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Swords of Iron

Swords of Iron

News and updates about Swords of Iron

Due to war in Gaza:

Belgian PM calls for sanctions on Israel

Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo calls for coordinated action within the European Union to impose trade sanctions on Israel, particularly on products originating from “settlements”.

Belgian PM calls for sanctions on Israel

Cleared for publication:

Two soldiers killed by explosive UAV in Metula

Master sergeant (res.) Dan Kamkagi and Master sergeant (res.) Nahman Natan Hertz were killed from an explosive drone which was fired from Lebanon and hit Metula.

Two soldiers killed by explosive UAV in Metula

Abbas welcomes Hamas' agreement to a ceasefire

PA chairman calls on the international community to pressure Israel to stop the "aggression" in the Gaza Strip.

Abbas welcomes Hamas' agreement to a ceasefire

Sources:

'Israel moving to capture Palestinian side of Rafah crossing'

Axios reports that Israeli forces are planning to capture the Palestinian Arab side of the Rafah crossing and monitor all aid entering Gaza.

'Israel moving to capture Palestinian side of Rafah crossing'

'At any price'

Hundreds of protesters block Ayalon Highway

Protesters walk on the road between vehicles, confront police officers operating at the scene. Three protesters arrested for disturbing the peace.

Hundreds of protesters block Ayalon Highway

Watch:

The prayer before entering Rafah

This is how one IDF soldier prayed before the ground operation in Rafah.

The prayer before entering Rafah

Gantz:

'Rafah operation - part of the effort to return the hostages'

National Unity chairman tells the families of the hostages that the response from Hamas "does not correspond to the dialogue that has taken place so far with the mediators and contains significant gaps".

'Rafah operation - part of the effort to return the hostages'

Nachman Hertz killed in UAV attack in Metula

Community of Elazar announces that resident Nahcman Hertz was killed by a kamikaze drone explosion in northern Israel, the 4th Elazar resident to be killed since October 7.

Nachman Hertz killed in UAV attack in Metula

Hamas says it will accept ceasefire proposal

Terrorist organization ends foot-dragging on latest ceasefire proposal, leader Haniyeh tells Qatari PM. Israeli official - Hamas deceptively 'agreed' to Qatari-Egyptian proposal.

Hamas says it will accept ceasefire proposal

Gallant:

'Hamas refusing hostage deal forces us into Rafah'

Defense Minister meets families of hostages, says efforts to return their loved ones will continue even during Rafah operation,

'Hamas refusing hostage deal forces us into Rafah'

Hamas suspends hostage negotiations

Hamas official says terrorist organization has suspended hostage talks and will not return its delegation to Egypt for now.

Hamas suspends hostage negotiations

Biden, Netanyahu discuss Rafah operation

As IDF begins preparations for evacuation of Rafah, US President reiterates to Israeli PM that he believes a hostage deal is the best way to avoid an operation in Rafah.

Biden, Netanyahu discuss Rafah operation

US demands clarifications from Israel on Rafah op.

Biden Administration demands answers as IDF begins preparations for evacuation of civilians from parts of Rafah ahead of operation.

US demands clarifications from Israel on Rafah op.

Two critically injured after kamikaze drone explodes in Metula

Kamikaze drone hits building near Metula, critically injuring two Israelis; IDF strikes Radwan Force structures in southern Lebanon.

Two critically injured after kamikaze drone explodes in Metula

Negotiations ongoing

Israeli source: If Hamas agrees to deal, Rafah evacuation ends

Evacuation of Rafah pressures Hamas to agree to proposed prisoner swap deal, Israel will end evacuation if Hamas caves, diplomatic source says.

Israeli source: If Hamas agrees to deal, Rafah evacuation ends

Released hostage enlists in the IDF

Noga Weiss, who was released from Hamas captivity in the previous hostage deal, enlisted in the IDF on Monday morning and joined the IDF's military social workers' course.

Released hostage enlists in the IDF

Egyptian source:

Hamas fire on Kerem Shalom harmed talks for ceasefire

Egypt working to prevent escalation in tensions between Hamas and Israel, source says.

Hamas fire on Kerem Shalom harmed talks for ceasefire

Sergeant Michael Ruzal killed in Hamas missile attack on Israel

IDF announces: Sergeant Michael Ruzal was killed in a Sunday missile barrage on southern Israel.

Sergeant Michael Ruzal killed in Hamas missile attack on Israel

PM's Office responds:

Hamas, not Netanyahu, torpedoed hostage deal talks

'Hamas torpedoed the deal, with its refusal to budge on conditions that no Israeli government would accept,' Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu says, negating words of Hamas' Moussa Abu Marzouk and the Israeli official who backed him.

Hamas, not Netanyahu, torpedoed hostage deal talks

Gallant to Austin:

'Military action is required in Rafah - no other alternative'

Minister Gallant briefed US counterpart on the attack by Hamas, in which approximately 10 projectiles were fired from the area adjacent to the Rafah Crossing toward the area of the Kerem Shalom humanitarian crossing.

'Military action is required in Rafah - no other alternative'

IDF strikes terror targets following Hamas attack on border area

IDF continuing operations in central Gaza, striking armed terrorists and terrorist infrastructure.

IDF strikes terror targets following Hamas attack on border area

Hamas official claims: Netanyahu's statements caused deal to fail

Moussa Abu Marzouk, Hamas official who claimed civilians were 'exempt' from the Oct. 7 massacre, claims to NYT that the impasse in negotiations was caused by PM Netanyahu's promise to topple Hamas battalions in Rafah. Israeli official offers support to Abu Marzouk's claims.

Hamas official claims: Netanyahu's statements caused deal to fail

IDF expands humanitarian area to accommodate Rafah residents

Amid surge of humanitarian aid entering Gaza, IDF encouraging residents of eastern Rafah to advance towards expanded humanitarian area.

IDF expands humanitarian area to accommodate Rafah residents

IDF shoots down UAV that made its way to Israel

IAF fighter jets successfully intercept unmanned aircraft that made its way to Israeli territory from the east. No injuries or damages.

IDF shoots down UAV that made its way to Israel

National Unity MK:

'We will soon leave the government'

MK Michael Biton says his party is expected to leave the emergency government soon and work to advance the elections.

'We will soon leave the government'

UNRWA head:

'Israel barred me from entering Gaza for a second time'

UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini accuses Israel of denying the United Nations humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip.

'Israel barred me from entering Gaza for a second time'

In conversation with Gallant:

Austin expresses condolences for soldiers killed by mortars

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin speaks to Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, reaffirms "commitment to the unconditional return of all hostages".

Austin expresses condolences for soldiers killed by mortars

4 killed in rocket barrage near Gaza border crossing

Ten rockets and mortars were fired from Rafah on the Kerem Shalom crossing, wounding seven. Just moments before, about thirty rockets were fired from Lebanon. A 65-year-old man was lightly injured.

4 killed in rocket barrage near Gaza border crossing

Three soldiers killed in mortar strike on Kerem Shalom

An additional 11 people were wounded as a result of the barrage and were taken for treatment at the Soroka Medical Center in Be'er Sheva.

Three soldiers killed in mortar strike on Kerem Shalom

IDF strikes Hamas command and control center in UNRWA complex

Hamas oversaw the supply of weapons to dozens of Hamas terrorists from inside the command and control center, including those located and operating inside underground terror tunnels.

IDF strikes Hamas command and control center in UNRWA complex

'Like liberating Majdanek’

Fallen soldier's account of massacre aftermath

Yossi Hershkowitz, who fell in Gaza, spoke to his father on October 9th and told him about the military activity in the area after the massacre: ‘If we don’t destroy them, we have nothing to look for here.’

Fallen soldier's account of massacre aftermath

Amit Segal:

'Hamas did not want a hostage deal at all'

News commentator Amit Segal is worried that the US will sign a deal with Hamas behind Israel's back, and emphasizes: 'We deceived ourselves, we told ourselves stories.

'Hamas did not want a hostage deal at all'

Bereaved father: "We are committed to our son's will"

"We don’t have the strength to speak but we can’t remain silent. We will not forgive ourselves that our son defended the residents of Kerem Shalom, but the residents cannot return to their homes."

Bereaved father: "We are committed to our son's will"

Netanyahu:

'Surrendering to Hamas demands would be a terrible defeat'

PM addresses the negotiations for a hostage deal, blames Hamas intransigence for lack of deal and says surrendering to its demands would invite repeats of October 7.

'Surrendering to Hamas demands would be a terrible defeat'

IDF eliminates terrorists who participated in Oct. 7th massacre

IAF aircraft struck and eliminated the terrorist Saleh Jamil Muhammad Amad, who was responsible for combat support within Hamas’ Bureij Battalion.

IDF eliminates terrorists who participated in Oct. 7th massacre

'Let us look you in the eyes'

Police block bereaved families from reaching PM's Office

The Gvura Forum of bereaved families asked PM Netanyahu to allow them to meet with the cabinet to ensure the government would not surrender to Hamas and that the war would continue.

Police block bereaved families from reaching PM's Office

Ben Gvir's message to Netanyahu

Minister of National Security: Netanyahu promised not to agree to a reckless deal and say yes to an operation in Rafah - he knows very well the price of not fulfilling the commitment.

Ben Gvir's message to Netanyahu

Israeli sources:

If Hamas insists on remaining in power - there will be no deal

Israel may accept a deal that ends the war - if Hamas leaders agree to exile from Gaza, report says.

If Hamas insists on remaining in power - there will be no deal

IDF eliminates Nukhba force commander

Aiman Zaarab, senior Islamic Jihad operative who commanded and directed numerous attacks and infiltration attempts, is eliminated in Gaza.

IDF eliminates Nukhba force commander

Report: Hamas agreed to Egyptian ceasefire proposal

Asharq Al-Awsat claims Israel removed opposition to releasing certain terrorists, US guaranteed full withdrawal from Gaza and an end to the war.

Report: Hamas agreed to Egyptian ceasefire proposal

Hostages' families:

'Stand up to the pressures or stand up and resign'

Families of the hostages wrote to the Prime Minister Saturday evening to demand that he resist international pressure for a ceasefire or vacate his position for someone who would.

'Stand up to the pressures or stand up and resign'

Families of hostages:

'Every citizen needs to know: 'Never Again' is now'

On the eve of Holocaust Remembrance Day, families of hostages push Israeli government to approve a prisoner swap deal with Hamas - no matter what the price.

'Every citizen needs to know: 'Never Again' is now'

Israel nearly succeeded in eliminating Yahya Sinwar

IDF forces were 'very close' to Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, sources say.

Israel nearly succeeded in eliminating Yahya Sinwar

Hezbollah attacks northern Israel, IDF strikes back

Antitank missile launch identified toward the area of Shtula, two launches toward the area of Mount Hermon. IDF strikes the source of the fire.

Hezbollah attacks northern Israel, IDF strikes back

IDF strikes loaded mortar launcher in central Gaza

IAF fighter jets struck terrorist infrastructure in an area from which a launch toward Kibbutz Ein HaShlosha was identified yesterday.

IDF strikes loaded mortar launcher in central Gaza

Are Israel and Hamas nearing a deal?

Senior sources say Israeli delegation will set out 'only if there is a response from Hamas that shows there is potential for negotiations.'

Are Israel and Hamas nearing a deal?

Erdogan:

'Sanctions on Israel meant to force ceasefire'

Turkish President says Turkey's move to halt trade with Israel was designed to force the country to a ceasefire in Gaza.

'Sanctions on Israel meant to force ceasefire'

IDF Chief of Staff to cadets:

'We have achievements against Hamas, but we are not finished'

Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi speaks with cadets as part of the “Joint Services Shabbat” held at the IDF's Officers’ Training School: This is a long war, and we are very determined to continue.

'We have achievements against Hamas, but we are not finished'

Operation imminent?

Israel briefs US on plan to move Gazans from Rafah

Sources tell Politico the IDF has informed aid groups and the Biden administration of a plan to begin removing Gazans from Rafah ahead of an invasion.

Israel briefs US on plan to move Gazans from Rafah

IDF holds surprise exercise in northern Israel

Military exercise aimed to simulate fighting the Hezbollah terror group in various battle scenarios on the Israel-Lebanon border, IDF says.

IDF holds surprise exercise in northern Israel

Bereaved parents protest new head of Intelligence Directorate

Bereaved parents who lost their sons in the Hamas attack on October 7 intend to petition the Supreme Court against the appointment of Brigadier General Shlomi Binder as head of the IDF Intelligence Directorate.

Bereaved parents protest new head of Intelligence Directorate

Diplomatic source: 'A deal will mean the end of the war'

If the US promises in Israel's name that the war with Hamas will not resume following a ceasefire-prisoner swap deal, Israel will be forced into a clash with the US - or forced to lose the war, source warns.

Diplomatic source: 'A deal will mean the end of the war'

Arab reports: Egypt extracted promise to delay Rafah operation

While Hamas' response to the Egyptian-proposed ceasefire-prisoner swap deal will almost certainly be negative, Israel has promised to delay an operation in Rafah, sources say.

Arab reports: Egypt extracted promise to delay Rafah operation

Watch: Students at School for the Blind sing about hope

Student choir from Israeli School for the Blind sing, 'I have hope,' bringing joy to Israelis from across the country: 'I have hope, I know that everything is for the good; I have hope, and the entire world is filled with love.'

Watch: Students at School for the Blind sing about hope

Boston:

City Council calls for ceasefire 'in Israel and Palestine'

Boston City Council votes by a majority of 11 to 2 to call for an “immediate and permanent ceasefire in Israel and Palestine”.

City Council calls for ceasefire 'in Israel and Palestine'

Kibbutz Be'eri:

Dror Or was murdered on October 7, his body is held by Hamas

Dror Or is the father of Noam and Alma Or who were freed from captivity. Their mother was also murdered by Hamas on the day of the massacre.

Dror Or was murdered on October 7, his body is held by Hamas

Former US official: Hamas leader surrounded by Israeli hostages

Yahya Sinwar and his family may be surrounded by 20 hostages, former US Army official tells Sky News.

Former US official: Hamas leader surrounded by Israeli hostages

Netanyahu to torchlighters:

'If we need to stand alone – we will stand alone'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the Holocaust Martyrs and Heroes' Remembrance Day Torchlighters: "."

'If we need to stand alone – we will stand alone'

'A child who brings joy'

Ella, widow of Oct. 7 hero, gives birth to a son

Ella Haimi, widow of Tal Haimi, who fought in the Nir Yitzhak security squad on October 7 and was kidnapped and murdered by Hamas, gives birth to the couple's fourth child.

Ella, widow of Oct. 7 hero, gives birth to a son

Blinken on Netanyahu:

'People say things, let's focus on what they're doing'

US Sec. of State Antony Blinken answers questions on Israel-Hamas war, urges focus on PM Benjamin Netanyahu's actions, instead of on his promises to invade Rafah.

'People say things, let's focus on what they're doing'