Post 3 of 6: The 6 unspoken phases of Operation Swords of Iron
10. The IDF has allowed some embeds of the press, where Israeli troops have cut-off access into Gaza city, in anticipation of the next phase of battle. Israel is not only battling against Hamas but also 12 armed militant groups. Fog of war ensures that progress on the ground offensive is not clear. It has been reported that heavy clashes between the IDF and militant groups like Hamas, PIJ & other militant groups are taking place in the Sultan neighbourhood of Beit Lahia.
(a) The Palestinian death toll in Gaza has now topped 10,000 people, according to the Hamas’ health ministry. The Hamas-controlled ministry doesn’t distinguish between civilians and combatants, but says that some 70% of the recorded fatalities are women and children — keeping in mind that young Hamas militants below 18 years old killed in fighting are listed “children”, killed by Israel.
(b) The images from Gaza are heartbreaking and caused by the choices made by Hamas. The minute Hamas gives up the hostages and surrenders, this is all over. At this point, even if there is a legal justification for each and every airstrike in Gaza, this conflict has been catastrophic for the people of Gaza. Norway has said that the if total harm was ad bellum disproportionate, then certain specific actions likely violated international human rights law — but Prime Minister Netanyahu and the Likudniks do not care at this time.
(c) I have seen videos where members of PIJ fire mortars at IDF troops in northern and southern Gaza. Some are dressed in civilian clothing, and IDF drones are clearly audible. Israel opened a corridor for Gaza civilians seeking refuge to pass safely to the southern part of the strip, all while Hamas repeatedly fires mortar shells.
(d) I also note that the duty to protect civilians is not just an Israeli responsibility. We have been shown proof by the IDF that Hamas tunnels lead into hospitals & they are shooting at the IDF from hospitals in Gaza.
11. For years the Hamas-led Joint Operations Room (JOR) has been touting coordination between Palestinian factions. Since Oct. 7, we have not heard a peep from the JOR. This makes me suspect that the JOR was all a ruse. Recently, the IDF have also located several rocket launchers and some 50 rockets, located in a compound used by a youth movement and a mosque.
(a) As the soldier explains in the video, the missiles were built in a way that allowed for them to be fired from inside the mosque! This shows once more Hamas’ blatant disregard for international law. It repeatedly abuses civilian infrastructure for terrorism.
(b) Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari reveals intelligence showing Hamas's use of medical facilities in the Gaza Strip for terror purposes. Video shows militants shooting from a hospital.
