On Monday at noon in the Western Galilee, an exchange of fire resulted in the tragic death of Lieutenant Colonel Elim Abdullah, a 40-year-old native of the Druze township of Yanoch. Additionally, five other Israelis sustained injuries during the incident.
Read more: IDF LT. Colonel Elim Abdullah Killed During Shootout With Lebanese Jihadists
According to a report initially published by the Associated Press, approximately ten days prior to Hamas's surprise attack on Israeli territory, General Abbas Kamel, the Egyptian Minister of Intelligence, contacted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He warned Netanyahu about an "unusual and highly concerning operation" that was imminent from the Gaza region.
Read more: Netanyahu Responds To Reports Claiming Egypt Warned Him About Hamas
Defense Minister Yoav Galant has ordered a complete blockade of the Gaza Strip as part of the ongoing effort to combat Hamas terrorists. During a situation assessment held at the Southern Command, Galant stated, "There will be no electricity, no food, no fuel - everything is closed. We are confronting individuals who behave like human animals, and we are responding accordingly."
Read more: Gaza War Update: Netanyahu's Statement, Hezbollah Attack And Gaza Bombings
According to a Reuters report, mediators in Qatar are currently working on a deal aimed at securing the release of innocent women and children who were captured by Hamas during the conflict. In exchange, they are seeking the release of 36 Palestinian women and children currently held in Israeli prisons. While this report has generated hope for many, it's important to note that the Israeli government and the IDF have unequivocally stated that there are no ongoing negotiations with Hamas on any matter at this time. This raises doubts about the accuracy of the Reuters report. Nevertheless, it remains crucial to report on the discussions involving Hamas officials and the mediation efforts.
Read more: Israeli Officials Fully Deny Reuters Report About Prisoner Swap Negotiations
After their loved ones disappeared during the attack on the southern Israeli villages, the families of the missing, most of whom were apparently kidnapped to Gaza, broke their silence and issued a joint statement to the media on Sunday evening. In their statement, they recounted the harrowing moments when they lost contact with their loved ones and called for their safe return to be prioritized at a national level. One of them articulated the purpose of uniting the families: "to assist in the return of the captives and the missing, and not to face these challenges alone."
Read more: Families Demand International Intervention For Missing Israelis Held by Hamas
