Caged cells, mattresses, child's drawings found in Khan Younis tunnel 21 January 2024 By: ynet Accessed from inside a home, tunnel suffocating and humid, tunnel believed to hold 20 hostages at various times is booby trapped in anticipation of troopsץ The IDF revealed an 830 meter-long (half a mile) and 20 meters-deep (nearly 22 yards) tunnel in Khan Younis where hostages had been held. Hamas had left booby traps and obstacles in anticipation of the troops and it contained blast proof doors. In their search of the tunnel, the troops encountered terrorists and engaged in a firefight but when the troops entered it, they discovered the terrible conditions in which Hamas had imprisoned the captives. The tunnel was uncovered in the center of residential Khan Younis and is accessed from inside the home of a Hamas terrorists. Military intelligence estimates the cost of building the tunnel to be in the millions of shekels, and believe it is part of an underground maze of tunnels dug by Hamas beneath the city. Troops found drawings made by six-year old hostage Emilia Aloni, who was freed in November after being held for 54 days. "We saw five caged cells where we believe up to 20 hostages were held at various times, without any daylight, hardly any air, a lack of oxygen and terrible humidity," the IDF Spokesperson said. Some of those held there had been released while others are still held captive by Hamas and were moved elsewhere. Images from the tunnel show what appears to be a hot water heater, electrical infrastructure, mattresses on the floor, blankets, fan, water bottles, trash and a what appears to be a kitchenette with a sink and some dishes, including pots, pans and plates. There was also canned food, cooking oil and cleaning detergents. In one of the compartments, behind bars, was a matrass and behind it a toilet and sink and a bottle of orange soda thrown on the floor. In another image, what appear to be clothes are seen, likely used by hostages. <- 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'

'Unprecedented' 337% surge in antisemitic incidents in U.S. - report 13 December 2023 By: i24news Anti-Defamation League reports over 2,000 incidents across the United States since October 7 An advocacy group Anti-Defamation League (ADL) on Tuesday published a report indicating "unprecedented" increase in antisemitic incidents across the United States since the start of Israel's war against Hamas. The ADL counted 2,031 antisemitic incidents that occurred between October 7 and December 7. "This includes 40 incidents of physical assault, 337 incidents of vandalism, 749 incidents of verbal or written harassment and 905 rallies including antisemitic rhetoric, expressions of support for terrorism against the state of Israel and/or anti-Zionism," read the report. According to the ADL's calculations, on average, Jews in America "experienced nearly 34 antisemitic incidents per day." The ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt stated: "The lid to the sewers is off, and Jewish communities all across the country are being inundated with hate." He added that "public officials and college leaders must turn down the temperature and take clear action to show this behavior is unacceptable to prevent more violence," referencing the antisemitic controversy that has been taking place at the American universities. The ADL says it recorded a total of 400 antisemitic incidents at university campuses, compared to 33 incidents during the same period last year. The report also mentioned the fatality that occurred at the pro-Israeli protest in Los Angeles, California. Additionally, according to the ADL, "there were about 250 antisemitic incidents that specifically targeted Jewish institutions such as synagogues and campus Hillels." Greenblatt said that vandalism of Jewish businesses "isn't political protest – it's antisemitism and it’s criminal." He added that "boycotts have historically targeted the Jewish community at times of crisis, and it’s alarming that it’s happening again now." U.S. President Joe Biden, during a White House Hanukkah reception earlier on Monday, called the rise of antisemitism in the U.S. and globally is "sickening." He said: "There is no place for hate in America." <- 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'

Medicine and aid for Palestinians and hostages arrives in Gaza, Qatar foreign ministry says 17 January 2024 By: CNN Medicine and aid for Palestinians and the Israeli hostages have entered the Gaza Strip, according to Dr. Majed Al-Ansari, a spokesperson for the Qatari foreign ministry. "Over the past few hours, medicine & aid entered the Gaza Strip, in implementation of the agreement announced yesterday for the benefit of civilians in the Strip, including hostages. Qatar, along with its regional and international partners, continues mediation efforts at the political and humanitarian levels," Al-Ansari wrote on X, formerly Twitter, late Wednesday. Two Qatari Armed Forces aircraft carrying 61 tons of aid — including food and medicine —arrived in El Arish, Egypt, earlier Wednesday. The aid was provided by Qatar and France, according to Qatar's Foreign Ministry. Ansari said Wednesday Qatar and its regional and international partners are continuing mediation efforts at the political and humanitarian levels after the aid arrived in Gaza. The aid arrives after Qatar announced on Tuesday it brokered a deal between Israel and Hamas to allow medication into Gaza for Palestinians and Israeli hostages. France also took part in helping with the Qatari-led mediation, Qatar's foreign ministry has said. <- 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'

10 Things to Know About the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) 11 January 2024 By: FDD The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) was established in 1949 to serve Palestinian refugees displaced during Israel’s War of Independence. UNRWA continues to operate in the Gaza Strip, West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan nearly 75 years later. The United States has contributed over $1 billion to UNRWA since 2021 even though the agency provides cover for terrorist activity and perpetuates the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. 1. UNRWA perpetuates the Palestinian refugee problem The United Nations (UN) treats Palestinian refugees differently than refugees from every other conflict or circumstance. Specifically, UNRWA automatically registers the descendants of Palestinian refugees in perpetuity, which has led to explosive growth in its official number of clients. From an original number of around 700,000 refugees, there are now 5.9 million Palestinians registered with UNRWA, even though the vast majority did not flee the conflict. In 2021, then Secretary of State Mike Pompeo stated that fewer than 5 percent of UNRWA-registered “refugees” meet the criteria for the designation that the UN applies to refugees from other conflicts. By growing the refugee population and promoting Palestinian claims to Israeli land, UNRWA perpetuates and exacerbates the conflict. 2. UNRWA is a bloated agency with no authority to meaningfully solve the refugee issue With the exception of Palestinian refugees, all other refugees in the world fall under the responsibility of the United Nations Refugee Agency (also known as UNHCR), which has a mandate to assist refugees in “repatriation and resettlement” and “assimilation with new national communities.” The UN Refugee Agency has a staff of 18,000 to serve over 100 million people. By contrast, UNRWA employs 30,000 staff to service 5.9 million Palestinians. UNRWA admits that it “does not have a mandate to resettle Palestine refugees and has no authority to seek lasting durable solutions for refugees.” 3. Neighboring governments refused to resettle Arab refugees after Israel’s War of Independence Both Jews and Arabs fled their homes during and after Israel’s 1948 War of Independence. Following the war, Israel absorbed hundreds of thousands of Jewish refugees from Arab states who faced persecution and expulsion. However, due to the challenges of resettlement and the benefits of wielding the refugees as a future weapon against Israel, these same Arab states did not resettle a similar number of displaced Arabs. In 1949, the United Nations established UNRWA to serve Palestinian refugees. Although most of UNRWA’s original beneficiaries are no longer alive, the agency continues to operate in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon. 4. UNRWA does not recognize Hamas as a terrorist organization In 1997, the United States designated Hamas as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, freezing its U.S.-based assets, barring members from entering the country, and banning the provision of “material support or resources.” Other countries and international entities that have designated Hamas as a terrorist organization include Australia, Canada, the European Union, Japan, Israel, the Organization of American States, Paraguay, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. However, UNRWA follows the guidelines of the United Nations Security Council Consolidated List of terrorist groups and individuals, which does not include Hamas. As such, the agency has a history of hiring Hamas affiliates. U.S. law forbids American funding for UNRWA to be used for “furnishing assistance” to terrorists, but there is no way to enforce this provision. 5. By delivering basic services, UNRWA frees up money for Hamas to spend on terrorism Despite the poverty experienced by Gaza residents, Hamas spends over half of its budget on military needs and diverts humanitarian resources to its terrorist purposes and the pockets of its senior leadership. By picking up the civilian tab, UNRWA frees up Hamas resources for terror operations. A Hamas official admitted as such on October 30, explaining that Hamas built hundreds of kilometers of tunnels to protect its fighters, while “it is the responsibility of the United Nations to protect [civilians].” Following the 2014 Gaza war, former Israeli National Security Advisor Maj. Gen. Yaakov Amidror explained that “when you look at what Hamas did with all the cement and the materials that went into Gaza for ‘building,’ and you see that most went on the tunnels, you understand that from their point of view the civilian side is not important.” 6. UNRWA schools radicalize Palestinian children The curriculum taught in UNRWA schools denies Israel’s legitimacy, incites antisemitism, and encourages violence and jihad. In a study published after the massacre of October 7, IMPACT-se — a research and policy organization that monitors education around the world — documented statements from more than a dozen UNRWA employees who publicly praised the atrocities. For example, as posted on the school’s official Facebook page on October 26, a teacher led elementary students in prayer to support the jihad warriors against the enemies of religion, i.e., Israel. IMPACT-se also identified more than 100 UNRWA employees who promoted hatred and violence on social media prior to the attack. 7. Hamas manipulates UNRWA’s Gaza operations Hamas has built tunnels underneath UNRWA schools in Gaza for years, using students as human shields. On November 8, Israeli forces destroyed a Hamas terror tunnel adjacent to an UNRWA-administered school in the Gaza Strip. Further, the group stores rockets inside UNRWA schools and uses school grounds as launchpads for attacks. UNRWA leadership also clamps down on employees whose statements reflect well on Israel or poorly on Hamas. For example, UNRWA recalled its Gaza chief in 2021 after he publicly acknowledged that Israel carried out “precise” and “sophisticated” strikes in order to avoid civilian casualties. Similarly, just weeks after the October 7 massacre, UNRWA reported Hamas officials were removing fuel and medical equipment from an UNRWA facility in Gaza City. Yet the agency quickly deleted the information, likely under pressure from Hamas authorities. 8. UNRWA facilities provide a haven for violence outside the Gaza Strip Violence erupted in an UNRWA refugee camp in southeast Lebanon in July 2023 when tit-for-tat shootings killed an Islamist militant and five members of Hamas’s main rival, Fatah. Fatah is a major Palestinian political party led by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. Bloody street battles continued into August, killing 13 Palestinians and displacing an additional 2,000. UNRWA’s Jenin Camp in the West Bank is also a locus of terrorism, frequented by Palestinian Islamic Jihad and other local armed groups. 9. UNRWA management has a history of scandal Reports surfaced in 2019 of “credible and corroborated” corruption allegations against senior UNRWA personnel. In an internal review that leaked to the press, UNRWA detailed “sexual misconduct, nepotism, retaliation, discrimination, and other abuses of authority” among its top brass. UNRWA Commissioner-General Pierre Krahenbuhl resigned in the aftermath of an internal investigation. The scandal prompted Switzerland, Belgium, and the Netherlands to suspend their funding. UNRWA has no board of directors to ensure accountability and prevent corruption within the agency. Krahenbuhl won appointment last month as global head of the Red Cross, another indicator of impunity. 10. The United States has contributed over $7 billion to UNRWA Between 1950 and 2018, U.S. taxpayers contributed about $6 billion to UNRWA. The United States cut funding to UNRWA in 2018 at the direction of President Donald Trump, labeling the agency “irredeemably flawed.” President Joe Biden unconditionally resumed funding UNRWA in 2021, delivering $1 billion over three years, making the United States once again UNRWA’s single largest donor. <- 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'