Israel-Gaza War: Daily Briefs

Photo Source: Aljazeera
   NIAS Course on Global Politics
National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS)
Indian Institute of Science Campus, Bangalore
For any further information or to subscribe to GP alerts send an email to subachandran@nias.res.in

Israel-Gaza War: Daily Briefs
Israeli forces shot Palestinians in West Bank

  IPRI Team

The War in Gaza Day #252

War on the ground
On 15 June, according to Al Jazeera, Israeli forces shot and injured two Palestinians during a raid in the West Bank's Jalazone refugee camp. Separately, the Israeli forces also carried out raids in the West Bank’s Burqa and al-Masayef regions.

On 14 June, according to The Jerusalem Post, Hamas’ armed wing, Izz ad-Din al-Qassam (al-Qassam Brigades), said that an Israeli airstrike killed two Israeli hostages. However, the Hamas group did not include any names or photos of the hostages.

On 14 June, Hamas’s al-Qassam Brigades stated it had carried out multiple attacks against Israeli forces. The armed group stated that it detonated an explosive-laced house with an Israeli force inside. In another statement, the group said its forces caused an explosion in a tunnel shaft in Gaza’s Zeitoun region.  The group also said it targeted Israeli forces in Rafah with mortars and rocket-propelled grenades. It stated all the attacks inflicted killed members of Israeli forces.

Regional Responses
On 15 June, according to Al Jazeera, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) aircraft attacked a Hezbollah missile launcher in Southern Lebanon’s Yaroun region and a munitions warehouse, military building and other “terrorist infrastructure” in Lebanon’s Ramyah, Hula and Aitaroun regions.

On 15 June, according to Al Jazeera, Israeli forces raided a house in Lebanon’s Kfar Kila. The house was destroyed, and a fire broke out in the town.

On 15 June, the US military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) said its forces hit seven Houthi radar installations in Yemen. In a separate attack, they destroyed Houthi surface and aerial drones in the Red Sea region.

On 15 June, according to Al Jazeera, the armed group the Islamic Resistance in Iraq launched a drone attack against Israel’s Haifa city. The group supported Palestine in “resisting the occupation.”

On 15 June, according to The Jerusalem Post, Israel’s National Fire and Rescue Services said their firefighting teams were trying to extinguish a fire near the Bar’am and Yiron regions. The fires were caused by rockets from Lebanon.

On 15 June, according to The Times of Israel, Hezbollah launched multiple explosive-laden drones into northern Israel’s Goren region. The drones caused a fire. Hezbollah stated they targeted an Israeli military base in the area. The IDF said it was investigated as to why it failed to intercept the drone.

Global Responses
On 15 June, according to The Jerusalem Post, US military officials announced that they shut down the humanitarian pier off the coast of Gaza during the night of 14 June. The pier was shut down because rough waves were expected in the Mediterranean Sea in the coming days.

 On 14 June, according to The Jerusalem Post, G7 member-states called for Israel to prevent escalation in Lebanon and “cease any action that weakens the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank.”. The members stated that all parties to the conflict should “maintain restraint and avoid further escalation."


The War in Gaza Day #251

War on ground
On 14 June, according to Al Jazeera, Israeli fighter jets bombed Rafah’s Saudi neighbourhood, killing three Palestinians.

On 14 June, according to The Times of Israel, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) released video footage of their operations in Rafah. They stated that Hamas had made holes in the walls of Rafah’s homes to allow their members to move between buildings during their operations. The IDF also stated that in Rafah, its 933rd “Nahal” Brigade killed numerous Palestinian gunmen and located multiple tunnel shafts. The Nahal troops also directed an airstrike on a building in the area. The airstrike led to secondary explosions, indicating that explosives were hidden in the building.

On 14 June, according to The Times of Israel, the nation’s Minister of Defence Yoav Gallant refused Israeli participation in a French-led contact group for resolving the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. Gallant stated, “As we fight a just war, defending our people, France has adopted hostile policies against Israel… In doing so, France ignores the atrocities committed by Hamas against Israeli children, women and men.” Previously, On 13 June, France’s President Emmanuel Macron had called for a trilateral contact group of the US, France, and Israel to advance a roadmap for peace between Israel and Lebanon. 

On 14 June, according to The Times of Israel, on 16 June, Israel’s cabinet would discuss a Ministry of Defence-backed emergency bill called the draft Security Service Law. The bill would temporarily raise the exemption age for reserve military service from 40 to 41 years for enlisted soldiers and from 45 to 46 for officers. It would raise the retirement age for military doctors and air crews from 49 to 50 years. Israel’s Ministry of Defence said the bill was necessary because of “a very high volume of deaths and injuries as a result of the war.” It added, “the extension of the temporary order is required, at this stage, to allow the IDF to keep in service the reserve officers who cannot be replaced.”

Regional Responses
On 14 June, Lebanon’s Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, condemned Israel’s attacks on Lebanon. He said, “continuation of Israeli attacks and the deliberate killing of people, destruction of towns, and burning of crops, is not only a matter of condemnation and denunciation by us, but it is a destructive and terrorist aggression…that the international community must put an end to”. Israel has been fighting the Lebanon-based Hezbollah since October 2023.

On 14 June, Al Jazeera reported an overnight Israeli airstrike in Lebanon’s Tyre district. The attack injured seven people and killed one woman.

On 14 June, Al Jazeera reported that antitank missiles were launched at northern Israel’s Metula region from Lebanon. The missiles damaged four and set one bus on fire.

On 14 June, according to The Times of Israel, The Philippines said it would rescue the crew of the Greek-owned vessel damaged in the attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels in the Red Sea.

On 14 June, according to The Times of Israel, the IDF stated that in the past 72 hours, Hezbollah had launched 16 explosive-laden drones at Israel. The IDF’s air defences had shot down 11 of them. The IDF published video footage of some of the interception on Twitter. 

On 14 June, The IDF said Hezbollah fired 35 rockets into Israel in the morning. The rockets targeted two Israeli neighbourhoods. The IDF intercepted several of the rockets, others struck the area. The rockets that passed through the air defences caused damage in the Kirat Shmona and a fire in Kfar Szold

Global Responses
On 14 June, according to CNN, US military officials were considering temporarily dismantling the US-built humanitarian pier off the Gaza coast because of concerns that it might get damaged by heavy seas.

On 14 June, according to the Times of Israel, the Biden administration will announce sanctions against the far-right Israeli group Tsav-9 for blocking and damaging aid shipments and harassing Palestinians. US Department of State’s Director for Economic Sanctions Policy and Implementation, Aaron Forsberg, said that the administration was using its authority to “sanction and ever-broadening selection of actors, targeting and entities that threaten the peace, security and stability of the West Bank.” 


The War in Gaza Day #250

War on the ground
On 13 June, according to Al Jazeera, Israeli “air, land, and sea” forces attacked central Gaza’s al-Mawasi region. Thousands of displaced Gazans were sheltering in the region. However, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) denied allegations that it had conducted any strikes in Al Mawasi’s humanitarian zone.

 On 13 June, according to The Jerusalem Post, the IDF’s 162 nd Division carried out a raid in Gaza’s Rafah region and killed several Palestinian fighters in close combat. In central Gaza, the IDF’s 99th Division killed several fighters, including one who was involved in the 7 October attack on Israel.

 On 13 June, according to Al Jazeera, Israeli bulldozers were destroying buildings and infrastructure in the West Bank’s Jenin city. Separately, Israeli military raided the West Bank city of Nablus. Additionally, a Palestinian man was shot during clashes with Israeli troops in Jenin’s Jabriyat neighbourhood.

 On 13 June, Palestinian fighters struck the IDF’s 99the Division with rockets and mortar shells along central Gaza’s Netzarim Corridor. In southern Rafah, fighters attacked Israeli forces with rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and mortar shells.

Regional Responses
On 13 June, according to Al Jazeera, The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said it attacked “military buildings” and “terrorist infrastructure” in southern Lebanon’s Ayta ash Shab and Aynata regions.

On 11 June, according to Al Jazeera, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) responded to the US’ ceasefire proposal on Gaza. The Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Qatar and Egypt said they had received and examined the response. Hamas proposed several amendments to the deal, including a permanent ceasefire and permanent Israeli withdrawal as a precondition for releasing hostages.

 On 13 June, The Jerusalem Post reported that last week, the IDF’s Chief of General Staff met military generals of the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. The meeting was held under the auspices of US Central Command. Due to the sensitive environment around the ongoing war, news of the meeting was not publicly disclosed earlier.

 On 12 June, the US Department of State condemned the Houthis’ detention of United Nations staff, diplomats, and Non-Governmental Organisation Staff on charges of being US-Israeli spies. The Department’s Spokesperson, Matthew Miller, said, “These Houthi actions reflect a blatant disregard for the dignity of the Yemeni people and individuals who – contrary to the Houthis’ lies – have dedicated themselves to their country’s betterment.”

Global Responses
On 13 June, the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory found that Israel abandoned the practice of roof knocking (dropping non-explosive or smaller bombs on civilian roofs as a warning of imminent bombing) during its war in Gaza. The Commission says that during its initial retaliation after 7 October 2023, Israel used “explosive weapons” instead of “precision-guided” missiles and (razed) entire residential blocks and neighbourhoods to rubble in near-constant heavy bombardments.”

On 12 June, the US Department of State condemned the Houthis’ detention of United Nations staff, diplomats, and Non-Governmental Organisation Staff on charges of being US-Israeli spies. The Department’s Spokesperson, Matthew Miller, said: “These Houthi actions reflect a blatant disregard for the dignity of the Yemeni people and individuals who – contrary to the Houthis’ lies have dedicated themselves to their country’s betterment.”


The War in Gaza Day #249

The War on the Ground
On 12 June, according to Al Jazeera, Israeli ground and air forces continued operations in Rafah and central Gaza. Israeli troops engaged in close-quarter combat and air strikes on Hamas targets.

On 12 June, six people died in an Israeli airstrike on a home in Gaza’s Zeitoun region.

On 12 June, Al Jazeera reported that Israeli forces raided northern Rafah’s Shaboura area. Fighting took place between Israeli and Palestinian fighters in central Rafah. Separately, the Israeli forces raided several locations across the West Bank: Shuweika, Baqat al-Hatab, Balata refugee camp, Deir Ibzi, Budrus, Beit Fajjar, and Beit Ummar.

On 12 June, according to The Times of Israel, an Israeli airstrike in Gaza killed a senior member of the minor Palestinian armed group, the Democratic Front.

On 12 June, Reuters reported that Hamas wanted a written guarantee from the US that a hostage deal would result in a permanent ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

Regional Responses
On 12 June, according to Al Jazeera, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) claimed that it killed four Hezbollah members in Lebanon’s Jouaiyya region. The fatalities included the group’s senior commander, Sami Taleb Abdullah. The IDF claimed Abdullah was responsible for planning attacks on Israeli civilians.

On 12 June, according to Al Jazeera, a merchant ship was struck in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen. The Houthis were suspected to be responsible for the attack.

On 12 June, according to Al Jazeera, around 160 rockets were fired at Israel from Lebanon. Most fell in open areas, while Israeli air defences shot down the rest. No casualties were reported. Hezbollah was suspected to be behind the attack.

On 12 June, according to The Times of Israel, 12 firefighting teams were in efforts to extinguish fires sparked by Hezbollah’s rockets.

On 12 June, according to The Times of Israel, Israeli fighter aircraft struck four Hezbollah launch positions in southern Lebanon’s Halta, Kafarhamam and Kherbe regions. The airstrikes were in response to a Hezbollah rocket attack the same day.

Global Responses
On 12 June, according to Al Jazeera, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Doha to meet Qatar’s Emir and Prime Minister. He was expected to push President Joe Biden’s ceasefire proposal.

On 12 June, according to The Times of Israel, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the US and European states were not putting sufficient pressure on Israel to get it to agree to a ceasefire in Gaza. He said, “It has become clear who sides with peace and dialogue and who wants clashes continuing and more bloodshed.”


The War in Gaza Day #248

War on the Ground
On 11 June, Israel continued its attacks across Gaza despite a legally binding UN Security Council ceasefire resolution calling for a ceasefire.

On 11 June, Israeli forces carried out raids in Rafah and destroyed a fighter cell. Airstrikes followed this in southern and central Gaza. The Israeli military stated that the airstrikes killed 35 targets in the last 24 hours.

On 11 June, according to the IDF, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) struck 35 targets in the Gaza Strip in the last 24 hours. Israeli troops continued to do operations in Rafah and the Netzarim corridor in Central Gaza. In Rafah, the IDF said its Givati Brigade killed a cell of gunmen in close combat. The Brigade located intelligence documents and equipment at the site and brought them to Israel for investigation.

On 11 June, according to The Jerusalem Post, the IAF aircraft killed a Hamas sniper. At the same time, an IAF aircraft struck an armed squad in central Gaza.

On 11 June, according to The Jerusalem Post, Israel’s Undercover Border Police and IDF soldiers killed four Palestinian gunmen in the West Bank’s Na’ama village.

On 11 June, according to The Jerusalem Post, four IDF soldiers died and six wounded as a building collapsed during an operation.

Regional Responses
On 11 June, The Jerusalem Post cited a Wall Street Journal report that revealed messages sent by Hamas leader in the Gaza Strip, Yahya Sinwar, to Hamas negotiators in Qatar. Recently, Sinwar wrote to the negotiators, “We have the Israelis right where we want them.” He said civilian casualties were “necessary sacrifices.” He added, “We have the capabilities to continue fighting for months.” In a recent message, he equated the Hamas fight with the 7th-century battle of Karbala.

On 11 June, according to The Jerusalem Post, the IDF attacked multiple Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, including deep in Lebanon’s territory in Hermel city. The IDF said the attacks were in response to Hezbollah’s downing of an Israeli Unmanned Aerial Vehicle on 10 June.

Global Responses
On 11 June, according to The Times of Israel, senior Hamas spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri said the group accepted the UN Security Council Resolution endorsing the US ceasefire proposal and was willing to negotiate the details.

On 11 June, according to The Times of Israel, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had “reaffirmed his commitment” to a Gaza ceasefire when the two met on 10 June. Hamas added that Hamas’ welcoming of the UNSC resolution was a “hopeful” sign.

On 11 June, according to The Times of Israel, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said Hezbollah fired 50 rockets at Israel from Lebanon. The IDF said its air defences shot down several of the rockets, and the rest struck open areas. Hezbollah stated that it had launched Katyusha rockets in response to an IDF strike the previous night.

On 11 June, according to The Jerusalem Post, Antony Blinken met separately with Israel’s opposition leaders Benny Gantz and Yair Lapid, and with Israel’s President Isaac Herzog.

On 11 June, according to Al Jazeera, Blinken said there was a strong consensus among Israeli leaders to move forward with the US ceasefire plan.

On 11 June, The Jerusalem Post cited a 9 June Wall Street Journal Report, which said the Biden administration was working towards normalising relations with Israel and Saudi Arabia. The condition for such normalisation is Israel’s commitment to establish a Palestinian state and end the war against Hamas.

On 11 June, the United Nations Human Rights Spokesperson Jeremy Laurence said civilian deaths in Gaza during Israel’s hostage rescue operation and the holding of hostages by armed groups in densely populated areas could both amount to war crimes.


The War in Gaza Day #247

War on the ground
On 10 June, Israeli forces fired at a car in the West Bank’s Kafr Nima village, injuring multiple Palestinians. Following this attack, troops raided the village, killed four Palestinians, and wounded around eight.

Regional Responses

On 10 June, according to The Times of Israel, The Israeli Air Force (IAF) said that since 7 October, it intercepted more than 150 enemy drones, launched mainly from Lebanon, Syria, and Iran, and were a challenge to detect and intercept.

On 10 June, according to The Times of Israel, two explosive-laden drones launched by Hezbollah from Lebanon struck Israel-controlled Golan heights. One of the drones caused a fire near the Israeli community of Sha’al.

On 10 June, according to The Times of Israel, “Three Hezbollah members were killed by nine Israeli missile strikes that targeted a convoy of tankers and a building” in Lebanon’s Hermel district on the Lebanon-Syria.

On 10 June, the IDF said its air defence intercepted a “suspicious aerial target”, thought to be a drone, over the Golan Heights. No casualties or damage were reported.

On 10 June, according to Al Jazeera, Hezbollah shot down an Israeli Hermes 900 unmanned aerial vehicle in southern Lebanon.

On 10 June, fires broke out in Israel’s Safed city because of clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah. Five people were hospitalised.

Global Responses
On 10 June, according to The Times of Israel, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem. The two held meetings in an expanded format and were joined by multiple close aides. The meetings were focused on Biden’s ceasefire and hostage release proposal.

On 10 June, Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) reprimanded Slovenia’s Ambassador for recognising the State of Palestine. The MFA called Slovenia’s decision “warped” and “in contradiction to EU policy.” The Ministry said that the recognition “encourages the Hamas terrorist organisation.” Slovenia had recognised the Palestinian State on 4 June 2024.

On 10 June, The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) adopted with 14 votes in favour and one abstention (Russia) a resolution endorsing the USA’s peace proposal on Gaza. The United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, called on Hamas to accept the deal.

On 10 June, according to Al Jazeera, Hamas welcomed a “permanent” ceasefire, complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, captive-prisoner exchange, a reconstruction plan, return of displaced Palestinians, and rejection of territorial loss or demographic change in Gaza. 


The War in Gaza Day #246

War on the ground
On 9 June, according to The Times of Israel, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said it was continuing operations in central Gaza’s Deir-el-Balah and Bureij. It said the Israeli Air Force (IAF) was “striking numerous terror targets in the area, as well as armed terrorists.” In Rafah, troops were continuing “intelligence-based, targeted operations” to locate Hamas tunnels and weapons. The Israeli army said that mortar shells were launched at their forces in southern Gaza’s Islamic University area. However, no injuries were reported, and the army destroyed the launcher.

On 9 June, according to the Times of Israel, the IDF stated that when Israeli forces raided a house in the Nuseirat refugee camp in a hostage-rescue operation, a Gazan journalist, Abdallah Aljamal, was holding the hostages and his family in the house. The IDF said that Aljamal was a Hamas member and using his family members as human shields.

On 9 June, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry – Gaza, the Israeli army’s air and ground operations in Nuseirat had killed 274 Palestinians. Of these, around 64 were children and 57 women.

On 9 June, according to the Times of Israel, a member of Israel’s three-member war cabinet, Benny Gantz, announced that he was resigning from the government. Gantz said Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu should call an early election. He said that Netanyahu was “preventing us from reaching true victory.” He clarified, “True victory places the return of the hostages ahead of surviving in power…, combines military success with diplomatic and civilian initiative…, means destroying Hamas and replacing it…, brings the residents of the north safely home.” In the past, Gantz supported replacing Hamas’ rule in Gaza with an international coalition.

On 9 June, according to The Times of Israel, a far-right member of Israel’s Knesset and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said Netanyahu should add him and other far-right members to the war cabinet.

On 9 June, according to Al Jazeera, Israeli settlers set fire to a Palestinian House in the West Bank’s Homesh region.

Regional Responses
On 9 June, according to Reuters, Israel’s Minister of Communications Shlomo Karhi said the government would extend its ban on Qatar-based Al Jazeera’s broadcasting. He said, “We will not allow the Al Jazeera terrorist channel to broadcast in Israel and endanger our fighters.” Israel banned the channel on 5 May 2024.

Global Responses
On 9 June, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said the US urged Israel to “operate differently” and take “precautions to try to protect civilians.” He added, “We would like them to be more precise, more targeted in their operations.”


The War in Gaza Day #245

War on the ground
On 8 June, according to Al Jazeera, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) bombed a house in the Bureij refugee camp. Six people died in the military operation.

On 8 June, Israel’s army said that humanitarian aid entering Gaza by sea using a US-built pier will resume functioning in the coming days. The structure was undergoing repairs, which would be finished soon.

On 8 June, according to Al Jazeera, the IAF conducted air raids in Deir-el-Balah. The IAF also targeted central Gaza’s Maghazi camp and Hamas hideouts in western Rafah. The attacks affected communication networks in the area.

On 8 June, the Israeli Defense Ministry unit, the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), announced it would establish Israel’s 11th field hospital in Gaza to provide “humanitarian aid to the residents of the Gaza Strip”. COGAT stated that the hospital would be in al-Mawasi and would be “operated by the Red Crescent Organisation and is expected to include 40 beds, three operating rooms, and an intensive care unit”.

On 8 June, according to Al Jazeera, Israeli forces launched an attack on the Nuseirat refugee camp. Dozens of people were killed and wounded.

On 8 June, The Times of Israel reported that the Israel Defence Force (IDF) rescued four hostages from Hamas captivity in central Gaza’s Nuseirat region. The four of them were abducted by Hamas in their 7 October attack. During the operation, Israeli aircraft carried out airstrikes to support the ground forces. Gaza’s Palestinian Health Ministry reported a large number of deaths.

On 7 June, according to The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) and the Critical Threats Project (CTP) joint report, Palestinian fighters fired mortar shells towards Israeli paratroopers positioned along Gaza’s Netzarim Corridor. A different set of Palestinian fighters fired a thermobaric rocket at Israeli soldiers in a house in Deir el-Barah. On the same day, an armed group fired mortal shells at Israeli forces operating near central Gaza’s Bureij refugee camp.

Regional Responses
On 8 June, former head of Mossad’s intelligence gathering department, Haim Tomer, said that a large-scale war with Hezbollah would undermine Israel’s security and viability as a state.

On 8 June, Hezbollah said it targeted Israel’s Zarit barracks. The groups also targeted Israeli military positions in the Shebaa Farms and fired artillery shells at Israeli soldiers at Raheb.

On 8 June, according to Al Jazeera, Egyptian and Qatar mediators said they were expecting Hamas to submit its response to Joe Biden’s ceasefire proposal.

On 8 June, according to The Times of Israel, two pro-Iran fighters were killed by a car bomb in Syria’s Deir Ezzor region. It was unclear who was behind the attacks.

On 7 June, The Wall Street Journal reported that Egypt and Qatar had been pressuring the Hamas leadership to accept the US President ceasefire deal on Gaza. Qatar’s negotiators allegedly threatened the Hamas leaders with sanctions, asset freezes, and expulsion from Doha, where the armed group’s leadership is sheltering. However, Hamas’ leadership has signalled that they will reject the proposal. Qatar and Egypt’s increased pressure on the armed group’s leadership came after Biden’s 3 June call to Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Biden had told the Emir “to use all appropriate measures to secure Hamas’s acceptance of the deal.”

Global Responses
On 8 June, according to The Times of Israel, US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi told CNN that Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, should not have been invited to speak at the US Congress. Netanyahu is scheduled to speak on 24 July.

On 7 June, according to Al Jazeera, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he would visit Egypt, Jordan and Qatar the following week to push for Biden’s ceasefire proposal.


The War in Gaza Day #242

War on the ground
On 5 June, according to Al Jazeera, the IDF carried out air strikes on Deir-al-Balah and Bureij camp.

On 5 June, Al Jazeera reported that Israel’s government will approve a decision to call 50,000 more reserve soldiers. After the decision is implemented, the number of mobilized Israeli soldiers will be 350,000.

On 5 June, according to Al Jazeera, Israeli forces arrested 35 people in a raid in the southern West Bank’s Beit Ummar region. The arrest is a part of similar raids across the West Bank.

On 5 June, according to Al Jazeera, the IDF will end operating the Sde Teiman detention camp. Human rights groups had filed a petition in an Israeli court alleging abuse of Palestinian prisoners in the camp. Israeli state lawyers responded that only 200 inmates are left in the camp.

On 5 June, The Times of Israel reported that the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) intercepted a “suspicious aerial target” that entered Israel’s airspace from Lebanon. The reporter suspects that the object was a drone. The IDF also said that the Israeli Air Force struck Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon. The airstrikes destroyed two rocket launchers and three buildings used by the group.

 On 5 June, according to Al Jazeera, Israeli PM Netanyahu completed a security tour of northern Israel’s border areas and met with security forces and firefighters. The visit comes after Hezbollah struck the region with drones and rockets on 3 June. The Times of Israel reported that Netanyahu warned Hezbollah of an “extremely powerful” response.

Regional responses
On 5 June, according to The Times of Israel, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Commander Hossein Salami threatened to retaliate against Israel. The threat came after an Israeli airstrike killed an IRGC advisor in Syria’s Aleppo region. Salami in X said: “Israel must wait for a response to the killing of Iranian military advisor Saeed Aviar in Syria.”

On 5 June, Hezbollah claimed it attacked Israeli soldiers with close-range missiles. The armed group attacks the Israeli army’s Birkat Risha site.

Global responses
On 5 June, according to Reuters, the US House of Representatives passed a bill to sanction the International Criminal Court (ICC). The House passed the bill as ICC prosecutors pushed for arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The bill would impose economic sanctions and visa restrictions for persons and judges associated with the ICC and their family members. The bill was led primarily by the Republicans but also enjoys the support of 48 Democrats. However, the Senate and the Biden administration are against it.

On 5 June, The Times of Israel reported that CIA Director William Burns and White House Coordinator for Middle East and North Africa Brett McGurk departed for the Middle East. They are set to meet officials from Qatar, Egypt and Israel. The negotiations will be based on Biden’s Israel-backed peace proposal. The Spokesperson for Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, Majed Al-Ansari, said that the distance between the two sides has shrunk, but none has made “concrete approvals” yet. Al-Ansari said that both sides need to make their positions clear. 

On 5 June, Slovenia recognised Palestine as an independent and sovereign State. Ljubljana was the latest European Union member to recognize the State of Palestine. The recognition was finalized after a vote in Slovenia’s parliament.


The War in Gaza Day #241

War on the ground
On 4 June, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 45 people in the Gaza Strip. The strikes in the Buerij refugee camp killed three people, three in the Daraj neighbourhood, two people in the Nuseirat camp, and seven people in Rafah. Separately, Israeli forces arrested 15 people in the West Bank.

On 4 June, the Israeli military announced that four hostages kidnapped on 7 October were dead.

On 4 June, according to Wafa, Israel’s army shot and killed two Palestinians near a checkpoint in the West Bank’s Tulkarem. The army said that the men were approaching the checkpoint “to carry out a shooting attack on Israeli settlements.”

Regional Responses
On 4 June, the Saudi Press Agency reported that Foreign Ministers of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Egypt said it was necessary to “deal seriously and positively” with US President Joe Biden’s peace proposal to end the Israel-Gaza war.

Global Responses
On 4 June, the UK’s Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, David Cameron, said that he was “Greatly saddened” to hear about the death of a British citizen, Nadav Popplewell. Popplewell was a dual British-Israeli citizen. Hamas had taken him hostage after the 7 October attack and killed him in captivity.

On 4 June, aid group Oxfam said that Israel was obstructing humanitarian aid from entering Gaza. The group stated that Israel was making it “impossible for aid agencies to reach trapped, starved civilians.” Oxfam said Israel was increasing the risk of famine in Gaza. The group’s Middle East and North Africa Director, Sally Abi Khalil, said: “When hunger claims many more lives, nobody will be able to deny the horrifying impact of Israel’s deliberate, illegal and cruel obstruction of aid.”


The War in Gaza Day #240

War on the ground
On 3 June, according to Al Jazeera, the Israeli Air Force carried out a missile strike in central Gaza’s Bureij refugee camp killing three people and injured five others. Israeli fighter jets targeted four residential buildings in the area.

On 3 June, Israel carried out airstrikes on a factory near Syria’s Aleppo. The fatalities included an Iranian military advisor to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). The UK-based organisation Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said the strike killed at least 12 other Iran linked fighters.

On 3 June, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) raided the West Bank’s eastern Nablus region and Balate refugee camp. They killed three Palestinians and injured eight.

On 3 June, Hamas’ al-Qassam brigades claimed they bombarded a house in southern Gaza’s Rafah region. The groups said they attacked the building because an Israeli unit was taking

Regional responses
On 3 June, Hezbollah said it launched a drone squadron towards Israel’s military positions in Galilee. The group said it also launched several Katyusha rockets toward targets in Israel-occupied Golan Heights.

On 3 June, US President Joe Biden spoke with Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani about the US’ peace proposal on Gaza. Biden said Hamas’ refusal to release hostages would unnecessarily prolong the war and deny aid to Gazans. He urged the Qatari Premier to “use all appropriate measures to secure Hamas’ acceptance of the deal and affirmed that Hamas is now the only obstacle to a complete ceasefire and relief for the people of Gaza”.

On 3 June, Yemen’s Houthis stated that they launched a new missile towards the southern Israeli city of Eilat. The Houthis named the new rocket “Palestine” in solidarity with the Hamas and the people of Gaza.

Global responses
On 3 June, the G7 States’ Heads-of-Government released a joint statement on Biden’s peace proposal on Gaza. The G7 leaders fully endorsed the proposal. The leaders stated that Biden’s deal was “comprehensive” and would secure “an enduring end to the crisis.” The deal, they said, would balance “Israel’s security interests and Gazan civilian safety.” The leaders expressed support for a two-state solution. The statement called on Hamas to accept Biden’s deal because Israel was ready to accept it. It urged other countries to influence Hamas so that it accepted the deal.

On 3 June, the US’s Ambassador to the UNSC, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, stated that she circulated a new Draft UNSC resolution to end the war in Gaza. The draft resolution mirrors President Biden’s peace proposal. Thomas-Greenfield noted that the Security Council should insist that Hamas accept the deal. The deal has three phases. It aims at the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza’s populated areas, the release of hostages, sending humanitarian aid to Gaza, a roadmap for ending the conflict and a reconstruction plan for Gaza.


The War in Gaza Day #238

War on the ground
On 2 June, Israeli soldiers raided the three villages: Hajjah, Jayyous and Azzun. The villages are in the West Bank's Qalqiya governorate.

On 2 June, the Israeli Air Force bombed south Gaza's Abu Halawa area. The airstrike killed two individuals and injured several others. Israel's ground forces also engaged in fighting against the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ). The PIJ stated that they targeted an Israeli position with mortar shells.

On 2 June, the Israeli Air Force also carried out a raid on Lebanon's Aita al-Shaab town.

On 2 June, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians near Ramallah's Rawabi town roundabout. The settlers hurled stones at Palestinian vehicles that approached the roundabout, damaging a car.

On 2 June, Israel's defence minister Yoav Gallant said that Israel was exploring alternatives to Hamas rule in the Gaza Strip. Gallant said, "We will isolate areas in Gaza, remove Hamas operatives from these areas and introduce forces that will enable an alternative government to form – an alternative that threatens Hamas." He further stated, "While we conduct our important military actions, the defence establishment is simultaneously assessing a governing alternative to Hamas."

Regional Responses
On 2 June, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) in an X post stated that American forces stationed in the southern Red Sea destroyed one drone and two ballistic missiles. The US forces observed two other drones crash into the sea. The Iran-backed Houthis had fired these munitions. The ballistic missiles were flying toward the US Navy's guided missile destroyer USS Gravely. In response to the strike, the warship destroyed the missiles.

On 2 June, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation condemned Israel's moves to classify the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) as a terrorist organisation. The organisation stated that it "strongly denounced Israel's illegal measures to undermine the status and role of the UNRWA" and to "strip it of immunities and privileges granted to its employees." The OIC added that Israel's moves are "an extension of the serious Israeli violations of the UN Charter, the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, the Fourth Geneva Convention, and relevant UN resolutions."

Global Responses
On 2 June, Chile's President Gabriel Boric said he was appalled by the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the conditions of women and children. He accused Israel of using "indiscriminate and disproportional" force. In his view, "These acts demand a firm and permanent response of the international community."

On 2 June, the UK's Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs David Cameron stated that Hamas should accept the Israel-backed US ceasefire proposal for Gaza. He called it a "generous deal." He urged all parties involved to work towards a permanent end to the conflict. Cameron stated that once Hamas accepts the deal, "the hostages can be freed and Gaza can be flooded with aid, something we've long called for." He stated that Israel needed "guarantees about its security", but simultaneously, the Palestinian Liberation Organisation should also be strengthened.


The War in Gaza: Day #237

War on the ground
On 1 June, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that there would be no permanent ceasefire in Gaza until Israel had destroyed Hamas' military and governing capabilities. Netanyahu said: “Israel's conditions for ending the war have not changed: The destruction of Hamas military and governing capabilities, the freeing of all hostages, and ensuring that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel.” He added, “Israel will continue to insist these conditions are met before a permanent ceasefire is put in place. The notion that Israel will agree to a permanent ceasefire before these conditions are fulfilled is a non-starter." Benjamin Netanyahu's office said that Israel had authorised negotiators to work out a peace plan with Hamas.

On 31 May, Israeli air strikes hit Rafah and central Gaza’s Nuseirat. The strikes killed a total of 11 people.

On 31 May, according to Reuters, the Israeli military stated that it had completed its combat operations in northern Gaza's Jabalia region. During the operation, Israeli troops discovered seven hostages' bodies. The statement noted that Hamas converted the “civilian area into a fortified combat compound.”

On 31 May, Hamas released a statement saying the group looked positively on an Israel-backed peace proposal that US President Joe Biden presented. The group stated: “Hamas confirms its readiness to deal positively and in a constructive manner with any proposal that is based on the permanent ceasefire and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, the reconstruction of Gaza, and the return of the displaced to their places, along with the fulfilment of a genuine prisoner swap.”

Regional Responses
On 1 June, Egypt Today reported that Egypt would host a meeting of Israel and the US to discuss reopening the Rafah crossing. Egypt was demanding a total Israeli withdrawal from the Rafah terminal. Egypt wanted to use the crossing to transfer humanitarian aid to Gazans. However, the cross has been closed since 6 May, when Israeli forces captured Rafah.  

On 31 May, Al Jazeera reported that Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi forces had launched a missile attack against a US aircraft carrier in the Red Sea. The attack was part of Houthi efforts to strike Israel-bound ships in support of the Palestinian cause. Houthi official Mohammed al-Bukhaiti said: “The American-British aggression will not prevent us from continuing our military operations in support of Palestine.”

On 31 May, The Jordan Times reported that Jordan will host an emergency international conference to seek a humanitarian response for Gaza. The conference will be held on 11 June. It is being co-organised by Jordan, Egypt and the United Nations. The conference is titled “Call for Action: Urgent Humanitarian Response for Gaza.”

Global Responses
On 1 June, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held separate phone calls with his counterparts from Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. Blinken discussed a proposal for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages. He emphasised that the proposal was in the interests of both Israelis and Palestinians.

On 31 May, US President Joe Biden laid out an Israel-backed hostage deal on Gaza. He said that the proposal had been submitted to Hamas through Qatar. The proposal has three phases: First, there would be a full ceasefire and negotiations between Israel and Hamas. Second, Hamas would release all living hostages. Third, a reconstruction plan for Gaza will be implemented, and the remains of killed hostages will be returned to their families. Biden stated: “As long as Hamas lives up to its commitments, the temporary ceasefire would become permanent.”

On 31 May, China’s President Xi Jinping delivered a speech at the China-Arnab States Cooperation Forum. In his speech, Xi emphasised the “tremendous sufferings” of Palestinians. He called for an international peace conference to bring peace to Gaza. Xi said, “Since last October, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has escalated drastically, throwing the people into tremendous suffering. War should not continue indefinitely. Justice should not be absent forever.”


About the authours
Shamini Velayutham is a Research Assistant at NIAS and Ayan Datta is a master student at the department of Political Science in the University of Hyderabad.

Print Bookmark

PREVIOUS COMMENTS

March 2024 | CWA # 1251

NIAS Africa Team

Africa This Week
February 2024 | CWA # 1226

NIAS Africa Team

Africa This Week
December 2023 | CWA # 1189

Hoimi Mukherjee | Hoimi Mukherjee is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Political Science in Bankura Zilla Saradamani Mahila Mahavidyapith.

Chile in 2023: Crises of Constitutionality
December 2023 | CWA # 1187

Aprajita Kashyap | Aprajita Kashyap is a faculty of Latin American Studies, School of International Studies at the Jawaharlal Nehru University New Delhi.

Haiti in 2023: The Humanitarian Crisis
December 2023 | CWA # 1185

Binod Khanal | Binod Khanal is a Doctoral candidate at the Centre for European Studies, School of International Studies, JNU, New Delhi.

The Baltic: Energy, Russia, NATO and China
December 2023 | CWA # 1183

Padmashree Anandhan | Padmashree Anandhan is a Research Associate at the School of Conflict and Security Studies, National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bangaluru.

Germany in 2023: Defence, Economy and Energy Triangle
December 2023 | CWA # 1178

​​​​​​​Ashok Alex Luke | Ashok Alex Luke is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Political Science at CMS College, Kottayam.

China and South Asia in 2023: Advantage Beijing?
December 2023 | CWA # 1177

Annem Naga Bindhu Madhuri | Annem Naga Bindhu Madhuri is a postgraduate student at the Department of Defence and Strategic Studies at the University of Madras, Chennai.

China and East Asia
October 2023 | CWA # 1091

Annem Naga Bindhu Madhuri

Issues for Europe
July 2023 | CWA # 1012

Bibhu Prasad Routray

Myanmar continues to burn
December 2022 | CWA # 879

Padmashree Anandhan

The Ukraine War
November 2022 | CWA # 838

Rishma Banerjee

Tracing Europe's droughts
March 2022 | CWA # 705

NIAS Africa Team

In Focus: Libya
December 2021 | CWA # 630

GP Team

Europe in 2021
October 2021 | CWA # 588

Abigail Miriam Fernandez

TLP is back again
August 2021 | CWA # 528

STIR Team

Space Tourism
September 2019 | CWA # 162

Lakshman Chakravarthy N

5G: A Primer
December 2018 | CWA # 71

Mahesh Bhatta | Centre for South Asian Studies, Kathmandu

Nepal
December 2018 | CWA # 70

Nasima Khatoon | Research Associate, ISSSP, NIAS

The Maldives
December 2018 | CWA # 69

Harini Madhusudan | Research Associate, ISSSP, NIAS

India
December 2018 | CWA # 68

Sourina Bej | Research Associate, ISSSP, NIAS

Bangladesh
December 2018 | CWA # 67

Seetha Lakshmi Dinesh Iyer | Research Associate, ISSSP, NIAS

Afghanistan