This marks the first time in 20 years that tanks will be used in operations in the West Bank against terrorists.
This marks the first time in 20 years that tanks will be used in operations in the West Bank against terrorists.
In addition to tanks, troops of the Duvdevan and Nahal units were also deployed in the area, the military said.
On January 21, the IDF launched a large-scale operation to thwart terrorism, dubbed Operation Iron Wall.
Yonah Jeremy Bob contributed to this report.
Hamas claimed that the ceremonies don’t insult the released hostages and that they “reflect the humane and dignified treatment of them.”
REUTERS JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Hamas on Sunday condemned Israel’s decision to postpone the release of Palestinian security prisoners, saying its claim that the hostages’ handover ceremonies are “humiliating” was false and a pretext to evade Israel’s obligations under the Gaza ceasefire agreement.
“Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s decision reflects a deliberate attempt to disrupt the agreement, represents a clear violation of its terms, and shows the occupation’s lack of reliability in implementing its obligations,” Ezzat El Rashq, a member of the Hamas political bureau, said in a statement.
The terrorist organization claimed that the ceremonies don’t insult the released hostages either and that they “reflect the humane and dignified treatment of them.” Hamas then deflected the accusations by Israel and claimed that the “real insult” is what the released security prisoners are subjected to, claiming the prisoners undergo “torture, beatings, and deliberate humiliation” and that they’re “released with their hands tied and blindfolded.”
Hamas also expressed anger that security prisoners’ families are prohibited from celebrating their relatives’ releases. Defense Minister Israel Katz instructed the IDF Chief of Staff last month that all measures must be taken to prevent the recurrence of mass Palestinian celebrations and parades in honor of the prisoners’ release.
A drone view shows Palestinians and terrorists gathering around Red Cross vehicles on the day Hamas hands over the bodies of deceased hostages, including Oded Lifschitz, Kfir, and Ariel Bibas (credit: REUTERS/Stringer TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY)
Despite Hamas’s claim that their hostages’ handover ceremonies aren’t humiliating, the terrorist organization opted out from holding a ceremony for Bedouin-Israeli hostage Hisham al-Sayed “out of respect for his family and respect for Muslim Israelis,” according to Gazan reports. Al-Sayed had been held captive in Gaza long before the terrorist organization’s October 7 attacks – way back in 2015.
The terrorist organization also staged a propaganda ceremony last Thursday for the slain Israeli hostages Oded Lifshitz and the three killed members of the Bibas family – Shiri and her sons Kfir and Ariel.
East of Khan Yunis, there was a was a banner in which the photos of Lifshitz, Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir on the stage’s backdrop – with also a depiction of Netanyahu as a vampire. On stage were four coffins with photos of the deceased and propaganda messages.
The ceremony was attended by hundreds of Gazans, including children, who cheered as the coffins were handed over to the Red Cross.
The bodies of Lifshitz and the Bibas children were delivered to Israel in coffins, while the fourth coffin didn’t have Shiri’s body but the body of an unidentified Gazan woman. Shiri Bibas’s real body was ultimately given by Hamas to the Red Cross, and then Israel.
Earlier this month, the IDF Civil Administration sent out warnings to all Palestinian authorities saying that the IDF has a zero-tolerance policy for any celebrations and expressions of support for terrorism across the West Bank. The IDF’s West Bank Division and the Shin Bet also had discussions with the families of prisoners set for release and patrols to remove Hamas flags and other signs of planned celebrations.
It’s only recently that Iraq itself has increased ties with Saudi Arabia, helping pave the road to Saudi-Iran reconciliation. Now, it hopes to do more.
Baghdad is impressed that Riyadh could play a role in helping resolve the Ukraine war. It’s only recently that Iraq itself has increased ties with Saudi Arabia, helping pave the road to Saudi-Iran reconciliation. Now, it hopes to do more.
Baghdad put out a statement thanking “the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for hosting the talks” between Moscow and Washington, saying it’s an “important step towards enhancing security and peace at the regional and international levels.” Iraq added that the talks “reaffirms the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving international conflicts” and “achieving regional and international stability.”
Meanwhile, Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni held talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani during a recent visit to the Iraqi capital. They discussed border security and the fight against drug trafficking, according to Iranian media. The two officials also discussed the Arbaeen pilgrimage, a statement from Iraq said.
Islamic Republic News Agency (INRA) noted: “Momeni, who arrived in Baghdad earlier today for a two-day visit at the official invitation of his Iraqi counterpart, Abdul Amir Kamel al-Shammari, was welcomed by Lieutenant General Ziad, the deputy minister of Interior of Iraq, and Mohammad Kazem Al-Sadiq, the Iranian ambassador to Baghdad.”
Syria Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani is also planning to visit Baghdad. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein even invited Shaibani to the capital. He will discuss “bilateral relations” and “regional political and security developments,” Rudaw reported.
Muthanna Amin, a member of the Iraqi parliament’s foreign relations committee, told Rudaw that “the visit will definitely take place within this week,” adding that when he comes, Shaibani is expected to meet with al-Sudani, Foreign Minister Hussein, and senior security officials to discuss economic, political and security matters, particularly the issue of Islamic State (ISIS) camps in Syria and the role of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).”
Iraq hosted Turkish and Syrian officials in late January to discuss regional security. Turkey, Iraq, Syria, and Jordan said they will work jointly to combat ISIS earlier this month. This comes as Iraq has said the US-led Coalition is wrapping up its war on ISIS.
Scofield Biblical Institute and Theological Seminary Copyright 2010 – 2020
