• Netanyahu versus Biden, a ferocity unseen since the Holocaust. The US President: “We stand with Israel, Hamas is pure evil”
• Over 1,200 Israelis killed in Hamas attack, over 800 dead in Gaza
• Rocket fire on Ashkelon, hotel hit
• EU: Stopping humanitarian aid is a gift to Hamas
• Who are the leaders of Hamas and where are they hiding? Many are already very far from the Gaza Strip
• Kibbutz Kfar Aza massacre: “Forty children killed by Hamas, some beheaded”
• Meloni: “Danger of imitation”
• What is Israel’s military strategy now?
6:58 a.m. – The war between Israel and Gaza: the current situation
(Gianluca Mercuri) The besieged strip, the new Israeli government in the making, the hostage dilemma. Point by point:
•The death toll
After the first four days of the war, the confirmed Israeli death toll was 900, the probable toll was over a thousand, and the number of wounded was 2,800. Among Palestinians in Gaza, at least 700 died and nearly 400 were injured. In addition, there are hundreds of terrorists who died in the attack on Saturday.
• The Siege of the “Animals”
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced on Monday that “no electricity, no food, no water, no fuel” would arrive in Gaza: Israel, he said, “is waging war on animals and will therefore behave accordingly.” Words that alarmed the UN: “The imposition of sieges that endanger the lives of civilians by depriving them of vital goods is prohibited by international humanitarian law,” reminded UN human rights chief Volker Turk.
• National unity
Negotiations to bring former Defense Minister and former Chief of Staff Benny Gantz into the government are nearing completion. Prime Minister Netanyahu also needs it to meet the demand for ministers competent in war matters following the spectacular failure of one of the world’s most accredited military apparatuses. Gantz’s condition is the marginalization of right-wing extremist ministers from the Security Council – and therefore from important decisions -: They are accused of moving troops and resources to the West Bank in order to protect the settlers’ daily guerrilla war, and thus for the weakening of the border Gaza.
• The hostage dilemma
There are around 130 prisoners in the hands of Hamas, including many foreigners and up to 50 soldiers. At the moment they are the only deterrent against Israel’s massive attack: the Islamist movement has threatened to kill one for every building destroyed in Gaza. And it is difficult to enter Gaza without killing the hostages. Israel will have to balance pressure from families and allied countries.
• But is escalation safe?
One word answer: Yes. More detailed answer: It is true that mediation attempts are already underway by Egypt, Qatar, Turkey and Germany. But Israel has vowed to change the history of the Middle East “for the next 50 years,” and at the moment it is inconceivable that it will back down. The goal is to asphalt Hamas and destroy its elite organizations and leaders, who will sooner or later be reached in their hideouts abroad.
• The humanitarian situation
Things are going badly in Gaza: According to the United Nations, 123,000 people have already been displaced after the first bombings and a large part of the population is suffering from damage to water and sanitation systems. The Gaza Strip’s only power plant is already running out of fuel.
• What America Says
U.S. support is unwavering and President Biden reiterated this last night, saying that Hamas is “absolutely evil.” Even more significant are his adviser Jake Sullivan’s words about the lack of “red lines”: This means that, unlike in previous wars, the United States will not ask Israel to curb its response. In fact, they are most likely ready to intervene by attacking Hezbollah’s Lebanese Shiites from their aircraft carriers if they were to open a second front in the north.
• What Europe says
In this case too, the EU is not a real monolith. Who also has to cope with a grotesque accident. The Euro Commissioner for Neighborhood Policy, the Hungarian Olivér Várhelyi, had announced the “immediate cessation” of all European funds for the Palestinians. But the European Commission, of which she is a member, has denied this – despite President Ursula von der Leyen’s silence – thereby ensuring the continuity of humanitarian and development aid. High Commissioner for Foreign Policy Josep Borrell made it clear: “We must distinguish between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.” The first is a terrorist organization, the second is a partner. Not all Palestinians are terrorists. With two or three exceptions, there was a clear majority that support for the PNA must be continued and payments must not be interrupted.” Exceptions, reports Francesca Basso from Brussels, would be Austria, Hungary and Italy.
• The analysis of the ISPI
The Institute for International Political Studies is skeptical about the possibility of destroying Hamas and underlines the context: an all-out war “would be the fifth in less than twenty years and, like the previous ones, would threaten an area that is among the most densely populated.” in the world world a very high price of blood. And it would be completely useless for the purposes of the stated goal of “eliminating Hamas”: previous offensives have shown the limits of the military response and have resulted as the only result in the destruction of its military capabilities and the elimination of some of its leaders and militiamen. But the lack of an alternative political approach has effectively boycotted its main result: the ideological disarmament of the movement, which has managed to be reborn from its ashes from time to time. Ultimately, the brutality orchestrated by Hamas will in no way benefit the legitimate Palestinian demands, if at all the opposite is the case: the longest military occupation in modern history and the absence of any political horizon have turned the territories into a volcano that will briefly is about to erupt. With the only certainty that the status quo is no longer tenable.”
And how is Italy moving? Answer: By dividing and making this war also a question of domestic politics.
Point by point.
• Melons in the synagogue
“House hunting of civilians”, “rounding up of children, young people and the elderly”, “hatred against the entire population”: the Prime Minister did not speak about the deportation of the Jews of Rome by the Nazi-Fascists, which will take place in 5 days of the 80th anniversary. Anniversary, but of course from Gaza. “We must also strengthen the protection of Jewish citizens on our territory, because we could also be at risk of emulating the criminal acts of Hamas,” Meloni added. The Interior Ministry has increased surveillance of sensitive targets.
• The return plan
For Foreign Minister Tajani, the two Italian Israelis living in the Be’eri kibbutz – the couple Lilach Lea Havron and Eviatar Moshe Kipnis – “were probably taken hostage.” We will do everything we can to find them and bring them to safety.” In There are 18,000 Italians in Israel, many of whom have dual citizenship. About a thousand young people have enlisted in the army of the Jewish state. Ten of our compatriots, including a one-year-old girl, are in Gaza.
• Parliament is divided
Tajani’s attempt to get the House of Representatives to vote on a joint motion that would “unambiguously condemn Hamas’ aggression” failed. The opposition also praised the minister for his reference to the “two peoples for two states” solution. But in the end there were 4 motions, with the agreement to vote one above the other. However, in order to get the majority’s yes vote, the left had to eliminate criticism of the “expansion of settler settlements”. Unacceptable for the league.
• What lies behind these divisions?
The center-right wants to reaffirm its unconditional support for Israel: it shares ideological similarities with the Israeli right in its sovereignism and general distrust of Muslims. And it puts on a show by using events in the Middle East to promote anti-immigrant policies (and propaganda), as Undersecretary Fazzolari clearly stated to Virginia Piccolillo (“Immigration Helps Terrorists”). The left is trying to balance support for Israel with support for the Palestinians, as Elly Schlein, secretary of the Democratic Party (a Jewish father and the subject of frequent anti-Semitic attacks), affirms.
• Five obvious facts that are not obvious at all
1) Israel has the right to exist and to defend its existence by all means;
2) Palestine also has the right to exist in a strip of land, just like Israel, like Ukraine, but this right is denied to it;
3) Israel is not a right-wing cause and Palestine is not a left-wing cause, but they are two nations that everyone should care about and defend with equal passion;
4) The hope that the Palestinians will step down is illusory;
5) Anyone who touches children will not be forgiven.
It would be interesting to understand why these obvious things are not self-evident in Italy.
6:47 a.m. – Israel, 300,000 soldiers deployed on the Gaza border
According to the Israeli army, around 300,000 soldiers are currently stationed near the Gaza Strip in the war against Hamas. “What we are doing in these areas near the Gaza Strip is that we have sent and deployed our infantry, our tankmen, our artillery corps and many other reserve soldiers: a total of 300,000,” he explained today in a video published on X Israeli spokesman Armed Forces (IDF), Jonathan Conricus. “And this is to ensure that at the end of this war, Hamas no longer has the military capacity to threaten or kill Israeli civilians,” the IDF lieutenant colonel added.
6:15 a.m. – Tajani on a mission to Cairo, meeting with Sisi
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani will be on a mission to Egypt today. In Cairo he will meet President Abdel Fatah al Sisi and his counterpart Sameh Shoukry. The focus of the discussions was the situation in Israel after the Hamas terrorist attacks. On the sidelines of the Arab League meeting to be held in Cairo today, Minister Tajani will hold a bilateral meeting with Secretary-General Ahmed Abdoul Gheit to obtain an update on and reaffirm the diplomatic initiatives that Arab countries intend to implement Italy’s commitment to contribute to the revival of the Middle East peace process. One of the objectives of the visit was to confirm the bilateral relations initiated by President Giorgia Meloni in Sharm el Sheik last fall. At the meeting of the two foreign ministers, a “Joint Declaration” on migration issues is adopted, which takes up the principles of the “Rome Process”. This is an important step forward in strengthening cooperation with Cairo to combat human trafficking and counter the arrival of irregular migrants in Italy. In fact, Egypt plays a key role as a country of origin and transit for direct flows to Europe.
5:29 a.m. – Sullivan: The conflict in the Middle East will not distract the US from Asian issues
The conflict in the Middle East will not distract the United States from Indo-Pacific issues. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said this yesterday at a time when the attack on the Jewish state raised doubts about Washington’s ability to maintain China as a foreign policy priority. Sullivan said the United States is able to help Israel while continuing to support Washington’s allies in Asia and Ukraine in response to the Russian invasion. “We believe we have the resources, tools and capabilities to do this effectively,” Sullivan said during a news conference. “And part of our job is to make sure that we’re working in all of these theaters at the same time, and that’s exactly what we do every day.” Sullivan also rejected the position expressed in recent days by several members of the Republican Party that the United States is unable to provide support in two separate wars at the same time. “We categorically reject this idea,” the official said.
5:23 a.m. – Blinken to Israeli Minister Dermer: US support is clear
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke today with Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said. Blinken reiterated “his deep condolences” for the Hamas attack on Israel and reaffirmed the United States’ “unequivocal support” for Israel’s “right to defend itself and its citizens,” Miller explains. The American minister and the Israeli minister made it clear that “Hamas’ terrorist actions have no justification or legitimacy and must be universally condemned.”
5:09 a.m. – UN, 264,000 people have been displaced from the Gaza Strip
Around 264,000 people have been forced to leave their homes in the Gaza Strip as heavy Israeli shelling continues to hit the Palestinian enclave. This was announced by the United Nations (UN). The fighting has claimed thousands of lives on both sides since Hamas launched a surprise attack last Saturday that triggered Israel’s retaliatory bombing campaign. “At least 263,934 people in Gaza are believed to have fled their homes,” the United Nations Office for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in an update on the situation last night, warning that “this number is expected to continue to rise.” By Saturday, around 3,000 people had been displaced “due to previous escalations”.
3:43 a.m. – The US is working on a humanitarian corridor to help civilians escape Gaza
The Biden administration is coordinating with other countries to create a corridor that would allow civilians in Gaza and Americans seeking to escape the war to do so. NBC reported this, citing some sources that said the corridor would be south of Gaza and lead to Egypt.
02:56 a.m. – The home of the Hamas military leader in Gaza was attacked, several relatives were killed
Israeli forces said they attacked the home of Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif, killing his father, brother, sons and other relatives. We read this in the online version of Haaretz.
2:36 a.m. – Israel, alarm sirens sound north of the Gaza Strip
Another night of fear in Israel. Sirens warn of incoming rockets north of the Gaza Strip. We are – reports Times of Israel – in Netiv Ha’asara. There are currently no reports of deaths or injuries.
2:33 a.m. – Harvard students write a letter against Israel, storm the university
Storm over Harvard. The prestigious American university was harshly criticized by its former president Larry Summers for failing to condemn the Hamas attack in Israel. An official silence from which only the voice of a group of students pointed the finger at Israel emerged. “The Israeli regime bears sole responsibility for all the violence that is being unleashed,” the student coalition Harvard Palestine Solidarity Group wrote in an open letter. The reaction from Summers, the former treasury secretary in the Clinton administration, was immediate: “In my 50 years with Harvard, I have never felt so disillusioned and alienated,” said Summers, who said the university’s silence caused a stir “appears neutral on acts of terrorism against Israel.” Angered by the harsh words, Harvard finally broke its silence by condemning “the atrocities committed by Hamas” as “abhorrent.” The debate over Israel and the Palestinians is one of the most contentious debates on American campuses in some time, and Harvard is not the only one where students have spoken out in support of the Palestinians.
2:15 a.m. – Israel, over 100 raids overnight in central Gaza
Overnight, Israel carried out nearly a hundred airstrikes against Hamas targets in central Gaza. This was reported by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), who say that the attacks were focused on the Daraj Tufah area, which, they explain, serves as a central point from which Hamas militants launch their attacks. Israeli forces also said they had killed several Hamas militants at the Erez crossing, the main border crossing between Gaza and Israel.
2:14 a.m. – CNN: At least 1,200 dead in Hamas attacks
The death toll from Hamas attacks in Israel rises to “at least” 1,200. CNN reports.
1:48 a.m. – Biden: “Hamas is thirsty for blood”
“The brutality of Hamas, its bloodlust are reminiscent of the worst furies of IS.” This is terrorism”: American President Joe Biden wrote this on X (formerly Twitter).
1:46 a.m. – New York, over 10,000 people at the pro-Israel demonstration by American Jews
Over 10,000 Jews took to the streets and gathered in front of the United Nations headquarters in New York to express their solidarity with Israel: it was the largest demonstration of international solidarity since the start of the war. The event brought together a wide range of American Jews, from anti-occupation activists to the ultra-Orthodox. Haaretz writes it in its online version.
1:22 a.m. – Israel, 70 airstrikes against Hamas in Daraj Tufah area
Israel Defense Forces spokesman announced that Israel has carried out over 70 airstrikes in the Daraj Tufah area, a base for Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip from which many attacks are carried out. The IDF also attacked a building used by Islamic Jihad and announced that it had killed militants at the Erez border crossing.
1:11 a.m. – Biden: Terrorists kill civilians, we respect the laws of war
US President Joe Biden has shared a new photo of his telephone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office. “Like every nation in the world, Israel has the right and duty to respond to these cruel attacks,” we read in the American president’s profile. “I just spoke on the phone with Prime Minister Netanyahu and assured him that if the United States experienced the same thing as Israel, our response would be swift, decisive and overwhelming,” Biden wrote. “Terrorists specifically target and kill civilians. We respect the laws of war,” Biden concluded.
00:24 – The US is pushing Qatar as a mediator for the release of the hostages
The United States will encourage Qatar to help facilitate contacts and dialogue with Hamas for the release of American hostages captured in the attack on Israel. John Kirby, spokesman for the National Security Council, said this in an interview with Bloomberg. “Qatar has access to Hamas that we certainly don’t have and that the Israelis don’t have,” Kirby explains.
12:21 a.m. – The first plane with US ammunition has landed in Israel
A first transport plane carrying “advanced” American ammunition has landed at the Nevatim air base in southern Israel. This was announced by the Israeli army, quoted by the Times of Israel. The Israeli Defense Forces emphasize that the ammunition is intended to “enable significant attacks.” We are grateful for American support and assistance to the State of Israel during this difficult time. “Our common enemies know that cooperation between armies is stronger than ever and is an essential part of ensuring regional security and stability,” the Tel Aviv Armed Forces say.