Continued Resistance

During the 110th day of the Israeli war on Gaza, Palestinian resistance groups continued their operations against the occupation forces. They focused on fighting in Khan Yunis, a city in the southern Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, the International Court of Justice announced that it will soon issue a decision on a lawsuit filed by South Africa against Israel.

Al-Qassam Brigades

The military wing of Hamas, called the Al-Qassam Brigades, reported that they detonated a booby-trapped house in Khan Yunis. This action killed and injured a group of soldiers who were hiding inside. The Al-Qassam Brigades also clashed with a support force that arrived at the scene, resulting in the death of more than 10 soldiers.

Al-Quds Brigades

The military wing of the Islamic Jihad Movement, known as the Al-Quds Brigades, announced that they targeted an Israeli tank in Khan Yunis. This operation was carried out in collaboration with the Al-Qassam Brigades.

Injuries and Casualties

The Israeli army reported that 21 soldiers were injured in the Gaza battles over the past 24 hours. This brings the total number of injured soldiers since the start of the aggression on Gaza to 2,710. Among them, 1,250 are officers and soldiers who were injured during the ground attack, with 406 currently undergoing treatment and 40 in serious condition.

On the other hand, medical sources stated that 30 people were killed and 50 were wounded in Khan Yunis since Wednesday morning.

Attack on UNRWA Shelter

In Khan Yunis, an Israeli bombing targeted a shelter center run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). This center housed thousands of displaced people. The attack resulted in the death of 14 people and the injury of many others. The buildings caught fire, trapping people inside. The occupation forces prevented safe access to the area, making the situation even more dangerous.

Developments in the West Bank

In the occupied West Bank, the Israeli forces continued to raid several cities and arrest Palestinians. The Hamas movement called on Qatar and Egypt to intervene and secure the release of a prisoner who was previously released in a deal but was re-arrested by the occupation forces. Hamas held the Zionist occupation responsible for the consequences of this re-arrest.

In occupied Jerusalem, settlers, protected by the Israeli occupation police, stormed the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque. They carried out provocative tours and performed religious rituals.

The Lawsuit Against Israel

The International Court of Justice announced that it will issue a decision on Friday regarding the possibility of imposing emergency measures against Israel. This decision comes after South Africa accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. The court will not address the main question of whether Israel is committing genocide but will only consider the possibility of taking urgent measures until the case is fully examined, which usually takes years.

Controversial Statement

Despite the ongoing lawsuit, the Israeli Minister of Jerusalem Affairs and Heritage, Amichai Eliyahu, made a controversial statement. He called for dropping a nuclear weapon on the Gaza Strip. This statement has caused outrage, especially since South Africa included a previous statement by Eliyahu in their lawsuit, considering it an invitation to commit genocide crimes in Gaza.

Source: Agencies

Mikko Hypponen: The Cybersecurity Expert

Mikko Hypponen is a 54-year-old expert in battling malware. He has been fighting against dangerous computer programs for decades and has even tracked down their creators. Mikko has won numerous awards and honors for his work and is considered one of the greatest thinkers in the field. He currently works as the chief researcher at "WithSecure," the largest cybersecurity company in the world.

The Revolution of Artificial Intelligence

Mikko believes that artificial intelligence (AI) is going to change everything. He thinks it will be even bigger than the Internet. While he sees the positive impact AI can have on the world, he also worries about the cyber threats that come with it.

The 5 Serious Concerns for 2024

1. Deepfake

Deepfakes are videos or audio clips created using AI that can make people appear to say or do things they never did. While the technology is not perfect yet, it has been used for malicious purposes. Mikko warns that the number of deepfake attempts has increased significantly, and people need to be cautious. He suggests using distinct words or passwords to verify if someone is real or fake during video calls.

2. Deep Web Scams

Deep web scams are different from deepfakes but can still be dangerous. These scams use automation to target a large number of people. They can be found in various fields, including investment scams, stealing electronic accounts, and even romance scams. Mikko warns that if scammers start using AI to spread their lies and fabricate evidence, the number of victims could increase dramatically.

3. Large Language Model Malware (LLMS)

Mikko's research team has discovered malicious software that uses AI to rewrite programming codes. These worms are difficult to detect and can be used for fraud or spreading violence. While some AI platforms can detect them, there is a risk that fraudsters can use them offline, making it harder to track and stop them.

4. Day Zero Attack

A day zero attack is when cyber attackers exploit vulnerabilities in software before developers can fix them. AI can be used both to detect these vulnerabilities early and to create new ones. Mikko warns that this type of attack is still in its early stages but could become more widespread in the future.

5. Automated Malware

With the rise of automation in cyber-attacks, cybersecurity companies like WithSecure are facing new challenges. Mikko believes that the future of cybersecurity will depend on who can develop and use AI the best. He predicts that fully automated malware will become the number one cyber threat in the world in 2024.

  Operation Al-Maghazi carried out by Al-Qassam Brigades was pretty complex. Military expert, Major General Fayez Al-Duwairi thinks that it might have led to the deaths of around 100 Israeli soldiers. 

The Attack

So, the Al-Qassam Brigades announced that they bombed a house where Israeli soldiers were hiding. This caused the ammunition inside the house to explode. They also destroyed a tank called Merkava and set off a minefield where another group of soldiers was present. They even attacked the rescue team that tried to help the soldiers. It was a triple process!

How the Operation Was Carried Out

According to Major General Al-Duwairi, this kind of operation needs more than one group to work together. He believes that the Al-Qassam Brigades started by destroying the tank to get the attention of the soldiers and create confusion. Then, they blew up the house a little later. It was all part of their plan to cause chaos among the Israeli soldiers.

The Number of Casualties

Now, let's talk about the number of people who might have died in this operation. Israel announced that 21 soldiers were killed, but they didn't mention any wounded soldiers. In traditional battles, for every person who dies, there are usually three people who get injured. So, according to Major General Al-Duwairi, if we do the math, there might be around 100 soldiers who lost their lives in this operation. That's a lot!

Advanced Security Sense

Major General Al-Duwairi also mentioned that this operation shows how advanced the Al-Qassam Brigades' security sense is. They were able to plan and execute this complex attack, which is pretty impressive.

So, that's the scoop on Operation Al-Maghazi. It was a complex military operation carried out by Al-Qassam Brigades. According to Major General Al-Duwairi, around 100 Israeli soldiers might have lost their lives in this attack. It just goes to show how advanced  Al-Qassam Brigades are in terms of their security skills. 

Source: Al Jazeera

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Senegal is getting ready for its twelfth presidential elections. It's a big deal because they'll be choosing their fifth president. 

The Candidates

The Constitutional Council has announced a list of 20 candidates who will be running for president. However, some familiar faces are missing.

The current president, Macky Sall, hasn't participated in any presidential elections in over sixty years. And guess what? The outgoing president has nominated his prime minister, Amadou Bah, who is currently in prison. Another opposition politician, Sonko, has been expelled due to legal issues and unrest. Even Karim Wade, the son of a former president, wasn't included because he has dual French and Senegalese nationality.

The Campaign

The electoral campaign will kick off on February 4th. Many experts believe that the results will be decided in the first half of the campaign as there are a lot of candidates running, the ruling party is not very strong, and the opposition is not united.

The Candidates in the Spotlight

Amadou Bah

Amadou Bah, a 62-year-old candidate from the Alliance for the Republic Party, is a close associate of the current president, Macky Sall. He has a lot of experience in government and the private sector. Bah also has good relationships with Sufi orders, which are important religious groups in Senegal. Many people see him as an extension of President Macky Sall.

Idrissa Seck

Idrissa Seck, a 64-year-old former prime minister and head of the Roumi party, is considered one of the older candidates. He has a lot of experience working in government and the private sector. However, after joining the ruling regime bloc, Seck lost the trust of many voters. This led them to turn to opposition leader Othman Sonko instead.

Bassero Diomai Faye

Opposition candidate Bassero Diomai Faye is a 42-year-old law graduate and financial auditor. He has become a target for the opposition bloc.

Faye has gained support from young Senegalese people who want a change from the older generation. His imprisonment in the past has gained sympathy from educated elites who support freedom of opinion and expression. The popularity of his party, Pastev, has been growing since 2019, and they achieved third place in the last presidential elections. However, Faye faces challenges like a lack of business and political experience.

It's an exciting time for the country as they choose their fifth president. Keep an eye on the candidates and the campaign to see what happens next. The results will have a big impact on Senegal's future, especially with the recent gas discoveries. Political stability is crucial for the country's progress.

Qassam Operations

On the 105th day of the war on Gaza, the Al-Qassam Brigades, which is the military wing of Hamas, announced that they carried out operations against Israeli soldiers and destroyed tanks in different areas of the Gaza Strip.

In one operation, they sniped two Israeli soldiers and destroyed three tanks using strobe charges. They also targeted another tank with two soldiers inside and killed them using an Al-Yassin 105 shell.

In Gaza City, the Brigades targeted an Israeli force barricaded in a building, killing and injuring its members. They also attacked a building where occupation soldiers were hiding and shot a soldier directly.

In a separate operation, they lured an Israeli force into a tunnel opening and blew it up, causing direct hits on the soldiers. They also clashed with Israeli special forces, targeted a tank with anti-tank missiles, and bombed crowds of occupation forces.

In the northern Gaza Strip, Hamas targeted an Israeli force and detonated a stun device, resulting in casualties among the soldiers.

Proposals for an Exchange Deal

Regarding the issue of prisoners, there are new proposals being presented to release Israeli detainees held by the Palestinian resistance in Gaza. However, reaching an agreement is still far away as the two sides have different positions.

The latest proposals include releasing prisoners in exchange for stopping the fighting. There is also a proposal to release all Israeli and American prisoners, with reservations about those who served in the Israeli army.

French President Emmanuel Macron stated that France is working with Qatar to release the prisoners detained in Gaza.

Complaints against Herzog

The Swiss Attorney General's Office has received criminal complaints against Israeli President Isaac Herzog during his participation in the World Economic Forum in Davos. The office is currently clarifying its legal position and considering the complaints.

A human rights legal group in Switzerland has also submitted reports against Herzog, stating that immunity can be lifted in certain circumstances, such as crimes against humanity.

On the other hand, the Israeli President's Office confirmed that Herzog participated in the Davos Forum as scheduled.

Israeli Attacks and Palestinian Casualties

According to Israeli media reports, there have been criminal complaints filed against Herzog, which his office believes are an attempt to damage Israel's reputation.

In the West Bank, a Palestinian boy with American citizenship was shot and killed by Israeli forces. Another young Palestinian man was injured in a separate incident. The Israeli occupation forces also conducted raids in several villages, resulting in attacks on Palestinians.

Confrontations between Palestinians and Israeli forces also took place in other areas of the West Bank, including Nablus. The Israeli army has arrested over 6,000 people in the West Bank since the start of the aggression.

The Israeli military operation in Tulkarm has ended after 45 hours, during which they searched buildings and arrested dozens of people.

Hezbollah's Actions and Israeli Strikes in Lebanon

Hezbollah announced that they carried out operations against Israeli forces and sites. In response, Israel launched airstrikes in southern Lebanon and intercepted a drone in Acre's skies.

Hezbollah targeted several locations in the occupied Shebaa Farms and bombed an Israeli gathering. Israeli fighters conducted raids in various towns in southern Lebanon.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant visited the northern front and stated that Israel does not want escalation with Hezbollah but is prepared to use force to protect Israeli citizens.

According to The Washington Post, Israel threatened to escalate its fight with Hezbollah if an agreement was not reached soon.

American Bombing in Yemen

In Yemen, the Houthi group reported that the city of Hodeidah was bombed by the United States and the United Kingdom. The Houthis claimed to have targeted an American ship in the Gulf of Aden, but the US military denied the hit.

Arab Demonstrations against Israeli Aggression

Tens of thousands of people across Arab cities demonstrated against the Israeli war on Gaza, demanding an end to the aggression and the entry of humanitarian aid. They also condemned American collusion with Israel.

In Yemen, thousands of Yemenis gathered in Sabeen Square to denounce the Israeli war on Gaza and show solidarity with the Palestinian people. Similar demonstrations took place in Taiz, Jordan, Baghdad, and several cities in Morocco.

Sources:   Agencies

According to Hebrew media, analysts and former Israeli officials are criticizing the war government for involving the army in the Gaza Strip to achieve special political goals. Additionally, a family member of the prisoners claims that there is systematic incitement against them.

The Government's Role

Eran Etzion, a former Deputy Chairman of the National Security Council, believes that Israel is strategically trapped in Gaza with no way out. He argues that the current government is not capable of leading the army or the state towards victory. Etzion further explains that the government's failure to set strategic political goals from the beginning has harmed Israel's progress in the war.

Internal Conflicts

Former Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman highlights the lack of unity within the war government. He points out the intense disagreements between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and war council member Benny Gantz. Lieberman expresses his astonishment at the level of conflict, stating that he has never witnessed anything like it before. He emphasizes the need to address the situation on the Lebanese border.

Political Campaigns

Rabbi Aryeh, a leader in the "For a Jewish Identity" organization, accuses government members of prioritizing their election campaigns over the war effort. He claims that they are intentionally fueling disputes within Israeli society instead of focusing on finding a solution. Rabbi Aryeh believes that the government should listen to former military leaders who advocate for ending the war.

Incitement Against Prisoners' Families

Danny Elgart, the brother of one of the prisoners, reveals that there is an ongoing incitement campaign against the families. They are being wrongly accused and blamed for the situation. Elgart shares a distressing incident where someone shouted at him in the street, suggesting that the captives should be bombed to resolve the problem.

Source: Al Jazeera

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Palestine

Israeli Aggression Continues

For the 73rd day in a row, Israel has been attacking the Gaza Strip. The Ministry of Health in Gaza reported that 19,453 people have been killed and 52,286 injured as a result of this aggression.

Targeting Hospitals

Unfortunately, the Israeli occupation has been targeting hospitals as well. They have put a siege on Al Awda Hospital and even arrested its director. They also bombed Al Shifa Hospital, causing more casualties.

Resistance Factions Fight Back

The resistance factions, led by the Al-Qassam Brigades, have been fighting back against the Israeli soldiers and vehicles. They have carried out operations that resulted in deaths, injuries, and the destruction of Israeli vehicles.

Al-Qassam Recordings

The Al-Qassam Brigades released several video recordings showcasing their daily operations. In one of the videos, they responded to a video released by the Israeli army about the discovery of a tunnel. In another video, they addressed the issue of Israeli prisoners held by them.

In their video titled "You Arrived Late," the Al-Qassam Brigades commented on the discovery of a giant tunnel in the northern Gaza Strip. They explained that the tunnel was used in a previous operation and its discovery now by the enemy holds no value.

The Al-Qassam Brigades also shared a video message from Israeli prisoners in the Gaza Strip to the Israeli government and their families. The prisoners pleaded, "Do not leave us to grow old here."

Resistance Operations

The Al-Qassam Brigades announced several military operations they carried out. They targeted a truck loaded with Israeli soldiers, an Israeli military jeep, an Israeli tank, and a Zionist foot force. They also claimed to have taken control of an Israeli reconnaissance plane.

Gaza Martyrs

In the Gaza Strip, more than 100 people, mostly children, have died in Jabalia due to Israeli raids and bombings. The Ministry of Health reported that the Israeli occupation forces committed massacres in the Jabalia camp, resulting in 151 deaths and 313 injuries.

Escalation in the West Bank

In the West Bank, the Israeli occupation forces stormed Al-Faraa camp, resulting in the deaths of four people, including a 17-year-old child. The occupation forces also stormed villages and cities, leading to injuries among Palestinians.

Occupation's Torture of Detainees

The Israeli occupation has been torturing detainees from the Gaza Strip. The Prisoners' Affairs Authority revealed that they have received testimonies of horrific torture carried out by the Israeli occupation against Gaza detainees. The fate of these detainees remains unknown, and the Israeli army is holding them in a camp in the Negev.

Enemy Casualties

The Israeli army announced the deaths of two more soldiers in battles in the Gaza Strip, bringing the total number of deaths on Monday to seven. They also reported that 48 soldiers were wounded during the past 24 hours.

Israeli Soldiers Injured in Gaza

The Israeli Soroka Hospital in Beersheba has reported that 28 Israeli soldiers were injured in the recent fighting in Gaza over the past two days. Since the beginning of the conflict, the hospital has treated a total of 2,215 injured individuals with varying degrees of severity. Currently, 52 war wounded are hospitalized, with 14 in serious condition.

Qatar's Efforts for Ceasefire

Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani has stated that Qatar will continue its mediation efforts for a permanent ceasefire and will support the Palestinian people in achieving their rights.

Protests for Prisoner Exchange Deal

According to the Israeli newspaper Maariv, families of those detained by the Palestinian resistance in Gaza have announced a sit-in protest in front of the government headquarters, starting Monday. They are demanding the completion of a prisoner exchange deal.

Incident near Bab al-Mandab

The British Maritime Trade Authority has received a report about an accident near Bab al-Mandab, south of the Yemeni port of Mokha. There is a possibility of an explosion in the waters two miles away from a ship in the Red Sea. A Yemeni shipping source mentioned that the Ansar Allah Houthi group fired a missile near a ship to warn it against sailing to an Israeli port. Recent Houthi attacks have led to a significant decrease in ship arrivals at the Israeli port of Eilat.

US Defense Secretary's Visit to Israel

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's visit to Israel aims to gather a clearer security assessment regarding the ground operation in Gaza. During a press conference in Tel Aviv, Austin stated that the United States will continue to provide Israel with the necessary weapons and ammunition for its war against Hamas. He emphasized that Hamas should not be able to export terrorism from Gaza to Israel again. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant added that they are working to dismantle Hamas to ensure the continued existence of the state, and operations may extend to the northern regions soon.

Sources: Al Jazeera + agencies

About 100 Israeli soldiers got seriously hurt in their eyes because they didn't wear protective glasses during the battles in Gaza. This news was reported by the official media on Wednesday evening.

The Cause of Injuries

The Israeli Broadcasting Authority explained that these injuries happened because of explosions, gunshots, and flying pieces of metal. The soldiers didn't wear protective glasses that could have saved their eyes. Shockingly, 10 to 15% of these injuries caused blindness in one or both eyes.

Neglecting Safety

The Broadcasting Corporation mentioned that these soldiers didn't use protective glasses during their military activities. However, the occupation army denied that there was a shortage of glasses. They claimed to be working on increasing awareness campaigns among soldiers to encourage them to use protective eyewear.

Hospital Cases

Soroka Hospital in the city of Beersheba received 40 soldiers with eye injuries. In just the last three days, the hospital treated 5 soldiers with serious eye injuries who needed difficult surgeries.

Donation Campaign

Due to the high number of eye injuries among Israeli soldiers in Gaza, Soroka Hospital started a donation campaign to buy protective glasses for the soldiers.

Overall Toll

Since the beginning of the aggression on the Gaza Strip in October, the occupation army has suffered a total of 411 casualties, including 10 in the past 24 hours.

Source: Anadolu Agency

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Human Rights

 The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, recently sent a message to the Security Council about the war happening in Gaza. He wants to warn the world about the dangers of this war and how it could affect everyone.

What Guterres Said

Guterres used a special rule called Article 99 to send this message. It's a rule that lets him tell the Security Council about anything that could be a threat to peace and security around the world. This is the first time he has used this rule since he became Secretary-General in 2017.

In his message, Guterres said that the war in Gaza could make things even worse for peace and security. He also said that the situation in Gaza is getting really bad and could collapse completely. This means that everything could fall apart and it would be really hard to help the people there.

The Dangers in Gaza

Guterres explained that the Israeli forces are bombing Gaza a lot, and the people there don't have enough shelters or basic things they need to survive. He thinks that the public order, which means how things are organized and peaceful, could collapse very soon. This is because the conditions are so desperate and it's really hard to give them the help they need.

He also mentioned that things could get even worse if diseases start spreading and more people try to leave Gaza and go to other countries nearby.

The Numbers

The war in Gaza has been really devastating. So far, there have been 16,248 people who lost their lives, including 7,112 children and 4,885 women. On top of that, 43,616 people have been injured.

The United Nations' Challenges

Guterres also talked about the challenges the United Nations is facing in helping the people in Gaza. He said that the aid that is getting through the Rafah crossing is not enough, and they can't reach everyone who needs help inside Gaza. The United Nations and its partners are facing shortages of supplies, fuel, and even problems with communication. This makes it really hard for them to do their job and help the people in need. 

Source: Agencies

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Palestine

Losses Inflicted on the Occupation Army

On the 61st day of the Israeli aggression on Gaza, the Palestinian resistance fought back and caused more losses to the Israeli army in clashes across the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, Israeli aircraft continued their raids on different locations in Gaza, resulting in numerous casualties. Tragically, 22 members of Al Jazeera correspondent Moamen Al-Sharafi's family were among the martyrs.

Al Jazeera Correspondent's Family Tragedy

The parents and several brothers of Moamen Al-Sharafi, Al Jazeera's correspondent in Gaza, were killed in an Israeli bombing of the Jabalia camp. Al Jazeera Media Network condemned the attack and demanded that the Israeli army be held accountable for its crimes against journalists and innocent civilians. Al Jazeera also pledged to take legal action and called on the international community and journalism defense organizations to put an end to these massacres and seek justice for the victims.

Israeli Army Suffers New Losses

The Israeli army reported the death of an officer in battles in the northern Gaza Strip, bringing the total number of soldiers and officers killed to 10 within 24 hours. The Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, targeted around 20 Israeli army vehicles and engaged in battles with the occupation forces in Khan Yunis and Beit Lahia. Al Jazeera obtained footage showing Al-Qassam fighters directly targeting Israeli forces and destroying tanks, troop carriers, and bulldozers.

Hamas' Deception

According to an Israeli security officer, military intelligence had gathered evidence of a large-scale attack that Hamas had been planning for a year. Israel received intelligence last August about an imminent attack, but it turned out to be a deception. The Israeli army held urgent consultations the night before October 7, but they did not evacuate the Nova Music Festival despite warnings about a possible Hamas attack.

Possible Settlement Between Lebanon and Israel

The United States is reportedly exploring the possibility of reaching a settlement between Lebanon and Israel regarding their borders. The American envoy to Lebanon is working on an agreement to reduce the likelihood of escalation and remove Hezbollah from the border. This comes after the killing of a Lebanese army soldier and Lebanon's complaint to the Security Council about Israel's targeting of its army.

American Predictions for the War's Outcome

The White House stated that American officials have been discussing the future governance of the Gaza Strip with their Israeli counterparts. However, they still do not know how the Strip will be governed after the war. CNN quoted officials in the Biden administration who expect the Israeli ground operation in the southern Gaza Strip to continue until January, with a focus on targeting Hamas leaders.

Weapons Shipment to Israel

Israel announced that it has received 10,000 tons of weapons and equipment since the beginning of the war. The 200th plane loaded with American equipment, weapons, and armored vehicles arrived as part of the ongoing air bridge. This highlights the significant military support Israel has received.

Unprecedented Message from the UN Secretary-General

UN Secretary-General António Guterres sent an unprecedented message to the Security Council, warning of the global dangers posed by the Israeli war on Gaza. He expressed concern that public order in Gaza is on the verge of complete collapse. Guterres invoked Article 99 of the UN Charter, which allows him to draw attention to matters that threaten international peace and security. This is the first time he has used this authority since taking office in 2017.

Gaza's Dire Humanitarian Situation

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Refugees (UNRWA) reported another wave of displacement in Gaza, with the situation worsening by the minute. UNRWA stated that the entire Gaza Strip has become one of the most dangerous places in the world, with no safe areas. Approximately 85% of the population has been displaced due to Israel's ongoing attacks. The World Food Program urgently called for a humanitarian ceasefire, as distributing aid has become extremely challenging and puts the lives of humanitarian workers at risk.

Source: Al Jazeera + agencies