Dec. 17: Israel said to let Hamas pick next hostages to be freed in talks on new ceasefire

Father of slain hostage says IDF murdered him; calls for him to be recognized as fallen soldier

Avi Shamriz, father of hostage Alon Shamriz who was shot in error by IDF troops on December 15, in northern Gaza, speaks to Channel 12 news on December 17, 2023. (Screenshot used in accordance with clause 27a of the copyright law)

The father of Alon Shamriz, one of three hostages who was mistakenly killed Friday by IDF troops in northern Gaza’s Shejaiya neighborhood, implores the army to recognize his son as a fallen soldier.

Speaking with Channel 12 news, Avi Shamriz says the family requested such a designation, but were rejected earlier today.

“We were supposed to embrace him today and not mourn,” he says in an interview after the funeral.

Shamriz recalls being told “more than once” that his son Alon likely led Yotam Haim and Samar Fouad Talalka, the other slain hostages, in their effort to reach safety.

The IDF has said that it believes the three of them “fled or were abandoned by the terrorists who held them captive,” as Israeli forces closed in, and noted that troops had not encountered any civilians in the war-torn area of the Strip in quite some time.

“Among the three, he was a fighter; he was familiar with the Hamas tunnels from his military service,” Shamriz says. “There’s no doubt that he’s the mastermind and the person who executed the plan to get his friends out.”

“He behaved like a soldier, and experienced Hamas captivity, which wasn’t easy. I know he made sure to plan the escape, I have no doubt about it.”

Alon Lulu Shamriz, who was abducted from Kibbutz Kfar Aza on October 7, 2023, and was killed mistakenly by IDF troops in Gaza on December 15, 2023. (Courtesy)

The father also denounces the soldier who first shot at the hostages, saying he had a sniper rifle with a telescopic sight.

“It was clear that he knew who he was dealing with,” Avi Shamriz asserts.

This photo released by the Israel Defense Forces on December 17, 2023, shows a sign reading “Help, 3 hostages,” that was put up in Gaza by three Israeli hostages who were later mistakenly killed by troops. (Israel Defense Forces)

He says the “SOS” and “Help, 3 hostages” signs that the hostages put up to attract the IDF’s attention were written by his son: “I recognize his handwriting,” Shamriz also tells Channel 13.

He says the prime minister has not spoken to him, but that Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and war cabinet minister Gadi Eisenkot did. Eisenkot was “much more empathetic” than Gallant, he says, but also that Gallant took the family’s anger and criticism “like a man.”

“Today should have been a day of celebration,” he says, “and a mark of honor for the IDF — that the IDF freed three hostages. But what happened, bottom line: The IDF abandoned my son on October 7, and the IDF murdered my son on December 14. That’s what happened. That’s what the defense minister heard from me.”

Army says it hit Hezbollah site in Lebanon, cell readying to fire anti-tank missile

The IDF says it struck a Hezbollah site in southern Lebanon and an anti-tank missile squad preparing to carry out an attack near Yir’on.

The attack in the Hezbollah sites comes in response to earlier rocket and missile attacks from Lebanon on northern Israel.

מטוס קרב של חיל-האוויר תקף לפני זמן קצר תשתית טרור של ארגון הטרור חיזבאללה בשטח לבנון.

בנוסף כלי-טיס של חיל-האוויר תקף חוליית מחבלים שניסתה לשגר טיל נ"ט לשטח ישראל במרחב ירון. pic.twitter.com/vErbjj6wyS

— Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) December 17, 2023

Pentagon chief to reportedly declare new maritime protection force for Red Sea

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin makes remarks at a virtual Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) meeting, at the Pentagon in Washington, November 22, 2023. (Cliff Owen/AP)

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will announce a new maritime protection force during his visit to the Middle East, according to British newspaper the Guardian, after repeated attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen on commercial ships traversing the Red Sea.

The report says the naval task force will initially be called Operation Prosperity Guardian and work to ensure the Red Sea is safe for shipping.

The expected mission will be modeled on a joint US-led maritime force based in Bahrain, where Austin touched down this evening. He is also due to visit Israel and Qatar while in the region.

Wheels down in Manama 🇧🇭 for visits this week with Israel, Bahrain, and Qatar. I’ll also spend time with some of our U.S. military members in the region to thank them for their service to our nation. pic.twitter.com/knXCUK4o8U

— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) December 17, 2023

Netanyahu griping about name ‘Swords of Iron’ for war, is pushing to change it — TV

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu leads a cabinet meeting at the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv on December 17, 2023. (Miriam Alster/Flash90)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu does not like the army’s official name for the ongoing war in Gaza and is pushing to change it, the Kan public broadcaster reports.

Netanyahu reportedly complained to ministers today about the name “Swords of Iron,” saying it’s fitting for a military operation but not a war, and is instead pushing “War of Genesis,” “Gaza War,” and “Simchat Torah War.”

Syria says two soldiers hurt, ‘material losses’ caused by alleged Israeli strike

Syria’s state-run SANA broadcaster says two Syrian soldiers are wounded and there are “material losses,” following an alleged Israeli airstrike on sites near the capital Damascus this evening.

Citing a military source, SANA says air defenses shot down several of the missiles fired by Israeli fighter jets from over the Golan Heights.

Released hostage quoted telling ministers: Don’t send soldiers into tunnels; it’s a colossal danger

Representatives of Israeli hostages meet with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and war cabinet minister Benny Gantz in Tel Aviv on December 16, 2023. (Channel 12 screenshot; used in accordance with clause 27a of the Copyright Law)

Channel 12 reports what it says are excerpts from a meeting held last night by Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and fellow war cabinet minister Benny Gantz with a small group that included released hostages and relatives of hostages still in Gaza.

The participants urged the ministers to present an Israeli initiative for another hostage release deal.

An unnamed released hostage is quoted saying to the ministers: “There’s no time. Every passing day is terrifying. You have no idea what kind of monsters we are dealing with. If they’re feeling threatened, they will use the captives. They scared us that the IDF would use the Hannibal Directive on civilians, and therefore we were scared when the [IDF] bombings were close. They were so close that we begged them to take us [from the building in which we were held] into the tunnels [for safety], and at one stage they did.

“Don’t go into the tunnels. They are moving around in there in vast numbers. It’s a colossal danger to soldiers and to hostages.”

Gantz replies: “The issue of the hostages has priority. I won’t stay in a place [i.e., in the coalition] where there is a possibility to get something done [in terms of releasing hostages] and it’s not done. First, the hostages have to be returned. We’ll have a lifetime to battle Hamas.”

Another participant says: “[Hamas’s Gaza chief Yahya] Sinwar is of no interest.”

Gantz: “We won’t be able to wipe out the idea [of Hamas] except with another, better idea. It’s a long process. Sinwar has entered the pantheon of Islam, as the third warrior. And after him there will be others… But he’s not the story. The story is also to eliminate the idea.”

Another participant: “Why don’t you present a framework [for a deal on further hostage releases]?”

Gantz: “That’s certainly something that we could do.”

Gallant: “There was no framework of ‘all for all’ [as in, all hostages freed in exchange for all Palestinian security prisoners]. There’s a leadership there that has no consideration for its civilians. Its goal is to break Israeli society. I’m prepared to give a lot, but I won’t discuss it publicly…”

Syrian state media reports Israeli strikes in Damascus area

State media reports that Syrian air defense systems are engaging “enemy targets” in the Damascus area, indicating that Israel is carrying out strikes around Syria’s capital.

Israel said to let Hamas choose next hostages to be freed, in negotiations on new ceasefire

Egyptian security sources tell Reuters that both Israel and Hamas are open to a new ceasefire agreement that would include the release of hostages held by the Gaza-ruling terror group.

The sources say that Egypt and Qatar demanded that aid shipments be expedited and that Israel reopen the Kerem Shalom crossing with Gaza as conditions for restarting negotiations. The first humanitarian convoy entered Gaza through Kerem Shalom earlier today.

The sources also say that Hamas is insisting on unilaterally deciding the next hostages to be freed and wants Israeli troops to withdraw to pre-set lines. According to the sources, Israel rejected the latter term, and demanded to see the list of hostages before the time and duration of the ceasefire are determined.

“While Israel agreed on Hamas setting the list, the sources said it demanded a timeline and to see the list before setting the time and duration of the ceasefire,” Reuters reports.

Mossad chief said slated to meet with Qatari PM for further talks on new hostage deal

Mossad director David Barnea speaks at a conference at Reichman University, on September 10, 2023. (Avshalom Sassoni/ Flash90)

Mossad chief David Barnea will travel again to Europe in the coming days for talks with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani about a potential hostage deal with Hamas, according to Hebrew media reports.

The reports say Barnea will be accompanied by Maj. Gen. (res.) Nitzan Alon, who is commanding intelligence efforts to find the abductees.

IDF shows ‘SOS’ and ‘Help’ signs that hostages killed by troops put on Gaza building

This photo released by the Israel Defense Forces on December 17, 2023, shows signs reading 'SOS' and 'Help, 3 hostages,' that were put up in Gaza by three Israeli hostages who were later mistakenly killed by IDF troops. (Israel Defense Forces)

The IDF publishes photos showing signs left behind by the three hostages who were mistakenly killed by troops in Gaza City’s Shejaiya neighborhood on Friday, on a nearby building.

According to the IDF, the signs reading “SOS” and “Help, 3 hostages” were written on fabric using leftover food.

The building with the signs, a few hundred meters away from Friday’s incident and discovered by troops on Wednesday, was initially dismissed as potentially booby-trapped by Hamas, as the terror group has attempted to lure soldiers into traps in the area in recent days.

This photo released by the Israel Defense Forces on December 17, 2023, shows a sign reading, ‘Help, 3 hostages,’ that was put up in Gaza by three Israeli hostages who were later mistakenly killed by troops. (Israel Defense Forces)

The IDF says that according to an initial investigation, the three hostages, Yotam Haim, Samar Talalka, and Alon Lulu Shamriz, were in that building for some of the time, after they escaped Hamas captivity or were abandoned by their captors.

IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari says the military is investigating another building the three hostages may have stayed in.

On Friday, the trio approached soldiers while shirtless and waving a white flag, but were killed by soldiers who mistakenly identified them as a threat and opened fire against regulations.

(From L-R) Hostages Yotam Haim, Samar Talalka and Alon Lulu Shamriz, who were killed mistakenly by IDF troops in Gaza on December 15, 2023. (Courtesy)

Video shows Hamas commander Muhammed Sinwar riding in car through Gaza tunnel

A screenshot of an undated video released by the Israel Defense Forces on December 17, 2023, shows Hamas commander Muhammed Sinwar riding in a car traveling through a tunnel under the Gaza Strip. (Screenshot, X: Used in accordance with Clause 27a of the Copyright Law)

The IDF releases footage obtained from the Gaza Strip showing senior Hamas commander Muhammed Sinwar, the brother of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, in a car driving through a major tunnel revealed earlier today by the military.

According to the IDF, the construction of the major tunnel network that was uncovered near the Erez border crossing was led by Muhammed Sinwar.

It is the largest-ever Hamas attack tunnel discovered by the military.

The IDF reveals footage obtained from the Gaza Strip showing senior Hamas commander Muhammed Sinwar, the brother of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, in a car driving through the major tunnel revealed earlier today by the military. pic.twitter.com/PPr0jOSKSp

— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) December 17, 2023

After mistaken killing of hostages, Halevi says IDF ‘doesn’t shoot a person who raises his hands’

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi speaks to troops of the 99th Division in the Gaza Strip, December 17, 2023. (Israel Defense Forces)

Speaking to troops of the 99th Division in the Gaza Strip, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi says, “hopefully we will have another opportunity for hostages to come to us and we will do the right thing,” days after soldiers shot mistakenly three hostages dead in Gaza City’s Shejaiya neighborhood.

“I tell you in a very simple way, the incident is very difficult and painful, and no one will come and say otherwise,” Halevi says to the soldiers.

“I’m telling you that this is an incident that very easily could have not happened,” he says.

“And think, why did we maneuver [in Gaza]? We have set three goals, to dismantle Hamas, to restore security to the residents of the [border communities]… and the third mission is to recover the hostages,” Halevi says.

“You see two people, they have their hands up and no shirts, take two seconds,” he says to the soldiers, referring to Friday’s tragic incident, where all three hostages were shirtless and one was waving a white flag.

“And I want to tell you something no less important, what if it is two Gazans with a white flag who come out to surrender, do we shoot at them? Absolutely not. Absolutely not,” Halevi says.

“Even those who fought and now put down their weapons and raise their hands, we capture them, we don’t shoot them. We extract a lot of intelligence from the prisoners we have, we have over a thousand already,” he tells the soldiers.

Halevi says, “We don’t shoot them because the IDF doesn’t shoot a person who raises his hands. This is a strength, not a weakness.”

Freed hostage Yarden Roman-Gat says fear of rape in captivity is ‘never off your mind’

Freed hostage Yarden Roman-Gat (second left) and family members arrive for a meeting with members of the war cabinet, in Herzliya, December 5, 2023. (Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)

Freed hostage Yarden Roman-Gat describes the fears she had during her time in Hamas captivity in an interview with CBS’s “60 Minutes,” slated to air in full this evening.

“As a woman, the fear of getting raped or the variety of the acts, could never get off your mind, never, it’s just not an option because as long as you’re there, you’re hopeless, you have no protection, you cannot object to anything, it could cost you your life,” she tells the interviewer.

“And that fear was not as extreme the whole time, but it will never go away. It’s always there,” she continues.

Yarden Roman-Gat, one of the Israelis taken hostage by Hamas during the Oct. 7 attacks and held for nearly two months, shares her experience: "You're hopeless. You have no protection. You cannot object to anything, it could cost you your life."

Hear more on tonight's @60Minutes pic.twitter.com/L8uN0HfClb

— Face The Nation (@FaceTheNation) December 17, 2023

Roman-Gat was taken hostage by Hamas from Kibbutz Be’eri on October 7, as she handed their 3-year-old to her husband, who succeeded in fleeing and hiding from the terrorists while Roman-Gat was taken into Gaza.

She was freed as part of a truce deal on November 30 after 54 days held hostage by Hamas. Her sister-in-law, Carmel Gat, 39, is still held captive in Gaza.

US reveals top Biden aide visited UAE for talks on war in Gaza, Houthi threats to shipping

File: White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan speaks during a press briefing at the White House, December 4, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

The White House reveals that US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan traveled to Abu Dhabi on Friday for a meeting with his Emirati counterpart Tahnoun bin Zayed, about the ongoing war in Gaza.

The pair discussed “ongoing efforts to bring about a just and durable peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians,” the White House says, adding that Sullivan thanked the UAE for its “ongoing humanitarian response in Gaza, including establishment of a field hospital for Palestinian civilians.”

They also touched on “countering threats from the Houthis to freedom of navigation in the Red Sea,” the US readout says.

“Finally, they discussed areas of deepening bilateral cooperation to include future investments in advanced technology, security and defense coordination, regional stability and integration, and shared efforts to promote an affirmative agenda for the people of the Middle East region,” the White House adds.

Senior PA official: Hamas must ‘reconsider all its policies and methods’ after war

Secretary General of the Executive Committee of the PLO Hussein al-Sheikh at his office in Ramallah, June 13, 2022. (AP Photo/ Nasser Nasser)

Senior Palestinian Authority official Hussein al-Sheikh appears to take a shot at Hamas for employing terrorism against Israel.

“It is not acceptable for some to believe that their method and approach in managing the conflict with Israel was the ideal and the best,” Sheikh tells Reuters. “After all this [killing] and after everything that’s happening, isn’t it worth making a serious, honest and responsible assessment to protect our people and our Palestinian cause?”

“Isn’t it worth discussing how to manage this conflict with the Israeli occupation?” he adds.

Sheikh also says Hamas must engage in a “serious and honest assessment and reconsider all its policies and all its methods” once the fighting ends, while calling for the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem to come under PA rule.

“There must be a single Palestinian government governing the Palestinian homeland,” he says.

GOP senator: Israel will have to accept two-state solution to normalize ties with Saudis

US Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham speaks to journalists in Jerusalem during his visit to Israel, June 1, 2021. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina says additional Arab countries will not agree to normalize ties with Israel unless Jerusalem agrees to a two-state solution.

The comments amount to a rare recognition by a Republican lawmaker that Palestinian statehood is a condition of expansion of the Abraham Accords, and they come as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is weeks into a public post-October 7 campaign in which he has vowed to block the strategy.

Being interviewed on “Meet the Press,” Lindsey Graham hails the Biden administration’s effort to revive normalization talks between Israel and Saudi Arabia and is asked whether he thinks it’s realistic for the US to still pursue that goal after Hamas’s October 7 terror onslaught.

“Yeah, I do,” he begins.

“But can tell you, Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries cannot normalize with Israel if they’re having been seen as throwing the Palestinians under the bus,” he says.

Moving forward, Graham posits, “the options are to continue the death spiral, or use October 7th as a catalyst for change.”

“I think the Arabs are going to demand some form of two-state solution to recognize Israel,” the senior Republican lawmaker speculates.

“I think Israel’s going to demand security buffers different than before, and they need to make those demands,” he says, adding these are critical to ensuring the Hamas massacres that took place on October 7 cannot be repeated.

“If we don’t get this right this time, we’re talking about another generation of just tit-for-tat death,” the senior Republican lawmaker asserts.

IDF says Staff Sgt. Boris Dunavetski killed in Gaza, bringing ground op toll to 122

Staff Sgt. Boris Dunavetski (Israel Defense Forces)

The IDF announces the death of a soldier killed during fighting in the Gaza Strip, bringing the toll of slain troops in the ground offensive against Hamas to 122.

He is named as Staff Sgt. Boris Dunavetski, 21, of the 401st Armored Brigade’s 46th Battalion, from Kiryat Bialik.

Another soldier of the 46th Battalion was seriously wounded in the same incident, the IDF says.

Security video shows West Bank stabbing attack in which reservist is moderately hurt

The IDF says troops arrested the Palestinian suspect who stabbed and moderately wounded a reservist at a gas station near the West Bank’s Rantis checkpoint earlier.

According to the IDF, the assailant fled after the stabbing, and was detained a short while later by troops in the nearby town of Rantis.

The reservist was taken to hospital for further treatment.

Security camera footage from the gas station shows the reservist at the counter when the assailant runs up from behind and stabs him. The attacker then flees, with the soldier appearing to chase after him.

מתקרב לחייל בקופה, דוקר אותו בגב ונמלט: תיעוד הפיגוע בתחנת הדלק בשומרון. המחבל נתפס ברנתיס@carmeldangor pic.twitter.com/RT9wQx3noo

— כאן חדשות (@kann_news) December 17, 2023

Rocket sirens sound in towns around Kiryat Gat

Warning sirens are activated in several communities near the southern city of Kiryat Gat, as Palestinian terrorists in Gaza appear to launch rockets toward them.

IDF says it struck Hezbollah anti-tank missile squad readying to attack army post

The IDF says aircraft and tanks struck a Hezbollah anti-tank missile squad in southern Lebanon preparing to carry out an attack near an army post on the border.

Several rockets were also fired from Lebanon at areas on the border a short while ago.

The IDF says it struck the launch sites.

כלי טיס וטנק של צה"ל תקפו לפני זמן קצר חוליית מחבלים שניסתה לשגר טילי נ"ט לעבר שטח ישראל במרחב לבנה.

כמו כן, זוהו לפני זמן קצר שיגורים לעבר מספר מרחבים בגבול לבנון, צה"ל תקף את מקורות הירי pic.twitter.com/cu2AGjfyCv

— צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) December 17, 2023

Telecom firm says phone and internet service partially restored in Gaza

Gaza’s main telecom company says that cellphone and internet services has gradually been restored in the center and south of the Strip, after the latest service disruption.

“We would like to announce the gradual restoration of telecom services… our field teams were able to reach and repair the main damaged site after numerous attempts in the past days,” PalTel says after announcing communications were cut on Thursday.

Man stabbed at gas station near West Bank checkpoint

File: Israeli soldiers guard the Rantis Checkpoint, in the West Bank, April 23, 2023. (Jonathan Shaul/Flash90)

A man aged 49 was stabbed at a gas station near the West Bank’s Rantis checkpoint, medics say.

The Magen David Adom ambulance service says the man is fully conscious and is being treated at the scene.

There is no immediate information from the IDF or police on the background of the incident.

The Rantis checkpoint is located near the West Bank town of the same name, east of the Israeli city of Elad.

Rocket warning alerts sound in kibbutzim near Gaza

Rocket warning alerts are triggered in Sufa and Nir Yitzhak, a pair of kibbutzim near Gaza that were evacuated in the days after the October 7 onslaught.

Ex-head of gun licensing unit reportedly warned fast-tracked permitting leading to ‘loss of control’

Yisrael Avisar (Youtube screenshot; used in accordance with clause 27a of the copyright law)

Before resigning earlier this month, the head of the gun licensing department at the National Security Ministry warned Minister Itamar Ben Gvir that the fast tracking of civilian gun permits was leading to a “loss of control,” according to the Haaretz daily.

In the letter, Yisrael Avisar wrote there was a “feeling of chaos” and called to immediately halt the new licensing regime.

“There is a difficulty in ensuring a professional and sound process for awarding licenses to private gun holders,” Avisar’s letter is quoted as saying, adding that there was concern some permits were issued unlawfully.

First aid convoy enters Gaza through Kerem Shalom crossing

CAIRO — A humanitarian aid convoy has crossed into war-torn Gaza through the Kerem Shalom border crossing, the first since Israel approved the move, an Egyptian Red Crescent official says.

A total of “79 trucks began entering today,” the official, who is not authorized to speak to the media, says on condition of anonymity.

On Lebanon border, Gallant warns ‘if Hezbollah wants to go up one level, we will go up five’

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant (center) speaks to reservist soldiers on the Lebanon border, December 17, 2023. (Ariel Hermoni/Defense Ministry)

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant threatens Hezbollah for the umpteenth time as the Iran-backed terror group continues to carry out daily rocket, missile, and drone attacks on northern Israel.

“If Hezbollah wants to go up one level, we will go up five,” Gallant says to reservist troops on the Lebanon border.

“And it will be up to you,” he adds to the soldiers. “We don’t wish for that, we don’t want to get into a war situation. We want to restore peace,” Gallant says.

The defense minister vows to restore security in northern Israel so that residents of Lebanon border communities can return to their homes.

“And we will do this either through an agreement process, or with forceful action, with all its implications,” he says.

“We don’t want war, but we won’t hold it for too long,” Gallant adds.

Despite the daily attacks from Lebanon, the IDF has said its main focus remains on the Gaza Strip.

Rocket alert activated in northern border town

Incoming rocket alert sirens are activated in the northern border community of Margaliot.

‘You survived 70 days in hell’: Alon Shamriz, Gaza hostage mistakenly killed by IDF, is buried

Alon Lulu Shamriz, who was abducted from Kibbutz Kfar Aza on October 7, 2023, and was killed mistakenly by IDF troops in Gaza on December 15, 2023. (Courtesy)

Hundreds attend the funeral of Alon Lulu Shamriz, who was taken hostage by Hamas terrorists on October 7 and held captive for 70 days before he was mistakenly killed by IDF troops on Friday.

Shamriz, a resident of Kibbutz Kfar Aza, is buried at Shefayim — the temporary home of members of the community.

“My Alon, we didn’t wish for this end, we turned the world upside down for you. You survived 70 days in hell, and in a moment you would have been in my hands. We will continue to live for you,” his mother Dikla says, according to the Kan public broadcaster.

It is unclear if any Israeli political or defense officials are in attendance.

Shamriz was killed on Friday along with Samar Fouad Talalka and Alon Lulu Shamriz, after they escaped from captivity and approached a group of Israeli soldiers, shirtless and waving a white flag.

אלון שמריז בן ה-26 מכפר עזה, שנורה בידי חיילי צה"ל לאחר שברח משבי חמאס, מובא בשעה זו למנוחות בבית העלמין בשפיים@lirankog pic.twitter.com/EKdBALCH8h

— כאן חדשות (@kann_news) December 17, 2023

IDF carries out wave of strikes on Hezbollah targets after attacks

A picture taken from the outskirts of south Lebanon's village of Aitaroun shows smoke billowing after an Israeli strike on December 17, 2023 (AFP)

The IDF says it carried out a new wave of strikes on Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon in response to attacks on the border.

A fighter jet and attack helicopter hit a number of buildings used by Hezbollah, and a drone struck a group of operatives. Meanwhile, another aircraft and tank hit weaponry and a Hezbollah observation post, the IDF says.

An IDF tank also shelled a launch site in southern Lebanon after a projectile was fired at the Mount Dov area, the IDF says.

Several rockets were also fired at the Rosh Hanikra area, the IDF adds.

There are no reports of injuries in the latest Hezbollah attacks.

The IDF says it carried out a new wave of strikes on Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon in response to attacks on the border.

A fighter jet and attack helicopter hit a number of buildings used by Hezbollah, and a drone struck a group of operatives. Meanwhile, another aircraft… pic.twitter.com/q0ODJ8Xzun

— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) December 17, 2023

Video shows humanitarian trucks stolen by Hamas, looted by civilians after they enter Gaza

Screengrab of AP video showing trucks of aid stolen after they enter the Gaza Strip, December 17, 2023 (Used in accordance with Clause 27a of the Copyright Law)

Video appears to show Hamas stealing trucks of humanitarian aid that have entered the Gaza Strip from Egypt.

Masked and armed men sit on top of the supplies as the trucks are driven deeper into the Strip.

Hebrew-language media reports the men are from Hamas.

תיעוד: תושבי עזה בוזזים משאיות סיוע של איחוד האמירויות שהגיעו לרצועה דרך מעבר רפיח@gal_sade @kaisos1987 (צילום: AP) pic.twitter.com/Fhr8TZoVat

— כאן חדשות (@kann_news) December 17, 2023

Other footage shows Gazan civilians looting supplies shortly after they arrive through the Rafah crossing.

מעבר רפיח: עזתים מסתערים על משאיות הסיוע ההומניטרי שנכנסו לרצועה pic.twitter.com/DVfAAdPd5R

— החדשות – N12 (@N12News) December 17, 2023

While there is a growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Israel has long said that the Hamas terror group has stockpiled supplies and kept them from increasingly desperate civilians.

המלחמה על הסיוע בעזה pic.twitter.com/oogoEyHJxT

— roi kais • روعي كايس • רועי קייס (@kaisos1987) December 17, 2023

IDF says it raided vacation homes of Hamas leaders, including Sinwar, found tunnels and weapons

FILE - Yahya Sinwar, head of Hamas in Gaza, greets his supporters upon his arrival at a meeting in a hall on the sea side of Gaza City, on April 30, 2022. (AP Photo/Adel Hana, File)

Troops of the 7th Armored Brigade have raided the offices of the commander of Hamas’s Khan Younis battalion and the vacation homes of several senior Hamas commanders, including the terror group’s Gaza leader, Yahya Sinwar, the IDF says.

The commander of the 7th Armored Brigade, Col. Elad Tzuri, says his forces are battling Hamas in the Khan Younis area. He says the brigade also reached the main square in Bani Suheila, on the outskirts of Khan Younis.

During the operations, the brigade’s troops killed “many terrorists,” including some by tank shelling, the IDF says in a statement, adding that troops also uncovered some 30 tunnel shafts, struck dozens of anti-tank missile launch sites and observation posts, and seized weapons used by Hamas operatives, along with intelligence materials.

“We found weapons, tunnels inside vacation homes of senior Hamas officials,” Tzuri says. “We see a lot of tunnel shafts here, still encountering the enemy but gaining operational control of the area,” he adds.

Along with the offices of the Khan Younis battalion commander and holiday homes of senior Hamas commanders, the IDF says the troops also raided an outpost belonging to the terror group’s Deir al-Balah battalion, seizing intelligence materials.

In another raid, troops seized weapons and equipment at the home of a member of Hamas’s elite Nukhba forces, the IDF adds.

Troops of the 7th Armored Brigade operate in southern Gaza’s Khan Younis, in a handout image published by the military on December 17, 2023. (Israel Defense Forces)

Majority of Israelis oppose the annexation, resettlement of Gaza – poll

View of structures in the former Jewish settlement of Gush Katif in the southern Gaza Strip on July 27, 2020. (Photo by Abed Rahim Khatib/ Flash90)

A majority of Israelis oppose the idea of annexing and resettling the Gaza Strip, a poll finds.

While 56 percent are against such a move, 33% support it and 11% are uncertain, according to the Hebrew University survey.

The survey was conducted by iPanel via the internet and by telephone on December 7-9 with a nationally representative sample of 1,524 adult men and women in Hebrew, and 334 in Arabic. The margin of sampling error is +4.2%.

Israel unilaterally withdrew the last of its troops and 8,000 settlers from the Gaza Strip in September 2005.

Since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, nationalist groups and far-right members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition have been campaigning for the reestablishment of Israel’s Gush Katif settlement bloc in Gaza.

Police say chunk of intercepted rocket caused Saturday blast in Ashkelon that seriously injured man

Police say that a man seriously injured yesterday in an explosion in Ashkelon had touched a part of an intercepted rocket, causing the blast.

Police remind the public that they should never touch, pick up or move any part of a rocket or unidentified object that they find, as it may contain explosive materials.

Parents are asked to explain the dangers to their children.

65 US investors, tech executives to arrive in Israel for meetings in show of solidarity

A delegation of 65 investors, CEOs, and senior executives of US-based technology, venture capital and private equity firms is set to arrive in Israel today in a show of solidarity and to hold meetings.

The group — including senior executives from Bain Capital, Meetup.com, Apollo, Houzz, TPG, Susquehanna Growth Equity — will meet President Isaac Herzog, war cabinet Minister Benny Gantz and Economy Minister Nir Barkat.

They will also hold meetings with local business leaders including Mellanox CEO Eyal Waldman, whose 24-year-old daughter Danielle was one of 360 people murdered by Hamas terrorists at the Nova Festival on October 7. All told, some 1,200 people were killed by terrorists that day, most of them civilians, and 240 taken hostage.

“After October 7th, we feel it is critical for venture capital and technology business leaders to stand with Israel. That means more than donating, but also being present to say that we have always been and will always be there to support Israel’s flourishing tech ecosystem. We will invest and continue to stand with the ‘Start-Up Nation,’” says David Siegel, CEO of Meetup.com and co-organizer of the Israeli Tech Mission, in a press statement.

“Our trip was oversubscribed for attendees. The technology community recognizes the heightened need for support as many Israeli entrepreneurs and their workforces are on the front lines as reservists,” he says.

Aleph founder Michael Eisenberg says, “Smart investors understand Israel’s resilience and that today is actually the perfect time to invest in Israel.”

IDF says it uncovered a Hamas tunnel hidden beneath baby’s crib in north Gaza

A tunnel found by IDF troops underneath a baby crib in northern Gaza Jabaliya, in a video published by the military on December 17, 2023. (Israel Defense Forces)

Soldiers of the Nahal Infantry Brigade’s 931st Battalion have uncovered a Hamas tunnel hidden underneath a baby’s crib in a home in northern Gaza’s Jabaliya, the IDF says.

In footage published by the IDF, a company commander in the 931st Battalion gives a tour in English of the home and where the soldiers found the tunnel.

The IDF says the underground passage is a “strategic” Hamas attack tunnel. It was later destroyed by combat engineers.

Soldiers of the Nahal Infantry Brigade’s 931st Battalion have uncovered a Hamas tunnel hidden underneath a baby crib in a home in northern Gaza’s Jabaliya, the IDF says.

In footage published by the IDF, a company commander in the 931st Battalion gives a tour in English of the… pic.twitter.com/7mbQA2tArB

— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) December 17, 2023

IDF says some 200 Hamas sites hit in past day, tunnels found in area of UNRWA school

Israeli troops operating in the Gaza Strip in a photo released December 17, 2023 (Israel Defense Forces)

The IDF says it carried out strikes against some 200 Hamas sites in the Gaza Strip over the past day.

It says the Paratroopers Brigade raided several apartments used by Hamas in Gaza City’s Shejaiya, and found firearms, explosive devices, and other military equipment. Also in the area, it says the troops discovered a 15-meter-long tunnel, which was later destroyed in an airstrike.

In southern Gaza, the IDF says the Commando Brigade directed an airstrike on a Hamas weapons depot in the home of an operative. According to the IDF, the “significant” depot was used by operatives in the area to rearm.

The Commando Brigade also identified seven armed Hamas operatives in the Khan Younis area, and directed airstrikes at them.

Meanwhile, the 646th Brigade raided a building near an UNRWA school, where machinery used to build rockets were found, the IDF says, adding that three tunnel shafts were also found in the area of the school.

Foreign Minister Cohen: France could play ‘significant role’ in avoiding war in Lebanon

Foreign Minister Eli Cohen (R) meets with visiting French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna on December 17, 2023 (Shlomi Amsalem/Foreign Ministry)

Foreign Minister Eli Cohen says that France could play a key role in preventing potential all-out war between Israel and the Lebanon-based Hezbollah terror group.

“France could play a positive and significant role to prevent a war in Lebanon,” Cohen says at a joint media briefing with visiting French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna.

Israel has long said the Iran-backed Hezbollah terror group must be driven north of the Litani River.

UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the Second Lebanon War in 2006, barred Hezbollah from maintaining a military presence south of the Litani, which is located some 30 kilometers (18 miles) north of the Israel-Lebanon border. Hezbollah has blatantly violated that resolution and regularly launches attacks on Israel from near the border.

Israel has warned it will no longer tolerate the presence of the terror group along the northern frontier, after some 3,000 Hamas terrorists stormed the border from the Gaza Strip on October 7.

Since that date, Hezbollah-led forces have attacked Israeli communities and military posts along the border on a near-daily basis.

IDF says it hit Hezbollah site in southern Lebanon in response to attacks on Israel

The IDF says it carried out a strike against a Hezbollah site in southern Lebanon, following attacks on northern Israel.

Rockets and missiles were fired from Lebanon at Arab al-Aramshe and Sasa, causing damage in the latter community. Some rockets failed to cross the border.

The IDF says it is responding with artillery shelling at the sources of the fire.

The IDF says it carried out a strike against a Hezbollah site in southern Lebanon, following attacks on northern Israel.

Rockets and missiles were fired from Lebanon at Arab al-Aramshe and Sasa, causing damage in the latter community. Some rockets failed to cross the border.… pic.twitter.com/6D7yAZv7zI

— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) December 17, 2023

IDF confirms it carried out drone strike on Palestinian gunmen in West Bank

Israeli security forces seen during a raid in Tulkarem, in the West Bank, December 17, 2023. (Nasser Ishtayeh/Flash90)

The IDF confirms it carried out a drone strike against a group of Palestinian gunmen in the West Bank’s Nur Shams refugee camp during an overnight operation.

It says reservists and Border Police officers operated in the camp near Tulkarem and arrested four wanted Palestinians and seized two firearms.

IDF engineering vehicles uncovered explosive devices planted under and on the sides of roads in the camp, which were intended to be detonated against troops, it says.

The IDF says troops also found an explosive device inside a clinic in Nur Shams, where wanted Palestinians were hiding.

Amid the raid, Palestinian gunmen opened fire and others hurled explosive devices and Molotov cocktails at the soldiers, the IDF says.

“Aircraft struck a number of armed terror squads who fired at, hurled explosives at and endangered the troops,” it says, adding that at least four gunmen were killed and others were wounded.

The soldiers also seized several explosive devices from the area of one of the strikes, the IDF adds.

Since the October 7 onslaught by Hamas against Israel, in which 3,000 terrorists slaughtered 1,200 people in southern Israel, most of them civilians, Israeli troops have arrested over 2,400 wanted Palestinians across the West Bank, including more than 1,200 affiliated with Hamas. According to the Palestinian Authority health ministry, some 280 West Bank Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces, and in a few cases settlers.

Rocket sirens sound in Sufa, Holit near Gaza border

After a lull of some twelve hours, sirens sound in Sufa and Holit.

The communities close to the Gaza border have been largely evacuated of civilians since the devastating Hamas assault on October 7.

Hezbollah fires anti-tank missile at community near Lebanon border; no injuries

Hezbollah fired an anti-tank missile that hit Kibbutz Sasa close to the border with Lebanon.

There are no reports of injuries.

Video circulating on social media appears to show damage to the auditorium of the kibbutz.

Israel has warned it will no longer tolerate the presence of the Iran-backed Hezbollah terror group along the northern frontier, after some 3,000 Hamas terrorists stormed the border from the Gaza Strip on October 7, murdering 1,200 people and kidnapping over 240 — mainly civilians.

Since that date, Hezbollah-led forces have attacked Israeli communities and military posts along the border on a near-daily basis, though they have attempted to limit the scope of the attacks in an apparent bid to avoid all-out war.

חיזבאללה ירה טיל נ"ט שפגע באודיטוריום של קיבוץ סאסא בגבול לבנון. אין נפגעים. אחרי זה הם יגידו שכיוונו ל"יעד צבאי" pic.twitter.com/4KCgKMde6O

— roi kais • روعي كايس • רועי קייס (@kaisos1987) December 17, 2023

French FM in Israel to meet hostage families, press for ‘immediate and durable’ truce

French Foreign Affairs Minister Catherine Colonna leaves the weekly cabinet meeting at the presidential Elysee Palace in Paris on October 12, 2022. (Ludovic Marin/AFP)

French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna arrives in Israel, where she is set to press for an “immediate and durable” truce in the war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Colonna will meet with Foreign Minister Eli Cohen in Tel Aviv.

Colonna arrives a day after Paris condemned an Israeli strike in Gaza that killed a French foreign ministry employee, demanding that “light be shed” on the circumstances.

Colonna is also due to meet the families of French hostages still held in Gaza and to call for an “immediate and durable new humanitarian truce,” according to a foreign ministry statement.

Maccabi Tel Aviv shirts for game to feature names of all fans killed since October 7

The Maccabi Tel Aviv soccer team announces players will take to the pitch tonight wearing specially designed shirts featuring the names of fans killed on October 7 and in the subsequent war.

The names are arranged in the shape of a Star of David.

The team will play Maccabi Netanya in its first game at Bloomfield Stadium since the Hamas massacre.

לזכר הנרצחים והנופלים, למען החזרת החטופים 🙏

מכבי תחזור הערב לבלומפילד לראשונה מאז ה-7 באוקטובר ובמשחק מול מכבי נתניה נקיים שורה של מחוות, כולל הופעה עם חולצה שעוצבה במיוחד לזכר האוהדים שנרצחו ונפלו במלחמה
כל הפרטים בכתבה ⚫️ https://t.co/LfWbugxFzp pic.twitter.com/TkqKeqwN65

— Maccabi Tel Aviv FC (@MaccabiTLVFC) December 17, 2023

4 killed in IDF airstrike near Tulkarem – Palestinian media

Israeli security forces seen during a raid in Tulkarem, in the West Bank, December 17, 2023. (Nasser Ishtayeh/Flash90)

Four Palestinians have been killed in overnight airstrikes in the Nur Shams camp near the West Bank city of Tulkarem, the PA’s official Wafa news agency reports.

According to Hebrew-language media reports, the strikes were carried out after Israeli troops operating in the area were attacked with explosive devices. Channel 12 news says that some of those killed were wanted terrorists.

A number of other people were wounded, Wafa says.

In addition, Wafa reports that a man wounded in last week’s drone strike in Jenin has succumbed to his wounds.

That strike came as the IDF said it was operating in Jenin and the adjacent refugee camp to detain wanted Palestinians suspected of involvement in terror activities.

The strike targeted Palestinians who had hurled explosive devices toward Israel Defense Forces troops carrying out an arrest raid in the West Bank city of Jenin on Tuesday morning, according to the army and Palestinian officials.

US considering options amid repeated attacks by Iran-backed Houthis on international shipping – report

This photo released by the Houthi Media Center shows a Houthi forces helicopter approaching the cargo ship Galaxy Leader on November 19, 2023 in the Red Sea. (Houthi Media Center via AP)

The United States is reportedly weighing options to strike back at Yemen’s Houthis, as repeated attacks by the Iran-backed group disrupt international shipping through a key Red Sea waterway.

Two unnamed US officials tell Politico that the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group was moved into the Gulf of Aden so that it is in position to support a potential US response.

One of the officials also tells the outlet that US military commanders have been “provided options” to strike the Yemen-based group.

A Pentagon spokesperson declines to comment.

Global shipping has become a target during the war between Israel and Hamas, which like the Houthis is backed by Iran. The Houthis have launched a series of attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, as well as launching drones and missiles targeting Israel.

The Houthis say their attacks aim to end Israel’s war with the Hamas terror group. However, the links to the ships targeted in the rebel assaults have grown more tenuous as the attacks continue.

Reports of widespread Israeli strikes on Gaza

There are reports of widespread Israel Defense Forces strikes in the Gaza Strip on the 72nd day of Israel’s war with Hamas.

A number of people were killed in airstrikes on the central city of Deir al-Balah, the Hamas-run health ministry says.

Witnesses also report Israeli air and artillery strikes on the southern municipality of Bani Suhaila east of Khan Younis, the Gaza Strip’s second city and a Hamas stronghold.

The war began on October 7 when thousands of Hamas terrorists rampaged through communities and a music festival in southern Israel killing around 1,200 people — mainly civilians — and taking some 240 hostages.

Man shot dead in Ar’ara, the third killing in a number of hours

A man is found shot dead in Ar’ara, police say, the third killing in a number of hours.

According to the statement, the man’s body was found with gunshot wounds near parked trucks in the village.

The Ynet news site says the man is in his 50s. He is not immediately identified.

In apparently separate incidents overnight, a 29-year-old man was killed in Tel Sheva in the south, and another man was killed in Tayibe in central Israel.

The killings come amid a violent crime wave that has engulfed the Arab community in recent years, but which has risen this year to unprecedented heights.

Many Arab Israeli community leaders put the blame on the police, who they say have failed to crack down on powerful criminal organizations and largely ignore the violence, which includes family feuds, mafia turf wars, and violence against women. The communities have also suffered from years of neglect by state authorities.

British Airways delays airing of Jewish sitcom to ‘remain as neutral as possible’ amid Israel-Hamas war

British Airways planes parked at Heathrow Airport in Londonn on January 10, 2017 (AP Photo/Frank Augstein, File)

British Airways delayed plans to air a sitcom based around Jewish characters in London because the UK national carrier prefers to “remain as neutral in these situations as possible” amid the war between Israel and the Hamas terror group, The Telegraph reports.

The report says Gary Sinyor, the writer and director of “Hapless,” was informed of the decision by the company involved in the licensing of in-flight entertainment.

Sinyor told the newspaper that the airline wants to delay the airing of the sitcom until after the end of the war between Israel and the Hamas terror group.

Spafax Media informed Sinyor of the decision on October 13, less than a week after thousands of Hamas terrorists rampaged through southern Israel killing around 1,200 people — mainly civilians — and taking some 240 hostages.

The email from Spafax media, seen by The Telegraph, reads: “BA Press office have asked us to review content on board and being booked in relation to Israel/Palestine and the conflict currently happening. Their preference is to remain as neutral in these situations as possible.

“As a result we’ve been asked to remove Hapless from the December line-up but are very happy to book this once the conflict dies down.”

Sinyor described the decision as “shocking.”

A British Airways spokesman tells the newspaper: “We are proud to offer a wide range of entertainment options for our customers to enjoy. We are constantly reviewing our content and are in the process of planning our 2024 schedule.”

IDF announces two troop deaths Saturday

Sergeant Major (res.) Shalev Zaltsman, left and Master Sergeant (res.) Joseph Avner Doran. (IDF Spokesperson)

The IDF announces the deaths of two soldiers killed during fighting in the Gaza Strip yesterday, bringing the toll of slain troops in the ground offensive against Hamas to 121.

They are:

Master Sgt. (res.) Joseph Avner Doran, 26, of the combat mobility Unit 444, who served in the Navy’s Shayetet 13 commando unit, from Jerusalem. Doran was killed in northern Gaza.

Sgt. First Class (res.) Shalev Zaltsman, 24, of the 55th Reserve Paratroopers Brigade’s 6623rd Battalion, from Ramat Yishai. Zaltsman was killed in southern Gaza.

Poll finds most young Americans back ‘ending’ Israel, many find Jewish genocide justified

Over half of young Americans surveyed on Israel’s conflict with Hamas believe the Jewish state should no longer exist, and instead become Palestinian territory ruled by the Hamas terror group, according to a new online poll.

The monthly Harvard CAPS/Harris poll finds continuing support for Israel in its campaign against Hamas among every age demographic but 18- to 24-year olds.

Overall, the survey finds 81 percent of respondents back Israel. Among the youngest age bracket, though, that support is evenly split between Israel and Hamas.

On several questions, voters in that age group seem to express contradicting or muddled views. For instance, despite 51% wanting to see Israel replaced by a Hamas/Palestinian entity, 58% of respondents in the group think Hamas should be removed from running Gaza.

The survey finds 66% of respondents in the age group think the October 7 attacks constitute genocide. At the same time, 60% think that the attacks were justified by Palestinian grievances. The upshot: Many young people think genocide is justified.

Many also seem to be okay with hate speech at universities: According to the poll, 53% of young people think students should be free to call for Jewish genocide on campus, though 70% think such calls constitute hate speech.

And while 67% of 18-to 24-year olds think the presidents of Harvard, MIT and Penn universities went far enough in condemning antisemitism, when faced with comments they made during congressional testimony — that calls for Jewish genocide are only punishable depending on the context — 73% said they should resign.

The whippersnappers were also most likely to have claimed to have watched or read about the presidents’ testimonies in the poll, which was conducted online among 2,034
registered voters on December 13 and 14.

Ottawa youth arrested for alleged terror plot targeting Jews

Canada’s national police force says a youth in Ottawa was arrested and charged with terrorism-related offenses that allegedly targeted Jewish people.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police says the young person arrested Friday was charged with facilitating terrorist activity by communicating instructional material related to an explosive substance.

The youth is further charged with knowingly instructing a person to carry out terrorist activity against “Jewish persons.”

Police do not release further details about the alleged offenses. Officials also say no further information about the youth could be released due to the suspect’s age.

In a news release, the national police force says it is seeing a concerning trend of violent extremism and terrorist use of the internet, including among young people.

Many officials have been raising the alarm about a reported rise in hate crimes against Jewish communities since Hamas’s October 7 attack in Israel, prompting that country’s military offensive in Gaza.

“I was shocked to learn the details of a planned attack against Ottawa’s Jewish community,” Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe says on X, formerly known as Twitter. “There has been a rise in antisemitism in Ottawa in recent weeks.”

I was shocked to learn the details of a planned attack against Ottawa’s Jewish community. J'ai été choqué d'apprendre les détails d'une attaque planifiée contre la communauté juive d'Ottawa. There has been a rise in anti-semitism in Ottawa in recent weeks. I’m grateful and…

— Mark Sutcliffe (@_MarkSutcliffe) December 16, 2023

He adds police will continue to patrol synagogues and other Jewish institutions.

Palestinians say several killed in clashes across West Bank

Palestinian reports say that several people have been killed in clashes with Israeli forces across the West Bank in recent hours.

In Deir Ammar, a refugee camp northwest of Ramallah, the official Palestinian news agency WAFA reports that a 16-year-old boy was shot and killed while confronting Israeli forces.

In Tulkarem and the neighboring Nour Shams refugee camp, where reports indicate soldiers are carrying out a nighttime raid, a 25-year-old man died after being shot earlier in the day, the Ma’an news outlet reports. According to reports, Israel carried out a drone strike during the fighting.

🚨 An IOF drone strike targeted a home in Al-Manshiya neighborhood in Nour Shams camp, #Tulkarem during the ongoing large-scale invasion. Local sources report no injuries.

Fierce armed clashes continue in the camp. The attached footage shows the moment that an IOF bulldozer was… pic.twitter.com/uVe9R6jtSv

— RawFootage (@RawFootage9) December 16, 2023

Ma’an also reports that a 20-year-old man was killed by a bullet to the stomach while battling Israeli troops near Beit Ummar, outside of Hebron in the southern West Bank.

In Jenin, WAFA reports that a man injured in a drone strike during a nearly 3-day raid in the northern West Bank city earlier in the week has died of his wounds.

There is no comment from the Israeli military.

According to Ma’an, 291 Palestinian have been killed in the West Bank since October 7.

UK and Germany call for ‘sustainable ceasefire’; don’t think it’s possible ‘right now’

German Minister of Foreign Affairs Annalena Baerbock attends a meeting with Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh (not pictured) in the West Bank city of Ramallah on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023. (Ammar Awad /Pool Photo via AP)

UK foreign minister David Cameron and German counterpart Annalena Baerbock say the “need is urgent” for a “sustainable ceasefire” in Gaza, while also making clear that they are not demanding a ceasefire now.

The two ministers write in a joint UK Sunday Times article that “too many civilians have been killed” in the conflict, and note: “We must do all we can to pave the way to a sustainable ceasefire, leading to a sustainable peace. The sooner it comes, the better — the need is urgent,” they write.

“But let us be clear,” they continue. “We do not believe that calling right now for a general and immediate ceasefire, hoping it somehow becomes permanent, is the way forward.

“It ignores why Israel is forced to defend itself: Hamas barbarically attacked Israel and still fires rockets to kill Israeli citizens every day. Hamas must lay down its arms,” they say.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (right) meets with UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron in Tel Aviv on November 23, 2023. (Kobi Gideon/GPO)

Days after the UN General Assembly voted overwhelmingly for an immediate ceasefire, in a resolution that did not mention Hamas, the two foreign ministers acknowledge that many others have demanded an immediate end to the fighting. “We know many in the region and beyond have been calling for an immediate ceasefire. We recognize what motivates these heartfelt calls,” they write.

“It is an understandable reaction to such intense suffering, and we share the view that this conflict cannot drag on and on. That is why we supported the recent humanitarian pauses.”

Britain and Germany abstained in the December 12 non-binding General Assembly vote, which passed 153-10.

‘All those who want to end the suffering need to work together on a solution that delivers long-term security for both peoples,” Cameron and Baerbock say, affirming their long-term backing for a two-state solution.

“The rise of extremism is a threat to all of us, not just to Israelis and Palestinians. A two-state solution requires both sides to feel safe living side by side.”

USAID contractor killed in Gaza airstrike, humanitarian group says

An Israeli airstrike killed a US Agency for International Development contractor in Gaza last month, his colleagues have alleged in a statement.

Hani Jnena, 33, was killed November 5 along with his wife, their 2-year-old and 4-year-old daughters, and her family, the US-based humanitarian group Global Communities says.

An internet-technology worker, Jnena had fled his neighborhood in Gaza City with his family to escape the airstrikes, only to be killed while sheltering with his in-laws, the group says. His employer was an on-the-ground partner for USAID, the US agency says.

The Washington Post first reported the death.

In a final message to a colleague, Jnena had written, “my daughters are terrified, and I am trying to keep them calm, but this bombing is terrifying,” Global Communities says.

USAID employees have been prominent in recent open letters by US government employees objecting to US policy in support of Israel’s continued offensive, including President Joe Biden’s decision not to join many other governments in calling for a ceasefire.

Security cabinet convenes for expected talks on new hostage agreement

This government handout photo shows members of the war cabinet meeting at the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv, December 16, 2023. (Amos Ben Gershom/GPO)

The war cabinet is convening at the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv to discuss the ongoing fighting in Gaza against Hamas.

The cabinet is also expected to deliberate efforts to reach another deal for a release of hostages held by Hamas.