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Israel-Hamas War - What happened on day 175?

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
 IDF troops operate in the Gaza Strip. March 30, 2024. (photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)
IDF troops operate in the Gaza Strip. March 30, 2024.
(photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

Palestinians reject proposal to introduce Arab multi-national force in Gaza - report

This recent proposal by leaders of the Arab World would see a multi-national force establish order in Gaza, with whispers that Arab leaders are interested in seeing a similar force in the West Bank.

By MAARIV ONLINE, JERUSALEM POST STAFF
 Soldiers stand near Belgian Air Force Airbus A400M Atlas, as it is loaded with humanitarian aid that is destined for an airdrop over Gaza, at Belgian military airport in Melsbroek, Belgium March 4, 2024. (photo credit: REUTERS/YVES HERMAN)
Soldiers stand near Belgian Air Force Airbus A400M Atlas, as it is loaded with humanitarian aid that is destined for an airdrop over Gaza, at Belgian military airport in Melsbroek, Belgium March 4, 2024.
(photo credit: REUTERS/YVES HERMAN)

Al-Mayadeen, a Hezbollah-affiliated network, reported on Saturday that "Palestinian factions" in Syria rejected the proposal to establish a multi-national military force of Arab countries with the backing of the US. This force would be responsible for controlling law and order in Gaza and escorting humanitarian aid convoys

"Arab countries, together with the US, are trying to rescue the IDF from the situation it has found itself in Gaza. The Palestinian people are capable of choosing their leaders and institutions that will manage the Strip," the report stated. 

It was previously reported that Israel is interested in the advancement of an Arab force to both solve the issue of the looting of humanitarian aid convoys and prevent widespread hunger in Gaza. It would also to enable the creation of a Palestinian alternative to Hamas rule in Gaza. 

A senior Israeli official said that "such a move will build a governing body in the area that is not Hamas and will solve Israel's problem with the US regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza."

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Israel agrees to exchange prisoners for bodies of IDF soldiers killed in 2014 war

The proposal was forwarded to Hamas, but they have not yet responded.

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Protestors outside Tel Aviv Hashalom train station demand the return of Hadar Goldin and Oron Shaul, July 8, 2021. (photo credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI/ MAARIV)
Protestors outside Tel Aviv Hashalom train station demand the return of Hadar Goldin and Oron Shaul, July 8, 2021.
(photo credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI/ MAARIV)

Israel has agreed to a proposal forwarded to Hamas that includes the bodies of Oron Shaul and Hadar Goldin, two IDF soldiers who were killed in Operation Protective Edge a decade ago, according to a Saturday report by KAN.

The proposal was forwarded to Hamas, but they have not yet responded.

The proposal also includes the release of prisoners who were formerly released in the Gilad Shalit deal but were then arrested again.

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IDF chief of staff at Shifa Hospital: 'We achieved a major goal'

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
  (photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)
(photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

IDF chief of staff Herzi Halevi arrived at Shifa Hospital on Friday, where he held an assessment of ongoing operations with the commander of the IDF's Southern Command, colonel Yaron Finkleman, commander of the 162nd Division lieutenant colonel Itzik Cohen, and commander of Shayetet 13, lieutenant colonel "A," along with other senior IDF commanders.

Halevi stated, "After two weeks, we carried out a successful operation. To carry out something of this scale during a war is very complex.

"We are doing everything possible to prevent harm to patients and medical teams. The fact that this operation saw no harm to a single medical staff member or patient, but we were able to kill and capture many, many terrorists is a very significant achievement."

"This operation is not over, but we achieved a major goal, and we will continue to operate thoroughly until we are successful," he added.

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'You abandoned our families': Hostage families call to replace Prime Minister Netanyahu

In their sharpest criticism yet, the families of the hostages held in Gaza called for the return to the negotiating table and called on elections to replace Prime Minister Netanyahu.

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
 Families of the hostages held in Gaza call for new elections, March 30, 2024. (photo credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI)
Families of the hostages held in Gaza call for new elections, March 30, 2024.
(photo credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI)

The families of the hostages held by Hamas made a statement on Saturday evening criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's failure to bring their loved ones home.

Sixteen relatives of the hostages took part in an emergency press conference held outside the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv. They announced a new phase in their advocacy to bring their loved ones home, one which seeks to exercise increasing public pressure for the immediate replacement of Netanyahu, whom they believe to be the main roadblock in securing a hostage deal

These families, who have not seen nor heard from their loved ones in 176 days, are increasing pressure on the Israeli political establishment to return to the negotiating table. Much of this comes after reports and testimonies that Netanyahu has pushed back against a deal or sought to delay a deal in favor of increasing military pressure. 

In a major development, the families called for the removal of Netanyahu through elections. 

Ayala Metzger, the daughter-in-law of 80-year-old Yoram Metzger, opened the press conference by stating, "The prime minister left us no choice. We all saw how Netanyahu repeatedly botched a deal for the return of the hostages. We saw how his personal political interest drives him time and time again in making decisions and how his concern for coalition stability outweighs his clear duty to bring our loved ones home.

Families of Israelis held hostage protest for their release, call on Netanyahu to resign, March 30, 2024. (credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI)Families of Israelis held hostage protest for their release, call on Netanyahu to resign, March 30, 2024. (credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI)

"We were told to sit still, we were told to travel the world, but after six months, the hostages are still in Gaza! This is a complete and deliberate failure!"

Netanyahu as the obstacle to negotiations 

Einav Tsengaoker, the mother of hostage Matan Tsengaoker, appealed to the prime minister, saying, "After you abandoned our family members on October 7 and after 176 days where you failed to provide a deal, we understood that you are the obstacle that consciously and deliberately prevents a deal."

Tsengaoker called for elections, stating, "We are forced to do everything in our power to remove the obstacle, which is you, and we are forced to start a new phase in our struggle. From now on, we will work to replace you."

In an appeal to the war cabinet, Yael Or, the aunt of hostage Dror Or, asked ministers Gantz and Eisenkot, as well as the Likud party and the Knesset, to do everything in their power to return their loved ones. She called to "replace the one who fails to bring forth a deal because of personal reasons," meaning Netanyahu, and for members of his party to "listen to your conscience and the cries of the hostages, fulfill your duty to the state and citizens - replace Netanyahu immediately."

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Israeli delegation heads for Egypt on Sunday to hear new hostage deal - report

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
  (photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST/REUTERS)
(photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST/REUTERS)

An Israeli delegation will leave for Egypt on Sunday as part of hostage negotiations, where a new framework will be presented, KAN reported on Saturday evening.

The US, Egypt, and Qatar will meet in the coming days, possibly on Sunday, to discuss the developing framework to advance a hostage deal. 

An Israeli source told KAN that this initiative is significant given the stalled talks, saying, "we are approaching the 'money time' of the negotiations."

The main point of contention in past talks has been the issue of Gazans returning to the northern region of the Gaza Strip and Israeli military presence. In past talks, Hamas insisted that IDF troops depart the area, while Israel refuses to do so, KAN noted.

This is a developing story. 

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US State Department welcomes PA cabinet nominations: 'A revitalized PA is essential'

By HANNAH SARISOHN
 breaking news (photo credit: JPOST STAFF)
breaking news
(photo credit: JPOST STAFF)

The State Department said it welcomed the nomination of a new Palestinian Authority Cabinet, a spokesperson said on Friday. 

“The United States looks forward to working with the new cabinet to promote peace, security, and prosperity and will be engaging this new government to deliver on credible reforms,” the State Department said. 

Last week Biden administration officials maintained they will reserve judgements on new PA members until they see what actions the government takes. 

“A revitalized PA is essential to delivering results for the Palestinian people in both the West Bank and Gaza and establishing the conditions for stability in the broader region,” according to the State Department. 

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Jordan says Gaza 'famine' can be tackled quickly if Israel opens crossings

By REUTERS
 breaking news (photo credit: JPOST STAFF)
breaking news
(photo credit: JPOST STAFF)

Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said on Saturday that "famine" in Gaza can be dealt with in a short time if Israel opened the land crossings for aid to enter.

Safadi made the comments at a press conference with his Egyptian and French counterparts in Cairo.

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IDF kills additional senior Hamas officials at Gaza's Shifa Hospital

Several terrorists were eliminated in the raid in close combat with Israeli forces, including senior Hamas leader Ra'ad Thabat and Mahmoud Khalil Ziqzouq.

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
IDF Shaked Battalion Captain Rotem's report on the Shifa Hospital operation on March 30 (credit: IDF Spokesperson's Unit)

Three Hamas senior officials were killed in face-to-face combat against IDF soldiers at Shifa Hospital on Saturday, the military said.

Israeli forces from the IDF's 401st Brigade and Shayetet 13, under the 162nd Division's command, have been continuing to operate in the area of the hospital to fight Hamas terrorists using the medical facility.

They have been reportedly been operating under intelligence provided by the Israeli Intelligence Directorate and Israel Securities Authority (ISA) - which revealed the presence of Hamas senior members in the hospital.

After receiving the intelligence, forces from Shayetet 13, the Duvdevan Unit, and the Nahal Brigade's Reconnaissance Unit conducted a targeted raid where intelligence officials determined there were Hamas terrorists located. At the targeted location, armed terrorists came out of the ER room to fire on IDF soldiers.

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IDF attacks three Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
  (photo credit: AMIR COHEN/REUTERS)
(photo credit: AMIR COHEN/REUTERS)

IDF fighter jets attacked Hezbollah terror infrastructures in three areas in southern Lebanon on Saturday.

Targets included A-Taibe, Naqoura, and Kfar Hanin. Just as reports of Israeli strikes on these targets were released, sirens sounded in Israel's north as a result of a possible hostile aircraft intrusion.

Earlier that day, rocket launches were detected towards several areas in Israel's north, to which the IDF attacked the sources of the launches.

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Second shipment with almost 400 tons of food for Gaza leaves Cyprus port

A second shipment of aid carrying almost 400 tons of food for Gaza left Cyprus's Larnaca port on Saturday.

By REUTERS
 The Open Arms, a rescue vessel owned by a Spanish NGO, departs with humanitarian aid for Gaza from the port of Larnaca, Cyprus, March 12, 2024.  (photo credit: YIANNIS KOURTOGLOU/REUTERS)
The Open Arms, a rescue vessel owned by a Spanish NGO, departs with humanitarian aid for Gaza from the port of Larnaca, Cyprus, March 12, 2024.
(photo credit: YIANNIS KOURTOGLOU/REUTERS)

A second shipment of aid carrying almost 400 tons of food for Gaza left Cyprus's Larnaca port on Saturday, a Reuters witness said.

The aid will be taken to Gaza by a cargo ship and a platform towed by a salvage vessel.

It will be the second dispatch of aid via Cyprus, where Cypriot authorities have established, in cooperation with Israel, a maritime corridor to facilitate pre-screened cargoes arriving directly in the besieged Palestinian enclave.

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Israel-Hamas war: What you need to know

  • Hamas launched a massive attack on October 7, with thousands of terrorists infiltrating from the Gaza border and taking some 240 hostages into Gaza
  • Over 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals were murdered, including over 350 in the Re'im music festival and hundreds of Israeli civilians across Gaza border communities
  • 134 hostages remain in Gaza, 34 of which killed in captivity, IDF says