Israel has been continuing its attacks on Gaza since October 7, killing countless people in the process. While air attacks against civilians cause a sensation around the world, the Israeli army struck schools, hospitals and ambulances last night. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken visited Israel for the third time yesterday. Blinken called here to stop the war and provide humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu told Blinken that a ceasefire would only be achieved if the hostages were released. “I told Blinken that we will continue to use military force and will not accept a ceasefire until the hostages are released,” Netanyahu said.
“A truce agreement is not the right word.”
Speaking with CNN International and their assessment of the targeting of the Sibaliya refugee camp in Gaza, US officials stated that Tel Aviv was very “direct” in its communications with Israel. Speaking about a possible ceasefire, a diplomat who requested to remain anonymous said: “Hamas has taken more than 200 people hostage.” “Most of them, including their leaders, are hiding in the tunnels. Ceasefire is not a word that can be used at this stage,” he said. The official also reminded that Israel has the right to defend itself, but noted that the Israeli army must act in accordance with international law.
In continuation of the news, the official indicated that contacts are continuing to release the hostages, and gave the example of two people who were released two weeks ago, but he stated that it is “difficult” to release all the hostages, whose number exceeds 240.
The American press leaked it
The same American diplomats said that Israel will reduce its air attacks starting next week and the ground operation will come to the fore. With this step, the Israeli army will begin clearing Hamas’s extensive and complex tunnel network.
Gaza Metro
Gaza, where 2.3 million Palestinians live, is like an underground city. While the dense network of tunnels extends from Egypt to Israel, Hamas forces carry out weapons, operations, and logistical activities in these tunnels. While some tunnels extend as deep as 40 meters underground, Hamas forces could quickly change positions here in the event of a potential ground operation and put Israel in a difficult position.
According to France 24, the last time Israel bombed these tunnels was in 2021, but there is a high probability that there are still tunnels that are still secret. Images that recently appeared confirmed these analyses. Footage published by Hamas showed fighters emerging from the tunnels and striking Israeli army tanks.
(Tags for translation)Israel