In a recent briefing, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson detailed a significant military offensive against Hamas targets within the Gaza Strip, amounting to approximately 250 sites over the past 24 hours. These precision strikes focused on a range of high-value targets, including command centers, active militants, missile launchers, and extensive terrorist infrastructure. One notable operation involved the IDF's Gaza Division directing a combat helicopter to neutralize a rocket launcher positioned dangerously close to civilian dwellings, which had been used to fire upon the Gush Dan region.
Additionally, the IDF reported the discovery of weapon caches in civilian settings—a blatant disregard for human life by militants. In one instance, the Harel Brigade uncovered armaments within a Gaza residence, while the 14th Brigade identified an anti-tank missile concealed beneath a child's bed, highlighting the exploitation of innocents as shields for military operations.
The IDF found an anti-tank missile under a baby's crib in Gaza pic.twitter.com/TAgn7e7Z6S
— Emily Schrader - אמילי שריידר امیلی شریدر (@emilykschrader) November 21, 2023
On the other side, Palestinian sources reported a grim outcome of an Israeli incursion near the Nuseirat refugee camp, with claims of 17 casualties. The Palestinian news agency "Wafa", a mouthpiece for the Palestinian Authority, reported the incident occurring near midnight, though details remain unverified, particularly the breakdown of combatant versus non-combatant fatalities. The IDF has not issued a statement on this specific event but there were reports of active engagements with militants in the vicinity.
4TV UPDATES **Over 25 Palestinians were killed by Israeli bombardment in the Nuseirat refugee camp. pic.twitter.com/z5oHzYb1rm
— Shakeel Yasar Ullah (@yasarullah) November 21, 2023
In the diplomatic arena, Ismail Haniyeh, a senior figure in Hamas, conveyed to Reuters the proximity of a potential ceasefire, with negotiations reportedly channeled through Qatari intermediaries. However, the specifics of these discussions remain undisclosed. Haniyeh said that Hamas delivered their reply to Israel's offer overnight.
At an international level, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres addressed the media, drawing attention to the severe civilian toll in Gaza, which he described as unparalleled since his tenure began in 2017. Guterres highlighted the tragic loss of life, including thousands of children, and dismissed the prospect of a UN administration in Gaza post-conflict. Instead, he advocated for a unified effort to empower a robust Palestinian Authority in the region.
#UN: The Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres did not come to watch the screening of the October 7th massacre pic.twitter.com/7kgRE1nJIc
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) November 20, 2023
In response to Guterres' statements, it is imperative to approach casualty figures with scrutiny. Past incidents have demonstrated inflated casualty reports from the Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza. Moreover, there are documented cases of United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) facilities being misused by militants for weapon storage and as launching grounds for attacks, casting doubt on the impartiality and accuracy of some United Nations accounts. Despite the arbitrary and neutral nature of the United Nations and its UNRW Agency, over 30,000 Palestinians work for UNRWA and have been in charge of the facilities during this conflict.
