A deadly clash in the northern part of the Gaza Strip has resulted in the deaths of three Israeli personnel, including an officer and two soldiers. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported that the fatalities occurred during a nighttime operation.
Separately, reports indicate that at least 20 people were killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza overnight. The situation remains volatile, with tensions between Palestinian security forces and militant groups escalating in the West Bank.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed cautious optimism about a potential hostage deal with Hamas. However, he acknowledged that significant progress is uncertain, as there appears to be a disconnect between some religious Zionists who support such a deal and party leaders representing them.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum has been organizing events to raise awareness about the plight of hostages held in Gaza, but the broader religious community’s involvement remains limited. The Religious Zionism party, a key opponent of any deal, continues to oppose it.
Netanyahu’s government is also facing opposition from within its own ranks regarding the handling of the hostage crisis. As tensions continue to escalate, the situation remains highly fluid and unpredictable.
Source: https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2024-12-23/ty-article-live/report-idf-arrests-two-syrian-residents-in-buffer-zone-suspected-of-spying-for-hezbollah/00000193-f040-d7d0-abb3-fac514b10005