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Israel Discovers Hamas Tunnels Under UNRWA Gaza Headquarters 10 February 2024 By: VOA News Israeli forces have discovered a tunnel network hundreds of meters long extending partly under UNRWA's Gaza headquarters, the military says, calling it new evidence of Hamas militants burrowing under the main relief agency for Palestinians. Israeli Army engineers took reporters with foreign news outlets through the tunnel passages. They entered a shaft next to a school on the periphery of the United Nations compound, descending to the concrete-lined tunnel. After 20 minutes of walking through the hot, narrow and occasionally winding passage, they got underneath UNRWA headquarters, according to an army lieutenant-colonel leading the tour. The military said the tunnel was 700 meters long, 18 meters deep — bifurcated at times — and it revealed side rooms. There was an office space, with steel safes that had been opened and emptied. There was a tiled toilet. One large chamber was packed with computer servers, another with industrial battery stacks. "Everything is conducted from here. All the energy for the tunnels, which you walked through them, are powered from here," said the lieutenant-colonel, who gave only his first name, Ido. Ido said Hamas militants appeared to have evacuated when Israel Defense Forces, also known as IDF, were advancing. He said they preemptively cut communications cables, which he showed, that ran through the floor of the UNRWA headquarters' basement. It appeared that heavy Israeli barrages and sustained winter rains also may have played a part in the militants' departure. Several stretches of the tunnel were clogged with dislodged sand and knee-high water. Call for UNRWA official to resign After the discovery of the tunnel, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz called for the resignation of UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini on a post on social media platform X. Katz dismissed Lazzarini's claim that he was unaware of the tunnel's existence as "not only absurd but also an affront to common sense." In a statement, UNRWA said it had vacated the headquarters on October 12, five days after the terror attack occurred, and was therefore "unable to confirm or otherwise comment" on the Israeli finding. "UNRWA ... does not have the military and security expertise nor the capacity to undertake military inspections of what is or might be under its premises," the statement said. This is a time of internal crisis for the U.N. relief agency, which is facing Israeli allegations that some of its staff were working for Hamas. The agency has launched its own internal probe into the claims, and several donor countries have frozen their funding. The Palestinians have accused Israel of falsifying information to tarnish UNRWA, which employs 13,000 people in the Gaza Strip and has been a lifeline for the aid-dependent population for years. The humanitarian agency runs schools, primary health care clinics and other social services, and it distributes aid. "We know that they [Hamas] have people working in UNRWA. We want every international organization to work in Gaza. That is not a problem. Our problem is the Hamas," Ido told reporters. Hamas has denied numerous and longstanding accusations that it operates in and underneath civilian facilities, such as schools and hospitals. The Israeli military did not allow journalists to take photographs of military intelligence, such as maps or certain equipment in the convoy of armored vehicles they traveled in. It also requested approval before transmission of photographs and video footage taken during the trip. <- Previous Read full article Next -> More Insights 7 Ways Hamas Exploits Palestinian Civilians in Gaza Antisemitism defined: Why opposing the Jewish people's right to self-determination is antisemitic What You Need to Know About Israel’s Humanitarian Aid To Gaza Fatah responds to Hamas criticism of new formation of PA government ‘without consulting Hamas’ Surprise jump in Gazan support for 2-state solution, while still in favor of Oct 7 attack Hamas' Most Horrific Weapon of War: 5 Takeaways from UN Report on Sexual Violence Against Israelis Latest Video Clips The History of Israel This Muslim Israeli Woman Is the Future of the Middle East Natasha Hausdorff responds to the content of the House of Commons Gaza Debate. Its time to face the hard truth that you're being played as a sacrificial fool by terrorists. Peace cannot be achieved with those who desire war and jihad instead. 'Awful Things Happening In Israel Nothing To Do With British Jews'

Gazans call for release of Israeli hostages in rare protest against Hamas 24 January 2024 By: ynet In footage shared by IDF Arabic spokesperson, group of largely women and children in central Gaza's Deir al-Balah seen chanting slogans in call for end to war. IDF Arabic Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Avichay Adraee posted on Wednesday footage of a rare protest against Hamas near the Shuhada al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip. "Hamas-ISIS leaders, led by Sinwar, listen to the cries of your people, your children and your wives expressing their anger over the situation you caused in Gaza," he wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter) to which the video was attached. "They demand you return the Israeli hostages to end the war so they can return home. Will these cries and demands reach the hideouts of Hamas leaders?" <- Previous Read full article Next -> More Insights 7 Ways Hamas Exploits Palestinian Civilians in Gaza Antisemitism defined: Why opposing the Jewish people's right to self-determination is antisemitic What You Need to Know About Israel’s Humanitarian Aid To Gaza Fatah responds to Hamas criticism of new formation of PA government ‘without consulting Hamas’ Surprise jump in Gazan support for 2-state solution, while still in favor of Oct 7 attack Hamas' Most Horrific Weapon of War: 5 Takeaways from UN Report on Sexual Violence Against Israelis Latest Video Clips The History of Israel This Muslim Israeli Woman Is the Future of the Middle East Natasha Hausdorff responds to the content of the House of Commons Gaza Debate. Its time to face the hard truth that you're being played as a sacrificial fool by terrorists. Peace cannot be achieved with those who desire war and jihad instead. 'Awful Things Happening In Israel Nothing To Do With British Jews'

US House passes bill to ban Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and the Palestinian Liberation Organization. 1 February 2024 By: i24news The US House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bill banning Hamas members and other terrorist elements who perpetrated the October 7 attack. The resolution, an amendment to the US immigration code, singles out Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and the Palestinian Liberation Organization. The move would bar any non-US citizen who participated in the October 7 massacres in Israel from "seeking any immigration-related relief or protections" in the US. The bill passed by 422-2-1 vote. Representatives Rashida Tlaib (Michigan) and Cori Bush (Missouri) were the only opponents, while Delia Ramirez (Illinois) voted present. The changes will now need to pass the US Senate to become law, in the likely case US President Joe Biden does not veto the measure. <- Previous Read full article Next -> More Insights 7 Ways Hamas Exploits Palestinian Civilians in Gaza Antisemitism defined: Why opposing the Jewish people's right to self-determination is antisemitic What You Need to Know About Israel’s Humanitarian Aid To Gaza Fatah responds to Hamas criticism of new formation of PA government ‘without consulting Hamas’ Surprise jump in Gazan support for 2-state solution, while still in favor of Oct 7 attack Hamas' Most Horrific Weapon of War: 5 Takeaways from UN Report on Sexual Violence Against Israelis Latest Video Clips The History of Israel This Muslim Israeli Woman Is the Future of the Middle East Natasha Hausdorff responds to the content of the House of Commons Gaza Debate. Its time to face the hard truth that you're being played as a sacrificial fool by terrorists. Peace cannot be achieved with those who desire war and jihad instead. 'Awful Things Happening In Israel Nothing To Do With British Jews'

US says Hamas holding up 6-week ceasefire by refusing to release vulnerable hostages 8 March 2024 By: The Times of Israel Biden officials insist deal still possible amid deadlock, reveal truce would let civilians return to north Gaza; add there’s no hard deadline but want agreement before Ramadan Senior Biden administration officials on Thursday accused Hamas of holding up a six-week ceasefire deal with Israel by refusing to release the sick, elderly and female hostages that it’s holding in Gaza. “There could be at least a six-week ceasefire today if Hamas would agree to release a defined category of vulnerable hostages, including women, the elderly, the sick and the wounded,” said one of the officials, who all briefed reporters on condition of anonymity. “The onus right now is on Hamas.” “The fundamental element on [Hamas’s] side is releasing the sick, the elderly and the woman. That is right now the holdup,” a second official added. While there have been reports that Hamas has walked away from the talks in Cairo after they apparently hit a wall, the US officials insisted that a deal is still possible and that they’re still working to reach one. “We see this as the path to get the hostages home,” one of them said. Offering new details on the deal being negotiated, the senior Biden administration officials briefing reporters said the ceasefire would start with a six-week-long first stage and be structured in a manner in which two more stages could be subsequently added. The deal would also see the “repositioning of Israeli forces” during that first stage and also allow for Palestinians to return to northern Gaza. This has been a sticking point for Israel, which has publicly rejected this demand to date, claiming it would allow for a resurgence of Hamas in that half of the Strip. “We’re returning people to the north. That is part of the arrangement that has been worked out,” the official asserted. The plan to allow Palestinians to return to northern Gaza expedites the need to improve the mechanisms for delivering humanitarian aid throughout the Strip, which is why the Biden administration is advancing a maritime corridor and other delivery mechanisms, one of the senior officials said. One of the senior US officials acknowledged the Biden administration is working to secure a temporary ceasefire deal before Ramadan, which starts around March 10. However, they clarified that “there’s no hard and fast deadline on this negotiation.” “We recognize that extremists could try to use Ramadan to spark something that would be deeply unfortunate in that holy month, and we want to make sure that we have a peaceful period so people can worship,” the senior official said. “We’re working that through with the Israelis, with the Palestinian Authority, with the Jordanians and others.” “[Ismail] Haniyeh, leader of Hamas, has called for violence over Ramadan. We recognize that this is something that they might very well try to do. It’s always a volatile period… We fully recognize what [Hamas’s] intentions might be,” the official said, referring to the Hamas chief’s recent call for Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem to march to the Temple Mount on the first day of the Islamic holy month. Turning to the State of the Union speech on Thursday night, the senior US official said US President Joe Biden will address Hamas’s “horrific attacks” on October 7 and “Israel’s right to go after Hamas and those responsible.” Biden will also stress “Israel’s fundamental responsibility to protect innocent civilians in Gaza and also to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza,” the official said, noting the added burden faced by the IDF, given that Hamas hides and operates among civilians. The president will also “speak to the plight of the hostages,” highlighting his efforts to broker a truce deal in November that allowed for the release of over 100 hostages. At least one of those freed hostages will be in the gallery for Biden’s speech, along with over a dozen relatives of hostages still in Gaza or of those who have been released. “This is something we are working on constantly, not just to save the lives of the hostages and get them out, but also because this is a path to a ceasefire,” the official said. “A ceasefire… will facilitate and enable the humanitarian surge that we’re working on. That is why [it] is first and foremost on our minds, on the President’s mind. He’ll obviously speak to that tonight,” the official added. The sentiment was echoed earlier Thursday in remarks US Ambassador to Israel Jack Lew made at a security conference in Tel Aviv. “It’s a mistake” to think hostage negotiations have ended. “There are still conversations going on, there is still back and forth, the differences are being narrowed,” he said. “A pause would increase the likelihood of a diplomatic solution in the north. A pause would increase the likelihood of Saudi normalization going forward,” Lew maintained. In order for normalization to happen, however, there must be an “over the horizon” conversation about a Palestinian state, he clarified. If the hostage issue is not resolved, he said, “I don’t know how to put the other pieces in a place where I can get them resolved,” referring to normalization with Arab countries in the region and a diplomatic solution to fighting against Hezbollah. Turning to the “day after” the war, Lew said that the future administration of Gaza is “at the heart of every plan” for the future. “The workforce is going to have to come from the people from the area, many of whom have worked for the Palestinian Authority,” he said. “It’s going to have to be a vetted group of people.” He acknowledged Israelis’ discomfort in talking about a two-state solution, but indicated that the alternative would be unending violence. Later Thursday, US Central Intelligence Agency Director Bill Burns reportedly arrived in Qatar after quietly spending the past day in Egypt, as the Biden administration made what may be a last-ditch attempt to secure a hostage agreement before Ramadan begins at the beginning of next week. The talks appeared to reach an impasse earlier Thursday as a Hamas delegation left Cairo without any breakthrough reported in the talks being brokered by Egypt, Qatar and the US. Burns was not planning to make a stop in Israel during his regional tour, a US official told CNN, adding that there was also not slated to be another four-way meeting in Doha with the intelligence chiefs from the US, Egypt and Israel along with Qatar’s prime minister. CNN said hopes were fading for a deal to be reached before Ramadan but the Walla news site said US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told visiting hostage families in Washington on Wednesday that the US would continue working to secure a deal even after the holy month begins around Monday. Sullivan told the families that the deal on the table was reasonable and that the US would continue to try and put pressure on Hamas via Egypt and Qatar over the weekend, Walla said. An Israeli official told the Ynet news site, though, that Jerusalem’s assessment is that Hamas has made a decision to stonewall and allow the war to continue into Ramadan. Earlier Thursday, Hamas issued a statement saying its delegation had left Cairo, but would continue with Gaza truce talks until an agreement is reached with Israel, blaming Jerusalem for the lack of progress. An official Egyptian source told the country’s Al-Qahera News state-affiliated TV channel that negotiations over a ceasefire in Gaza reached an impasse over Hamas’s demand for a phased process culminating in an end to the war, but said talks will resume next week. Egyptian officials had earlier said that despite the impasse, they did not rule out a deal being reached before the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, which is expected to begin on Sunday and has emerged as an informal deadline. The Egyptian officials said Hamas has agreed on the main terms of such an agreement as a first stage, but wants commitments that it will lead to an eventual, more permanent ceasefire. There was no immediate comment from Israel. Negotiators from Hamas, Qatar and Egypt — but not Israel — have tried this week to secure a six-week ceasefire in time for Ramadan. The deal presented to Hamas for Gaza would free at least some of the hostages the terror group still holds following the October 7 massacre in the first stage. Palestinian prisoners held in Israel would also be released. A source had earlier said Israel was staying away from the Cairo talks because Hamas refused to provide a list of hostages who are still alive. Hamas claims this is impossible without a ceasefire as hostages are scattered across the war zone. Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry said Thursday that the death toll in the Gaza Strip has surpassed 30,800 since October 7, when thousands of Hamas-led terrorists launched a murderous rampage across southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and seizing 253 hostages. Hamas’s figures cannot be verified, do not differentiate between combatants and civilians, and include some 13,000 Hamas terrorists Israel says it has killed in battle since October. Israel also says it killed some 1,000 gunmen inside Israel on October 7. Hamas officials also said Israel had on Thursday returned 47 bodies of Palestinians it killed earlier during the military offensive, through its crossing with the enclave in the southern Gaza Strip. <- Previous Read full article Next -> More Insights 7 Ways Hamas Exploits Palestinian Civilians in Gaza Antisemitism defined: Why opposing the Jewish people's right to self-determination is antisemitic What You Need to Know About Israel’s Humanitarian Aid To Gaza Fatah responds to Hamas criticism of new formation of PA government ‘without consulting Hamas’ Surprise jump in Gazan support for 2-state solution, while still in favor of Oct 7 attack Hamas' Most Horrific Weapon of War: 5 Takeaways from UN Report on Sexual Violence Against Israelis Latest Video Clips The History of Israel This Muslim Israeli Woman Is the Future of the Middle East Natasha Hausdorff responds to the content of the House of Commons Gaza Debate. Its time to face the hard truth that you're being played as a sacrificial fool by terrorists. Peace cannot be achieved with those who desire war and jihad instead. 'Awful Things Happening In Israel Nothing To Do With British Jews'

'No room for denial or disregard': Rape Center compiles detailed report on brutal Oct 7 attacks 21 February 2024 By: i24news Demonstrators protest the crimes and sexual violence against women in the October 7 massacre, outside of United Nations headquarters in New York City. Yakov Binyamin/Flash90 'Hamas chose to harm Israel strategically in two clear ways – kidnapping citizens and committing sadistic sexual crimes' says the ARCCI head A report compiled by the Association of Rape Crisis Centers in Israel (ARCCI) on the systemic and sadistic sexual violence committed during and after the Hamas-led October 7 attack, described as leaving “no room for denial or disregard,” was sent to decision-makers at the United Nations . Based on confidential and public testimonies, eye-witness accounts, as well as interviews with victims, first responders and witnesses, the first in-depth official study analyzed the available evidence to determine that sexual violence occurred “in a systematic manner” on October 7 and later in captivity. The study determined it was not a "mishap" or sporadic cases of bad apples, but evidence pointed to a strategy for systematic, intentional, and extremely cruel sexual abuse that indicated such crimes were committed on a large scale. “The terrorist organization Hamas chose to harm Israel strategically in two clear ways – kidnapping citizens and committing sadistic sexual crimes,” the ARCCI's Executive Director, Orit Sulitzeanu, stated. “Silence will be remembered as a historical stain on those who chose to remain silent and deny the sexual crimes committed by Hamas." "The analysis of the information shows that sexual and gender-based injuries occurred, in a systematic manner, in all types of arenas where the October 7 massacre took place, as well as in captivity," the report stated. Cases from the Supernova musical festival, Kibbutz communities, army bases, and from captivity were provided. Most were killed afterward and some during the act of rape. Whether in a family home or at the music festival, the Hamas-led terrorists forced families and friends to watch their loved ones be raped and sexually assaulted at gunpoint, both women and girls, as well as men and boys. In some cases genitals were mutilated beyond recognition or penetrated with weapons. In at least one case, a knife was found still inside the genital organ of a victim from a Kibbutz. The first report by the ARCCI pointed out its limitations to provide the full numerical extent of sexual violence during and after the Hamas-led attack, due in part to most of the victims being killed and others still in captivity , “making their full extent unknown and possibly unknowable.” “As the scars in our hearts refuse to heal, and the souls of our sisters and brothers cry out to us from the depths of the earth, a significant portion of those we considered partners responded in silence and denial of these horrors,” the report’s authors, Dr. Carmit Klar-Chalamish and Noga Berger, concluded. “We call on you to raise your voices and not allow the cries of these victims to fade away.” <- Previous Read full article Next -> More Insights 7 Ways Hamas Exploits Palestinian Civilians in Gaza Antisemitism defined: Why opposing the Jewish people's right to self-determination is antisemitic What You Need to Know About Israel’s Humanitarian Aid To Gaza Fatah responds to Hamas criticism of new formation of PA government ‘without consulting Hamas’ Surprise jump in Gazan support for 2-state solution, while still in favor of Oct 7 attack Hamas' Most Horrific Weapon of War: 5 Takeaways from UN Report on Sexual Violence Against Israelis Latest Video Clips The History of Israel This Muslim Israeli Woman Is the Future of the Middle East Natasha Hausdorff responds to the content of the House of Commons Gaza Debate. Its time to face the hard truth that you're being played as a sacrificial fool by terrorists. Peace cannot be achieved with those who desire war and jihad instead. 'Awful Things Happening In Israel Nothing To Do With British Jews'

Hostages' family sues Red Cross over ignoring medical needs of captives 21 December 2023 By: i24news According to the lawsuit, the ICRC rejected family's request to transfer medication to Raz Ben Ami, who is reportedly fighting brain tumors. Raz Ben Ami, 57, a German-Israeli hostage who was released after 54 days in Hamas captivity on November 29. Raz was kidnapped along with her husband, Ohad, who remains in Gaza, from their home in Kibbutz Be'eri. During their captivity, the family requested assistance from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in transferring vital medication, as Raz is fighting brain tumors, Israeli media reported. The Ben Amis are now suing the organization that they say rejected their inquiries. According to the lawsuit, the family appealed to the ICRC representatives in Israel, Germany and the United States, but received nothing more than an email wishing them luck "reconnecting with their loved ones." Shurat HaDin, an Israeli civil rights organization, filed a lawsuit in the Jerusalem District Court accusing the ICRC of not standing up to its responsibilities in assisting Hamas hostages, namely by not providing the medication it had on hand. Founder and president of Shurat HaDin, Nitsana Darshan-Leitner, stated: "The International Red Cross is reliving its mistakes of the Holocaust, when it abandoned the Jewish people in its darkest period in history. We cannot accept this disregard and disrespect for human life, just because they are Jewish." "The International Red Cross is simply biased. It operates on a daily basis in Gaza, has no problem accusing Israel of so-called 'violations', while it doesn't care about those that were kidnapped," she added. <- Previous Read full article Next -> More Insights 7 Ways Hamas Exploits Palestinian Civilians in Gaza Antisemitism defined: Why opposing the Jewish people's right to self-determination is antisemitic What You Need to Know About Israel’s Humanitarian Aid To Gaza Fatah responds to Hamas criticism of new formation of PA government ‘without consulting Hamas’ Surprise jump in Gazan support for 2-state solution, while still in favor of Oct 7 attack Hamas' Most Horrific Weapon of War: 5 Takeaways from UN Report on Sexual Violence Against Israelis Latest Video Clips The History of Israel This Muslim Israeli Woman Is the Future of the Middle East Natasha Hausdorff responds to the content of the House of Commons Gaza Debate. Its time to face the hard truth that you're being played as a sacrificial fool by terrorists. Peace cannot be achieved with those who desire war and jihad instead. 'Awful Things Happening In Israel Nothing To Do With British Jews'

What You Need to Know About Israel’s Humanitarian Aid To Gaza 21 March 2024 By: AJC By air, land, and sea. That’s how Israel and its allies have tried to sidestep Hamas terrorists to deliver (as of this publication) more than 303,000 tons of humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians since the Hamas terror attack on Israel that killed over 1,200 people and saw 253 taken hostage. "We are now trying to flood the area with supplies," IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari told reporters on March 13. More than 16,400 trucks have carried aid into Gaza. Additionally, Israel has welcomed the U.S., France, Belgium, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, and Jordan to air-drop more than 1,200 packages of aid, mostly in northern Gaza. And this week, Israel Defense Minister Yoav Gallant fully supported the U.S.-led international initiative to build a temporary seaport on Gaza’s coast to deliver additional aid to the territory. Here's what you need to know about Israel’s efforts to provide humanitarian aid, prevent Hamas from hijacking it, and get it to Gazans who need it most. How much humanitarian aid has been sent to Gaza by the U.S., by Israel, and by other agencies since the start of the war? On October 18, 11 days after Hamas’ murderous terror attack, Israel agreed to allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza from Egypt to mitigate a major humanitarian crisis and save innocent Palestinian lives. Israel also restarted the water supply to southern Gaza to encourage life-saving evacuations southward. Prior to the war, 90 percent of Gaza’s water supply came from the Coastal Aquifer Basin or groundwater wells. The remaining 10% of the water supply came from small-scale desalination units or was purchased from Israel’s national water company, Mekorot. Israel does not impose limits on the amount of aid entering Gaza. All aid entering Gaza undergoes Israeli security screening at either Nitzana or Kerem Shalom Crossings. From there, aid is sent to the Gaza Strip. To date, 303,930 tons of humanitarian aid has been delivered to Gazans on the ground. That includes 203,300 tons of food, 26,160 tons of water, 18,980 tons of medical supplies, 34,580 tons of shelter equipment, 182 tanks of fuel, and 334 tanks of cooking gas. Israel's assessment is there is a stable food supply in the southern Gaza Strip, where markets are evidently bustling, and stocks are piling up in aid agencies' warehouses. Israel is taking proactive measures to expand delivery effort in northern Gaza, where only 10-15% of the Gazan population remains despite evacuation orders. It is important to note that, according to the laws of war, countries are not required to supply their enemies with food, water, electricity, and gasoline, all of which supports the enemy’s capacity to fight. Yet, even during heavy fighting, Israel continues to supply Gaza with electricity, water, food, and medicine despite having endured the most brutal massacre ever to occur on its soil. But for the brutality of the October 7 terror attacks by Hamas, Israel would not have cut off such supplies for a week. When did Israel, the U.S. and other agencies start providing products and services to Gaza? Despite the Hamas terror group’s dedication to Israel’s destruction , Palestinian civilians in Gaza have received help from Israel and its allies since Hamas took over the coastal territory in 2007. Over those years, Israel has facilitated tons of products for daily life, from school supplies and toys to electronic devices and pharmaceuticals for Gazans through its Kerem Shalom Crossing and worked with several international groups to transfer food and other means of support into the territory to about 63% of people in Gaza . Israel also supplied electricity and water when Gaza’s natural aquifer was depleted. Additionally, Israel had granted permits to about 17,000 Gaza residents to enter and work in Israeli communities to relieve the dire humanitarian and economic situation brought on by Hamas control. In addition, the Gaza Strip has been given billions of dollars in humanitarian aid over the last several years - including over $400 million from the U.S. and $1 billion from Qatar. Hamas has diverted much of that humanitarian aid intended for the Palestinian people for its own purposes, including funding its terrorist activities, such as building over 350 miles of terror tunnels and rocket factories . After President Donald Trump cut Palestinian aid in 2018, the Biden administration in 2021 reinstated help for Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, sending more than $360 million that year. At the time, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the aid would be used for “urgent, humanitarian reconstruction assistance for Gaza” after an 11-day war between Israel and Hamas in May 2021. U.S. President Joe Biden also announced during his State of the Union address on March 7, that the U.S. will help facilitate the building of a temporary pier in Gaza that will enable the delivery of aid. The pier will reportedly enable the delivery of 2 million meals daily to Palestinians. The construction of the pier could take as long as 60 days and require about 1,000 U.S. troops, according to the Pentagon. The U.S. soldiers will remain offshore, with Israel facilitating the building of the pier and securing the area. How has Israel ensured that humanitarian aid reaches civilians? Israel and Egypt have maintained strict blockades over Gaza to prevent the smuggling of weapons and monitor the misuse of materials by terror groups. Goods are transferred through specific border crossings, and shipments are closely inspected for security purposes. Still, Israeli security has reported some portion of the aid end up in Hamas’ hands to be distributed according to their priorities. 7 Ways Hamas Exploits Palestinian Civilians in Gaza Since October 21, Israel has facilitated the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip through the Rafah crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip. Every day, the IDF announces pauses in fighting and opens humanitarian corridors for the transfer of aid. In mid-December, Israel reopened the Kerem Shalom Crossing between Israel and the southern Gaza Strip to allow more aid into the territory. And for the first time, Israel recently opened the Karni crossing to facilitate more aid delivery into northern Gaza. Karni was previously closed after Hamas terror attacks in 2011. After dozens of Palestinians were reportedly killed in a stampede as crowds descended on humanitarian aid trucks driven by Egyptians and Gazans, and Israeli soldiers in Gaza City, Israel helped the U.S. and other allies facilitate air-drops at different hours and locations. Meanwhile, as vital infrastructure is being repaired, some 20 bakeries inside Gaza have been providing over 2 million bread loafs, rolls, and pita breads daily for the local population. In addition to the temporary seaport under construction on the coast, a United Arab Emirates floating hospital with 100 beds docked at Egypt’s El-Arish port on Feb. 22 and began treating Gazan patients. Israel has expanded the Jordanian route, adding capacity at the Allenby Crossing for the inspection of humanitarian aid trucks to go straight to Kerem Shalom. Israel will continue to invent new modes of facilitating humanitarian assistance for Gazans, despite the difficulties. After all, it is not a war against the people of Gaza; it is a war against Hamas. <- Previous Read full article Next -> More Insights 7 Ways Hamas Exploits Palestinian Civilians in Gaza Antisemitism defined: Why opposing the Jewish people's right to self-determination is antisemitic What You Need to Know About Israel’s Humanitarian Aid To Gaza Fatah responds to Hamas criticism of new formation of PA government ‘without consulting Hamas’ Surprise jump in Gazan support for 2-state solution, while still in favor of Oct 7 attack Hamas' Most Horrific Weapon of War: 5 Takeaways from UN Report on Sexual Violence Against Israelis Latest Video Clips The History of Israel This Muslim Israeli Woman Is the Future of the Middle East Natasha Hausdorff responds to the content of the House of Commons Gaza Debate. Its time to face the hard truth that you're being played as a sacrificial fool by terrorists. Peace cannot be achieved with those who desire war and jihad instead. 'Awful Things Happening In Israel Nothing To Do With British Jews'

‘The saddest birthday in the world’: Hostage Kfir Bibas turns 1 in Hamas captivity 18 January 2024 By: Times of Israel Thursday, January 18, marks “the saddest birthday in the world,” as redheaded Kfir Bibas turns one-year-old while being held captive in Gaza, said Jimmy Miller, first cousin to Kfir’s mother, Shiri Bibas. The only celebrations taking place will be without the birthday boy, who, along with his 4-year-old brother Ariel, and their parents, Shiri and Yarden, has been held hostage by Hamas in Gaza since they were all abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7. The extended Bibas family and supporters are to gather at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv at 3 p.m. on Thursday, where they will be joined by major Israeli children’s entertainers to help bring attention to the ongoing trauma of the Bibas abduction. <- Previous Read full article Next -> More Insights 7 Ways Hamas Exploits Palestinian Civilians in Gaza Antisemitism defined: Why opposing the Jewish people's right to self-determination is antisemitic What You Need to Know About Israel’s Humanitarian Aid To Gaza Fatah responds to Hamas criticism of new formation of PA government ‘without consulting Hamas’ Surprise jump in Gazan support for 2-state solution, while still in favor of Oct 7 attack Hamas' Most Horrific Weapon of War: 5 Takeaways from UN Report on Sexual Violence Against Israelis Latest Video Clips The History of Israel This Muslim Israeli Woman Is the Future of the Middle East Natasha Hausdorff responds to the content of the House of Commons Gaza Debate. Its time to face the hard truth that you're being played as a sacrificial fool by terrorists. Peace cannot be achieved with those who desire war and jihad instead. 'Awful Things Happening In Israel Nothing To Do With British Jews'

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A Stop Before Rafah Is a Stop Before Victory 23 February 2024 By: The Wall Street Journal Opinion: Hamas can’t be left intact in Gaza to prepare more massacres in Israel. President Biden is feeling the pressure of the 2024 election from the left of his Democratic Party and Michigan voters, who are pushing him to abandon his support for Israel after the Oct. 7 massacre. He has called the current drive in southern Gaza “over the top” and is urging a “temporary cease-fire” that he would like to end in a more permanent cease-fire (“Rafah Is Crucial to a Hamas Defeat ,” Review & Outlook, Feb. 15). Hamas has been squeezed down to the “red zone” in Gaza, with Rafah as its last stronghold. To pause now in fear of civilian casualties, even though Israel does everything to minimize collateral damage, would be to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. It would be comparable to calling for a cease-fire in World War II after the many casualties of the Battle of the Bulge, leaving Hitler, the Wehrmacht and the Third Reich intact rather than pressing on to Berlin. Hamas and its leader, Yahya Sinwar, are on the run. They are hoping to get bailed out with a cease-fire by the U.S., European Union and United Nations, and then rebuild to cause future massacres and mayhem. Mr. Biden can’t let this happen. Fred Ehrman New York Getting the Israeli hostages back and winning the war against Hamas aren’t two separate issues. Israel must destroy Hamas to bring the hostages home. If Israel doesn’t win the war, murdering, kidnapping and blaming the victim for fighting back will become a very effective war strategy. As you aptly point out, “The question is why the Biden administration is cooperating.” Judy Stephenson <- Previous Read full article Next -> More Insights 7 Ways Hamas Exploits Palestinian Civilians in Gaza Antisemitism defined: Why opposing the Jewish people's right to self-determination is antisemitic What You Need to Know About Israel’s Humanitarian Aid To Gaza Fatah responds to Hamas criticism of new formation of PA government ‘without consulting Hamas’ Surprise jump in Gazan support for 2-state solution, while still in favor of Oct 7 attack Hamas' Most Horrific Weapon of War: 5 Takeaways from UN Report on Sexual Violence Against Israelis Latest Video Clips The History of Israel This Muslim Israeli Woman Is the Future of the Middle East Natasha Hausdorff responds to the content of the House of Commons Gaza Debate. Its time to face the hard truth that you're being played as a sacrificial fool by terrorists. Peace cannot be achieved with those who desire war and jihad instead. 'Awful Things Happening In Israel Nothing To Do With British Jews'

We Are Paying The Price For 17 Years Of Hamas Policies; Al-Jazeera TV Wants The Bloodshed To Continue 13 March 2024 By: MEMRI Brussels-Based Palestinian Activist Amjad AbuKoush: We Are Paying The Price For 17 Years Of Hamas Policies; Al-Jazeera TV Wants The Bloodshed To Continue So It Can Garner More Viewers And More 'Likes'; Qatar Has Taken Over Palestinian Decision-Making Brussels-based Palestinian activist Amjad AbuKoush posted a video on his Facebook page on March 7, 2024, in which he voiced severe criticism of Hamas, Al-Jazeera, and Qatar. He said that Palestinians are paying the price for Hamas's policies throughout the past 17 years. AbuKoush said that Hams has declared that this is a "victorious" war for the liberation of Jerusalem, but its maximal demands in its negotiations are that Israel withdraws from Gaza and the Strip is rebuilt, while Israel was not in Gaza prior to the war and the Strip did not need rebuilding then. He added that Hamas gave the "filthiest and lowest occupation in history" a pretext because of their "stupidity." AbuKoush continued to say that both Netanyahu and Hamas have no incentive to reach an agreement. He slammed Hamas for creating a "chasm" with Arab countries, such as Egypt, Syria, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, which cannot be expected to support Hamas now after they were treated poorly by Hamas. AbuKoush said that it seems as though Al-Jazeera does not want the bloodshed to stop. He added that Qatar is a small county that gains its role in the world by appropriating Palestinian decision-making and that the only way to sustain its role is with more Palestinian blood. AbuKoush said: "As Palestinians, we have the right to reject this, we have the right to say: Stop it, you bastards!" Amjad AbuKoush: "Two million 'prisoners' in the Gaza Strip have become cheap commodity in this 'bid' between Netanyahu and the Hamas movement, who use them as a bargaining chip against one another – Netanyahu by killing them, and Hamas by peddling their blood. Nobody cares about them." "When the negotiations end, the Israeli delegation returns to Tel Aviv, which is stable and safe and is not surrounded by the Al-Qassam army, in what some people are trying to portray as a 'war of liberation.' On the other hand, the Hamas delegation returns to Tukey, Qatar, and Lebanon. They do not feel the pains of displacement and hunger. So why would they reach an agreement? Both sides are just waiting to reach their goals. Netanyahu wants to consolidate his rule in Israel, and Hamas wants to consolidate its rule in the Gaza Strip." "Today, we are paying the real price for Hamas's policy throughout 17 years, in which it has lost us the [sympathy] of the entire world. How can we persuade the Egyptian citizens [to support us] after we opposed their revolution, raised the Muslim Brotherhood slogans, and in the shedding of the blood of Egyptian citizens and soldiers – how can we persuade them to support us?" "How can we persuade the Syrian citizens to support us, after having described their number-one murderer, Qasem Soleimani, as the 'martyr of Jerusalem?' How can we persuade the Saudi citizens to support us, after we blessed the Houthis when they bombed Mecca? How can we persuade all these countries [to support us] today?" "Because of Hamas's policy, we have created a real chasm with these countries. How can we persuade Emirati or Bahraini citizens to [support us]? When they traveled to Jerusalem, they were pelted with shoes, for being 'normalizers,' but when a Turkish or Qatari cabinet member would come, they were welcome as Islamic conquerors." "These double standards and this duplicity in rhetoric and in our relations with others – today, we are paying their price." "Over whom does [Hamas] want to rule? Over the rubble in the Gaza Strip? Will it rule over citizens who have turned into ghosts, because of a war that has already lasted more than five months, because of the pretext provided by [Hamas's] stupidity. Hamas presented this as a war for the liberation of Jerusalem, a war that has to do with the liberation of Palestine, and in which Hamas is victorious, but its maximal demands right now are to return to how things were done before the war." "You demand the withdrawal of the Israeli army, but the Israeli army was not in Gaza. You demand reconstruction, but there was no destruction beforehand. And then, they say that now people support Palestine, which is back in the limelight. Seriously? All this bloodshed so that someone in California or in London would chant slogans in our support?" " Then the 'great' Al-Jazeera TV comes along, and says: 'Why isn't the West Bank participating? Where is the West Bank is this war?' It seems that five months of annihilation are not enough for Al-Jazeera TV, in its efforts to garner as much viewers and like-clicks as possible. It seems that they need to be repeated in another Palestinian territory." "It seems that Al-Jazeera TV does not want the bloodshed to stop." "Qatar is a small country that gains its role by appropriating Palestinian decision-making, and by taking custody over the Palestinian blood. It seems that the role played by Qatar can only be sustained with more blood. As Palestinians, we have the right to reject this, we have the right to say: 'Stop it, you bastards!' <- Previous Read full article Next -> More Insights 7 Ways Hamas Exploits Palestinian Civilians in Gaza Antisemitism defined: Why opposing the Jewish people's right to self-determination is antisemitic What You Need to Know About Israel’s Humanitarian Aid To Gaza Fatah responds to Hamas criticism of new formation of PA government ‘without consulting Hamas’ Surprise jump in Gazan support for 2-state solution, while still in favor of Oct 7 attack Hamas' Most Horrific Weapon of War: 5 Takeaways from UN Report on Sexual Violence Against Israelis Latest Video Clips The History of Israel This Muslim Israeli Woman Is the Future of the Middle East Natasha Hausdorff responds to the content of the House of Commons Gaza Debate. Its time to face the hard truth that you're being played as a sacrificial fool by terrorists. Peace cannot be achieved with those who desire war and jihad instead. 'Awful Things Happening In Israel Nothing To Do With British Jews'

New details emerge of UNRWA employees accused of participating in Oct. 7 massacre 29 January 2024 By: i24 News The report reveals parts of the intelligence dossier provided by Israel proving the connection between the UN employees and their involvement in the attack. A school counselor accused of being a hostage taker. A social worker accused of distributing ammunition. Both of them were employees of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), and are among 12 people accused of working for the UN agency for Palestinians who allegedly took part in the October 7 massacre. According to the intelligence dossier detailing the allegations obtained by several media outlets, at least 12 UNRWA employees were had to do with the October 7 attack, while around 10% of Palestinian aid agency’s 12,000 staff in Gaza has links to "Islamist militant groups," said The Wall Street Journal . Meanwhile, the report by The New York Times suggested that Israeli intelligence services were able to determine the UNRWA workers' participation in the attack by tracking their phones, which appeared to have been used within Israel on that day. The report, published late Sunday, added that Israel also tracked phone calls within Gaza in which the suspects discussed their involvement in the Hamas attack. Additionally, three people are said to have received "text messages ordering them to report to muster points" on October 7, and one person is said to have been instructed to "bring rocket-propelled grenades stored at his home." The report provides examples of some of the most detailed accusations, including a school counselor from Khan Younis in southern Gaza who is "accused of working with his son to abduct a woman from Israel." Another suspect is described as a "social worker from Nuseirat in central Gaza is accused of helping to bring the body of a dead Israeli soldier to Gaza, as well as distributing ammunition and coordinating vehicles on the day of the attack." The UNRWA workers were accused of helping Hamas to stage and perpetrate the October 7 attack that killed 1,200 people in Israel and set off the war in Gaza. The allegations resulted in the United Nations (UN) firing at least nine of the 12 accused employees, while a number of countries , including the United States and the European Union (EU), suspended their funding for the agency amid the accusations, despite the severe humanitarian situation within the enclave. UN Secretary General António Guterres on Sunday said he was "horrified by these accusations." He added that the UNRWA services might need to be reduced beginning in February as a result of budget shortfalls. The agency’s commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini on Saturday defended UNRWA's mission, stating that that “it would be immensely irresponsible to sanction an agency and an entire community it serves because of allegations of criminal acts against some individuals, especially at a time of war, displacement and political crises in the region." "The lives of people in Gaza depend on this support, and so does regional stability,” added Lazzarini. The NYT report noted that Israeli officials on Sunday expressed their concerns "about whether their accusations might in the end make their own position more difficult, according to three officials involved in the discussion." Relevant links: ‘UNRWA has perpetuated the refugee reality rather than prepare the ground for the recognition of Israel’ Vice President of @JISS_Israel ,@EranLerman , examines the future prospects for Gaza after Western countries defund UNRWA due to its involvement in the October 7th massacre (Go to video ) UNRWA has become an indistinguishable arm of Hamas and an incubator for relentless antisemitism and incitement. Its staff even participated in the Oct 7 massacre. #defundUNRWA now and abolish it altogether once and for all." (Go to Video ) <- Previous Read full article Next -> More Insights 7 Ways Hamas Exploits Palestinian Civilians in Gaza Antisemitism defined: Why opposing the Jewish people's right to self-determination is antisemitic What You Need to Know About Israel’s Humanitarian Aid To Gaza Fatah responds to Hamas criticism of new formation of PA government ‘without consulting Hamas’ Surprise jump in Gazan support for 2-state solution, while still in favor of Oct 7 attack Hamas' Most Horrific Weapon of War: 5 Takeaways from UN Report on Sexual Violence Against Israelis Latest Video Clips The History of Israel This Muslim Israeli Woman Is the Future of the Middle East Natasha Hausdorff responds to the content of the House of Commons Gaza Debate. Its time to face the hard truth that you're being played as a sacrificial fool by terrorists. Peace cannot be achieved with those who desire war and jihad instead. 'Awful Things Happening In Israel Nothing To Do With British Jews'