In a significant development, the Israeli military announced the discovery of a major Hamas command center in the heart of Gaza City. This finding is part of Israel's broader offensive aimed at dismantling the militant group's capabilities, including a vast underground network used for transporting weapons, militants, and supplies across the Gaza Strip.
As international pressure mounts for a ceasefire, Israel's offensive, which began two months ago in response to a deadly cross-border attack by Hamas that many say fits the definition of genocide, continues to intensify. The operation has resulted in substantial casualties and displacement, with nearly 20,000 Palestinians killed and 1.9 million people, about 85% of northern Gaza's population, forced from their homes.
IDF troops have secured Hamas' "Elite Quarter" in the center of Gaza City, including the area of Palestine Square, from where Hamas’ administrative & military leadership operated. The complex includes a large network of tunnels & apartments belonging to Hamas’ senior leadership. pic.twitter.com/NekowKLlkB
— Joe Truzman (@JoeTruzman) December 20, 2023
Despite the destruction and growing international calls for de-escalation, Israeli leaders remain committed to the campaign. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, "We will continue the war until the end. It will continue until Hamas is destroyed, until victory."
The Israeli military's recent efforts have included showcasing the Hamas tunnel network to reporters and revealing evidence of its use by Hamas leaders. The military also admitted a significant error in mistakenly shooting three Israeli hostages in Gaza, an incident now under investigation.
This is a strength & righteousness I can’t fathom:
— Jake Novak (@jakejakeny) December 21, 2023
Yotam Haim was one of the 3 hostages mistakenly killed by IDF soldiers.
His mother, Iris, sent a voice message today to the soldiers who shot her son:
"I want to tell you that I love you very much. I know that what happened…
On the diplomatic front, Hamas' top leader Ismail Haniyeh arrived in Egypt for ceasefire talks, joining efforts by Israeli, American, and Qatari officials. However, the situation remains tense, with Hamas insisting on the release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners including those serving life sentences for murder during terror attacks in exchange for just 100 of the remaining 139 hostages, a demand Israel has so far rejected.
Hamas broke the last ceasefire just as they were supposed to release the young women, many who have been raped and thought to be held as sex slaves. Hamas has denied any woman was raped despite overwhelming physical and video evidence to the fact. But the terror group is weary of that information coming out from victims as they have enjoyed much support from progressive activists across the world who have sided with the group over the claims that no rape occurred, even demanding further proof once it is shown to them.
Times Square draws attention to Israeli women who were subjected to sexual violence on Oct 7th.
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) December 20, 2023
“Hamas brutally r*ped and murdered hundreds of Israeli women.
The billboard features a pair of hostage Naama Levy’s blood soaked grey sweatpants.
pic.twitter.com/XWZi0VZhcL
The U.S. stance, articulated by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, calls for Israel to scale back its operations and focus on targeted strikes. President Joe Biden also indicated that a ceasefire deal is still in progress.
This complex situation underscores the ongoing struggle for resolution, with each side holding firm to its demands amidst a backdrop of humanitarian concerns and international diplomatic efforts.
