December 18, 2023 6:21 p.m
Two more soldiers died in Gaza, bringing the total to 129
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has announced the deaths of two more soldiers killed in fighting in the Gaza Strip. They are a 22-year-old captain from Rehovot, who died in southern Gaza, and another captain, a 33-year-old reservist from Naama, who was killed in the north of the Palestinian enclave. According to the Times of Israel, 129 people have died among Israeli forces since the ground operation in Gaza began in late October.
December 18, 2023 5:56 p.m
Austin: “We will not force a war plan on Israel”
The US will not set a timetable for the war on Gaza. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said: “This is an Israeli operation.”
December 18, 2023 5:54 p.m
Gallant: “If diplomacy fails, we will attack Lebanon”
“If diplomatic efforts are unsuccessful, we will not hesitate to attack the north,” said Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, referring to the extremely tense situation with Hezbollah in Lebanon. Gallant spoke at a news conference alongside Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
December 18, 2023 5:53 p.m
Gallant: “Hamas will not control Gaza”
“We know that Hamas will not have control of Gaza. We know that in the future we will have the freedom to eliminate any kind of threat.” This was said by Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in the press conference with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
December 18, 2023 5:53 p.m
Austin: “The USA continues to believe in the two-state solution”
The US “continues to believe” in the two-state solution. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said this in a press conference with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant. “We know how difficult it is, especially after October 7, but the ongoing instability and insecurity – he stressed – plays into the hands of Hamas.” Regarding the future of Gaza, Austin said: “Israelis and Palestinians both have too high a stake Price paid to return to October 6th.” That's why today I discussed the paths to a post-Hamas future for Gaza, based on the clear principles that my friend Blinken laid out last month.” After Austin confirmed that the US would support Israel's efforts to release the hostages, he emphasized that “Hamas routinely uses civilians as human shields.” “In addition,” he emphasized, “the company locates its headquarters and logistics locations near hospitals, mosques, churches and everything else.” This adds complexity and places an additional burden on the forces that will fight this battle. It requires a very professional strength, and this strength must be learned at every step” (HANDLING).
December 18, 2023 5:52 p.m
Hezbollah: “An attack on the Iron Dome platform”
Lebanon's Hezbollah announced today that it has targeted Israel's Iron Dome air defense system for the first time since the conflict with Israel erupted on October 8. A statement released by Hezbollah's Al Manar TV said: “After the enemy continued to launch attacks outside the border area, the Islamic Resistance (Hezbollah) sent a fire order and fired at a platform of the Iron Cathedral in the Kabri Barracks near the Naharia settlement. ” “The resistance – we read – will not tolerate any further attempt by the enemy to continue its aggression against Lebanese territory outside the military operational area on the border.”
December 18, 2023 5:52 p.m
Al-Sisi: “War is a threat to Egypt’s national security”
The war between Israel and Hamas poses a threat to Egypt's national security. This was underlined by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who addressed the country on television after securing his third consecutive victory in the presidential election with almost 90 votes % of the votes had been announced. “This ongoing war on our eastern borders, which requires the mobilization of all our forces to prevent its continuation, poses a threat to the national security of Egypt in particular and the Palestinian cause in general,” Sisi said.
Dec 18, 2023 4:37 p.m
Austin to Israel: “Always keep the humanitarian issue in mind”
During his meetings, US Defense Secretary Austin made it clear to Israel that in order to achieve its goals in the war against Hamas, it also had to keep humanitarian issues in mind. “We have to address the most urgent needs. We must ensure that more humanitarian aid goes to the two million displaced people in Gaza.” “This aid – he added – must be better distributed.” Austin then expressed his appreciation for the new measures taken by the Israeli government in recent days had taken: He referred to the opening of the Israeli border crossing Kerem Shalom.
Dec 18, 2023 4:15 p.m
Austin: “We will continue to supply weapons to Israel”
“We will continue to provide Israel with necessary equipment, including mission-critical ammunition, tactical vehicles and air defense systems. And we will support Israel's efforts to release the hostages,” said Defense Minister Lloyd Austin at the end of the meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “American support for Israel is strong and – he continued – no person, organization or state should test our resolve.”
December 18, 2023 3:53 pm
Hamas: “Almost 19,500 dead in Gaza”
Hamas' health ministry said Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip had claimed 19,453 lives since the war began on October 7. The Hamas government, which has controlled Palestinian territory since 2007, also counted 52,286 injured, according to a ministry statement. The latest death toll released on Friday was 18,800.