Israel at war - What happened on day 30?

I have taken part in a few incursions into the Gaza Strip, but I have to admit that I have never been this scared. The intensity of the war, my family situation, including a son who’d been injured and undergone a long recovery, stirred up many conflicting thoughts. Yet when we received final approval from the IDF last Thursday to join the troops for a day, all my doubts dissipated.

By Friday, we were on our way down South to join up with the Negev Brigade, a reserve infantry brigade, as it traversed to Beit Hanun in the Gaza Strip.

Civilian communities on Gaza border turned into makeshift military bases

Immediately after the war broke out, many of the kibbutzim that border Gaza were turned into makeshift military bases, a different pace from previous military operations, where civilian activity mostly continued as usual. Today, barely any civilians remain in any of the communities.

“Up until October 7, we were reservists,” one soldier stationed in the area said. “Now, we are all soldiers. Some of the reserve units’ equipment was antiquated, but now we have everything we need.”

US top diplomat Antony Blinken made an unannounced visit to the West Bank on Sunday and met with the Palestinian Authority president as he continues a tour of the region amid spiraling tensions over Israel’s war with Hamas.

Blinken and Mahmoud Abbas met in the West Bank city of Ramallah, the de facto Palestinian capital, on his second visit to the region since Hamas terrorists attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,400 people and taking more than 240 others hostage.

As Israel continued a campaign of air strikes that Hamas's health officials say has killed nearly 9,500 Palestinians, Secretary of State Blinken rebuffed calls for a ceasefire from Arab officials on Saturday after appealing, unsuccessfully, to Israel for more limited pauses to the fighting a day earlier.

As well as seeking to ensure the conflict does not spread in the region, Blinken is trying to kickstart discussions on how Gaza could be governed after the complete destruction of Hamas that Israel says is its aim.

The two met for about an hour but did not address the media.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, at the Muqata in Ramallah, November 5, 2023. (credit: REUTERS/JONATHAN ERNST/POOL)

Abbas to Blinken: ceasefire now

Abbas told Blinken there should be an immediate ceasefire and that aid should be allowed into Gaza, according to spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeineh.

Blinken said the United States was committed to getting aid into Gaza and restoring essential services there, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a readout of the meeting.

"The Secretary also expressed the commitment of the United States to working toward the realization of the Palestinians’ legitimate aspirations for the establishment of a Palestinian state," Miller said.

Blinken has suggested an "effective and revitalized Palestinian Authority" would make the most sense to ultimately run the strip but admitted that other countries and international agencies would likely play a role in security and governance in the interim.

Abbas' Palestinian Authority, which exercises limited self-rule in the West Bank, has seen its popularity shrivel amid allegations of graft, incompetence and widely hated security cooperation arrangements with Israel. It is unclear who will succeed the aging and ailing Abbas, 87, a staunch opponent of Hamas.

FMs of Egypt, Jordan: premature to talk about Gaza's future

The foreign ministers of Egypt and Jordan said on Saturday after meeting with Blinken that it was premature to talk about the future of Gaza, as they called for an immediate ceasefire to address the humanitarian crisis that has engulfed the strip’s 2.3 million residents.

Blinken argued that a ceasefire would only allow Hamas to regroup, but is trying to convince Israel to agree to location-specific pauses that would allow much-needed aid to be distributed within Gaza.

The meeting was Blinken’s second with Abbas since the conflict began, but the first to take place in the West Bank. It was not announced ahead of time and Reuters agreed not to publish details of the trip until it was complete due to security concerns.

Violence in the West Bank, already at a more than 15-year high this year, has surged further since the war began, with more than 170 attacks on Palestinians involving Jewish settlers recorded by the United Nations.

Blinken and Abbas "discussed efforts to restore calm and stability in the West Bank, including the need to stop extremist violence against Palestinians and hold those accountable responsible," Miller said.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan discussed the situation in Gaza with his Egyptian and Jordanian counterparts in separate phone calls, a Turkish diplomatic source said on Sunday.

Fidan had exchanged views on "stopping the attacks targeting the civilian population in Gaza" and on achieving an urgent ceasefire, the source said.

Israel says it is targeting Hamas, not civilians, and that the Islamist Palestinian group is using residents as human shields.

Fidan also discussed efforts to guarantee the unimpeded and continuous provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, the source added.

Fidan will meet US Secretary of State Antony Blinken for talks on Gaza in Ankara on Monday.

Qatar's foreign ministry said on Sunday that efforts to secure the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza required a "period of calm".

Leaks from the negotiations are "harmful" and make it difficult for mediators to do their jobs, ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari said during a press conference in Doha.

Evacuations of injured Gazans and foreign passport holders through the Rafah crossing to Egypt have been suspended since Saturday, two Egyptian security sources and one medical source told Reuters.

One of the security sources and the medical source said the evacuations were suspended after an Israeli strike on Friday on an ambulance in Gaza being used to transport injured people.

The Rafah crossing to Egypt's Sinai peninsula is the only exit point from Gaza not controlled by Israel. Aid trucks were still able to travel into the territory, two of the sources said.

Sgt. Yehonatan Maimon, 20 years old, from Ofakim, was named as killed in battle in Gaza by the IDF Spokesperson's Unit on Sunday

Maimon, a soldier in the Nahal Brigade was killed on Saturday night in the northern Gaza Strip.

Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu from Otzma Yehudit was suspended on Sunday from government meetings after he said dropping an atom bomb on Gaza is an option in an interview with Kol Baram on Sunday morning.

The statement was made in relation to his discussing of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

"We wouldn't have given the Nazis humanitarian aid," he said. "There's no such thing as innocents in Gaza."

When the interviewer asked whether Israel should just drop an atom bomb on the strip, Eliyahu replied that that was an option. Upon being reminded of the more than 240 hostages being held in Gaza, he said he would pray for their return but that "there is also a price to war."

Only two days earlier, Eliyahu had tweeted about destroying an entire city, comparing it to Sodom and Gamora.

"God taught Abraham that even though the people of Sodom were evil and sinners, the decision to obliterate them was made after they heard the screams of a girl being raped and didn't act mercifully," he wrote. "There is patience for evil that at some point needs to stop."

Minister of Heritage Amichai Eliyahu attends a government conference at the Prime Minister's office in Jerusalem on January 8, 2023. (credit: OLIVIER FITOUSSI/FLASH90)

Comment is universally condemned

Eliyahu's comment was heavily criticized throughout the government.

"Minister Amichai Eliyahu's comments are disconnected from reality," said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "Israel and the IDF function according to the highest standards of international law in order to prevent harming innocents, and we will continue to do so until victory."

Netanyahu later announced that Eliyahu would be suspended from all government meetings until further notice but did not respond to a request for comment on whether he would consider firing Eliyahu.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant condemned Eliyahu's "baseless comments" and added that "It's good that he isn't the person in charge of Israel's security."

"Minister Eliyahu's unthinking, unnecessary, and irresponsible comment harms Israel's values, causes heavy damage to diplomacy, and worst of all, adds to the pain of the hostages' families," said National Unity leader Minister Benny Gantz.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid said it was a shocking and crazy comment from an irresponsible minister.

"He caused harm to the families of the hostages, Israeli society, and our international standing," he said. "The presence of extremists in the government endangers us and our success in the war's objectives - victory over Hamas and the return of the hostages."

He also called for Netanyahu to fire Eliyahu.

Labor leader Merav Michaeli said the heritage minister had to be distanced from politics, saying he was "a danger to the State of Israel."

Condemnations and calls to fire Eliyahu also came from outside the government including from the Brothers in Arms protest group.

"If Netanyahu and Gantz want to preserve the relative national consensus that exists these days and our relations with the rest of the world, they must fire Minister Amichai Eliyahu now," said the group.

Eliyahu later clarified that it should be clear to sensible people that the comment about an atom bomb was only metaphorical.

"But we still definitely need a powerful and unproportional response to terrorism that will make it clear to the Nazis and their supporters that terrorism is not worthwhile," he said. "This is the only formula that democratic states can use to deal with terrorism. At the same time, it is clear that the State of Israel is committed to doing everything possible to return the hostages safe and sound."

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who leads Otzma Yehudit, said that he also believed the comment to be a metaphor.

It is now confirmed that Sgt. Itay Yehuda, 20, a fighter in the Givati Brigade, fell in battle in the northern Gaza Strip.

Yehuda had spoken to his mother, Rinat, before entering Gaza, telling her that he had trained for this moment for three years. He held a deep desire to protect his homeland and had aspirations of opening his own tattoo business, showcasing his artistic talent.

Family, friends, acquaintances, and residents of Rishon Lezion, Yehuda's hometown, gathered to pay their last respects and organized a flag parade in his honor. The procession, starting from his residence, accompanied his family to the cemetery in Holon.

(credit: SECTION 27A COPYRIGHT ACT, SOCIAL MEDIA)

Itay Yehuda: An artist

Yehuda's uncle, Yaron, reminisced, "He was an amazing artist, full of laughter, and had a contagious charm. He respected his parents and humanity. Simply put, he was an extraordinary young man. Like his brother before him, he followed the path of serving in the Givat Brigade, even returning from reserves to participate in the current battle. This time, Yehuda found himself in the midst of combat. His brother, Omar, served in Sderot."

His uncle said that before entering Gaza, Yehuda spoke to his brother. 

"We were all concerned, but he exuded confidence and determination. He was a true fighter, mature and focused. He was also an exceptional artist; his Instagram account showcases his paintings, including one of a fallen soldier," his uncle said.

Noam, one of Yehuda's acquaintances, shared a heartfelt tribute: "The 14th casualty in the Gaza fighting, Sgt. Itay Yehuda. Even during the short time I knew you, even before you wore the uniform, I saw you as a kind-hearted boy, devoted to your people and country. You were always ready to help and support others. I remember when I once told you to take care of yourself as a hero, and you replied, 'I'll take care of myself to take care of you.' Rest in peace, hero."

The mayor of Rishon Lezion speaks out

(credit: AVSHALOM SHOSHANI)

Raz Kinstlich, the mayor of Rishon Lezion, honored Yehuda: "Rishon Lezion mourns the loss of Sgt. Itay Yehuda. Itay served in the Givati Saber Battalion and was just two weeks away from celebrating his 21st birthday. He leaves behind his parents, Rinat and Ofer, and two brothers, Omer and Adi. His family attests to Itay's loving nature, his passion for art, and his dream of becoming a tattoo artist. He loved the army and his fellow soldiers, making it clear that protecting the homeland was his life's mission.

"Behind me, there lies a story and a life cut tragically short. Rishon Lezion shares the pain of Itay's dear family and mourns his untimely death," the mayor continued. "Together, we will remember him as a hero of Israel. May his memory be a blessing."

Note: The photo used in this article is published in accordance with Section 27A of the Copyright Law. Our website respects copyrights and makes efforts to locate copyright holders for the materials used. If you believe that your rights as a copyright holder have been violated, please contact us at sherut@maariv.co.il.

The Jerusalem Post and OneFamily are working together to help support the victims of the Hamas massacre and the soldiers of Israel who have been drafted to ensure that it never happens again.

Become a partner in this project by donating to OneFamily >

Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi spoke with the Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Store, according to Iranian pro-regime media. The Iranian regime leader said he welcomed Norway’s position in supporting a ceasefire. Iran also “stressed the need for international efforts to lift the blockade” of Gaza. 

In the wake of the October 7 attack on Israel in which Hamas massacred 1,400 people, Iran sent its foreign minister to meet Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Doha. The men held two meetings. Iran has also encouraged Hezbollah, the Houthis and Iran-backed militias in Iraq and Syria to carry out illegal attacks on Israel and on US forces. There have been thirty attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria.  

According to Iran’s Tasnim and Fars News, Raisi held his conversation with the Norwegian leader on Saturday evening.

“The [Iranian] President also welcomed the readiness of the Ministry of Justice of Norway to investigate the war crimes in Gaza and announced the readiness of our country to cooperate in this field and emphasized that the war crimes of the Zionist regime and the American support for these crimes should not go unpunished,” Iranian pro-media said.  

Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store has called Israel's response to the Hamas massacre  "disproportionate.”

People attend a demonstration in support of Gaza and Palestinians, organised by the Palestine Committee, near the Royal Palace and the building of the Norwegian parliament, Stortinget, in Oslo, Norway, November 4, 2023. (credit: NTB/Heiko Junge via REUTERS)

Days after the Hamas attack killed 1,400 people in Israel, Norway slammed Israel for its “unacceptable” siege of Gaza. “Israel is entitled to defend itself ... but it cannot use all possible means,” Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt told public radio NRK. “I condemn this siege because you have to, when they ask so many people to leave, when they don’t have access to food and medicine,” she said. 

Iran backs Hamas

Iran also stressed in the discussion that Hamas is the "legal, elected and legitimate government of Gaza, he pointed out that a war with Hamas is a war with democracy.”

Therefore Iran is recognizing Hamas as the governing power of Gaza. As such it would appear that Hamas must abide by the same international rules and laws that Israel is expected to abide by. Yet Iran did not reference Hamas crimes and disproportionate force. Instead Iran slammed the US and the West and claimed that the West is supplying Israel with arms and accused the West of double standards. The Iranian president also claimed that police in western countries suppress protesters.  

According to the Iranian media, the Norwegian Prime Minister replied that the world is complicated and that “Norway is aware of the important and effective role of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the region and appreciates your efforts in the field of control of tensions.” Norway supports a cessation of violence.  

The Iranian outreach to Norway appears to be a way to try to legitimize Hamas. It is unclear why, if Hamas is viewed as a legitimate government of Gaza, why its actions are held to the same international law that Israel is expected to abide by. If so, then it would appear that Hamas attacks on October 7 were disproportionate and that Hamas would have been called to ceasefire and Hamas would have been investigated for its actions.  

Israel's Foreign Minister Eli Cohen instructed Israeli embassies around the world to promote the screening of the film of Hamas atrocities from the October 7 massacre. Security footage from Gaza border communities as well as fillings from cell phones and Hamas body-cams have been used to piece together what happened that day.

Cohen emphasized that diplomats should attempt to get the film shown in parliaments, in front of key media representatives, influencers, and decision-makers.

"The human monsters of Hamas documented the atrocities they committed against our citizens out of inhuman boasting. We will tell the whole world about the unimaginable cruelty of bloodthirsty terrorists, who harmed entire families and celebrated the severe violence," said Cohen.