In the past 24 hours, fighter jets have targeted over 250 Hamas sites in the Gaza Strip, as reported by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Thursday morning. These airstrikes aimed at destroying Hamas infrastructure, operational command centers, tunnel shafts, and rocket launchers that were strategically positioned within civilian areas. The IDF emphasized that these targets were responsible for firing rockets towards Israeli territory since Hamas initiated its attack on October 7.
Moreover, the Israeli navy successfully neutralized a Hamas surface-to-air missile launch post near Khan Yunis. The IDF pointed out that this particular post was located adjacent to a mosque and kindergarten, providing further evidence of Hamas’ deliberate use of civilian sites for their terror activities.
Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the spokesperson for the IDF, also revealed that there are currently 224 hostages in the custody of Hamas. Hagari assured that all families have been notified, and the IDF is prioritizing efforts to secure their release through any means possible.
According to Fox News’ Yael Rotem-Kuriel, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the FBI have issued an updated alert to inform the public about the heightened terrorism threats within the United States due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The alert emphasizes the potential threats from various actors who have been encouraged by foreign terrorist groups to incite violence in the West, following Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7. The agencies stress the need for vigilance and urge individuals to report any threats or suspicious activity to the authorities.
Additionally, the bulletin warns about the circulation of mis- and disinformation by Iranian media outlets regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict. It highlights the use of doctored or mislabeled images and videos, inaccurate translations, and misleading content to provoke emotional responses and incite targeted violence among English-speaking audiences.
Israeli forces conducted a brief large ground incursion into northern Gaza in preparation for the next stages of combat, according to Fox News’ Lucas Tomlinson. It is reported to be a major operation, unlike anything seen before in the 20-day-old war. The Israeli military is expected to launch a full-scale invasion in the near future, as airstrikes continue to intensify.
Senator Joni Ernst from Iowa has criticized the White House for allowing a high-ranking Iranian official, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, into the U.S. while Tehran’s possible support for Hamas attacks on Israel remains a concern. Iran has faced criticism for its alleged involvement in the October 7 Hamas attacks and previous support for Hamas. Ernst argues that the Biden administration’s leniency towards Iran must come to an end.
Disturbing footage on social media shows Jewish students at Cooper Union in New York City locked inside a school library while a pro-Palestinian rally moves through the building. The protestors can be heard banging on doors and chanting pro-Palestine slogans. Security measures were implemented to barricade the exits of the library, causing concerns for the safety of the Jewish students.
In California, a man was arrested after breaking into a Jewish family’s home and shouting “Free Palestine.” The homeowners, fearing for their lives, called the police and sought shelter in a room with their children. The suspect was found chanting the same phrase upon arrest, but his identity has not been disclosed. Authorities suspect that he may have been under the influence of drugs at the time of the incident.
Six out of the nine Democrats who voted against the House resolution condemning Hamas’ attacks on Israel were members of the “Squad.” The resolution, denouncing the attacks, was passed by a significant majority of 412-10, with six members voting present. Although some concerns were raised over potential escalations, one Republican, Rep. Thomas Massie, voted against the measure while affirming Israel’s right to self-defense. The remaining “Squad” members chose not to take a position on the resolution.
