Over the past several weeks, the IDF has implemented a different approach to the war in Gaza. As the battle shifted from the first phase, and geographically from north to south, Israel is relying less on aerial bombings and is now operating in an urban warfare environment.
The New York Times issued a new report today that acknowledges the pivot in Israel’s war strategy and that it has resulted in a lowered civilian death toll among Palestinians.
"The changes in Israel’s war strategy have been significant — and somewhat overlooked. Israel has responded to international pressure in ways that suggest its harshest critics are wrong to accuse it of wanting to maximize civilian deaths." Read the Times piece here.
IDF presses deeper into Khan Yunis
Today the IDF launched a new offensive against Hamas positions in the western part of Khan Yunis. Four IDF brigades took part in the raids, killing some 50 Hamas operatives and several Hamas commanders in today’s fighting. Senior Hamas leadership is believed to be hiding deep below Khan Yunis, likely surrounding themselves with Israeli hostages.
In northern Gaza, where the IDF has defeated Hamas’ military framework and established control of the area, Israeli troops are working methodically to locate remaining rocket launchers and destroy tunnels. "Any area where there is a tunnel or a rocket, we will get there," said a senior IDF battalion commander. "We have a mission to defeat Hamas and its capabilities, however long it will take."
Urge Senators to Oppose Van Hollen’s Dangerous Amendment
Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) is pushing an amendment that adds new political conditions on vital security aid to Israel – undermining our ally at the exact moment when Congress needs to be standing stronger with Israel. Van Hollen’s legislation could prevent the U.S. from providing aid to Israel unless it meets new conditions, including cooperating with U.N. agencies that are often hostile toward Israel.
Urge your Senators to oppose this dangerous amendment.
10,000th humanitarian aid truck enters Gaza
The IDF reiterated today that "there is no limitation to the amount of humanitarian aid that can enter Gaza," as the 10,000th aid truck entered the Strip since the war began.
While the U.N. ramps up its public pressure on Israel to allow more goods into Gaza, the U.N. is failing to fully distribute all of the aid. We sent this memo to congressional offices this month detailing Israel’s efforts to transfer aid to the people of Gaza.
Israel proposes 2-month pause for hostage release
According to a new report from Barak Ravid, Israel has proposed a two-month pause in fighting as part of a multi-phase deal that would include the release of all remaining hostages held in Gaza. Israeli officials said they are ready to release a significant number of Palestinian prisoners if Hamas agrees to the offer.
In November, the United States brokered a week-long pause in fighting. 105 Israeli hostages were released in exchange for over 300 Palestinian prisoners, before Hamas broke the agreement and resumed attacking Israel.
The mission of AIPAC is to encourage and persuade the U.S. government to enact specific policies that create a strong, enduring and mutually beneficial relationship with our ally Israel.
AIPAC 251 H St. NW • Washington D.C. 20001 • TEL 202-639-5200
