Clashes Intensify in Northern Gaza Despite Israel’s Claim of Clearing Hamas
Plus: Hezbollah-Israel clashes escalate; Hamas, Hezbollah meet; Arab League calls for ceasefire; Netanyahu challenged internally; US completes Gaza pier project; $1bn arms sale to Israel advances.
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Clashes Intensify in Northern Gaza Despite Israel’s Claim of Clearing Hamas
Despite Israel’s claims of clearing northern and central Gaza of Hamas, clashes have intensified in these areas.
On Sunday, Israel sent tanks into eastern Jabalia in northern Gaza following heavy aerial and ground bombardments, killing 19 and wounding dozens, according to Palestinian health officials.
Israeli forces advanced deeper into Jabalia camp than before, with tanks near the local market, and residents reported the fiercest gun battles in months.
Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad fighters attacked Israeli forces with anti-tank rockets and mortar bombs in several Gaza areas, including Rafah.
Israel’s military reported that five soldiers were killed by Israeli tank fire in northern Gaza by friendly fire.
Two tanks had fired shells at a building used by the battalion’s deputy commander, injuring seven other soldiers, three seriously.
An investigation found that two tanks had fired at a building in Jabalia refugee camp where troops had gathered.
Troops re-entered the area after withdrawing, stating Hamas had regrouped.
Tens of thousands of Palestinians have fled the fighting and bombardment.
Both the Israeli military and Hamas reported intensified battles in Jabalia camp and town.
Battles continued in the southern city of Rafah, displacing about 700,000 people.
Clashes Intensify on Lebanon’s Southern Border Between Hezbollah and Israel
On Lebanon’s southern border, clashes between Hezbollah and Israel have intensified in recent days.
Hezbollah announced it had targeted the Israeli settlement of Metula, along with an Israeli garrison and vehicles nearby, using an attack drone armed with two S5 rockets.
Hezbollah also launched over 60 Katyusha rockets at Israeli military positions, including in the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights, in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes in eastern Lebanon’s Bekaa region.
Israeli warplanes also raided several areas in southern Lebanon.
The Israeli army reported approximately 40 launches from Lebanon towards the Golan Heights, causing no injuries, and responded by striking the sources of the fire.
Lebanese media reported an Israeli strike on a car in southern Lebanon killed two people, with at least one identified as a Hezbollah member.
Hezbollah claimed 11 attacks on northern Israel since Thursday morning, targeting military positions and equipment, in response to overnight strikes that killed a Hezbollah field commander.
Hamas Officials and Hezbollah Leader Meet in Beirut to Assess Gaza Conflict
Senior Hamas officials met with Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut on Wednesday to assess developments related to Israel’s war on Gaza.
The meeting coincided with Hezbollah and Hamas operatives firing rockets toward Israel following Israel’s assassination of a senior Hezbollah commander the previous day.
It also took place on Nakba Day, marking 76 years since Palestinians were displaced during the creation of Israel.
The Hamas delegation, led by senior official Khalil Al Hayya and including Mohammad Nasr and Osama Hamdan, discussed the latest developments in Gaza and the region, as well as stalled negotiations on a Gaza truce and hostage deal.
The leaders reaffirmed their ongoing cooperation within the “axis of resistance” to achieve the goals of the operation “Al-Aqsa Flood,” launched by Hamas against Israel on October 7.
Arab League Urges Ceasefire in Palestine, Condemns Israel’s Actions
The Arab League has called for a ceasefire and a UN peacekeeping force in Gaza during a summit focused on Israel’s military operations in the occupied territory.
Meeting in Bahrain, the Arab leaders issued the “Manama Declaration,” urging international protection until a two-state solution is implemented.
They demanded an immediate end to the fighting in Gaza and blamed Israel for obstructing ceasefire negotiations and escalating military actions.
The statement also reiterated the call for a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as the Palestinian capital and urged all Palestinian factions to unite under the PLO, recognized as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people.
Netanyahu Challenged by Defense Minister Over Gaza Post-War Plans
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced public criticism from Defense Minister Yoav Gallant regarding the Gaza Strip’s post-war plans.
Gallant opposed prolonged Israeli military control over the devastated area.
This marked a significant dissent within Israel’s leadership during an ongoing conflict. Netanyahu indirectly criticized Gallant’s stance, suggesting he was making excuses for not defeating Hamas after eight months of conflict.
However, Netanyahu was contradicted by Benny Gantz, a centrist ex-general and member of the war cabinet, who supported Gallant’s remarks.
Gallant emphasized the need to prepare for alternative Palestinian governance while maintaining Israel’s goals of defeating Hamas and recovering hostages from previous incidents.
US Military Completes Gaza Pier Project
The Pentagon announced that humanitarian aid would soon be delivered to Gaza through a newly installed pier, but the UN expressed concern about dwindling fuel imports that would hinder aid distribution.
The U.S. military completed the pier project, costing $320 million, to assist Palestinians amid Israeli restrictions and conflict.
Aid deliveries will be deposited at a built port near Gaza City and distributed by aid groups.
The U.S. has coordinated with Israel to protect aid shipments. Israeli forces and US Navy warships will ensure security.
However, questions remain about aid distribution logistics. Aid agencies warn of a looming famine in Gaza.
Israel denies limiting aid and blames delays on the UN and security concerns.
Aid deliveries will start slowly and increase gradually.
The sea route involves transferring aid from Cyprus to the Gaza coast via a floating pier.
Trucks will transport aid from the pier to a secure area on land for distribution by aid groups.
US To Advance $1 Billion Arms Sale to Israel, AP Sources Say
The Biden administration has informed key lawmakers of its intention to proceed with a new $1 billion sale of arms and ammunition to Israel, according to three congressional aides.
This is the first weapons shipment to Israel to progress since the administration halted another arms transfer, which comprised 3,500 bombs weighing up to 2,000 pounds each, earlier this month.
Citing concerns about civilian casualties in Gaza, the Biden administration stated that it paused the bomb transfer to prevent Israel from using those specific munitions in its offensive in the densely populated southern Gaza city of Rafah.
The newly revealed package, disclosed on Tuesday, includes approximately $700 million for tank ammunition, $500 million for tactical vehicles, and $60 million for mortar rounds, as reported by the congressional aides who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss an arms transfer that has not yet been made public.
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Cover photo: Anadolu/BBC