Missile Attack on Tel Aviv
On the 76th day of the war on Gaza, the military wing of Hamas, called the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, launched a large missile attack on Greater Tel Aviv. They also claimed to have killed 17 Israeli soldiers in two separate operations in the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, the Israeli army continued to bomb residential areas, causing more casualties and destruction.
Hamas Responds to Israeli Aggression
The Al-Qassam Brigades stated that their missile attack on Tel Aviv was in response to the massacres committed by the Israeli forces in Gaza. The Israeli army reported intercepting 20 missiles, while sources said that at least 35 missiles were fired towards Tel Aviv.
Hamas Demands Release of Prisoners
Abu Ubaida, the military spokesman for the Al-Qassam Brigades, called on Israel to stop its aggression and fulfill the demands of the Palestinian resistance to release prisoners in Gaza. He emphasized that if Israel wants its prisoners alive, it must stop the aggression. Abu Ubaida also highlighted the success of the Al-Qassam Brigades in carrying out sniper operations and targeting occupation vehicles.
Hamas Gains Popularity
According to American intelligence agencies, Hamas has gained credibility and influence in the Middle East and beyond since the start of the Israeli aggression on Gaza. The network CNN reported that Hamas has positioned itself as a defender of the Palestinian cause and an effective fighter against the Israeli occupation.
Call to Dissolve the War Council
Israeli Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben Gvir, called for the dissolution of the war ministerial council due to its failure in managing the battle over the Gaza Strip. The council was formed to oversee the war on Gaza but has faced criticism for its handling of the situation.
Prisoner Exchange Negotiations
Israeli officials have made an offer regarding a new prisoner exchange deal with Palestinian factions. Hamas insists that the deal includes the release of three prominent Palestinian leaders from Israeli prisons: Marwan Barghouthi, Ahmed Saadat, and Abdullah Barghouti.
Famine Warning in Gaza
The World Food Program warned that Gaza is facing catastrophic hunger, and famine could occur if the conflict continues. The program emphasized the need for sufficient food, clean water, medical services, and sanitation to prevent a humanitarian crisis.
No Evidence of Tunnels in Hospital
An investigation by The Washington Post revealed that there is no evidence to support Israeli claims that Hamas used Al-Shifa Hospital as a command and control center or that the hospital's buildings are connected to the tunnel network. The investigation also confirmed that there is no evidence of tunnels within the corridors of the Al-Shifa Medical Complex.
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Source: Aljazeera
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Military Expert: Withdrawing Golani Brigade Denies Israel’s Control Over Northern Gaza
Israel's Contradictory Statements
According to Major General Al-Duwairi, Israel's claims of controlling the northern Gaza Strip don't match what's happening on the ground. He believes that withdrawing the Golani Brigade from operations proves that Israel doesn't have as much control as they say.
Missiles Fired at Tel Aviv
Al-Duwairi points out that when the resistance fired 35 missiles towards Tel Aviv and Ben Gurion Airport, it showed that Israel doesn't have complete control over the land. These missiles were launched from Jabalia, which is north of the Gaza Strip. This means that the resistance, led by Hamas, is still strong in the area that Israel claims to control.
Preparing Missiles Underground
The military expert explains that the resistance prepares these missiles underground. When they're ready, they come out of a tunnel. This ensures that there are no Israeli troops on the ground and no Israeli aircraft in the sky. It's a sneaky way to avoid detection!
The Challenging Shujaiya Neighborhood
Al-Duwairi mentions that the Shujaiya neighborhood is tough for Israeli forces because it houses one of the two striking forces of the Al-Qassam Brigades, which is the military wing of Hamas. This force was so powerful that it forced Israel to withdraw the Golani Brigade from the battle, just like it did in 2014.
Implications of Withdrawing a Brigade
According to Al-Duwairi, withdrawing a brigade from a battle is a big deal. It can only happen if the brigade loses 40% of its fighters and vehicles. This decision by Israel confirms the losses that the resistance is claiming to inflict on the Israeli army. It also affects the morale of the army because other brigades will wonder why the Golani Brigade was withdrawn.
Restoring Equipment vs. Personnel
The military expert explains that while equipment losses can be restored, personnel losses cannot be easily replaced. Even if Israel wants to reorganize its forces, it will take a long time because the Golani Brigade needs to be at least 90% ready to fight, and currently, it's only at around 60% strength.
The Battle Continues
Al-Duwairi mentions that fighting is still ongoing in the northeastern part of the Gaza Strip, specifically from Mansoura Street to Baghdad Street. On the southern front, there haven't been any significant changes in the lines of clashes. Israel is trying to surround and isolate the city of Khan Yunis.
Leadership Buildings and Alternatives
Even though Israel claims to have destroyed the Leaders Square in Gaza City, Al-Duwairi believes it doesn't mean much. There are many other buildings where the leadership operates, and there are even alternative and reserve leadership structures in place.
Source: Agencies
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Israel Lost the Image War against Gaza Resistance
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Strategic Issues
The Battle Beyond the Battlefield
Wars are not only fought on the battlefield. According to researchers and political analysts, there is another kind of war happening in the Gaza Strip between Israel and the resistance. It's called the "image war," and it's just as fierce as the physical battles.
The Power of Propaganda
Propaganda plays a big role in wars, and the image war is no different. Dr. Liqaa Makki, a senior researcher at Al Jazeera Center for Studies, believes that the war of images is just as important as the battles fought on the ground. In fact, sometimes it can even be more important. If an army is defeated on the battlefield, it cannot create a positive image or claim victory. And that's exactly what happened to Israel.
Israel's Propaganda Machine Crumbles
Israel has been using propaganda for over 70 years to shape its image in the world. But in the current war with Gaza, it has lost its entire propaganda machine. The world has seen how Israel destroys and kills innocent civilians in a cruel and vengeful manner. This goes against the image of being just and oppressed that Israel has been promoting. It's clear to everyone that Israel does not want peace and is practicing terrorism openly.
Israel's Loss on Both Sides
Israel not only lost the image war, but it also failed on the battlefield. In an attempt to take revenge for its failure, Israel resorted to killing civilians. This only made things worse for Israel, as it lost on both fronts.
The Power of Videos
Videos play a crucial role in the image war. Iyad Al-Qara, a writer and political analyst, believes that the videos broadcasted by the Palestinian resistance are important for the people of Gaza. They provide a glimpse into what is happening and help them understand the direction of events. Abu Ubaida, the military spokesman for Hamas, is seen as a compass for the people of Gaza.
Israel's Image Nightmare
Hamas, despite facing difficult circumstances, is working hard to build an image in the face of Israel. On the other hand, Israel is struggling to find an image of victory. Its image has been distorted, and it is losing legitimacy on a global level due to the massacres it is committing against the Palestinians in Gaza.
The Role of Media
The role of media has shifted in this war compared to previous ones. Fighters with cameras, recording and sound equipment are playing a crucial role in conveying the human side of the conflict. Despite Israel's attempts to hide the truth by cutting off communications, these fighters are making sure the world sees what is happening in Gaza.
The Impact on Israel
The videos and media material published by the Palestinian resistance have a psychological impact on the Israelis. They aim to sow doubt and confusion among the Israeli society and the occupation army. Even Israeli experts believe that these videos are dangerous because they work on multiple levels, from showing the humanity of Palestinians to deterrence.
Source: Al Jazeera
