Situation at a glance - Netanyahu: Hamas terror army will soon be crushed
The most significant phase in the war against the Islamist Hamas in the Gaza Strip could soon come to an end, according to the words of Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem at a reception for cadets of the National Defense Academy. "We are moving towards the end of the phase of crushing the Hamas terror army," he said. "We will continue to combat their remaining remnants."
Netanyahu had previously spoken with members of the Gaza Division, who are currently engaged in military operations in the city of Rafah in southern Gaza. He reportedly saw "significant progress" there. The offensive on the border with Egypt is aimed at the dismantling of the last major combat formations of Hamas. However, the Islamist militia remains militarily active in smaller groups.
The words of the Israeli government leader suggest that the large ground offensive of the Israeli military in the Gaza Strip could soon come to an end. It began three weeks after the unprecedented attack by Hamas and other extremist groups on October 7, which resulted in over 1200 deaths on the Israeli side and around 250 abducted hostages, triggering the Gaza War, which Israel initially launched with massive air raids.
The end of the ground offensive would not necessarily mean the end of the Israeli military intervention in the Gaza Strip. Netanyahu and high-ranking military officials have repeatedly pointed out that Israeli troops would remain in strategic locations in the sealed coastal region after the phase of intense fighting.
Relatives of Hamas Victims Sue North Korea
Relatives of victims of the Hamas attacks in October have filed a lawsuit against North Korea in the United States, accusing it of supporting the Islamist terrorist organization. The Iran, Syria, and North Korea had armed, financed, and trained Hamas to carry out the massacre, according to the complaint filed by the Anti-Defamation League on behalf of 125 victims and their families before a federal court in Washington.
The plaintiffs demand compensation in the amount of at least four billion US dollars (3.7 billion Euro) for the abduction and murder of their relatives. If the lawsuit is successful, the families could be compensated from a fund set up by the US Congress for terror victims. The money comes from confiscated assets and fines from businesses that have conducted illegal business with countries labeled as state sponsors of terrorism.
Iranian General Threatens Israel with New Rocket Attack
A high-ranking Iranian general has threatened Israel with a massive new rocket attack. A few months ago, the two countries were on the brink of war, which could have caused a conflagration in the Middle East. In mid-April, the Iran attacked Israel with hundreds of drones and rockets, most of which were intercepted by the air defense. The background of the attack was an alleged Israeli attack on the Iranian embassy compound in the Syrian capital Damascus, which resulted in the death of two generals.
The commander of the air force of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, stated that he hoped for the opportunity for a second such operation. "I don't know how many rockets will be required for that", he added.
The threat may be in relation to the latest tensions between Israel and Lebanon. Over the weekend, the Iranian mission to the UN threatened a "devastating war" in the event of an escalation between Israel and the Lebanese Hezbollah militia supported by Iran.
- Despite the potential end of the ground offensive in the Gaza Strip, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has indicated that troops will continue to maintain strategic positions in the region.
- The legal representatives of Hamas attack victims in October have filed a lawsuit against North Korea in the United States, accusing the country of supporting Hamas and demanding compensation for over 1200 Israeli deaths and 250 abducted hostages.
- The Israeli military intervened in the Gaza Strip after Hamas and other extremist groups launched an unprecedented attack on October 7, resulting in intense ground operations and air raids for three weeks.
- The Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the Gaza Strip, which has seen ongoing conflicts between Israel and Hamas, has involved Egypt as a mediator in attempts to maintain peace and stability in the area.
- The threat of a new rocket attack from Iran against Israel was made by a high-ranking Iranian general, who cited an alleged Israeli attack on the Iranian embassy compound in Damascus as justification.
- The Gaza Strip, controlled by Hamas, has seen repeated conflicts with Israel, Israeli military operations in cities like Rafah, and the involvement of outside nations like Egypt in peace efforts.
