KEY POINTS
- Hamas has thanked Canada and two other countries for their support in calling for ceasefire
- U.S. is in talks with France over Houthi threat
- Red Sea countries are "responsible" for protecting the area, as per Egypt
The war between Israel and Hamas has entered its 77th day with Jordan reportedly intercepting a drone launched by Iraqi militias toward a southern port city in Israel.
The Pentagon said more than 20 countries have joined the Red Sea maritime task force that seeks to protect shipping activities in the area following multiple attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebel army targeting commercial ships.
- Greece announces participation in Red Sea security operation
- US 'can support' latest version of Gaza draft resolution: Ambassador
- Canada, Australia, NZ in the 'right direction' toward isolating Israel: Senior Hamas official
- Sinwar's Khan Yunis home reduced to a crater
- Rocket barrage fired toward western Galilee: Local media
- Shipping activity at Eilat Port drops by 85%: CEO
- Hezbollah says targeting Israeli army barracks in northern moshav: Arab media
- Exporters seek sea shipping alternatives amid Houthi rampage
- Kasbah area in Beit Hanoun 'cleared': IDF
Khan Yunis, the known hometown of Yahya Sinwar, Hamas' most senior official in Gaza, is the focus of ground operations by Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The IDF announced late Thursday that Israeli forces were closing in on the "underground bunkers" of Hamas leadership in Khan Yunis after they dismantled the terror group's above-and-below-ground "Senior Quarter" in Gaza City Wednesday.
The United Nations Security Council will vote Friday on a draft resolution calling for increased aid for Gaza. The vote was first scheduled for Monday but was pushed back four times due to the U.S. raising issues with some language in the text regarding the fighting.
Amid international pressure to agree to a ceasefire, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly reiterated that Israel is fighting to prevent Hamas from threatening Israel again.
The Oct. 7 massacre of more than 1,200 people by Hamas operatives was a culmination of the violent history of the Israel-Palestine conflict that has drawn attacks toward Israel from several fronts, including on the north by Iran-backed Hezbollah.
Iran slams UAE for 'deplorable' support of Israel
Ali Akbar Velayati, a senior advisor to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, said Friday that the country will respond accordingly to countries that wish for Iran's ill fate, the semi-official Mehr News Agency reported.
He also criticized the United Arab Emirates for supporting Israel instead of "taking practical action" over the war in Gaza, as per the report.
IDF shells eastern Bureij, signaling new ground focus
Israeli tanks shelled parts of eastern Bureij Friday, Reuters reported, citing residents in the area.
While the Israeli army has engaged with Hamas combatants around the central Gaza camp since the war started, a deeper operation such as the ones in Jabalia and Khan Yunis have yet to be implemented.
The expansion of IDF operations into central Gaza comes after the Israeli army seized several Hamas strongholds in the northern region of the enclave and ground troops continue to move across the southern main city of Khan Yunis.
Israeli army clears Kasbah area in northeastern Gaza
The 5th Brigade of the Israeli army has "cleared the Kasbah area" in Beit Hanoun, the IDF announced Friday following a raid of the northeastern Gaza neighborhood last week.
Ground troops were supported by aerial units, engineering teams and observation forces, the IDF said.
צוות הקרב של חטיבה 5 פשט על מתחם הקסבה בבית חאנון בשבוע שעבר. לוחמי צוות הקרב יחד עם סיוע אש אווירי, תצפיות וכוחות הנדסה - טיהרו את מרחב הקסבה, חיסלו מחבלים, תקפו עשרות מטרות ותשתיות טרור באמצעות הפעלת אש>> pic.twitter.com/wIAvhHbDQz
— צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) December 22, 2023
Red Sea countries responsible for its protection: Egypt
Egyptian foreign minister Sameh Shoukry said all countries around the Red Sea have a shared responsibility of upholding navigation freedom in the area. "Egypt, from its side, will coordinate the free transfer of goods and to combat any side effects," he said.
Exporters scrambling for alternatives amid Red Sea disruption
Exporters are finding other options outside sea shipping amid the deepening supply chain concerns that companies worldwide have raised over the disruption caused by Houthis in the Red Sea.
Some exporters are exploring cargo flights and other land alternatives. Industry experts have also warned that companies should be prepared for more shipping-related expenses due to the issue.
IDF asks Bureij residents to evacuate to the south
The Israeli army is asking residents of the Bureij camp in central Gaza to evacuate to shelters in Deir Al-Balah, south of the Strip.
#عاجل سكان قطاع غزة وخاصة سكان مخيم البريج جيش الدفاع يعمل بقوة ضد حماس والمنظمات الإرهابية. فيما يلي عدة تعليمات عاجلة:
— افيخاي ادرعي (@AvichayAdraee) December 22, 2023
⭕️الى سكان مخيم البريج وأحياء بدر والساحل الشمالي والنزهة والزهراء والبراق والروضة والصفاء في المناطق جنوب وادي غزة: من أجل سلامتكم عليكم الانتقال بشكل فوري… pic.twitter.com/jEvvwzG5Ts
The announcement comes as the Israeli army expands it ground operations to the center of the Gaza Strip following weeks of intense focus on the northern tip of the enclave.
Jordan intercepts Iraqi drone launched toward southern Israel: Report
Jordan has reportedly intercepted a drone launched by Iraqi militias toward Eilat, a southern port city in Israel, local media reported Friday morning, citing an X account linked to pro-Iran militias.
The said X account announced the drone attack that the Jordanian Defense Ministry said was intercepted when it passed by Jordan's airspace, as per the report.
Hezbollah says is targeting Israeli soldiers in Shomera: Arab media
Hezbollah has just announced that it is directing attacks at the IDF barracks in Shomera, a moshav in northern Israel, Sky News Arabia reported Friday morning local time.
Eilat Port activity drops by 85% amid Red Sea turmoil
Activity in Israel's Eilat Port has seen a massive 85% drop since Yemen's Houthi rebels increased attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, the port's CEO told Reuters.
The Houthis have said they will continue targeting Israeli ships and other vessels headed to Israeli ports, as well as any other vessel linked to the country.
If shipping activity continues to drop, the port may see a "situation of zero ships," which could then force the port to furlough workers unless the U.S.-led Red Sea maritime coalition and Israel find a solution that will deter Houthi aggression, CEO Gideon Golber said.
Rocket barrage fired towards western Galilee: Local media
A barrage of more than 20 rockets and anti-tank missiles was fired Friday morning local time toward Western Galilee, local N12 News reported.
The news comes amid intensifying fire exchanges between Israel and Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Hamas ally that has a much larger weaponry arsenal than the Palestinian terror group.
Northern Israel civilian response teams reportedly ordered to return weapons
The Upper Galilee Regional Council said the IDF has demanded that weapons distributed to civilian rapid response teams in northern Israel communities be returned, as per local media.
According to the order, only team commanders can be armed and the order applies to all communities that are not directly adjacent to the northern border with Lebanon.
"Not only is the war not over, it is intensifying," said Giora Zaltz, head of the council, who expressed disappointment over the supposed order at a time when Hezbollah continues to attack communities in near the border.
Sirens sound in northern Israel
Rocket sirens sounded in parts of northern Israel Friday morning local time as Israel and Hezbollah continue to exchange fire.
🚨Rocket alert sirens sound in several communities in northern Israel
— i24NEWS English (@i24NEWS_EN) December 22, 2023
Israeli army takes operational control of Rimal neighborhood
The Israeli army has taken "operational control" of the Rimal neighborhood in Gaza City, the IDF said in a statement early Friday.
During weeks of operations in the area, Israeli troops "uncovered an underground terror city" that includes "a strategic tunnel route" connecting it to other underground infrastructures in the Gaza Strip, the IDF said.
The tunnel network under the Rimal neighborhood was allegedly used for protective movement by Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh, Sinwar and Muhammad Deif, the head of Hamas' military wing.
IDF reduces Sinwar's Khan Yunis house into a 'crater'
A crater is all that the Israeli army left of Sinwar's house in Khan Yunis, which local media were allowed to see Thursday during a visit to the area for a look into the IDF's operations in Gaza's second-largest city.
MY VISIT TO KHAN YOUNIS AND GAZA CHIEF Yahya Sinwar's house in Gaza: pic.twitter.com/i5Svn9hboA
— Yonah Jeremy Bob (@jeremybob1) December 22, 2023
IDF Commando Commander Col. Omer told Jerusalem Post reporters who were allowed entry into the area that the ground troops were currently "in the heart of Khan Yunis in the neighborhood of the Sinwar family." He said the neighborhood is deemed as "the heart of terror in Khan Yunis."
Fighting continues between Israeli troops and Hamas combatants in southern Gaza's main city. The IDF said a "substantial tunnel network" was constructed by the terror group in Khan Yunis so its fighters can survive attacks and move from one place to another faster.
Hamas thanks Canada, Australia, NZ for 'backing' ceasefire calls
Hamas senior leader Ghazi Hamad on Thursday expressed gratitude to three countries for "backing sustainable ceasefire in Gaza." He said Hamas considers Canada, Australia and New Zealand "in the right direction" toward isolating Israel from the global community.
What it's come down to ... Hamas THANKS Australia, Canada and NZ for their ceasefire support!
— Arsen Ostrovsky 🎗️ (@Ostrov_A) December 21, 2023
PS, this is same senior Hamas leader Ghazi Hamad, who said the terror group would repeat the October 7 massacre "again and again" until Israel was annihilated. pic.twitter.com/a4ZwR82epo
Families of fallen Israeli soldiers tell government to stay firm amid mounting pressure
During a meeting between the Netanyahu government and the bereaved families of Israeli soldiers who fell in fierce battles against Hamas since the war started, the families' representatives said "all the goals of the war must be insisted upon," as per Netanyahu's office. They also encouraged the government "not to give in to pressure."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with representatives of the bereaved families from the Heroism Forum, who told him about their loved ones who fell in battle, and about their loss and bereavement. The PM stood by them, and said that their sons did not fall in vain. pic.twitter.com/LNlp9Ksogw
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) December 21, 2023
They also urged the Netanyahu administration to ensure that the lives of soldiers on the battlefield are safeguarded, "This is a difficult and brutal war, and you know how difficult it is. We will do everything to safeguard the soldiers' lives," the Israeli prime minister said.
US signals readiness to support latest Gaza draft resolution
After four days of pushing back a vote focused on Gaza, the UN Security Council is expected to vote on a draft resolution that seeks to boost humanitarian aid into Gaza on Friday. The news came after the U.S. signaled that it may finally support the latest draft resolution following "intense" talks over some wording that Washington had an issue with.
The U.S. had been raising concerns about some language in the text, but on Thursday U.S. ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield said if the latest version of the resolution is "put forward as is," Washington "can support" it. However, she did not say whether the U.S. will abstain or vote in favor of the text.
The vote had been postponed since Monday as council members held discussions over the draft resolution that initially called for a "cessation" of the fighting in Gaza.
Read the full story here.
Troops nearing underground quarters of Hamas officials in southern Gaza: IDF spox
Israeli ground forces are close to reaching the "underground bunkers of Hamas officials in the Khan Yunis area," IDF spokesperson for Arab media Lt. Col. Avichay Adraee said Thursday in a Google-translated statement on X.
#فيديو #الإيجاز اليومي حول أخر التطورات الميدانية والعملياتية في اليوم ال-76 للحرب على حماس في غزة ورسائل مهمة تتعلق بالوضع على الحدود اللبنانية:
— افيخاي ادرعي (@AvichayAdraee) December 21, 2023
⭕️تواصل قواتنا البرية العمل بقوة داخل قطاع غزة في شماله وجنوبه وبالتحديد قي الشجاعية والدرج والتفاح وخان يونس.
⭕️ جيش الدفاع يواصل… pic.twitter.com/xFBVk414DF
His declaration came a day after the IDF dismantled the so-called "Senior Quarter" of Hamas leadership in Gaza City, an above-and-below-ground compound that top Hamas leaders used for hiding. The said complex was ultimately destroyed by the IDF on Thursday.
Greece to send frigate to join Red Sea coalition
Greece will send a frigate to the Red Sea to "participate" in Operation Prosperity Guardian, Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias said in a statement Thursday, as per multiple reports.
The decision was made "for the protection of merchant ships, the lives of seafarers, the global economy," Dendias noted.
More than 20 countries join Red Sea coalition; at least 8 of them not made public
After the initial announcement of a 10-nation naval task force in the Red Sea, the Pentagon revealed at a Thursday press briefing that there are now more than 20 countries that signed on to Operation Prosperity Guardian.
Of the countries that joined the alliance, at least eight have preferred to not publicize their move of taking part in the Red Sea protection operations.
"In the days ahead, the United States will continue to consult closely with our allies and partners who share the fundamental principle of freedom of navigation, and we expect to see the coalition continue to grow," Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said at the press conference.
The news came after Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the maritime taskforce earlier this week that seeks to deter Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.
Read the full story here.
Military checkpoints in place in 15 northern communities: Local media
Military checkpoints have been put up in 15 communities across northern Israel, local media reported late Thursday as the Hezbollah militant group – a Hamas ally and another paramilitary organization backed by Iran – increases the frequency of its attacks targeting communities near Israel's border with Lebanon.
‘There’s not a lot of runway left, this is the moment the plane has to pull up…you have to make a decision’
— i24NEWS English (@i24NEWS_EN) December 21, 2023
After another day of intense fighting on the Israel-Lebanon border, #i24NEWS’ @Zachonearth gives the latest updates on the conflict with Hezbollah pic.twitter.com/eY6jbXm2zk
Checkpoint personnel are "turning people around," leaving residents with not much of a choice but to stay put. "There's no options. This is just the reality for people that live in the north," local i24 News reported.
Roads and entry gates to the "locked down" communities were closed earlier Thursday due to a "credible threat" from Hezbollah. The roads remain shut as of early Friday local time.
