Journalist Who Documented Oct. 7th Eliminated In Khan Yunis
The IDF early Tuesday morning (13th) precisely struck significant Hamas terrorists who were operating from within a compound and control center located in the “Nasser” hospital in Khan Yunis.
The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit said that the compound was used by the terrorists to plan and execute terrorist attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF troops.
The successor of the head of the Hamas government in the Gaza Strip and Head of Hamas’ finances and institutions, Ismail Barhoum, who was eliminated in a precise strike this past March, operated from within the Nasser hospital, the IDF said.
“Senior Hamas officials continue to use the hospital for terrorist activity, through cynical and brutal use of the civilian population in the hospital and its surroundings,” the IDF statement said.
It noted that prior to the strike, numerous steps were taken to minimize the risk of harming civilians, including the use of precise munitions, aerial surveillance, and additional intelligence.
“The IDF and ISA will continue to operate against the Hamas terrorist organization in order to protect the civilians of the State of Israel,” said the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit
Palestinian Arab media reported that Gazan “journalist” Hassan Aslih was eliminated in the Khan Yunis strike. Aslih, who operated on October 7 under the guise of a media worker, broadcast live images of a burning tank near the border fence, including other scenes of the massacre.
The Commander Of The Golani Brigade, Where Edan Served When He Was Abducted, Notified His Troops Of The Hostage’s Release
The Commander of the Golani Brigade, Colonel Adi Gonen, updated his troops on American-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander’s release from Hamas captivity. Alexander was serving as a Golani soldier when he was abducted to the Gaza Strip during the October 7th massacre.
“Golani stations from command: A little more than a year and a half ago, the murderous Hamas terror organization raided the communities of the Gaza enclave. It massacred, looted and conducted atrocious acts, while on the other side, on the line of defense, the soldiers of the IDF, including the Golani soldiers, defended fiercely,” the commander stated.
He continued: “That day, the soldiers of the Brigade fought heroically against the thousands of terrorists and paid a heavy price. The Brigade lost 73 fighters, of the country’s best. That terrible morning, a soldier from the Brigade was abducted, 51st Battalion soldier Edan Alexander.
“Since then, throughout the war, the Brigade fought in Gaza, and in Lebanon, and again in Gaza, and will continue to fight as needed until the mission is complete – the return of all the hostages and defeat of Hamas. Today, (Monday, 11th) as we fight against that same cruel and bloodthirsty enemy, we received the announcement of Edan’s release from Hamas captivity.
“Edan, who fought that terrible morning, is returning home. The Golani family embraces you, is excited by your return, and we are with you the whole way with the brotherhood that only exists in the Brown Brigade. There’s a long road, the fighting is difficult, and the prices are painful, but the Golani Brigade isn’t stopping and will keep fighting everywhere and at every time – until victory.”
Trump Not Preventing Israel from Launching Gaza Assault, Israeli Sources Say
Israel’s ultimatum issued to Hamas regarding its agreement to the hostage deal framework remains valid until the end of US President Donald Trump’s trip to the Middle East, Israeli sources clarified in conversation with The Jerusalem Post on Monday (12th), following a meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu , Witkoff, and Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee.
The meeting between Netanyahu, Witkoff, and Huckabee also included a phone call between Netanyahu and the US president. “The deadline for Hamas to accept the Witkoff framework, which includes the release of 10 hostages in exchange for several weeks of a ceasefire, remains valid until the end of Trump’s visit to the region,” an Israeli source told The Post.
The source added that the Trump administration is also committed to the Witkoff framework and is pursuing it with full force. “The Americans see eye to eye with us. They understand that Hamas must be destroyed.” the source said. Huckabee tweeted after the meeting: “Forget rumors. We’re all on the same page.”
The Israeli source noted that Jerusalem is making every effort to explore possibilities for a deal, which is why a delegation led by “M,” a former deputy head of the Shin Bet, will be sent to Qatar for talks. “The prime minister made it clear that negotiations will only take place under fire,” a press release from the Prime Minister’s Office on Monday (12th) read.
In the phone call, Netanyahu thanked Trump for his assistance in securing the release of IDF soldier Edan Alexander. The US President, in turn, reaffirmed his commitment to Israel and his desire to continue close cooperation with the prime minister.
Israeli officials emphasized on Monday (12th) that it was solely Hamas’ fear of an Israeli operation that led to Alexander’s release.
“We hope that this release, combined with the ‘herd of elephants’ heading toward Gaza,” referring to a planned widened operation, “and the fact that Trump is in the region, will lead to additional deals,” the Israeli source told The Post. The source added, “Hamas will not stall us. Negotiations will proceed under fire, and if Hamas does not agree to the Witkoff framework, the ‘Gideon’s Chariots’ operation will not be delayed.”
Sgt.-Maj. TZVI Feldman Is Laid To Rest At Military Funeral In Holon
The remains of Sgt.-Maj. Tzvi Feldman was laid to rest during a military funeral attended by hundreds at the Holon military Cemetery on Monday (12th).
Feldman fought in the Battle of Sultan Yacoub between Israel and Syria in June 1982, in which six soldiers were declared missing in action. His remains were recovered from Syria after 43 years on Sunday (11th).
During the funeral, Feldman’s sister, Anat, said, “I wanted you to come back. We grew up in a home where our father was a Holocaust survivor, the sole survivor of his family, and our mother came from Morocco. You, Zvika, were named after your grandfather, who was in the Holocaust. Dad said that was our victory over the Nazis. Zvika, you returned to the homeland, you fell with courage. May all the hostages and missing be returned.”
“I thank the Creator for bringing my brother back to be buried in the Holy land and for removing him from enemy territory,” his brother Yitzhak added.
Commander of the IDF’s 10th “Harel” Reserve Brigade, Colonel Itamar Michaeli, also gave a speech at the funeral.
“This is a personal and national circle being closed – and a message from the IDF and the state to its fighters,” Michaeli said.
“Returning Zvika’s body for burial in Israel after such a long time is a message and a testament to our deep commitment to fighters who have not yet been brought home – a cross-generational commitment. We will make sure to teach future commanders and soldiers about the battle in which Zvika and his comrades fell. Zvika’s legacy, his personal story, and the story of his sacrifice serve as a guiding light for us,” said Col. Michaeli.
“Today the Harel Brigade is preparing its fighters for a fifth round of combat – to bring back the hostages, to destroy Hamas, and to ensure the safety of Israel’s citizens. We remember the legacy of our older brothers, including Zvika” Michaeli added.
“On behalf of the Harel Brigade family, I hope you know no more sorrow. Know that our hearts are with you. Zvika, rest in peace in the cherished land for which you fought. May your memory be a blessing,” he concluded.
Mossad Director David Barnea and IDF Manpower Directorate Commander Maj.-Gen. David Bar Kalifa participated in the funeral ceremony by laying wreaths on Feldman’s grave.
On Sunday (11th) Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the Feldman family home in Tel Aviv to personally inform them of the return of Tzvi’s body.
A military source said that the operation to retrieve Feldman’s remains was led by the Mossad and the IDF in Syrian territory, and his remains were found in the Al Yarmouk Palestinian refugee camp. According to the IDF, it was a complex operation led by Mossad members.
Hearing In Britain’s House Of Commons Turned Into Trial Against Israel – Melanie Phillips
A recent hearing of the Commons foreign affairs committee demonstrated that Israel’s defenders and its critics appear to inhabit entirely different planets. The committee’s chair, Labour MP Emily Thornberry, asked, “What’s the optimistic future for a Palestinian mother in Gaza, what’s the best thing that could happen?” In any moral universe, the best thing that could happen would be for the mother to stop telling her children that their duty was to murder Jews and martyr themselves in the process, as so many Arab women boast of doing.
For some committee members, there were simply no facts that could dent their certainty that Israel was behaving like a rogue state. When Natasha Hausdorff, legal director of UK Lawyers for Israel, stated that the IDF observed higher standards of humanitarian law than any other army in the world – a view backed by numerous international military experts – Labour MP Alex Ballinger dismissed this as “outrageous” and “a staggering claim.”
There’s now an unchallengeable idea among the educated classes that trans-national legal bodies – such as the UN or International Criminal Court – represent a world dominated by tyrannies and dictatorships, many of which want democratic Israel destroyed.
That’s why the UN, particularly UNRWA (Its agency for Palestinian refugees), seems to have been infiltrated by Hamas, and appoints human rights abusers to its Human Rights Council, and employs people with a record of anti-Semitic statements, such as the rapporteur on the “Occupied Palestinian Territories,” Francesca Albanese.
At a deeper level, the notion that developed after the Holocaust that international laws and institutions would deliver justice was fundamentally flawed. Law derives its authority from being passed by parliaments representing the will of the people. International laws and tribunals, which have no such inherent jurisdiction, lack the legitimacy and therefore inescapably become instruments of politics rather than law. (The Jewish Chronicle)
Severe Damage To Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, Which Will Remain Closed Following Flash Flood
A rare and powerful flash flood that hit southern Israel on Sunday (11th) caused extensive damage to the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve.
According to the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, the flood was an extreme event, unlike anything seen in the area for many years. Approximately 35 mm of rain fell in a very short period.
A preliminary assessment conducted after the flood, revealed widespread and significant damage to the reserve. Many hiking trails were completely washed away, while others suffered major erosion and damage due to the force of the water. The ancient synagogue at the site was flooded and will require preservation, restoration and rehabilitation efforts to repair the damage.
All support infrastructure in the reserve – including footbridges, trails, railings, steps, and signage – was severely affected. Roads leading to and within the reserve were also damaged and will need to be repaired.
The Parks Authority added that all basic infrastructure was hit, including power, sewage and water systems, as well as public restrooms. The powerful flood also damaged the reserve’s unique plant life. After completing a full damage assessment, the Nature and Parks Authority will begin restoration work. Until those efforts are complete, the reserve will remain closed to visitors.
Located in the heart of the Judean Desert, Ein Gedi Nature reserve stretches across 3,500 acres along the edge of the Judean cliffs, adjacent to Kibbutz Ein Gedi. The reserve encompasses the canyons of Nahal David and Nahal Arugot – two perennial streams – and the high cliffs between them. Four springs flow year-round within the reserve, sustaining a unique desert oasis.
Ein Gedi is the largest oasis in Israel. Its lush vegetation and flowing streams provide a vital habitat for a large population of Ibexes, which find their primary refuge there. Until several decades ago, the reserve also supported a small population of leopards. Rare and endangered plants also grow in the area.
