War Day 587: Secret Normalization Talk Between Israel and Syria, US Won’t Force Ceasefire

War Summary, Day 587: US won’t force a ceasefire, reports in Gaza that massive IDF movement has begun, US pushing Israel to begin delivering aid in Gaza, terrorist in Samaria murders mother en-route to deliver baby, two airstrikes eliminate terrorists in Lebanon, Israel and Syria in secret normalization talks, Houthis fire two more ballistic missiles with heavy shrapnel falls, and growing concerns over the U.S.-Iran deal.

By Mrs. Bruria Efune

58 held captive in Gaza.
35 hostages confirmed murdered held in Gaza.
148 living hostages rescued.
49 hostage bodies rescued.
1,840 Israelis killed.
422 fallen soldiers and police in the battle in Gaza.
88 fallen soldiers in Northern Israel.
18 fallen soldiers and police in Judea & Samaria.
30,725 estimated projectiles fired at Israel.
10,000 Israelis estimated remain displaced from their homes.
1 Jewish nation united in prayer, charity, and good deeds.

Top Headlines:

– No progress in negotiations
– US won’t force a ceasefire
– Reports in Gaza that massive IDF movement has begun
– No confirmation yet on elimination of Muhammed Sinwar
– Sinwar’s designated successor and his spokesperson may have been with him
– Hamas money man eliminated
-US pushing Israel to begin delivering aid in Gaza
– Horrific: Terrorist in Samaria murders mother en-route to deliver baby
– IDF continues search for terrorist
– 5 terrorists eliminated, many arrested
– Two airstrikes eliminate terrorists in Lebanon
– Israel and Syria in secret normalization talks
– Houthis fire two more ballistic missiles, heavy shrapnel falls
– SGrowing concerns over U.S.-Iran deal

Hostages:

There has been no progress in hostage negotiations. Hamas is still refuses to disarm, and is demanding a guaranteed complete end to the war and IDF withdrawal. Israel will not accept any deal that leaves Hamas with power to attack again, and insists on the original Witkoff framework.

Hamas was convinced that after releasing Edan Alexander, the U.S. would push Israel to agree to their terms. But Steve Witkoff told mediators (Egypt and Qatar) that the U.S. doesn’t plan to force Israel to end the war.

Israel’s deadline is no over, or near over, as U.S. President Trump is scheduled to return to the U.S. from his Gulf tour.

Gaza:

Late Thursday night, heavy airstrikes began to shake Gaza. Gazans then reported (unconfirmed) IDF bulldozers and tanks entering from Beit Lahiya in Northern Gaza, and in the area between Khan Younis and Central Gaza—in what may be the start of a 4th corridor.

In Beit Lahiya, there are reports that the IDF surrounded the Othman School in Beit Lahiya, where people are still sheltering months after evacuation warnings were given. The reports say that drones were sent to direct the building’s residents to evacuate, and form a line outside the building, and begin heading south, out of the city.

Rewind to the last two days:

There is still no confirmation as to whether the IDF successfully eliminated Hamas leader, Muhammed Sinwar in strikes on Tuesday evening, or not. The IDF only made an announcement that the strikes were commanded directly by the IDF Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, and the head of the Shin Bet, Ronen Bar.

The strikes targeted tunnels underneath the European Hospital in Khan Younis. After initial heavy bombing, the IAF continued to strike anyone who neared the tunnel, to prevent rescue attempts. Strikes continued until Wednesday evening.

There are rumors that alongside Sinwar were the commander of the Rafah Brigade, Shabana, and Hamas spokesperson Abu Ubaida. This would be significant if so, since Shabana was thought to be successor to Sinwar.

In the last two days, the IDF struck over 130 terror targets throughout Gaza. Targets included rocket launchers, terrorist cells, and operational apartments.

One airstrike eliminated terrorist Jasser Hussein Ali Shamiya, who was responsible for raising tens of millions of dollars for Hamas terror activity in Gaza, and for financing the salaries of Hamas terrorists during the war.

Up until Thursday night, there remained three divisions in active operations in Gaza: Division 252 in Northern Gaza, the Gaza Division (143) in areas of Southern Gaza, and Division 36 in the Morag Corridor and Rafah.

The IDF announced that the Jerusalem Brigade, which operated under the 252nd Division, completed activity in Shejaiya and the Daraj and Tuffah neighborhoods of Gaza City. They are now being placed by a reservist unit, while they prepare for further combat. Over the last two months, the Jerusalem Brigade destroyed 600 Hamas terror infrastructures, hundreds of meters of tunnels, and eliminated many terrorists.

The IDF revealed detailed intelligence of Hamas activity within and near civilian infrastructure in Gaza—particularly in hospitals, schools, and shelters. With this information, the IDF released a map, and gave specific instructions to civilians in the upscale Rimal neighborhood of Gaza City to evacuate.

Meanwhile, the Saudi Foreign Minister said that the U.S. assured him that they will have Israel deliver humanitarian aid into Gaza. In Turkey, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters that he spoke with PM Netanyahu and expressed that the U.S. is troubled by the humanitarian aid situation in Gaza.

Gazan social media is giving very mixed messages about food availability. Some videos show Gazans speak of starvation, while others advertise fully stocked grocery stores, luxury restaurants, bakeries, and dessert parlors—all from the last few days. Israel assesses that Gaza still has enough food for a few more weeks, enough time for a new system to be established which will enable delivery of aid to civilians, and not Hamas.

Judea & Samaria:

On Wednesday evening, a terrorist opened fire from the side of a road, aimed at Israeli motorists. Horrifically, the terrorist killed a young mother who was on her way to deliver her fourth child, and severely injured her husband. At the hospital, the baby was delivered via an emergency cesarean, and is now in severe condition.

Tzeela Gez, 30, was a devoted mother and trauma therapist. On social media she shared messages of hope and resilience, and expressed her wishes to be able to share light even in dark times.

The shooting took place near Bruchin, in Samaria—a 30 minute’s drive from Tel Aviv. The IDF and Shin Bet are still hunting for the terrorist, and has set up road blockades throughout the area.

During search operations in buildings in nearby Tamon, elite IDF forces engaged and eliminated five armed terrorists, and arrested one. In Tubas, three terrorists were arrested. Between both locations, nine M-16 rifles, several pistols and grenades, and other weapons and explosives were confiscated.

Thank G-d there were no casualties to IDF forces, despite coming under heavy fire.

On Wednesday, the IDF announced that forces operating in Tulkarem located a bomb-making factory, which produced more than 200 different kinds of explosives, and contained 150 kilograms of materials for preparing the explosives.

In separate raids throughout Judea and Samaria, 21 terrorists were arrested, and a few weapons were confiscated.

Lebanon:

Over the last two days, IDF airstrikes eliminated two Hezbollah terrorists in Southern Lebanon. On Wednesday, the local commander of the Kabhira compound was eliminated. On Thursday, a terrorist in the Arnon region who was attempting to restore Hezbollah infrastructure was eliminated.

Syria:

Israel’s Channel 12 reports that Israel is continuing to hold secret talks with senior officials of the Syrian government, over the possibility of normalization between the two countries.

Israel still holds strong concerns over Syria turning into a terror state, and remains suspicious of the al-Jolani regime which used to be a recognized terror group.

Yemen:

The Houthis in Yemen continue to fire ballistic missiles at Israel, at a high frequency.

On Wednesday at 7:40 am, sirens were activated in the Jerusalem area. The missile was intercepted.

On Thursday at 9:10 pm, while outdoor Lag B’Omer events were taking place throughout the country, sirens were activated in the large and heavily populated areas in and around Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. The missile was intercepted, though a very large chunk of debris landed in the town of Alon Shvut, in a popular pedestrian area. Thank G-d, no injuries were caused, as everyone had evacuated to shelter in time.

Iran:

Israel is growing increasingly concerned that the U.S. is about to enter a faulty nuclear agreement with Iran. The U.S. touts positive developments in negotiations, and claims that a deal is nearing. Meanwhile, Iran continues to insist that they will not completely halt the enrichment of uranium, but will continue at a lower intensity for “civilian use.” Obviously Israel does not trust Iran to have any uranium enrichment, as there’s no way to ensure that they will honor their commitment, and will constantly remain at the cusp of producing nuclear weapons.

Sponsored by anonymous in the merit of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai and the birthday of my husband Moishe Aizik ben Baila Rochel. We thank Bruria for her incredible work! May we all get to Eretz Yisrael with Moshiach immediately!