The White House strongly condemns the group of pro-Palestinian rioters in Russia who recently flooded an airport while shouting antisemitic chants and reportedly searching for passengers from a flight departing from Tel Aviv, Israel. The airport in Makhachkala, Dagestan, was forced to close after the rioters flooded the runway, causing all other flights to be diverted. In the first public comment made by the Biden administration regarding the incident, White House National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson expressed condemnation for the “antisemitic protests” in Russia. Watson emphasized that the United States stands with the Jewish community and firmly rejects any justification for antisemitism. However, some users on social media criticized Watson’s use of the term “protest,” arguing that it should be called a “pogrom,” which refers specifically to attacks on certain ethnic groups, particularly Jewish individuals.
Retired US Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Arnold Punaro predicts that Israel will approach their war against Hamas in Gaza in a very methodical manner. The Israeli Defense Forces have launched an expanded ground campaign, and Israeli leaders anticipate a long and challenging fight. Israel will face an extensive network of underground tunnels stretching for approximately 500 miles beneath the Gaza Strip. Hamas has had ample time to lay traps and ambushes for Israeli soldiers. To combat the tunnel network, the Israeli military has reportedly utilized “bunker buster” bombs to destroy Hamas’ infrastructure. Israel conducted around 600 airstrikes in Gaza, targeting rocket launch sites and anti-tank missile positions. Former Lt. Col. in the Marine Corps, Chris Banweg, referred to Hamas’ intricate tunnel system as an “underground city” and warned that there may be numerous traps and ambushes prepared by the terrorist organization.
To support Israel and deter intervention from Middle East powers in their conflict with Hamas, the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group of the U.S. Navy has entered the Mediterranean Sea. The strike group, including the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier, will operate in the Eastern Mediterranean alongside the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group. In a statement, Rear Adm. Marc Miguez emphasized that their presence demonstrates the Navy’s commitment to the security and well-being of their allies and partners. The strike group comprises the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, the guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea, and the guided-missile destroyers USS Mason and USS Gravely of Destroyer Squadron 22, along with Carrier Air Wing 3 and the Information Warfare Commander.
The Israeli military has eliminated four senior Hamas commanders in covert attacks. IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari announced that the commanders, including Jamil Baba, Muhammad Safadi, Muwaman Hegazi, and Muhammad Awadallah, were targeted based on accurate intelligence information from the Amman and the Shin Bet. In footage released alongside the announcement, Israeli tanks and troops can be seen expanding their operations in Gaza, engaging with terrorists and destroying infrastructure, including anti-tank positions and launch sites.
A high-level Israeli official recently visited Doha to negotiate the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Talks had stalled on Friday, leading to increased tensions as Israel expanded its ground operations in northern Gaza. The official, in coordination with the United States, met with Qatari negotiators to discuss the hostage situation and work towards securing their release. Hamas is believed to be holding approximately 239 hostages in Gaza.
Representative Cory Bush, a member of the “Squad,” accused Israel of engaging in “ethnic cleansing” in its war against Hamas in Gaza. Bush claimed that millions of people in Gaza are being slaughtered and called for an end to U.S. funding for what she deemed “atrocities against Palestinians.” These statements come as the Israeli military expands its ground operations in Gaza, targeting rocket launch sites and anti-tank missile positions.
Israel has officially identified the body of Shani Luk, a German-Israeli citizen who was kidnapped by Hamas and paraded unconscious on the back of a truck in infamous footage from the October 7 massacre. Luk was among the attendees of a music festival near the Gaza border that was attacked by Hamas. While she appeared injured and unconscious in the footage, her condition had not been confirmed at that time. The Israeli government expressed deep sorrow over Luk’s tragic death and condemned the horrifying actions of Hamas. Luk was forcefully paraded through the streets of Gaza while onlookers shouted religious phrases and spat on her motionless body.
(Source: Reference
