13/10/2023
*Today's Briefing Israel/Hamas Conflict Report*
• The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed that more than 1,350 Israelis have lost their lives since the commencement of unprecedented terror attacks by Hamas against southern Israeli communities on October 7th.
• According to the Hamas-run Palestinian Health Ministry, around 1,800 Palestinians have tragically lost their lives due to Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip.
• The IDF has announced that Israeli infantry and armored forces have entered the Gaza Strip in "localized raids" with the primary objective of locating hostages and eliminating terrorist threats. Special forces elements were likely already operating covertly in the area, and this more overt presence signifies reconnaissance efforts in preparation for a full-scale incursion in the coming days.
• The IDF has issued a warning to approximately one million Palestinians to evacuate the northern Gaza Strip by Saturday, indicating an imminent ground incursion. Initial focus areas will include al-Beddawiya, Beit Hanoun, Beit Lahia, Izbat Beit Hanun, and Jabalia. In their communique to local Palestinians, the IDF urged them to "distance themselves from Hamas terrorists who are using them as human shields."
• Hamas has advised against evacuating from these areas, potentially exploiting Gaza's civilian population, expecting heavy casualties.
• Israeli airstrikes against Hamas and other terrorist groups in the Gaza Strip continue, targeting tunnels, military compounds, residences used by senior members as military command centers, weapons storage warehouses, and communications rooms.
• Hamas claims that 13 hostages have been killed by Israeli airstrikes, though this information remains unverified. The psychological impact on Israeli troops, political leaders, and civilians is likely more important to Hamas than the truthfulness of this claim.
• Hamas has released footage showing Israeli infants and small children captured in southern Israel, in their custody in Gaza, likely aimed at generating psychological pressure on Israeli authorities.
• Rocket attacks on Israel from the Gaza Strip persist, with Hamas reporting 250 rockets hitting northern Israel in the Galil region and targeting Ashkelon and surrounding towns.
• Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah met in Beirut to discuss the current conflict, suggesting Hezbollah is monitoring the situation closely.
• Amirabdollahian warned that the conflict could expand unless Israel suspends its airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, hinting at a potential second front on the Lebanese border involving Hezbollah.
• Small-scale clashes have occurred on the Israeli-Lebanese border, including an explosion on the border fence and gunfire directed toward Misgav Am, with Hezbollah claiming responsibility. The IDF has responded with artillery strikes into Lebanon, and these skirmishes are expected to continue.
• Issam Abdallah, a local cameraman working for Reuters, was killed during Israeli artillery strikes on Lebanon, straining Israel's relationship with the international press corps.
• Tensions between Israelis and Palestinians are escalating in the West Bank, with the IDF arresting 220 Palestinians, including 130 Hamas members. Clashes and attempted terror attacks have occurred, resulting in casualties.
• Extremist settlers have attacked Palestinians, leading to six fatalities in three separate incidents. Israeli troops have intervened in some cases, and investigations into settler violence are underway.
• The British government has deployed Royal Navy ships, surveillance aircraft, Merlin helicopters, and Royal Marines Commandos to the eastern Mediterranean to bolster security and provide humanitarian support if needed.
• US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has arrived in Israel for high-level talks, expressing strong condemnation of Hamas and emphasizing the need to address atrocities. A bipartisan American delegation will also visit Israel.
• Senior European diplomats, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, have visited Israel in a show of solidarity.
• An Israeli diplomat was stabbed in Beijing, with the attacker's motive remaining unknown. Security measures have been increased at Israeli-linked and Jewish communal sites across China.
• The Metropolitan Police in London has reported a nearly ten-fold increase in antisemitic hate crimes compared to the same period last year. This includes incidents outside synagogues, offensive behavior, and intimidation related to events in Israel. Several Jewish schools have temporarily closed, and antisemitic incidents are expected to rise as the conflict unfolds.
• Counter Terrorism Policing South East has arrested a woman under terrorism laws for suspected support of Hamas at a protest in Brighton, with the possibility of additional arrests related to public displays of support for Hamas at pro-Palestinian events and demonstrations.
