The ground operation in Gaza City is expected to advance gradually, partly to allow a halt if a hostage deal is reached. Officials believe evacuations of residents will accelerate as Israeli forces approach populated areas.
Armed members of the al-Majayda clan ambushed and opened fire on two Hamas terrorists. Hamas’ internal security apparatus threatened revenge and demanded the clan “disown” those behind the shooting
A Washington Post report revealed that the Mossad did not approve the operation in Qatar. The agency had drafted a plan involving operatives on the ground to assassinate Hamas leaders, but when it declined to carry it out, Israel opted for an airstrike instead.
Kirk had accepted an invitation from Minister of Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli to be a key participant in an upcoming conference in January focused on combating antisemitism, a cause he frequently championed. The visit, which would have been a rare trip abroad for Kirk, was set to highlight his strong support for the Jewish state.
According to Arab media reports, leaving the phones in another room allegedly misled Israel’s tracking systems.
Mossad Director David Barnea argued that Israel could not rely on Qatar as a mediator while striking it at the same time. A senior source said the Mossad’s capabilities are superior to those of the Shin Bet security agency, and this gap may explain why the operation only partially succeeded.
In the heart of Sanaa and in an additional areas east of the city, the IDF carried out Operation Ringing Bells, argeting Houthi military sites. The IDF noted that the strikes came in response to repeated drone launches toward Israel over the past week, including one that struck Ramon Airport’s passenger terminal.
A report in The Washington Post indicates Qatar sought assurances from the agency and the White House that a strike on Hamas would not occur on Qatari soil. The pledges were allegedly given, and a Qatari official told the outlet that Tuesday’s strike "came as a total surprise."
NGO Monitor report proves Hamas uses hospitals for terror, implicating silent international aid groups.
CENTCOM chief Adm. Brad Cooper learned of Israel's attack on Hamas leaders only mid-flight and was briefed by the Joint Chiefs, a US official said to WSJ. White House deployed Witkoff to inform Qatar, but it was too late.
