Washington is anticipating a significant change in Israel's military strategy in the ongoing conflict with Hamas, particularly in southern Gaza. U.S. officials predict a move from broad ground operations to targeted raids against key Hamas figures as early as January. This shift aims to minimize ground presence while maintaining pressure on Hamas leadership.
Jake Sullivan, U.S. National Security Adviser, is scheduled to visit the region to discuss the evolving situation. His agenda includes urging the Israeli government to refine its military tactics and increase humanitarian aid access to Gaza.
Over the past day, IDF ground, aerial and naval forces continued to strike terrorist infrastructure in the Gaza Strip, striking over 250 terror targets. In recent hours, IDF troops located and destroyed weapons stocks and carried out targeted raids on terrorist sites pic.twitter.com/k7BTNT0Czw
— Documenting Israel (@DocumentIsrael) December 10, 2023
The Israeli campaign, especially around Khan Younis, has been recognized as having legitimate military objectives. The U.S. has supported Israel's efforts to incapacitate Hamas, underscoring the need for a rapid conclusion to the campaign. Despite mounting global pressure over Gaza's civilian casualties, the U.S. remains aligned with Israel's broader goals. President Biden, during a White House Hanukkah event, stressed cautious aid utilization by Israel, noting the volatility of global public opinion.
In a notable move, the U.S. vetoed a UN resolution backed by the majority of the Security Council members, calling for an immediate ceasefire. This decision underlines the Biden administration's support for Israel's continued operations against Hamas, which is seen as essential to prevent future attacks like the one on October 7 that killed 1,200 people.
In a recent operational update, #Israel's military asserts to have targeted "over 250 terror targets" in #Gaza within the past 24 hours, citing successful operations including the destruction of weapon stocks, targeted raids on military sites, and the thwarting of armed cells.… pic.twitter.com/L48tpDqoPN
— Zoom News (@zoomnewskrd) December 10, 2023
The U.S. has articulated its expectation for a brief Israeli control over Gaza, with long-term arrangements to be negotiated with Arab nations and other partners. Israel, for its part, expects to maintain security control over the enclave, interpreted by U.S. officials as the right to intervene when necessary, rather than a permanent presence.
Senior Israeli officials have regularly briefed their American counterparts on the operations, indicating a close cooperation and shared understanding of the objectives, primarily to dismantle Hamas' governance and terror capabilities in Gaza.
The National Security Adviser of the US, Jake Sullivan, will arrive on Thursday for a visit to Israel, during which he will discuss the war in Gaza and preparations for the day after it. pic.twitter.com/IqDLEJX7vb
— ×™×•× ×™ בן ×ž× ×—×ť yoni ben menachem (@yonibmen) December 12, 2023
Meanwhile, in Gaza, the ongoing conflict has seen a sharp escalation, with Israel continuing its bombing campaign. The Palestinian news agency Wafa reported that 20 civilians were killed in Rafah, south Gaza, as Israeli strikes targeted homes. Clashes between Israeli forces and Hamas were also reported in central Gaza.
The healthcare situation in Gaza is rapidly deteriorating. According to a World Health Organization (WHO) official, only 11 of Gaza's hospitals remain partially functional. Richard Peeperkorn of WHO highlighted the critical state of the healthcare system, stressing the need to preserve these facilities. However, many have been used for terror and under the rules of war have been legal targets. Peeperkorn did not mention that aspect of the challenge, and does not seem to be informing Hamas of the importance of not using these areas to stage attacks and hoard weapons.
Our forces continue to operate against Hamas’ leadership in Gaza:
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) December 6, 2023
🔴IDF forces eliminated several Hamas commanders and operatives of the Northern Gaza Strip Brigade—the second largest brigade of Hamas—who were hiding in a tunnel located near the Indonesian Hospital during the… pic.twitter.com/mydADVsJaX
Amidst the conflict, WHO has accused Israel of obstructing medical missions and alleged mistreatment of Palestinian medical staff by Israeli forces. A Palestine Red Crescent Society staff member reported harassment and physical abuse by Israeli forces. Israel responds by bringing up the fact that many Drs and hospital staff have been complicit in helping Hamas, even directly. One Dr was holding hostages in his home, while many others have been actively working to help shield Hamas fighters.
Internally, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces criticism from opposition leader Yair Lapid, who accused him of conducting a "wicked political campaign" during wartime. Netanyahu's remarks equating the casualties from the Oslo accords with the October 7 Hamas attack have sparked controversy.
Israeli forces found a rifle and RPG in a Gaza house, alongside cancer treatment documents for an 8-year-old who was receiving chemotherapy in an Israeli hospital.
— Oren Barsky 🎗️ (@orenbarsky) December 12, 2023
On one hand, you're sending your children to be saved by Israelis, but on the other, your actions are bringing them… pic.twitter.com/miU9uLs1Ep
In the international arena, the UN General Assembly is set to vote on a resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. This follows the US's veto of a similar resolution in the Security Council, where the UK abstained and all other members backed the ceasefire.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) revealed that 13 Israeli soldiers have been killed in friendly fire incidents since the start of the ground operation in Gaza. The total Israeli military casualties since October 7 include 433 killed and 1,645 wounded.
In the West Bank city of Jenin, Palestinian health ministry reports an increase in Palestinian casualties, with four killed by Israeli forces.
The article also touches on Yemen’s Houthis claiming a military operation against a Norwegian tanker in the Red Sea, indicating the wider regional impact of the conflict.
In response to the humanitarian crisis, Israel announced the opening of two additional checkpoints for examining relief supplies before dispatching them to Gaza through the Rafah gateway.
Lastly, Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant stated that Israel has no intention of maintaining a permanent presence in Gaza post-military campaign. He opened the possibility of discussing control over the territory, excluding hostile groups, and hinted at potential agreements with Hezbollah in Lebanon under certain security conditions.
