War Summary, Day 591: Rumors of Trump demanding Israel end the war appear false, negotiations ongoing with slight progress, fallen soldier in Gaza, massive airstrikes and attacks in Gaza as Operation Gideon’s Chariot is underway, reported secret operation in Khan Younis, humanitarian aid delivered in Gaza, Houthis threaten Haifa, and Britain, France, and Canada threaten Israel; Netanyahu fires back.
By Mrs. Bruria Efune
58 held captive in Gaza.
35 hostages confirmed murdered held in Gaza.
148 living hostages rescued.
49 hostage bodies rescued.
1,841 Israelis killed.
423 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:
– Negotiations ongoing, slight progress
– Rumors of Trump demanding Israel end the war appear false
– Fallen hero in Gaza
– Massive airstrikes and attacks in Gaza as Operation Gideon’s Chariot is underway
– Huge evacuation warnings
– Reported secret operation in Khan Younis
– Humanitarian aid delivered in Gaza
– Houthis threaten Haifa
– Britain, France, and Canada threaten Israel
– Netanyahu fires back
Hostages:
Negotiations are still ongoing in Qatar, but Hamas is still holding back. At a Post conference, U.S. envoy Adam Boehler, put the blame in Hamas, and added, “There is a reason why Hamas doesn’t have a state, because they never make good decisions.”
Boehler said that Hamas is beginning to show hints of breaking down and willingness to come to a deal, and credited it to the IDF action on ground, in Gaza.
When asked about U.S. President Trump’s relationship with Prime Minister Netanyahu, Boehler said that Trump’s support for Netanyahu never wavered—in denial of rumors of a rift between the two.
“I think that Trump would love to be in a situation where the hostages are home,” said Boehler. “That doesn’t mean that Israel’s security is compromised. Those are two very different things.”
Gaza:
The IDF announced the name of a hero who fell in battle in Northern Gaza:
Sgt. Yosef Yehuda Chirak, 22, of the Combat Engineering Corps’ 601st Battalion, from Harasha
Operation Gideon’s Chariots continued today with high intensity. The IDF said that they struck 160 terror targets in Gaza on Sunday alone. It appears that the same or more were hit today (Monday). Airstrikes and artillery fire are used to destroy sites, or eliminate terrorists, who pose a risk to the forces on ground. In the last two days, in addition to targeting Hamas gathering and launch sites, the Air Force also targeted many booby-trapped buildings and structures, and destroyed many tunnels.
A significant airstrike targeted a Hamas command and control center in Nuseirat, Central Gaza. The IDF used additional intelligence and a precision strike in order to minimize harm to civilians, who were sheltering in other parts of the same building.
The operational plan includes retaking the entire Gaza Strip, in order to clean it of Hamas and other terror groups. In addition to airstrikes, five IDF divisions are currently operating on ground, coming through the north, center, and south, and will be increasing their number of forces as they move inwards over the next week.
The largest evacuation order yet was given today, for nearly the entire Khan Younis, Bani Suheila and the Abasan suburbs. Residents were warned that an unprecedented attack is about to be launched, and the area is now a dangerous combat zone. The majority of residents appear to be heeding warnings, and evacuating to the Mawasi area on the coast. Many loudly protested against Hamas, blaming them for their misfortune. (In the many videos of protests against Hamas, including from today, the locals blame Hamas for their misfortune and call them cowards, but never say that terrorism is bad, or that they want to live peacefully with Israel.)
This morning, Khan Younis locals published photos of equipment used and left behind by IDF special forces. The equipment was a small wagon, made to look like it was carrying piles of blankets, but with a hidden compartment inside.
According to unverified reports from the locals, special forces entered Khan Younis in disguise, and attempted to arrest Ahmed Sarhan. When he resisted, the forces eliminated him, and arrested his wife and children. Ahmed Sarhan is a senior member of the military wing of the Popular Resistance Committees (PRC), the third largest terror group in Gaza, which also took part in the October 7th infiltration and massacre in Israel. The PRC is thought to be holding at least one hostage.
The IDF may have been attempting to capture Sarhan alive, in order to gain information on the hostages, or leverage for their release. If his wife and children were in fact taken, then it’s likely the IDF and Shin Bet believe that they have useful information to share, too.
During the operation, very heavy airstrikes took place in the area around. No IDF troops were harmed, thank G-d.
In a separate operation in recent days, troops under Division 36 located and destroyed a tunnel which had been used in an ambush attack that took the lives of two soldiers two weeks ago. The tunnel, which was near the Morag Corridor, was hundreds of meters long, and full of body traps. During the demolition of the tunnel, another terror cell, which was operating inside of it, was eliminated (and buried all at once).
Humanitarian Aid:
PM Netanyahu received heavy backlash from some of his electorate base and coalition partners, over the aid. He responded by explaining that if food does run out in Gaza, and it reaches a point of starvation, Israel will be forced to stop the war, even by its best friends and supporters.
Five trucks of humanitarian aid entered Gaza today, via the Kerem Shalom Crossing. The trucks contained baby food, medical equipment, flour for bakeries, and other basic items meant for community kitchens operated by international groups in Gaza.
Aid will continue to be delivered like this for around a week, until the new system is set up.
In the new system, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) will set up secure distribution sites, where civilians can each pick up one aid package per week. The packages will contain food rations for a week, hygiene kits, and medical supplies.
The aid will be delivered by hired American security contractors, who will ensure that it isn’t stolen by Hamas.
Yemen:
The Houthis didn’t fire any missiles at us today, but they did announce that they’re somehow going to impose a maritime blockade against the Israeli Port of Haifa.
Iran:
U.S.—Iran nuclear talks may be coming to an end.
Iran is refusing to accept the invitation for a fifth round of talks, since the U.S. is insisting that Iran not be able to enrich any uranium. Iran will not accept any deal that doesn’t allow them to enrich “just a little” uranium.
Judea & Samaria:
Israel’s Civil Administration forces have been working with the IDF to destroy illegal buildings in Judea and Samaria. Following the terror attack that killed Tzeela Gez HYD near the town of Brokin, the IDF prioritized the illegal buildings of the town, since they pose a security risk and today destroyed a 4-story building that was constructed with out any permit.
Lebanon:
An Israeli airstrike eliminated a terrorist from Hezbollah’s elite Radwan forces , who was operating in Southern Lebanon.
Other:
Leaders of Britain, France, and Canada issue joint statement calling on Israel to end the war Gaza, and allow unrestricted aid to flow in. They threatened that “failure to comply will lead to concrete actions being taken.” They also called for the establishment of a Palestinian State.
Prime Minister Netanyahu responded:
“By asking Israel to end a defensive war for our survival before Hamas terrorists on our border are destroyed and by demanding a Palestinian state, the leaders in London, Ottowa and Paris are offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel on October 7 while inviting more such atrocities.
“The war began on October 7 when Palestinian terrorists stormed our borders, murdered 1,200 innocent people and abducted over 250 more innocents to the dungeons of Gaza.
“Israel accepts President Trump’s vision and urges all European leaders to do the same.The war can end tomorrow if the remaining hostages are released, Hamas lays down its arms, its murderous leaders are exiled and Gaza is demilitarized. No nation can be expected to accept anything less and Israel certainly won’t.
“This is a war of civilization over barbarism. Israel will continue to defend itself by just means until total victory is achieved.”
Sponsored for the refuah sheleimah of Moshe Chaim haLevi ben Devorah Gellah.
Keep moving forward with the Rebbe’s Brachas for sure. משיח כאו בחסד וברחמים