As Israel enters its 42nd day of the war, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continue their determined efforts to eliminate hostile threats in the northern Gaza Strip. Simultaneously, preparations are underway for the next phase, which appears to be targeting the southern Gaza Strip. Additionally, IDF operations have escalated in the region of Judea and Samaria following a terrorist attack near Jerusalem on a fateful Thursday morning, resulting in injuries to several Israelis and the tragic loss of one soldier.
According to an official statement from the IDF spokesperson, overnight operations in the Gaza Strip yielded significant results. IDF troops located heavy rockets and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at a Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) post in the northern Gaza Strip. Furthermore, Givati Brigade soldiers conducted operations in the vicinity of a school where Hamas operatives had sought refuge; during the operation all of the Hamas terrorists in hiding were killed.
75% of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank support Hamas and the October 7 atrocities.
— Marina Medvin 🇺🇸 (@MarinaMedvin) November 17, 2023
Palestinian civilians overwhelmingly support Hamas’ attacks on Israel that killed over 1,400, including children and babies, and which resulted in 240 hostages taken, including children and… pic.twitter.com/LkI9K7nS8h
In a concerted effort, combat units from the Nahal Brigade, the Paratroopers Brigade, and the 460th Brigade launched raids on various targets within the Gaza Strip. Their operations uncovered an array of weaponry and technological resources. Among the seized items were assault rifles, explosive charges, mortars, vests, rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), anti-tank launchers, and more. This indicates the comprehensive nature of the IDF's mission to dismantle hostile capabilities in the region.
Highlighting the precision and intelligence-led approach of the IDF, soldiers from the Bisla Brigade's combat team and the Yahalom unit executed a successful raid on the headquarters of the northern region commander of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist organization. This operation not only disrupted the command structure but also led to the discovery of facilities used for the production of strategic ammunition.
IDF spokesperson in Arabic, Avihay Adraee, announced a temporary "tactical shutdown" of military activity in select areas of Gaza. The purpose is to facilitate the safe evacuation of civilians to the southern Gaza Strip. This humanitarian pause is scheduled to occur between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Specifically, it will affect the Western Rafah area and the Tel A-Sultan neighborhood. Adraee issued a clear call to residents of the Jabaliya, Eldarya-Tufah, and Shuja'iyya neighborhoods to evacuate promptly, emphasizing the importance of their safety. He urged them not to be swayed by the directives of Hamas, which has lost control over the northern Gaza Strip and is attempting to hinder their movement south. Adraee urged residents to contact the IDF if they encounter obstacles imposed by Hamas members.
IDF says troops clashed with gunmen during a raid in the West Bank city of Jenin and adjacent refugee camp overnight.
— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) November 17, 2023
The operation in the Jenin camp was led by the Kfir Brigade, and was aimed at uncovering explosive devices. The IDF said drone struck a group of gunmen shooting… pic.twitter.com/wCilRI6tVE
Meanwhile, in Judea and Samaria, a joint operation involving the IDF, Shin Bet, and Border Patrol led to the arrest of 21 individuals with outstanding warrants. Additionally, authorities identified and mapped the residences of the terrorists responsible for the attack at the tunnel checkpoint near Jerusalem, where Corporal Avraham Patna tragically lost his life.
During a separate operation in the Jenin refugee camp, IDF engineering units made a critical discovery—explosives hidden beneath a roadway, ready for use. Furthermore, terrorists and armed individuals attempted to escape using vehicles and ambulances, seeking refuge at the "Ivan Sina" hospital. Israeli special forces later were able to arrest a terrorist at the hospital's entrance, uncovering three M-16 weapons concealed in his vehicle.
