War Update: Day 535
The situation remains volatile in the ongoing conflict, with significant developments on multiple fronts. Here’s a breakdown:
Hostage-Ceasefire Proposal from Egypt: According to reports in the Associated Press (AP) and Reuters, Egypt has presented a new hostage-ceasefire proposal. This plan involves Hamas releasing five living hostages in exchange for a multi-week ceasefire, the release of hundreds of terrorists from Israeli prisons, and the resumption of humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza. During the ceasefire, negotiations would continue to secure the release of the remaining hostages, contingent upon an Israeli withdrawal and the end of the war.
Egypt reportedly threatened Hamas with expulsion of its members residing in Egypt if the proposal is rejected, a move that could leave over 60 already-released terrorists stranded. Hamas is reportedly responding positively to the proposal, but details remain under negotiation. Israel’s current stance is unclear.
IDF Operations and Expansion: The IDF has been expanding its positions in Gaza, focusing on the buffer zone and areas in Rafah. Troops are currently deployed in Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun in Northern Gaza, the outskirts of Khan Younis in mid-Southern Gaza, and in Rafah. The IDF aims to broaden the buffer zone to enhance Israel’s security.
In Rafah, operations have been ongoing in the Tel Sultan neighborhood, leading to the detention of 30 suspected terrorists, one of whom allegedly participated in the October 7th massacre. Additional terrorists were eliminated in the area. The IDF also stated that it inadvertently fired at a Red Cross office. No injuries were reported, and an investigation is underway.
Rocket Launches and Other Attacks: Two rounds of rockets were launched from Gaza towards Israeli border communities near Sderot, for which the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) claimed responsibility. Three rockets were intercepted, causing injuries from people running to shelters.
In Northern Israel, a terror attack near Yokne’am resulted in the death of an 85-year-old man and left a soldier severely injured. The attacker, an Arab Israeli from Ma’ale Iron, was eliminated by Israeli border police. In Judea and Samaria, stone-throwing incidents led to the arrest of several suspects, including Hamdan Bilal, the director of the film “No Other Land.” Additionally, IDF forces arrested 18 wanted terrorists in various counterterrorism operations. In the evening, Yemen’s Houthis fired a ballistic missile at Central Israel, which was intercepted before entering Israeli airspace.
Casualty and Displacement Statistics:
- 59 hostages held in Gaza
- 35 confirmed murdered hostages held in Gaza
- 147 living hostages rescued
- 49 hostage bodies rescued
- 1,828 Israelis killed
- 413 fallen soldiers and police in Gaza
- 87 fallen soldiers in Northern Israel
- 18 fallen soldiers and police in Judea & Samaria
- 30,690 estimated projectiles fired at Israel
- 50,000 Israelis estimated displaced from their homes
Additional Developments:
- Hamas released a propaganda video showing signs of life from hostages Elkana Bohbot and Yosef-Haim Ohana.
- The IDF targeted over 100 Hamas pickup trucks. The trucks are frequently used by Hamas to transfer terrorists and weapons.
- Hamas terrorist and Al Jazeera journalist, Hossam Shabat, was eliminated. Hossam was listed by Hamas as a sniper in the Beit Hanoun anti-tank unit.
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