π️Lonny's War Update- October 593, 2023 - May 21, 2025 π️
- Military pressure kills hostages, says Gershon Baskin
Social and political activist Gershon Baskin, co-head of the Alliance for Two States, blasted the current IDF campaign against Hamas in Gaza, saying that military pressure doesn’t save hostages… it kills them. Speaking to reporter Arieh O’Sullivan, Baskin outlined possible moves that could free the hostages, end the fighting and rebuild Gaza. link to interview Senior Officials in the Security Establishment Informed Netanyahu: We Will Not Formulate a Partial List of Hostages – All Are in a Humanitarian Condition. You Formulate It
Warnings from Mossad Leadership
At the top of the Mossad, senior officials warned the head of the organization:“Do not enter this event. There is no reasonable way to produce a list nowadays.”
Prime Minister's Office Responds:
“This is insane and ridiculous fake news.”
Backdrop: A Growing Dispute
A behind-the-scenes dispute is intensifying between the security establishment and Prime Minister Netanyahu.Two Parallel Universes
In recent days, it seems we are living in two parallel universes:
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The military universe, where tanks are rolling into the Gaza Strip and a large military operation is underway.
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The diplomatic universe, where quiet negotiations are taking place. A deal may yet be reached. If it is a partial deal, a major question arises:
Who will formulate the partial list of seven, nine, or ten living hostages to be released — from among those who are still alive?
Security Officials: "We Will Not Produce Such a List"
Tonight, we reveal that a number of officials in the security establishment—those who possess the most detailed information on the condition of the hostages—have informed the political echelon:
“We will not produce such a list. We will not take responsibility for selecting between hostages, all of whom are 'humanitarian' cases after nearly 600 days in captivity.”
Mossad: “No Way to Reasonably Create a List”
Within Mossad, it was revealed to us, the official dealing with the matter told Mossad Chief Dadi Barnea:
“You absolutely must not get involved. There is no reasonable way today to produce such a list.”
Closed-Door Statement from a Senior Security Official
A senior figure in the security establishment recently said in a closed forum:
“I will not formulate a partial list.
If it comes to that — I will hand the data to Ron Dermer.
Let him decide. Let the Prime Minister decide.
Or let them decide not to decide, and leave it to Hamas to compile the list.
Either way, I made it clear: I will not decide who will be released in such a partial deal and who will not.”Reminder: The Last Hostage Deal
It is worth recalling that all hostages released in the last deal—a list formulated mid-last year—were selected partly based on information provided by the families.
All officials involved emphasized that:
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The criteria were medical and objective.
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Yet, at least one family received an apology from an officer who admitted their loved one should have been included.
Rising Tensions Between Security and Political Leadership
The entire situation is extremely complex and sensitive, generating increasing tension between the professional echelon and the political leadership.
A senior figure said:
“We asked several times to convene a special discussion
to present all the data we have on the condition of the living hostages.
They refuse. They avoid it like fire.
Everyone understands that this is explosive material.”Security Officials: “We Will Not Decide the Fate of the Hostages”
This is exactly why senior officials in the security establishment are now clearly informing the political echelon:
“We will not determine the fate of the hostages,
all of whom are now in difficult physical and psychological condition.
You want a partial list — formulate it yourselves.”Prime Minister’s Office Response:
“Insane and ridiculous fake news.
Prime Minister Netanyahu is in continuous and ongoing contact with the Coordinator for Captives and Missing Persons and is fully updated on the condition of the hostages according to the information in Israel’s possession.” link For a second, I don't believe Netanyahu or his office. They lie as a matter of normal operations. They choose not to meet with these security people because they don't want to hear this information. They claim that Netanyahu is in constant contact with the coordinator for captives but that doesn't mean that he asks for or even listens to details about the hostages. We have witnesses multiple instances that he didn't even know how many hostages were still in captivity, nor the names of the captives when speaking to other world leaders, nor the situations that the hostages are in and suffering. This is by his choice. We know that he doesn't care about the lives of the hostages and is willing to sacrifice all of them in the course of pursuing his personal political interests, so it would be a very fair assumption that he doesn't know the condition of the hostages. If he knew and cared, then there might be a chance that we would see an iota of compassion and sympathy from this man who has no soul, no moral compass, no sympathy or empathy. He only care is continuing "Netanyahu's War of Political Survival" and everything else can go to hell.-
Hamas: No serious negotiations have taken place in Qatar since last Saturday
Hamas issues an official statement claiming that no serious negotiations over a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages have taken place since the weekend.
The terror organization claims, “The presence of the Zionist delegation in Doha is a blatant attempt by [Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu to mislead global public opinion. Since Saturday, no serious negotiations have taken place in Qatar.”
The statement also responds to the Israeli announcement that five humanitarian aid trucks entered Gaza last night, saying: “Only a small number of trucks entered Gaza, and none have yet been handed over to any official party.”
Despite apparent impasse, Palestinian media reports that last-minute agreement is still possible, with negotiations ongoing in Qatar
White House officials have expressed frustration with Israel's approach to negotiations aimed at securing a comprehensive ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, according to people briefed on recent discussions in Doha and Washington.In a recent conversation with relatives of hostages, U.S. officials reportedly said that while multiple parties are working to finalize a deal, Israel appears to be the lone holdout. “Everyone is working to promote a comprehensive deal—except Israel,” they said, according to participants in the meeting.“The Americans are doing everything they can to reach a comprehensive agreement and end the war in Gaza,” the officials said. “That’s what President Trump wants, and that’s what he instructed his team to pursue.”The statements reflect growing tensions between Washington and Jerusalem over the pace and direction of the ceasefire talks. While the Trump administration has emphasized its support for Israel, it has also signaled increasing urgency in resolving the conflict and securing the release of the remaining hostages.Adam Boehler, President Trump’s special envoy for hostage affairs, dismissed as “fake news” reports that the U.S. had threatened to withdraw support for Israel if the war continues. In an interview with Fox News, Boehler said the president “continues to support Israel” and added, “He may say, ‘Hey, let’s try to end the war,’ and he may be firm about it, but his support for Israel is ironclad.”Boehler confirmed that the U.S. is focused on efforts to secure the release of 58 hostages still held by Hamas. “The president is very clear—he wants things to come to an end,” he said. “Steve Witkoff is working very hard right now. Our primary focus is on bringing the hostages home, and then also on Israel’s security.”Despite the impasse, the Palestinian news agency Ma'an reported Tuesday that “there is still a possibility of reaching a last-minute agreement.” Talks in Doha between Israel and Hamas are ongoing, according to the report, though they remain complicated by each side's demands.Israel’s official negotiating team remains in Doha. On Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the team is “working to exhaust every chance for a deal,” whether based on the U.S.-proposed Witkoff framework or as part of a broader end to hostilities that would include the release of all hostages, the exile of Hamas militants, and disarmament in the Gaza Strip.Israeli officials confirmed that Witkoff presented a proposal over the weekend for the release of 10 living hostages and the return of 16 bodies in exchange for a 45- to 60-day ceasefire and the release of Palestinian prisoners. A second phase would reportedly include the release of all remaining hostages and the formal end of the war.According to the officials, Israel has accepted the framework, but Hamas has not responded. American officials remain engaged in efforts to close the gap.Hostage Families Forum: Israel will be ‘a loser in every way’ if it abandons truce talks in Doha
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum says, “Israel does not have the privilege to abandon the negotiations” for a deal to release hostages held in Gaza, responding to reports that talks in Doha with Hamas are deadlocked.
“If it decides to do so, the State of Israel will leave a loser in every way: The hostages will remain in serious danger, our soldiers will pay a heavy price and Israel will sink into the Gaza quagmire while being isolated diplomatically. Maximum price, minimum achievements,” it says in a statement.
The forum says there has been a clear deal on the table for over a year, referring to an end to the war in exchange for the release of hostages, adding Israel has no more excuses to keep fighting since it has eliminated Hamas’s leadership and destroyed its military.
Barely standing, mute and starving: New testimonies reveal condition of hostage Matan Zangauker
New details from captivity reveal that Matan Zangauker, who suffers from muscular dystrophy, is enduring severe physical and psychological abuse, malnutrition and isolation, with his health rapidly declining after nearly two years in Hamas captivity
The family of Matan Zangauker, who has been held captive for 592 days, revealed new and disturbing information Tuesday about his condition. According to recently received details, Zangauker’s physical and mental health is steadily deteriorating and he is enduring cruel and inhumane conditions in captivity.
Zangauker, whose latest sign of life was received last week, is currently being held alone. He had previously been held with fellow hostage Idan Alexander from Oct. 7, 2023, until Alexander’s release. During that period, Zangauker was believed to have been held near senior Hamas operatives and alongside other hostages, including Avera Mengistu, some of whom were later freed.
New information indicates that Zangauker, who suffers from muscular dystrophy, has lost significant weight and experiences muscle tremors and weakness so severe that he struggles to stand. As a result of his illness and the harsh conditions of his captivity, he has reportedly suffered from chronic intestinal blockages and severe abdominal pain. His deteriorating health is compounded by a lack of oxygen, poor air quality, flea and rat bites, an inadequate diet consisting mainly of stale moldy bread and rice and contaminated, brackish water.In recent months, his mental health has sharply declined. Testimonies describe him refusing to eat or speak and isolating himself for long periods in a corner of the tunnel where he is held. Although he was reportedly given more food at times, he avoided eating due to his physical and mental state.
According to the new testimonies, Zangauker has been subjected to physical and psychological torture, including interrogations and psychological terror. He was held in cages, bound at the wrists and ankles, and moved between tunnels, mosques and tents for displaced persons. In one instance, he and Idan Alexander were paraded through a busy market by Hamas militants disguised as women, with the hostages blindfolded.
Throughout his captivity, Zangauker has narrowly escaped tunnel collapses caused by bombings—most recently just a few weeks ago. It is also known that he was held in an underground area where other hostages were killed. In that location, a handwritten note with his personal details was found.
Following the revelations, Matan’s mother, Einav Zangauker, said: “Since learning about the torture and suffering my son is enduring—both physically and mentally—I can barely eat or breathe. How can a mother endure this, knowing her son is alone in captivity and suffering from muscular dystrophy? Is he even able to stand on his own? Hold a glass of water? My heart is breaking over what he is going through. I don't know if he will survive this. I’m sharing this so all of Israel understands what our sons and daughters are enduring. While they go through hell, the Israeli government is bombing the area where Matan is held.
“The prime minister can no longer claim he didn’t know. Continued military pressure and Matan’s isolation will lead to his death. The government must end the war and put forward a plan to bring all the hostages home. Matan, my beloved son, I’m on my way to get you. I promise.”
In December 2024, the Hamas terror group released a video showing Zangauker alive. His family confirmed the footage and emphasized that it was a sign of life—not a form of psychological warfare. In the video, Zangauker addresses his mother, Einav, a prominent figure in the campaign to free the hostages: “I’m very happy to hear you’re okay. I hope to see you again.”
Zangauker was abducted from his home and taken to Gaza on Oct. 7, along with his partner, Ilana Grichevsky, who was released in a hostage deal in late November 2023. link
Hostages' Families Forum: The truth is Israel's government has no plan to bring back the last hostage
The Families Forum for Return of Hostages responded to the Prime Minister's Office statement which stated that 'Israel agrees to the proposal based on the Wittekof outline but Hamas persists in its refusal,' saying that 'no spin can hide the simple truth - Israel's government has no real plan to bring back the last hostage.' The Forum also stated that 'the majority of the people support bringing back all hostages, even at the cost of halting the fighting. Only returning all of them in one phase will enable a process of rehabilitation and recovery for the state and army.'
π️Day 593 that 58 of our hostages in Hamas captivityπ️
**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
Red Alerts - Missile, Rocket, Drone (UAV - unmanned aerial vehicles), and Terror Attacks and Death Announcements
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IDF announces Staff Sgt. Danilo Mocanu killed during fighting in southern Gaza
Staff Sgt. Danilo Mocanu (Israel Defense Forces)
MAY HIS MEMORY BE A REVOLUTION!
An Israeli soldier was killed during fighting in the southern Gaza Strip yesterday, the military announces.
The soldier is named as Staff Sgt. Danilo Mocanu, 20, of the 7th Armored Brigade’s 82nd Battalion, from Holon.
According to an initial IDF probe, the soldier was killed in a building collapse, after an explosive device was detonated.
Another soldier was lightly wounded in the incident, the IDF adds.
Parents of several hostages demand government stop ‘exploiting our children’s images’ in PR campaigns
The parents of hostages Nimrod Cohen, brothers Ariel Cunio and David Cunio, and Matan Zangauker send a letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu formally demanding that the government stop using images of their sons in state-sponsored campaigns that they say serve to prolong the conflict in Gaza.
Nimrod Cohen is a soldier taken hostage from the border with Gaza on October 7, 2023, while the Cunio brothers were each abducted from their homes in Kibbutz Nir Oz, where Matan Zangauker was also seized at his house.
“For over a year, the Israeli government has spent millions of shekels on campaigns that feature the faces of our children – who were violently abducted into Gaza after Hamas’ barbaric assault on Israeli communities on October 7th, 2023,” write Yehuda and Viki Cohen, Jose Luis and Silvia Cunio, and Einav Zangauker.
“What began as a desperate call to raise awareness about their plight has been transformed into a political tool to maintain public support for a war that no longer prioritizes their return.”
The parents say that while they welcome the release of Edan Alexander from Hamas captivity last week, they are simultaneously outraged by the government’s failure to act more decisively to secure the freedom of the remaining 58 hostages.
“The Israeli government is choosing to prolong the war rather than pursue a viable path to bring our children home,” they write. “Despite our sons being Israeli citizens, entitled to the full protections of their government, we find ourselves compelled to rely on the diplomatic interventions of President Donald Trump, Steve Witkoff, and Adam Boehler to end this agonizing ordeal.”
The parents say they believe that intensified military pressure endangers the lives of the hostages.
“Consequently, we will no longer consent to the Israeli government’s exploitation of our children’s images,” they say. “Absent a commitment from your administration to actively pursue a comprehensive ceasefire agreement guaranteeing the safe return of all hostages, we will contemplate further public and legal measures to preclude the utilization of our families for political purposes.”
“This is our line in the sand. The time for rhetoric is over. The hostages must come home now,” add the Cohens, Cunios and Zangauker
TV report: Freed hostage Edan Alexander meets Gallant, tells him he slept on Gazan street and nobody noticed
Freed hostage Edan Alexander describes the difficult conditions of his captivity to former defense minister Yoav Gallant, including sleeping on Gaza’s street, in quotes reported by Channel 12 news.
Asked by the former Likud lawmaker how he held onto hope in captivity, Alexander reportedly answered: “I knew that my friends from Golani were fighting above for me and I had a duty to survive for them.”
“My captivity was difficult. We moved between dozens of places, we slept in apartments, mosques, and even on the street. One of the times we didn’t stop moving from place to place, and then we slept on Basmata Street — without anyone noticing. And now we must do everything to release everyone,” he said, Channel 12 reports.
Channel 12 also says that Alexander was held alongside senior Hamas officials, including its former leader and October 7, 2023, massacre mastermind, Yahya Sinwar, who was killed by IDF troops in October.
According to Alexander’s reported testimony, food cans would explode in the tunnels due to the intense summer heat.
Separately, Channel 12 reports on a meeting between Alexander and the family of hostage Nimrod Cohen, with whom he was held in captivity.
Alexander reportedly told them Cohen supported him during their time together, but was very depressed and traumatized due to his experiences of the October 7 massacre, when he saw his friends murdered.
Sharon Konio: 'Not a day goes by without Emma and Yuli asking when Dad David will return from Gaza
Sharon Konio, whose husband David Konio remains captive by Hamas, wanted to share on the occasion of his second birthday in captivity that 'Emma and Yuli need their father David to heal. There isn't a day they don't ask when dad will return from Gaza. Every day he doesn't come back deepens their wound and mine.' Sharon added that 'Emma and Yuli need a father who is alive, breathing, at home. And I need my husband here with me. Bring him back – before the breaking point becomes a scar that will never fade.'As David Cunio marks another birthday in Gaza, his wife, an ex-hostage, pleads: ‘Our daughters need their father’
David Cunio was abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, 2023 (Courtesy)Former hostage Sharon Aloni Cunio pleads for her husband David Cunio to be released from Gaza as he marks his second birthday in captivity.
“David misses Emma and Yuli, and they miss him. Not a day goes by without them asking, ‘When will Daddy come back from Gaza?’ They need their father to heal. To recover. To rebuild trust. And he’s not here,” she says in a statement.
“I’m consumed by longing for the man I love, the one I cannot live without. Every day he doesn’t return deepens their wound – and mine,” she says. “Emma and Yuli need their father. Alive. Breathing. At home. I need my husband here, with me. Bring him back, before the heartbreak becomes a scar that will never fade.”
To mark the occasion, the Hostage and Missing Families Forum releases a video of Aloni Cunio along with her husband’s twin brother and his best friend, Yarden Bibas.
Cunio, now 35, was taken hostage from his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz during the onslaught, along with Aloni Cunio, and their 3-year-old twin daughters, Yuli and Emma. Sharon’s sister, Danielle Aloni, 44, and her daughter, Emilia, 5, who were visiting them for the holiday weekend, were also kidnapped by terrorists who stormed their kibbutz home. Cunio’s brother Ariel Cunio was also taken captive, along with his girlfriend Arbel Yehoud.
Aloni Cunio, Aloni, and the three young girls were all released from captivity during a ceasefire in late November 2023. Yehoud was released on January 30, as part of a mediated ceasefire-hostage release deal.
Source denies PM’s characterization of current status of talks: Not just waiting for Hamas to say ‘yes’A source involved in the hostage negotiations tells The Times of Israel that the statement issued by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office earlier this evening claiming that Israel has accepted the so-called “Witkoff proposal,” while Hamas has refused to do so, mischaracterizes the current status of the talks.
The source says that mediators are still working to coax both sides to compromise on a number of issues. “This is not a matter of just waiting for Hamas to say ‘yes,'” the source says.
Negotiators are trying to come up with a temporary hostage deal that allows Hamas to claim that the agreement will lead to the eventual end of the war, while Israel can claim that it hasn’t committed to doing so, the source explains.
Given the lack of trust between the sides, this has been a difficult task to accomplish, the source says, while insisting that a deal is still possible.
While the senior members of Israel’s negotiating team have been called back from Qatar to Jerusalem by the prime minister, the source says that those individuals weren’t really playing an integral role in the talks to begin with.
US special envoy to the Mideast Steve Witkoff is not in Doha either, but has been in continued contact with Netanyahu and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer.
Palestinian-American political activist Bishara Bahbah continues to operate a backchannel between the US and Hamas leaders in Qatar where he arrived yesterday, the source says.
Senior Hamas official sparks outrage in Gaza after referring to war casualties as ‘material calculations’
A senior Hamas official has drawn widespread anger from Gaza residents after referring to the high death toll in the Strip as “material calculations.”
In a recent interview, Qatar-based Hamas senior official Sami Abu Zuhri remarked that the number of births in Gaza — around 50,000 — exceeds the number of war casualties, which he claimed demonstrates that the losses do not reflect the broader picture of the conflict.
He added, “The martyrs [killed in the war] — the wombs of Gaza’s women will give birth to twice as many. This is the price that must be paid. If we thought in material terms, we would not be able to hold onto our land.”
The interview, which originally aired in late March on a podcast, resurfaced in recent days and quickly went viral, prompting a wave of backlash from Gaza residents who viewed the comments as deeply disrespectful to the tens of thousands killed.
One Gaza resident filmed himself responding: “A man outside the Strip says that everyone who was killed can simply be replaced. This is someone deluded beyond reason — he’s not one of us.”
Another resident posted a video saying: “Hamas leadership says — so what if 60,000 people died? Someone else will take their place. Osama Abu Zuhri, you’re speaking from outside the Strip. Your children are outside the Strip. You ignite this war, and we are the fuel?!”
The outrage also spilled into the streets. During an anti-Hamas protest held yesterday in Khan Younis, demonstrators directly condemned Abu Zuhri’s remarks, chanting: “Oh Abu Zuhri, you disgrace, even the child wants to live.” video
- Israel to divide Gaza into 3 troop-sealed zones: reportCivilians to be barred from moving across Gaza without authorization; goods restricted to post-inspection transit under plan dubbed 'Stage Three: Total Occupation of Gaza'
Israel plans to divide the Gaza Strip into three parts as part of an expanded military offensive that would begin if cease-fire and hostage release negotiations in Qatar fail, according to a report in the British Sunday Times.A map published with the report—allegedly leaked by diplomats briefed on the plan—shows civilians concentrated between IDF-controlled areas in northern, central and southern Gaza.According to the report, the plan is dubbed “Stage Three: Total Occupation of Gaza,” under which civilians would be barred from moving between zones without authorization, and the movement of goods would be permitted only after security inspections. The IDF did not confirm or deny the Sunday Times account.The report comes at a critical moment, as the military appears poised to escalate its operations if negotiations collapse.In a separate, unconfirmed report from Sky News Arabia—denied by unnamed Israeli officials—Hamas was said to have agreed to release half of the living hostages and some of the bodies of the dead in exchange for a two-month cease-fire. At least 19 killed in overnight Gaza strikes, says Hamas-run civil defense agency
Gaza’s Hamas-run civil defense agency says Israel Defense Forces strikes killed at least 19 people overnight, including a week-old baby, as Israel faces mounting international pressure over its military offensive.
“Our crews transported 19 dead, most of them children, and dozens of injured following air raids carried out by the Israeli warplanes in various areas of the Gaza Strip last night and early today,” civil defense spokesman Mahmud Bassal says, naming multiple victims including the newborn.
There was no immediate comment on the strikes from the Israeli military and the figures, which do not differentiate between civilians and gunmen, could not be verified.
Israel says it takes steps to minimize civilian casualties and blames Hamas which is deeply embedded in civilian infrastructure, operating out of camps, hospitals and schools.
The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry says more than 53,500 people in the Strip have been killed or are presumed dead in the fighting so far, sparked by the terror group’s October 7, 2023, onslaught
UAE says Israel has agreed to allow it to send aid that will feed 15K Gazans
Israel has agreed to allow humanitarian assistance from the United Arab Emirates into Gaza, which will initially feed 15,000 people, Abu Dhabi announces following a phone call between Emirati Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed and his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Sa’ar.
“The initiative also includes the provision of essential supplies to support the operation of bakeries in the Strip, as well as critical items for infant care, while ensuring a continuous supply to meet the ongoing needs of civilians,” says the UAE Foreign Ministry’s director of communications, Afra al-Hameli, in a statement.
The Israeli decision appears to be an extension of its damage control after imposing an aid blockade in Gaza from March 2 that has sparked mounting international backlash.
Israel has relied heavily on the UAE’s support for humanitarian aid in Gaza. Abu Dhabi says its assistance amounts to over 40% of the aid that enters the Strip.
Earlier this month, Israel sought to convince the UAE to bankroll a new aid initiative led by the newly founded Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. Aid groups have pushed back against the effort, saying it fails to address the humanitarian crisis and forces the mass displacement of Gazans, while failing to feed almost 40% of them initially. Emirati officials accordingly told their Israeli counterparts that they could not back the GHF initiative as it currently stood, a source familiar with the matter toldThe Times of Israel.
During today’s call between the foreign ministers, bin Zayed “affirmed the importance of ensuring the urgent, sustainable, safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian, relief, and medical assistance to the brotherly Palestinians in the Strip,” the Emirati readout says, adding that the ministers also discussed efforts to reach a hostage release and ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.
Israel allowing ‘ridiculously inadequate’ amount of aid into Gaza, says Doctors Without Borders
The amount of aid Israel has started to allow into war-ravaged Gaza Strip is not nearly enough and is “a smokescreen to pretend the siege is over,” the MSF aid group says.
“The Israeli authorities’ decision to allow a ridiculously inadequate amount of aid into Gaza after months of an air-tight siege signals their intention to avoid the accusation of starving people in Gaza, while in fact keeping them barely surviving,” says Pascale Coissard, Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders) emergency coordinator in Gaza’s Khan Younis.
The United Nations received permission from Israel for 93 more aid trucks to enter the Gaza Strip yesterday, as international pressure mounted on the government to take immediate steps to alleviate the effects of an 11-week blockade that ended Monday.
Israel had blocked all aid from entering Gaza since March 2, arguing that sufficient humanitarian assistance had entered the Strip during a six-week ceasefire and that Hamas was stealing aid, with the blockade necessary to pressure the terror group to release the dozens of hostages it is holding.
In recent weeks, however, some officials in the IDF have begun warning the political leadership that the enclave was on the brink of starvation
Air Force members said increasingly asking whether Gaza strikes are justifiedChannel 13’s defense analyst Alon Ben David says he’s spoken to Israeli Air Force members who are beginning to express their discomfort about some of the strikes they’ve been carrying out in Gaza as of late.
There is an understanding among these air force members that Israel is now in a war of its choosing — as opposed to shortly after October 7, 2023, when Israel’s operations in Gaza seemed less politically motivated, Ben David says.
The shift has led to discomfort among these air force members who know that their strikes are killing hundreds of Palestinians, “and they’re asking themselves whether it is justified and whether it serves a purpose,” he continues.
The IDF says it takes steps to avoid civilian casualties, while Hamas hides among them, but the army hasn’t denied that scores of civilians in Gaza have been killed in its strikes, particularly as of late.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the IDF pressure is designed to pressure Hamas to release the remaining hostages.
Hamas says it is prepared to release the hostages in exchange for an end to the war — a trade Netanyahu has refused, arguing that it leaves Hamas in power. But a growing number of critics argue that Israel’s military strategy lacks a clear end game and is being guided by Netanyahu’s far-right coalition partners, who want to permanently reoccupy Gaza and kick out all of its Palestinians.
PA’s Abbas will discuss issue of arms in refugee camps during visit to Lebanon
A member of Mahmoud Abbas’ delegation to Beirut tells AFP that the Palestinian Authority president will discuss the issue of weapons in Lebanon’s Palestinian refugee camps during his three-day visit to the country.
“The issue of Palestinian weapons in the camps will be one of the topics on the agenda for discussion between President Abbas, the Lebanese president, and the Lebanese government,” says Ahmad Majdalani, a member of the Palestine Liberation Organization’s executive committee who is accompanying Abbas on the visit.
IDF says drone strike killed Hezbollah commander in southern Lebanon
The IDF confirms carrying out a drone strike in the Lebanese town of al-Mansouri, close to Tyre, today, killing a Hezbollah operative.
According to the military, the operative was the commander of Hezbollah’s forces in al-Mansouri.
The IDF says he was involved in advancing numerous attacks on Israel during the war, restoring Hezbollah’s infrastructure in the al-Mansouri area, and smuggling weapons.
Sources: Syrian government gave OK for handover of Eli Cohen’s belongings to Israel to ease tensions
AMMAN/DAMASCUS, Jordan/Syria — Syria’s leadership approved the handover of the belongings of long-dead spy Eli Cohen to Israel in a bid to ease Israeli hostility and show goodwill to US President Donald Trump, three sources tell Reuters.
Israel announced its recovery of the trove of documents, photographs and personal possessions relating to Cohen on Sunday, saying its spy agency Mossad had worked with an unnamed foreign intelligence agency to secure the material.
However, a Syrian security source, an adviser to Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, and a person familiar with backchannel talks between the countries say the archive of material was in fact offered to Israel as an indirect gesture by Sharaa as he seeks to cool tensions and build Trump’s confidence.
Cohen, who was hanged in 1965 in a downtown Damascus square after infiltrating Syria’s political elite, is still regarded as a hero in Israel and Mossad’s most celebrated spy for uncovering military secrets that aided its lightning victory in the 1967 Six Day War.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Cohen on Sunday as a legend and “the greatest intelligence agent in the annals of the state.”
While Israel has long sought to recover his body for reburial at home, the return of his archive held for 60 years by Syrian intelligence was hailed by Mossad as “an achievement of the highest moral order.”
Israel has not publicly revealed how the archive came into its possession, saying only that it was the result of “a covert and complex Mossad operation, in cooperation with an allied foreign intelligence service.”
Netanyahu’s office, Syrian officials, and the White House do not immediately respond to requests for comment on Syria’s role in Israel’s recovery of the Cohen archive. link Here is another of a growing list of why we should be having serious back door discussions with the new Syrian government on changing the very nature of our relations with Syria, even on normalizing those relations.
Qatar helping to train Syrian security forces in bid to shore up regime
Qatar is helping to train Syrian security forces in a bid to shore up President Ahmed al-Sharaa, the Kan public broadcaster reports.
Syrian sources who are close to Qatar and familiar with the matter tell the outlet that Doha has recently begun training small groups of operatives who will serve as police officers to enforce law and order in Syria.
The report says the training is taking place on “Qatari territory.”
The outlet additionally says that Doha is paying monthly grants of about $30 to Syrian public officials.
Yesterday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that Syria could be weeks away from a fresh civil war of “epic proportions,” as he called for support to the transitional leadership.
The top American diplomat blamed a resurgence of the Islamic State extremist group in areas outside of the transitional government’s control, as well as Iran
- Saudi journalist warns Israel: Resolve Palestinian conflict or forget normalization
Abdulaziz Alkhamis says Saudi-Israeli normalization hinges on resolving Israeli-Palestinian conflict via a two-state solution; he stresses the need to confront extremism, including Hamas, and urges a comprehensive plan for regional peace
Abdulaziz Alkhamis, a Saudi journalist and researcher on Middle Eastern affairs, offers a candid and nuanced perspective on the shifting dynamics of U.S.-Saudi relations, the region's pursuit of peace and the challenges of normalization with Israel. Speaking with clarity and urgency, Alkhamis delves into the strategic goals of Saudi Arabia and the barriers that must be addressed to achieve lasting stability in the Middle East.For decades, Saudi Arabia has maintained a cooperative relationship with the United States, but Alkhamis notes that this alliance has faced challenges, particularly during Democratic administrations."I think Saudi Arabia has a long-time cooperation with the United States," he begins, "but this cooperation has many times had problems because the Democrats, when they come to the White House, their relation has become very weak, especially in Biden and Obama’s time."However, under President Donald Trump, Alkhamis sees a renewed opportunity for stronger ties, particularly in defense and economic collaboration. "Trump needs a lot of support from Saudi Arabia and Gulf countries, especially in the economy, and Saudi Arabia and the Gulf want to bring defense and security cooperation in the region again to become stronger."A key aspect of this cooperation is Saudi Arabia’s pursuit of a civilian nuclear program, a development that has raised concerns in both the United States and Israel. Alkhamis defends Riyadh’s right to develop nuclear energy, citing the kingdom’s energy needs."Saudi Arabia burns more than 3 million barrels every day for electricity and energy. That’s why they need nuclear plants and clean energy," he explains. He adds that the kingdom’s broader economic vision includes nuclear technology as part of its diversification efforts. "This is the right for Saudi Arabia. If America will give and cooperate, there are a lot of countries that want to sell this technology to Saudi Arabia."Two-state solution for normalizationThe discussion inevitably turns to the prospect of normalizing relations with Israel, a topic that has garnered significant attention in recent years. Alkhamis is clear that such normalization is contingent upon resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. "The deal with Israel or the normalization of Israel does not feel good now because of the Netanyahu government and the two-state solution," he says.He stresses that addressing the Palestinian cause is essential for peace in the region. "If we want to normalize relations with Israel, we need to solve the problem, the core problem, the heart of the problem. If we have a two-state solution and guarantee the security of Israel and the prosperity of Palestinians, we will have a very good solution for the future."Alkhamis underscores the significance of Saudi Arabia’s position, not just as a leader in the Arab world but as a representative of the broader Muslim community. "Saudi Arabia is a very important country not only for Arabs but for Muslim countries. If Saudi Arabia normalizes relations with Israel, it means the whole or majority of the Arab and Muslim worlds will come to normalize relations with Israel."However, he warns that this will not come freely. "They [Israelis] need to do something; they need to give something. Without solving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, we will not have any solution. The Saudis will not go through."The journalist also addresses the role of Hamas in the ongoing conflict and its impact on the region. While acknowledging the importance of a ceasefire in Gaza, Alkhamis insists that it is only a small part of the larger issue. "People focus on Gaza as the main problem. It’s not the main problem; it’s a part of the problem. Without solving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Gaza is just one piece, and we will face conflict after conflict." He is particularly critical of Hamas and political extremism, which he sees as a major barrier to peace. "I call it stupid strategies when we accept Hamas and political Islam and other extremists," he says bluntly. "Extremists, they will not solve, they will not help, they will not do anything for their people. They do it just for religious purposes or for their personal and organizational problems." Alkhamis calls for a new, unified strategy to confront extremism across the region. "We need a new strategy in the region. It’s against political Islam, against all extremists from any religion, and we need to deal with it." As the conversation concludes, Alkhamis expresses hope for a brighter future where cooperation replaces conflict. "We need a new Middle East," he emphasizes. But for this vision to materialize, he insists on addressing the root causes of discord. "If we don’t solve the problem properly, we will continue trying to help, but the problems will come back again and again." link Trump reportedly ‘frustrated’ by Gaza war, sees it as last ‘hot spot’ preventing prosperity in region
US President Donald Trump is “frustrated” by the ongoing war in Gaza and feels it is the last issue preventing prosperity in the Middle East, the Axios news site reports, citing White House officials.
One of the officials says Trump pressured Israel to open crossings for humanitarian aid after assistance had been blocked since March, having been upset by images of suffering children and babies in the Strip.
“The president is frustrated about what is happening in Gaza. He wants the war to end, he wants the hostages to come home, he wants aid to go in and he wants to start rebuilding Gaza,” a White House official says. “The president sees a real chance for peace and prosperity in the region, but the war in Gaza is the last hot spot and he wants it to end.”
A second official says, “There is a lot of frustration by this crisis getting dragged on,” adding that the backchannel deal to release US-Israeli hostage soldier Edan Alexander last week developed from that feeling.
An Israeli official tells the site that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu doesn’t feel pressured on the matter by Trump.
“If the president wants a hostage and ceasefire deal in Gaza he needs to put much more pressure on both sides,” the official says.
The White House stressed Monday that Trump wants the war in Gaza to end, as American officials denied reports that Washington was threatening to “abandon” Israel if it didn’t follow suit. link Unfortunately, Trump is the only one who can end the war. If he is willing to truly apply the necessary pressure on Netanyahu with real implications, he can force Netanyahu to end the war and bring all the hostages home immediately. Until now, Trump has backed away from any pressure but in the last days, harsher language is coming out of Washington. Netanyahu pushed through restarting humanitarian aid to Gaza because of American pressure; he approved the negotiating team to go to Doha and kept them there so as not to anger Trump and to avoid them saying that it was Israel (Netanyahu) who is to blame the breakdown of the negotiations. It was just announced that Netanyahu gave the order for the senior negotiators to return to Israel and is leaving the juniors who can only work on technical issues but not real negotiations.
Sa’ar ‘takes note’ after WJC president asks why PM doesn’t stop Smotrich’s damaging comments
At the World Jewish Congress conference in Jerusalem, the body’s president, Ronald Lauder, asks Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar why his government doesn’t understand the damage done by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, whose statements are translated and quoted around the world.
“Let me tell you, all the good things that Israel is doing are being destroyed by Smotrich. Because his statements about starving the people and destroying [Gaza] were played all over the world, and the prime minister has the chance to stop him from saying these things, and he will not do it. The question is, why not?”
Sa’ar responds to Lauder: “President, I took note of what you said.”
Many people in the crowd, coming with Jewish delegations from around the world, applaud Lauder’s questions.
In recent weeks, Smotrich has been widely quoted when saying “Gaza will be totally destroyed” as a result of an Israeli military victory, and that its Palestinian population will “leave in great numbers to third countries,” raising fears of international law violations. link Sa'ar's response is a joke. He is not so far away from Smotrich's ideology. He, too is far right and in favor of Jewish Settlement throughout the West Bank. He has not made statements about resettlement of Gaza, nor has he spoken out about it. His statements are perhaps less incendiary but his ideology is not so far off.
Yair Golan defends 'baby killing' remarks: 'Ministers celebrate death and starvation'
Retired major general and chair of the Democratic Party says comments were direct solely at government, adds that Gaza war 'began as a justified and necessary response' turned into a war 'with no clear security or national goal'
Israeli opposition leader Yair Golan on Tuesday defended his controversial remarks accusing government ministers of celebrating the deaths and starvation of children in Gaza, prompting widespread condemnation across the political spectrum.Golan, a retired major general and chair of the Democratic Party, faced backlash after stating in a radio interview that "a sane country doesn't kill babies for fun." In a subsequent press conference in Tel Aviv, he clarified that his comments were directed solely at the government, not the IDF."The war in Gaza began as a justified and necessary response to Hamas' despicable attack," Golan said. "But what started as a legitimate campaign has turned into a war with no clear security or national goal, under a failed government."He accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition of prolonging the conflict for political reasons, asserting that the hostages could have been returned through a comprehensive deal and that dismantling Hamas would require building a governing alternative with the help of moderate Sunni states."I said this morning that a sane country doesn't kill children," Golan added. "When ministers celebrate the death and starvation of children, it must be condemned. I was referring only to this government—the most failed in Israel's history—not to the IDF."Golan emphasized his loyalty to the military, stating, "The IDF is my home and my heart." He criticized ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir, who did not serve in the military, saying they should not lecture him on combat ethics.In his earlier interview with public broadcaster Kan, Golan warned that Israel risks becoming a pariah state "like South Africa once was" if it does not return to "sane governance."His remarks provoked swift backlash. Danny Atar, head of the Gilboa Regional Council, resigned from the party in protest, calling Golan's comments "a disgraceful and false accusation."Prime Minister Netanyahu accused Golan of inciting against the military and spreading "vile antisemitic blood libels." Condemnations also came from President Isaac Herzog, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, Justice Minister Yariv Levin and other coalition and opposition leaders. Opposition leader Yair Lapid also addressed the controversy, though he did not mention Golan by name.IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir strongly condemned Golan's remarks, stating, "I strongly reject any statement that casts doubt on the morality of the IDF’s operations and soldiers." LinkFormer Prime Minister Olmert: "What Israel is doing in Gaza is very close to war crimes"
Amid international pressure from Britain on Israel due to the expansion of the fighting, Olmert was interviewed by the BBC and made a problematic statement. The former Prime Minister said in his remarks that the war in Gaza has no objective and that "this is a war with no chance of achieving anything that could save the lives of the hostages." Education Minister Kish responded: "While IDF soldiers risk their lives – he chooses to incite and stab them in the back." Minister Regev added: "The Nukhba terrorists thank Olmert and Yair Golan."(The Times)
Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, archive | Photo: Avshalom Shoshani, Flash 90Following the problematic statement by the chairman of the Democrats last night (Tuesday), who referred to Israel's war in Gaza and said that "a sane country does not kill babies as a hobby," former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert also made his own statement. In an interview published last night on the BBC, Olmert said: "What Israel is doing in Gaza is very close to war crimes."
While the United Kingdom is exerting heavy international pressure on Israel due to the expansion of the fighting, including freezing talks to promote a trade agreement between the countries, Olmert was interviewed by the British channel. In his remarks, recorded on January 21 with the beginning of the ceasefire and the second hostage deal, the former Prime Minister referred to the war in Gaza and criticized the government, saying that it is "a war without an objective – a war with no chance of achieving anything that could save the lives of the hostages."
Reactions to Olmert's statement were not long in coming, and already during the night, various ministers published condemnatory tweets. Transportation Minister Miri Regev wrote on X: "Hamas and the Nukhba terrorists thank Ehud Olmert and Yair Golan." Minister Dudi Amsalem added in his own tweet, in which he also referred to other figures who spoke out against the government: "Ehud Olmert, Yair Golan, Bogie Ya'alon, Dan Halutz, Ehud Barak, Aharon Barak – your destroyers and those who ruin you will come from among you."
Education Minister Yoav Kish wrote: "The released prisoner Ehud Olmert joins the process identifier Yair Golan and the extreme left choir that slanders the State of Israel in the international arena. While IDF soldiers risk their lives against murderous terror that seeks to destroy us – he chooses to incite and stab them in the back. Shame on him."
Minister for Social Equality and the Advancement of the Status of Women, Mai Golan, wrote in a post on X: "Prisoner number 9032478 – the only crime in this war is your spitting in the faces of IDF fighters who are currently fighting our modern-day Nazi enemy. And yes, there are innocent people in Gaza – 58 to be exact." link. Both Yair Golan and Olmert are absolutely right. We, as a country have and are still committing war crimes. Of course, the main culprits are Netanyahu and his corrupt, failed and criminal government. The killings everyday in Gaza are mostly of non combatants, women, children, elderly, who are 'collateral damage' which is a disgusting and inhuman term. They are civilians who are being killed because the army is now carrying on the "Netanyahu War of Political Survival". Nothing that is going on in Gaza today is for the benefit of the 58 remaining hostages. Most people know that military pressure is deathly for the hostages. They have the chance of being killed by our bombings which has happened to an unknown number of hostages, or of being executed by the Hamas terrorists guarding them who have explicit orders to execute them at close range if they feel the army is getting near to them. This has happened with at least 11 of the living hostages. The security heads, Shin Bet, Mossad, IDF, have all said that this expansion of the war can mean the death of living hostages and/or the possibility of never finding the bodies of the dead hostages. The army has made many efforts to avoid bombing and massive fighting in areas they believe the hostages are being held. The problem with this is that where the believe the hostages are being held is just based on assumptions. They may be intelligent assumptions based on various intelligence they have, but they are only assuming. If they knew where any of the hostages are, there would likely be special military operations to try to rescue them, although that comes with the very high risk of them being executed.
Our so called leaders will certainly be brought up on charges of war crimes, including ethnic cleansing and genocide. They deserve those charges, especially the biggest promoters of these crimes, Smotrich and Ben Gvir and all the ministers and Knesset members from those extremist racist parties. And the one who is most deserving of these charges is Netanyahu for being the enabler of all of these crimes. If Netanyahu's criminal trials have a chance to be completely played out and the judges will hand down a ruling, there is a good chance that he will be the first sitting prime minister convicted of felonies and sentenced to prison. He will then be the first Israeli prime minister (or any minister) charged with International war crimes, and if those trials get a chance to play out, Netanyahu will likely be the first Israeli ever to be convicted of War Crimes. The Region and the WorldUK pauses free trade talks with Israel; Foreign Ministry says move ‘will not divert’ Israel in the ‘struggle for its existence’
Following British Foreign Minister David Lammy’s announcement earlier today of the United Kingdom’s suspension of free trade agreement negotiations with Israel and other punitive measures including the imposition of sanctions on West Bank settlers, the Foreign Ministry says London’s actions “will not divert” Jerusalem from defending itself militarily.
Britain paused the free trade talks after Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was horrified by the military escalation in Gaza.
Lammy told Parliament: “We cannot stand by in the face of this new deterioration. It is incompatible with the principles that underpin our bilateral relationship.”
He added: “Frankly, it’s an affront to the values of the British people. Therefore, today, I’m announcing that we have suspended negotiations with this Israeli government on a new free trade agreement.”
In a statement, the Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem retorts: “The British Mandate ended exactly 77 years ago. External pressure will not divert Israel from its path in the struggle for its existence and security against enemies seeking its destruction.”
The UK’s moves, which included summoning Israel’s ambassador, Tzipi Hotovely, to address the war in Gaza, come amid mounting international outrage leveled at Israel over its conduct during its war against the Hamas terror group.
“The Israeli government has a responsibility to intervene and halt these aggressive actions,” Lammy says. “Their consistent failure to act is putting Palestinian communities and the two-state solution in peril.”
Yesterday, the leaders of the UK, France, and Canada threatened “concrete actions” if Israel did not halt its military campaign and lift restrictions on humanitarian aid. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said earlier today that Paris supports a review of economic ties between Israel and the European Union in response to the war.
“Even before today’s announcement, the matter had not been advanced at all by the current British government,” says Israel’s Foreign Ministry about the UK’s actions, adding that the trade agreement “is mutually beneficial” and if, “due to anti-Israel obsession and domestic political considerations, the British government is willing to harm the British economy — that is its decision.”
The ministry also calls sanctions on settlers announced earlier today “puzzling, unjustified, and regrettable,” pointing to last week’s murder of Tzeela Gez by a Palestinian terrorist in the northern West Bank as evidence of the sanctions’ absurdity “at a time when Israel is mourning yet another victim of Palestinian terror.”
Gez was pregnant and on her way to the delivery room at the time of the shooting attack, and “doctors are still fighting for the life of her newborn in the hospital,” the statement adds. link This is the tip of the iceberg. We will see many other countries around the world that will follow suit and begin to suspend or cancel trade agreements with Israel as well as other agreements. Netanyahu and his failed government are continuing to cause further damage between our allies and us just to continue "Netanyahu's War for Political Survival".
Swedish FM says she will push for EU sanctions against Israeli ministers
UK sanctions settlers, groups linked to violence against West Bank Palestinians
LONDON (Reuters) – Britain says it has sanctioned a number of individuals and groups in the West Bank who it said had been linked with acts of violence against Palestinians.
Among those hit by the sanctions is Zohar Sabah, for involvement in threatening, perpetrating, permitting, and supporting acts of aggression and violence against Palestinians.
Sabah was indicted by Israel’s State Attorney’s Office in September for participating in a violent attack against Palestinians and activists in the West Bank village of Muarrajat.
The sanctions also hit Neria’s Farm, an outpost in the West Bank, including people residing at the outpost, for involvement in human rights abuses.
Sanctions were also imposed on the settler group Nachala, Libi Construction and Infrastructure LTD, company administrator Harel Libi, settler activist Daniella Weiss, and the Coco’s Farm outpost. link As I have said many times in the past, while our government and the corrupt and criminal ministers enable and promote settler violence against Palestinians and continue building and expanding settlements on stolen Palestinian land, all without any implications whatsoever, foreign governments will do what our government should be doing. The US administration, under Biden also placed sanctions on certain settlers and settler organizations, but Trump canceled all of those sanctions.
Personal Stories
Gaza and the South
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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