The recent intensification of the conflict in the Gaza Strip has led to significant developments on both the military and diplomatic fronts. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed the loss of four of their soldiers in the region, marking a somber moment in the ongoing operations. Sergeant Major Gideon Ilani, aged 35 from Asa’el, and Sergeant Major Etay Perry, aged 36 from Modiin, both of whom served with the Kiryati Brigade's 8111st Battalion, tragically lost their lives in combat in southern Gaza. Additionally, Major Eviatar Cohen, 42, from Kfar Saba, also part of the 8111st Battalion, was killed in the same area. In a separate incident, Major Gal Becher, 34, from Oranit and a member of the Northern Command’s 36th Division, perished in a military traffic collision in southern Israel. These losses bring the total number of IDF fatalities in the Gaza ground operation to 101, underscoring the heavy toll of the conflict.
On the diplomatic scene, a significant development has occurred with the United Nations Security Council planning a visit to the Egyptian side of the Rafah Crossing. Initiated by the United Arab Emirates, this visit includes 16 ambassadors and deputy ambassadors and is intended to provide a firsthand account of the humanitarian situation in Gaza and evaluate the UN's relief efforts in the area. However, this initiative has drawn criticism from Israel's ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan. Erdan has condemned the visit as being one-sided, claiming it fails to acknowledge the suffering of residents in southern Israel and the plight of abductees, focusing instead exclusively on the situation in Gaza.
UAE is organising visit for 12 reps from UNSC members to visit Rafah to assess humanitarian crisis. They won’t be able to cross into Gaza however (despite UAE having hospital there)
— John Lyndon (@JohnLyndon_) December 11, 2023
Extraordinary that- 66 days into war- reps from premier body for int security can’t enter Gaza
Also on the UN front, the United Nations General Assembly is preparing to vote on a resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. This move comes in the wake of the United States vetoing a similar resolution proposed by the UN Security Council. Previously, the General Assembly had adopted a resolution advocating for a sustained humanitarian truce, which received broad support but also faced opposition and abstentions, reflecting the complex international stance on the conflict.
All of this and yet do date, not one UN committee or primary body has discussed the utter failure of the UN to do its job in Palestine and the complicity of several UN agencies in planning and executing terror attacks against Israelis. Over the last few weeks, Israeli ground operations in Gaza have unveiled disturbing evidence suggesting complicity of several United Nations agencies in Hamas’s terror infrastructure. Reports indicate the discovery of missile stockpiles in schools operated by UNRWA, the uncovering of tunnel entrances in other UN buildings, and even a missile factory located in the basement of a UN-managed kindergarten. These revelations have raised serious concerns about the role of international organizations in the conflict.
So while the UN was “demanding a ceasefire” the IDF was busy finding Hamas weapons stored in UN bags in Gaza and a sniper rifle hidden inside a stuffed teddy bear 🧸
— Emily Schrader - אמילי שריידר امیلی شریدر (@emilykschrader) December 9, 2023
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The situation escalated further with rocket attacks from Lebanon toward Israeli territories, prompting air raid sirens in numerous northern Israeli communities. The IDF's air defense systems successfully intercepted six of these rockets, while IDF artillery units targeted the launch sites in southern Lebanon in response.
In a candid interview with the Daily Mail, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant discussed Hamas's underestimation of Israel’s response capabilities following the October 7 massacre. Gallant stressed the resilience and strength of democracies in wartime, particularly highlighting Israel’s commitment to its values and the significant impact of its military operations against Hamas in northern Gaza. He framed Hamas's choices starkly: surrender or face defeat. Gallant also accused Hamas of exploiting the humanitarian crisis in Gaza for its own benefit, using it to sway global opinion through propaganda, and channeling international aid to fund terrorist networks around the world.
Lastly, Palestinian fighters have been surrendering to Israel by the hundreds since last week. It's clear that many in Gaza have had enough of the rising number of dead, the lack of aid due to Hamas taking most of the supplies as they come into the Strip, and the continuing fighting. Many are now speaking out and outwardly blaming Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas, himself. "We are tired, it's enough, I don't have any breath left in me!" one man shouted at a Sky News camera inside Gaza that was aired on the British network.
Imagine if the world had demanded the immediate surrender of Hamas in Gaza from day one…how many lives would have been spared…instead they blamed Israel. Hamas must be eliminated. pic.twitter.com/iWpuAp99ja
— Adam Milstein (@AdamMilstein) December 10, 2023
"This is the act of idiots! He caused the death of his own people - Sinwar has killed his own people!" the man shouted. "What resolution? Just give up and surrender! - and it seems many of Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters have been doing just that.
