a
formula for recognizing Israel as a Jewish state. Hanegbi burst out
laughing and said, "Gershon, I’m surprised at you! The prime minister
does not want to hear that Abbas has agreed to recognize Israel as a
Jewish state. It’s very convenient for him that there is no such agreement."
That's the whole story. Netanyahu is guilty of torpedoing any chance
for peace with the Palestinian people, and for that, along with his many
other crimes, he must stand trial.
At this critical hour for our continued existence as a nation, with the
threat of a massive and dangerous war in the north, I call for an end to
the hubris on both sides. Dangerous threats lead to disastrous decisions.
The way to end fighting in northern Israel and southern Lebanon is to
end the war in Gaza. The only way to bring all the Israeli hostages home
from Gaza is to end the war in Gaza. Dealing with Hamas can wait; the
hostages cannot. The Netanyahu government is not ready for a deal that
ends the war, and, therefore, the first order of the day is to end the life
of this terrible government.
I accuse
Benjamin Netanyahu
Gershon Baskin
Peace activist, played a central role in negotiating the Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange.
What is Benjamin Netanyahu guilty of? Netanyahu was prime minister during the October 7th disaster, the worst calamity to have befallen the State of Israel since its founding. He is responsible for it and should have resigned that same night. But this shameless man clings to his seat and will not budge. Therefore, we, the majority of the people of Israel, must remove him.
My "I accuse" against Netanyahu began many years ago with his strategic plan to dismantle the Oslo peace process after Yitzhak Rabin's assassination. It is well known that the incitement that led to Rabin's murder came from Netanyahu's circles.
But I want to talk about what happened years later - in 2012 and 2013. Gilad Shalit had been released and I had developed a productive working relationship with senior Mossad officer David Meidan. I proposed to Meidan that we promote direct secret talks between Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas with regard to a two-state solution. Meidan agreed. I raised the idea with Abbas, who immediately agreed. In a meeting between Meidan and Abbas' advisor, Dr. Mahmoud Al-Habbash, we reached numerous agreements on the framework for Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.
Shortly after that meeting, I received a definitive and negative response from Netanyahu: He was not interested in negotiations with Abbas. Publicly, Netanyahu spoke about Abbas' refusal to recognize Israel as a Jewish state, so I went back to Abbas, and together we reached an agreement on a formula for Palestinian recognition of the State of Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people.
In a meeting with MK (Member of the Knesset) Tzachi Hanegbi in the Knesset cafeteria, I watched as he ate and told him that Abbas had a formula for recognizing Israel as a Jewish state. Hanegbi burst out laughing and said, "Gershon, I’m surprised at you! The prime minister does not want to hear that Abbas has agreed to recognize Israel as a Jewish state. It’s very convenient for him that there is no such agreement."
That's the whole story. Netanyahu is guilty of torpedoing any chance for peace with the Palestinian people, and for that, along with his many other crimes, he must stand trial.
At this critical hour for our continued existence as a nation, with the threat of a massive and dangerous war in the north, I call for an end to the hubris on both sides. Dangerous threats lead to disastrous decisions. The way to end fighting in northern Israel and southern Lebanon is to end the war in Gaza. The only way to bring all the Israeli hostages home from Gaza is to end the war in Gaza. Dealing with Hamas can wait; the hostages cannot. The Netanyahu government is not ready for a deal that ends the war, and, therefore, the first order of the day is to end the life of this terrible government.
Acronyms and Glossary
ICC - International Criminal Court in the Hague
IJC - International Court of Justice in the Hague
MDA - Magen David Adom - Israel Ambulance Corp
PA - Palestinian Authority - President Mahmud Abbas, aka Abu Mazen
PMO- Prime Minister's Office
UAV - Unmanned Aerial vehicle, Drone. Could be used for surveillance and reconnaissance, or be weaponized with missiles or contain explosives for 'suicide' explosion mission
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