War Summary, Day 521: Negotiations back on in Qatar, Rubio says there will be no more direct talks with Hamas as the direct talks with Hamas bore no fruit, Witkoff outlines “starter” terms for hostage negotiations, low hopes for an agreement, but Israel is still trying, Hamas continues to plant roadside bombs in Gaza, two-month baby injured in rock-throwing attack, Houthis threaten to restart attacks after Tuesday, Syrian Alawites plea for Israeli protection, and Zamir overhauling IDF.
By Mrs. Bruria Efune
59 held captive in Gaza.
35 hostages confirmed murdered held in Gaza.
147 living hostages rescued.
49 hostage bodies rescued.
1,828 Israelis killed.
413 fallen soldiers and police in the battle in Gaza.
87 fallen soldiers in Northern Israel.
18 fallen soldiers and police in Judea & Samaria.
30,683 estimated projectiles fired at Israel.
70,000 Israelis displaced from their homes.
1 Jewish nation united in prayer, charity, and good deeds.
Top Headlines:
– Negotiations back on in Qatar
– Rubio says there will be no more direct talks with Hamas
– The direct talks with Hamas bore no fruit
– Witkoff outlines “starter” terms for hostage negotiations
– Low hopes for an agreement, but Israel is still trying
– Hamas continuing to plant roadside bombs in Gaza
– Two-month baby injured in rock-throwing attack
– Houthis threaten to restart attacks after Tuesday
– Syrian Alawites plea for Israeli protection
– Zamir overhauling IDF
Hostages:
There are a lot of rumors from various “inside sources” going around about the negotiations, and a few things that are verified fact. First, what we know for sure:
Indirect negotiations have restarted today, with an Israeli negotiation team in Qatar.
After strong backlash over Adam Boehler’s statements on Sunday, U.S. Secretary of State Rubo said that the direct talks with Hamas were a one time thing, which won’t happen again, and haven’t borne fruit.
Asked on Fox News what would be a “starter” for negotiations with Hamas, Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, outlined: “A starter is Hamas demilitarizing, not rearming, leaving all their arms on the ground, and leaving Gaza.”
Asked if there was a deadline for an agreement to come about, Witkoff only agreed that a deadline is necessary, but didn’t confirm that there is one. Witkoff still credits the Qataris for their “outstanding” work, and adds gratitude for the Egyptians, Saudis, and Emiratis as well.
In an official statement, Hamas condemned and rejected that Israel did not begin the second phase of the ceasefire agreement, and withdraw from the Philadelphi Corridor. The statement failed to mention that Hamas didn’t either do what is stipulated as part of the second phase—which is for them to disarm and give up control of Gaza.
Additional information has been reported by reliable news outlets, but according to “inside sources” which should be taken with a grain of salt. Here is some of that information which may be relevant to know:
Israel has very low hopes that an agreement will come about now, but thinks it’s still worth the effort.
Hamas countered Witkoff’s demands that they disarm and leave Gaza with a commitment only to disarm for five to ten years, in exchange for a full ceasefire from Israel. This is a non-starter for Israel, and seemingly for Witkoff as well.
Hamas is refusing to completely disarm or leave Gaza, and wants nothing less than Israel completely evaluating Gaza, the end of the war, and Gaza being rebuilt. Hamas is under the impression that Trump really wants an end to the war, and if they offer that, he will take it.
Hamas may consider quietly freeing the one remaining living American-Israeli hostage, Idan Alexander, as a gesture of goodwill to the U.S., in hopes for more favor on their side in negotiations.
Gaza:
For the third day in a row, IDF forces spotted Hamas terrorists planting roadside bombs near IDF positions in the buffer zone—this time in two locations, in Shejaiya and Nuseirat. In Shejaiya the threat was eliminated with fire from the nearby troops in Nuseirat with an airstrike.
In another repeat incident, troops identified a drone crossing from Israeli territory into Gaza. The drone was tracked throughout its flight, and attacked when suspects in Gaza came to retrieve it.
Judea & Samaria:
Counterterrorism operations in Samaria are ongoing.
A terrorist threw large stones at Israeli vehicles traveling along a civilian road near the village of Odela in Samaria. One stone struck the windshield of an Israeli car, and sent glass through the vehicle, injuring a 2-month-old baby. The baby’s wounds were treated by medics and did not require hospitalization.
The IDF immediately set out in search of the terrorists.
Yemen:
The leader of the Houthis presented their final “ultimatum” to Israel, stating that if humanitarian aid shipments to Gaza aren’t resumed on Tuesday, they’ll resume their attacks on Israel.
The Israeli air defense operators were put on high alert.
Syria:
Syria continues to be a complicated mess, and Israel is continuing operations to prevent the conflict from spilling into Israel, and from heavy weapons falling into the hands of anti-Israel militia.
Syrian media reported a series of Israeli airstrikes in the south of the country, targeting military sites of the former Assad regime.
The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) signed a peace agreement with the new Syrian government under al-Jolani (aka al-Sharaa), which they marked with mass celebrations. This may be the end of much bloodshed between the groups.
Meanwhile, pro-Assad militia continue to launch small attacks against al-Jolani’s forces, and the pro-Assad Alawite minority fear for their lives. The Alawites have now turned to Israel asking for military protection and aid. They also asked that Israel appeal to the international community on their behalf, because no one else seems to be paying attention to their plight.
The Alawite population primarily resides in northwestern Syria, not neighboring Israel. It is not an area Israel is likely to defend. There are reports of some Alawite families fleeing to southern Syria, to the Druze areas under IDF protection.
Historically, the Alawite Syrians were not friends of Israel. The Assad dynasty is Alawite, and led a major attack against Israel in the Yom Kippur war, and then backed the PLO and Hezbollah in wars against Israel. Still, Israel left channels for peace open to them.
Other:
The new IDF Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, has been quietly making many moves to overhaul the IDF, and switch much of the old leadership out, along with old beliefs.
Today Zamir announced the end of the decades old “hadmama” or “shutdown” practice. Shutdowns occurred during Jewish holidays and summer break. During shutdowns, entire units or bases would go on vacation all at once, leaving only skeleton crews behind. This practice came as part of a running belief that the IDF could be small if it’s smart. The IDF was on a large-scale shutdown on October 7th, for the holiday of Sukkot.
IDF soldiers will still be allowed the same amount of vacation days, but never whole units simultaneously.
Sponsored by Mike Parnell. Glory be to G-d, who defends Israel, and thwarts the way of the wicked.
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