As Israel enters its tenth day of war, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) maintain a state of high alert in anticipation of an impending ground invasion in Gaza. The prospects of a humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza Strip have been met with steadfast rejection from Israel and Prime Minister Netanyahu's office. Simultaneously, the IDF undertakes the evacuation of all townships located near the northern border with Lebanon. Additionally, newly uncovered documents shed light on Hamas terrorists' intentions to wage a prolonged battle within Israel, extending for at least a month.

Just over a week after the surprise attack by the terrorist organization on Israel, documents and maps confiscated from some of the 1,500 terrorists who infiltrated Israel reveal the audacious nature of their plans—a scheme that the senior military branch had methodically crafted and meticulously planned over the years. Among their ambitious objectives, Hamas intended to strike at cities far removed from the Gaza Strip, including Kiryat Gat. The documents also expose Hamas's aspiration for a prolonged occupation within Israel, estimated to last approximately one month. This intention is evidenced by the substantial stockpile of provisions they carried with them, including large sacks of dry food such as rice and lentils, pita bread, dates, and more.

Humanitarian aid for the purpose of terrorism:@UNICEF first aid kits were used by Hamas jihadists during their raid on Israeli towns on October 7–where over 1,300 Israelis were murdered, thousands more were wounded. pic.twitter.com/fzEsg86S3D

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 15, 2023

Reports emanating from Egyptian officials conveyed that Israel, the United States, and Egypt had reached a tentative ceasefire agreement for the southern Gaza Strip, slated to commence at 09:00 AM. This ceasefire was expected to facilitate the reopening of the Rafah crossing, a significant development since the outset of the conflict. However, despite these assertions and reports, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office categorically denied any claims regarding a ceasefire in the southern Gaza Strip to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to its residents. "There is currently no ceasefire or provision of humanitarian aid in exchange for the withdrawal of foreigners," clarified the Prime Minister's Office. This stance was further corroborated by ongoing reports of airstrikes in Gaza.

NEW: Israeli forces recovered thousands of weapons that Hamas militants brought from Gaza to slaughter civilians and soldiers. pic.twitter.com/47oFWvjZ56

— Trey Yingst (@TreyYingst) October 15, 2023

In response to the situation, United States Secretary of State Anthony Blinken emphasized the U.S. commitment to enabling the delivery of humanitarian aid to the residents of the Gaza Strip while reaffirming support for Israel's self-defense. Secretary Blinken stated, "We stand by Israel in its defense. The United States is actively working to ensure that the people of Gaza can escape harm and receive the aid they require—comprising food, water, and medicine. Hamas displays indifference to the suffering of the Palestinian population." Secretary Blinken, who has been actively engaged in diplomacy across seven regional countries, including Israel, is scheduled to return to the Jewish state today for meetings with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Yitzhak Herzog.

IDF footage shows airstrikes against Hezbollah sites in Lebanon in response to missile and rocket fire on Israel. pic.twitter.com/lvd0jly2Lw

— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) October 16, 2023

Furthermore, the Ministry of Defense and the IDF, on behalf of the National Emergency Authority, have initiated a comprehensive plan to evacuate 28 townships situated in the northern region, up to 2 kilometers from the Lebanese border, relocating residents to state-subsidized guest houses. Defense Minister Yoav Galant approved the activation of this plan, with reports stating, "The Northern Command has recently notified council leaders of this decision. The program will be overseen jointly by local authorities, the Ministry of the Interior, and the Chief of Staff at the Ministry of Defense."