Hamas-Israeli War 2023

[SinisterMinister]

Thanks for the link.
No hallmarks of an aerial munition or an ATGM. Blast seems to have occurred between the ambulance and the Fiat Panda whose door seems to have been pushed in. Small blast but excessive casualties. Most peculiar is how no vehicle seems to have burn damage.

The IDF said it conducted the strike, but I'm not sure if that is the same incident. Evacuations from Shifa - Hamas's largest northern base, 3 weeks in, when the first deadline was 24 hours? And it just so happens to be in the heart of Gaza city when Hamas leaders are at peak pressure to escape?
I was always skeptical of on-the-ground footage from Gaza, I'll continue to be here as well. Circumstances alone indicate that this is in high likelihood a convoy meant for Hamas.

According to this war map, the IDF is closing in on Shifa.
View attachment 50905

I mean, come on. You are grasping at straws here. The below confirms exactly what happened. If you need a non paywall version, archive.ph should be a quick fix.

Many are killed near a Gaza hospital, its chief says, in a strike the Israelis say was aimed at Hamas. Many are killed near a Gaza hospital, its chief says, in a strike the Israelis say was aimed at Hamas.

 

[Big_Zucchini]

I mean, come on. You are grasping at straws here. The below confirms exactly what happened. If you need a non paywall version, archive.ph should be a quick fix.

Many are killed near a Gaza hospital, its chief says, in a strike the Israelis say was aimed at Hamas. Many are killed near a Gaza hospital, its chief says, in a strike the Israelis say was aimed at Hamas.

I asked a few posts ago:

Can you provide some evidence to the claim that "clearly many civilians were killed"?

Can you? If not, please avoid asserting things as facts.

Regarding the deaths, it is highly likely that these are indeed casualties, but that was not the subject of my question.

Reports of an anticipated slow-down in IAF strikes and larger focus on ground ops, which naturally will include CAS.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1720578387108937950

 

[OPSSG]

4 weeks since the horrific terrorist attack

1. I observe that the IDF is in the middle of a multi-phase campaign in Gaza that is expected to be bloody, even before they can breach the main series of tunnel complexes where the over 241 hostages are being held in Gaza. Israel is not alone, with 3 of the 5 members of the P5 (of the UNSC), affirming the right of self defence by Israel. This war was not started by the IDF but their right to war does not mean there are no humanitarian concerns.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1720130870864998800

2. Beyond the US, Israel continues to enjoy the support of a number of countries, including Germany. Post-Holocaust Germany was founded on the promises to protect Jews and to maintain peace in Europe. Hence Germany's special relationships with Israel and with France. Both are unique.

3. The above is the story of how the IDF squeezed 50 soldiers into a helicopter (that can hold 33), to get to the fight & rescue a kibbutz under Hamas attack on 7 Oct 2023. For those who ask for a ceasefire, there is one question I ask:

​

Q: Should the IDF abandon the over 241 hostages, in view of civilian harm, just to reach the tunnel complexes?​

​

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1720599238827037046

4. IMO, the state of Israel has certain obligations to not only the hostages but also their families. Ideally, negotiations can bring about the release of some and a humanitarian pause (but not a ceasefire). This to save lives of the civilians caught in the middle of a war zone.

5. In relation to the UNGA resolution calling for protection of civilians and the upholding of humanitarian obligations to Gaza, Germany, Poland, Italy and Netherlands abstain, and the Hapsburg core (Austria, Czechia, Hungary and Croatia) vote against, alongside a list of 14 countries that included Israel and the U.S.

 

[SinisterMinister]

I asked a few posts ago:

Can you provide some evidence to the claim that "clearly many civilians were killed"?

Can you? If not, please avoid asserting things as facts.

Regarding the deaths, it is highly likely that these are indeed casualties, but that was not the subject of my question.

Reports of an anticipated slow-down in IAF strikes and larger focus on ground ops, which naturally will include CAS.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1720578387108937950

I have provided both video and credible media reporting, not sure what else you want.

 

[aussienscale]

I have provided both video and credible media reporting, not sure what else you want.

The scene, as stated, is not indicative of an airstrike, looks more like a localised small explosion, no fire damage, no cars torn apart, no impact craters. None of the sort of damage you would see from HE ordanance.

 

[ngatimozart]

Not aimed at anyone in particular. The rules allow for discussion in a military context. The political context is strictly forbidden. If posters cannot keep within the rules, the Moderators will act, and miscreants may find that they could be penalised. We have had complaints from long term members about the conduct within this thread and as such we have very little tolerance.

I understand the concern about the humanitarian impacts this war is having but remember that war in general doesn't discriminate between combatants and noncombatants. If you feel strongly about it make a donation to a respected neutral international charity that is active in the region.

 

[Big_Zucchini]

NYT: US official says Hamas puts wounded fighters on departure lists through the Gaza-Egypt Rafah crossing. I assume, as Gaza City's defense slowly collapse, these include many high ranking Hamas members who seek to either flee, or bolster Hamas's capabilities in the south of the strip. The US is still in early efforts to evacuate its nationals from the strip, dozens of whom are currently held hostage.

Egypt is similarly hostile to Hamas and it is highly likely they are scanning for Hamas militants with Israeli and US consultation.

Hamas put wounded fighters on departure lists, delaying efforts to evacuate foreigners, a U.S. official says. (Published 2023)

People holding dual, U.S. or other foreign citizenship had been unable to cross the Gaza border into Egypt for weeks.

www.nytimes.com

 

[SouthernSky]

I assume, as Gaza City's defense slowly collapse, these include many high ranking Hamas members who seek to either flee, or bolster Hamas's capabilities in the south of the strip.

Stop assuming and just present the facts please.

 

[aussienscale]

Stop assuming and just present the facts please.

He did present them as reported, he added his assumptions as to why in his commentary.

 

[SouthernSky]

He did present them as reported, he added his assumptions as to why in his commentary.

I don't recall seeing " high ranking Hamas members" in the NYT article.

 

[aussienscale]

I don't recall seeing " high ranking Hamas members" in the NYT article.

His comment starting with "I assume" hence his opinion in his commentary. Not stated as fact, not quoted as part of the article, but his assumption and opinion in his commentary of the referenced article.

 

[SouthernSky]

His comment starting with "I assume" hence his opinion in his commentary. Not stated as fact, not quoted as part of the article, but his assumption and opinion in his commentary of the referenced article.

This is a thread dealing in facts, not opinions.

 

[aussienscale]

This is a thread dealing in facts, not opinions.

Pull your head in, this is a professional thread, and one of the requirements of posting articles and references is to add commentary and not do one liner posts.

He has done precisely that, he referenced an article and added his commentary, if you do not agree with that commentary, then debate it with him in a respectful manner ! He is not stating his opinion as fact, which would require a burden of proof, rather he preceded his comments with "I assume" making it his opinion as to possible reasons behind what is happening.

 

[SouthernSky]

Pull your head in, this is a professional thread, and one of the requirements of posting articles and references is to add commentary and not do one liner posts.

He has done precisely that, he referenced an article and added his commentary, if you do not agree with that commentary, then debate it with him in a respectful manner ! He is not stating his opinion as fact, which would require a burden of proof, rather he preceded his comments with "I assume" making it his opinion as to possible reasons behind what is happening.

I'm sorry. What was I thinking.

I was about to PM you but why bother now.

I respectively now bow out from this conversation.

 

[Big_Zucchini]

Amazing footage of urban tank combat.
On one hand - deadly combat. On the other, it somehow looks so peaceful.

Early in the video we can see a form of handheld AT weapon (flash seen) fired at a Merkava 4M tank on the left, only to be intercepted by Trophy.

Hamas locally produces the Yassin, a 105mm HEAT weapon resembling the RPG-7VR. However it also uses a range of other similar weapons.

Despite being fired upon, the wild Merkava goes about its ordinary life.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1720761749400391889

Edit: Seems there were 2 interceptions, not 1.

 

[Big_Zucchini]

Reportedly a Hamas artillery fire on a humanitarian corridor was detected on radar.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1720826321389953114

 

[Big_Zucchini]

Israeli Defense Minister calling on Palestinians to kill Yahya Sinwar - Hamas's leader in Gaza, saying it will shorten the war.

Hamas is one of the world's most profitable terrorist organizations, with its leaders worth several billions of dollars each. There is no sense in said profit if all profiteers are dead.

It also seems to support the growing narrative that the Palestinians may wish to stage a popular uprising against Hamas. The Arab world can generate the leadership figure to be used for a successor, and the US could take charge of the nation building process. A successor endorsed by Israel is unlikely to be well received by Palestinians. One leading narrative in J&S that benefits Hamas is that the PA is a collaborationist (with Israel) entity.

Translation:
"We will reach Yahya Sinwar, and we will eliminate him. I say this to the people of Gaza - if you get to him before us, this will shorten the war."

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1720855068369392090

 

[aussienscale]

I'm sorry. What was I thinking.

I was about to PM you but why bother now.

I respectively now bow out from this conversation.

Sweet, I will pull my head in then and call it a draw

 

[Big_Zucchini]

Palestinian civilians gathering in Gaza City's Shifa hospital and Hamas HQ to watch combat footage. There is little doubt about Hamas's intention for them as the IDF closes in on Shifa. There is a complex tunnel system under Shifa and it is likely some hostages are being held there to prevent Israel from destroying the tunnels, and force them into deadly tunnel warfare.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1720911187049697565

 

[Big_Zucchini]

Some info on the 36th division operating in Gaza. The 36th is under north command in peace time. It is operating opposite of the 162nd (south command) division.
Both are the IDF's primary active forces combined arms divisions.
Due to the equipment observed on the Lebanon border, it is safe to assume they are split, with components active on both fronts.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1721210820028174571

Revealing sensitive intelligence at incredible costs only to tell the world something they already know but in denial about is a recurring theme for the IDF. Unfortunately it is necessary.
In this instance, the IDF uncovered a tunnel shaft going underneath the Hamad hospital.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1721195877291769907

IDF also revealed footage of Hamas firing from within the "Qatari" hospital.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1721170750793502833

IDF 51st battalion, Golani brigade, reports major success in thwarting Hamas drone attacks, and a 'surprisingly low' mortar threat.
They cite "classified measures" as well as the widely known SMASH sight which has target tracking abilities, allowing every soldier to accurately engage moving drones.

למרות הניסיונות הרבים: צה"ל מסכל איום רחפנים

מאמצי חמאס בעזה חיזבאללה לפגוע בכוחות עם רחפנים מתאבדים, בין היתר בניסיון לאסוף מידע, נכשלים. אירועים מוצלחים של ניסיונות הסיכול הללו נרשמו בגזרת גדוד של 51 של גולני. זאת, בנוסף לתקיפות אוגדה 36

www.mako.co.il

IAI's Arrow 3 is said to have scored the world's first exo-atmospheric intercept against an ballistic missile launched from Yemen. Germany has recently committed to buying the Arrow 3, and this is likely to give it a boost going forward as European partners ponder whether to invest in the system themselves.

Arrow 3 Makes Combat Debut, Thwarting Long-Range Missile Attack | Aviation Week Network

Israeli officials did not confirm the source of the ballistic missile attack, but the location and direction suggests it may have come from the Houthi-controlled Yemen.

aviationweek.com

A little about SMASH: