New findings on Hamas tunnels presented
The Israeli military has published new information about the Islamist Hamas’ extensive tunnel system in the northern Gaza Strip. The army announced on Wednesday that Palestine Square in the center of Gaza city plays a crucial role. From there, “offices and apartments of the Hamas political and military leadership” would have been accessible underground. The information could not initially be independently verified. On Sunday, the army announced the opening of a network of tunnels in the north.
Following the takeover of an area in Gaza city, further details of the “strategic tunnel route” were revealed, it said on Wednesday. In addition to stairs, elevators also made it possible to descend into the underground system. In some cases food, water and electrical infrastructure were found. “In this way, Hamas terrorists were able to escape and remain in their hideouts for a longer period of time,” the report said.
The tunnel network was allegedly used by the organization’s senior officials, Ismail Haniya, Jihia Sinwar, Mohammed Deif and others, “to control Hamas’s operational activities.” This information also could not be independently verified.
Netanyahu: “We will continue the war until the end”
While international criticism of the Gaza war continues to grow given the numerous civilian casualties, the Israeli government leader is ruling out an early end to the military offensive against Hamas. ‘We will continue the war to the end. “It will continue until Hamas is eliminated – until victory,” Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video message on Wednesday.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, meanwhile, called for “more targeted” military operations. “We expect and want to see a shift to more targeted operations with a smaller number of forces that are really focused on the Hamas leadership, the tunnel network (…),” Blinken said in Washington. The number of civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip will also decrease.
The Gaza war was sparked by the worst massacre in Israel’s history, which Hamas terrorists and other extremist groups carried out in Israel on October 7. Israel responded with massive airstrikes and launched a ground offensive in late October. Given the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the closed coastal area, Israel has recently come under increasing international pressure. According to the Islamist Hamas, at least 20,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip since the start of the war.
Netanyahu: “All Hamas terrorists are doomed to die”
The Israeli prime minister reiterated that the army would only stop fighting once Israel has achieved its war goals. “Anyone who believes that we will stop is far from reality,” Netanyahu said. Israel will not give up until all objectives are achieved. These are “the elimination of Hamas, the release of our hostages and the elimination of the threat from the Gaza Strip.” Hamas terrorists have only two options: “Surrender or die,” Netanyahu continued.
The US is also calling for an international response to Hamas’ actions
In view of the global criticism of the actions of the Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip, the US also demanded clearer words from the international community about the actions of the Islamist Hamas. “What strikes me is that we keep hearing how many countries are pushing for an end to this conflict, which we would all like to see,” said US Secretary of State Blinken. But: “I hardly hear anyone demanding that Hamas stop hiding behind civilians. That they lay down their weapons, that they surrender.” The Gaza war cannot end if Hamas terrorists remain in place and declare their intention to repeat the October 7 attacks. “This is not in Israel’s interest .It’s not in the best interest of the region. It’s not in the best interest of the world.”
Houthi leader warns US of new theater of war in Red Sea
The leader of the Iran-backed Houthi militias warned the US against turning the Red Sea into a new battleground. If the US were to send soldiers to Yemen, they would face something worse than in Afghanistan and Vietnam, Abdel-Malik al-Houthi said. He also warned other countries against joining the military coalition formed by the US. The Houthi militias announced that they would continue to carry out attacks on ships belonging to or supporting Israel.
For his part, Israeli Defense Minister Joav Gallant warned the Houthi rebels against further attacks. “We are preparing – the troops here are ready for any mission and any command,” he said. In a telephone conversation with Secretary of State Annalena Baerbock and his counterparts in France and Britain, Catherine Colonna and David Cameron, US Secretary of State Blinken called for cooperation among all partners to ensure the safety of shipping in the Red Sea to ensure.
Israeli military strikes on targets in Lebanon and Syria
According to the army, the Israeli air force has again attacked positions of the Shiite militia Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. The army said Hezbollah’s “terrorist infrastructure” and military facilities had been hit. After renewed rocket fire, targets in Syria were also attacked. Accordingly, the launch sites of the four missiles and a Syrian military post were attacked.
What will be important on Thursday
The UN Security Council wants to vote on a resolution to ease the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. The text introduced by the United Arab Emirates calls, among other things, for a suspension of violence to allow increased humanitarian aid deliveries to more than a million Palestinians in need. The vote had already been postponed several times: members of the 15-member Security Council have been trying for days to prevent a threatened veto from Israel’s ally, the US. (sda/dpa)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
