A 42-day truce between Israel and Hamas commenced at 0915 GMT, following a delay initiated by Prime Minister Netanyahu to confirm the list of hostages to be released. The delay resulted in further Israeli strikes that killed eight Palestinians. The agreement involves the release of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. This truce, brokered by Qatar, the U.S., and Egypt, aims to end over 15 months of conflict, following Hamas’s October 7th attack.
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A ceasefire in the Gaza war, brokered by Qatar, the U.S., and Egypt, will begin Sunday morning following Israeli cabinet approval of a truce and hostage-prisoner exchange deal. The agreement involves the phased release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for the release of 737 Palestinian prisoners. Despite the ceasefire, Prime Minister Netanyahu stated Israel retains the right to resume hostilities with U.S. support if necessary, emphasizing Hamas’s sole responsibility for adhering to the agreement. Israel’s military also issued warnings to Palestinians regarding movement within Gaza until further notice.
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As of Saturday evening, Israel had not received the promised list of hostages from Hamas, a prerequisite for the planned Sunday release. Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that Israel would not proceed with the agreed-upon framework until the list was provided. He emphasized Israel’s intolerance of agreement violations, placing full responsibility for the delay on Hamas.
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Following a government vote ratifying the U.S.-brokered ceasefire and hostage deal with Hamas, Prime Minister Netanyahu announced President-elect Trump’s unwavering support for resuming hostilities should Hamas violate the agreement. Trump also pledged to restore military supplies previously withheld. Netanyahu attributed the deal’s success to Israel’s military pressure, highlighting the impact of its actions against the Iranian axis in weakening Hamas. This agreement, therefore, hinges on Hamas’s adherence to its terms, with military action remaining a possibility.
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Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iran’s vice president for strategic affairs, publicly acknowledged for the first time that Israel supplied explosive-laden centrifuge platforms to Iran’s nuclear enrichment program. This revelation, confirming previous Israeli reports of sabotage attacks on the Natanz facility, highlights the sophisticated nature of these operations and the challenges Iran faces under Western sanctions. Zarif’s comments, made in a reformist media outlet, aim to explain these difficulties to the Iranian public. The situation underscores growing international concern regarding Iran’s nuclear program, particularly amidst ongoing regional conflict and threats of preemptive strikes.
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President Biden asserted that his administration’s sustained support for Israel was instrumental in achieving the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, directly contradicting claims by President-elect Trump who took sole credit for the deal. While some analysts attributed the agreement to pressure exerted by the incoming Trump administration, others viewed the ceasefire as a temporary measure, potentially leading to renewed conflict after a hostage exchange. The differing perspectives highlight the complex dynamics and conflicting narratives surrounding the ceasefire’s origins and its long-term viability.
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The German government recently cut funding to two Israeli human rights NGOs, Zochrot and New Profile, citing concerns over their advocacy for Palestinian rights and a one-state solution. Zochrot, which lost 25% of its budget, and New Profile, which lost approximately half, have criticized this decision as anti-Palestinian racism and a sign of unconditional support for Israel. This action follows similar defunding of Palestinian NGOs and is viewed by some as a precursor to further cuts targeting organizations critical of Israel’s actions. A German partner NGO expressed frustration over the government’s decision, highlighting the unprecedented nature of the funding cuts within their organization.
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IDF forces in the West Bank engaged terrorists utilizing mosques and other civilian structures in Jabaliya and Tulkarm to launch attacks, jeopardizing civilian safety. Three mosques—Jabriyat and Khalid Ibn al-Walid in Jenin, and Abu Bakr al-Siddiq in Tulkarm—were identified as terrorist operational bases, with evidence including shooting ranges and spent ammunition found within. Air and ground operations resulted in the elimination of at least 165 terrorists in approximately 110 airstrikes, conducted with precision to minimize civilian harm. The IDF emphasized the persistent use of civilian infrastructure by terrorists for attacks in Judea and Samaria.
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Senator Sanders vehemently opposes the Biden administration’s proposed $8 billion arms sale to Israel, citing the Israeli government’s use of American weaponry in atrocities against Gaza civilians. This sale, including JDAMs and other munitions, adds to billions already provided, some bypassing Congressional oversight. Sanders vows to utilize all available means to block the sale, arguing it violates laws prohibiting aid to nations obstructing humanitarian assistance. The sale, occurring days before Biden leaves office, underscores a four-year policy criticized for failing to address Israel’s actions and the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
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The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released video of a captured Hamas terrorist detailing the group’s exploitation of Gaza hospitals. This terrorist confessed to using hospitals for command centers, weapon storage (including anti-tank missiles, grenades, and small arms), and personnel safety, believing them to be immune from Israeli strikes. Hamas launched attacks from these medical facilities. The footage provides evidence of Hamas’s deliberate misuse of protected spaces during their recent attacks.
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John Q. Hosedrinker