Israel-Hamas War: What happened on day 229?

The conditions to officially recognize Palestine as a state have not yet been met, France's foreign minister said on Wednesday. This comes after a group of other European states announced such a move in the hope that it would help bring peace to the region.

"This is not just a symbolic issue or a question of political positioning, but a diplomatic tool in the service of the solution of two States living side by side in peace and security", Stephane Sejourne said in a statement, adding:

"France does not consider that the conditions have yet been met for this decision to have a real impact on this process".

Norway will recognize an independent Palestinian state, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere said on Wednesday, while sources told Reuters Ireland and Spain would also announce the recognition.

A German foreign ministry spokesperson stressed Berlin's support for a two-state solution on Wednesday, responding to a reporter's question on the decision by some European countries to recognize the state of Palestine.

"An independent Palestinian state remains a firm goal of German foreign policy," the spokesperson told a regular news conference in Berlin, adding that a dialog process was needed for that goal.

Rocket sirens sounded in the northern Israeli Alawite-Arab village of Ghajar on Wednesday.

The Iron Swords Operation is likely the first war of drones and small unmanned aerial vehicles in regional and possibly global military history. Images from yesterday showing the IDF's drone battle against a squad of three terrorists in Tulkarm a few days ago illustrate the extensive use of technology that once seemed like science fiction or a feature of a video game.

The IDF extensively uses drones and small aerial vehicles as part of its operational doctrine in Gaza, Judea and Samaria, and the northern border, saving the lives of dozens, if not more, soldiers. According to operational doctrine, a drone scans every space before a force enters. This includes the narrow alleys of Jabaliya and Nusirat, the buildings and homes in Khan Yunis and Gaza City neighborhoods, and even tunnel entrances.

Drones have become another tool in the hands of a company commander or team leader. Every combat force today has a drone operator who is part of the force's leading squad. These drones are scanning drones, and during the fighting, the IDF acquired a large number of devices capable of flying in dense areas, entering small spaces, and transmitting back images, including in poor visibility conditions and at night. Simultaneously, during the war, the IDF's counter-terrorism school established a program to train soldiers as drone pilots. Soldiers from all infantry brigades, the armored corps, combat engineering, commando units, and the IDF's tactical brigade undergo training to operate these tools on the battlefield.

Ireland, Norway, and Spain announced their recognition of Palestine as a state on Wednesday morning, a move that will only come into effect next week.

“Our step today, taken with Norway and Spain, is a further recognition of the legitimate right to statehood,” Prime Minister Simon Harris said.

“It is a statement of unequivocal support for a two-state solution, the only credible path to peace and security for Israel, Palestine, and for their peoples.

“We have previously said that recognition is a step we would ideally have taken as part of the process towards that goal. 

“However, we are three decades after the Oslo process, and perhaps further than ever from a just sustainable and comprehensive peace settlements. Our decision to recognize Palestine should not have to wait indefinitely,” Harris said.

Norwegian flags flutter at Karl Johans street in Oslo, Norway May 31, 2017. (credit: REUTERS)

Israel recalled its ambassadors from Ireland and Norway to protest the declarations by both countries that they recognize Palestine as a state.

“I have instructed the immediate recall of Israel’s ambassadors to Ireland and Norway for consultations in light of these countries' decisions to recognize a Palestinian state,” Foreign Minister Israel Katz said in a message he posted on X.

Hamas terrorist Ahmed Yasser Elkara was eliminated in an Israel Air Force (IAF) aerial strike in Khan Yunis, the military announced on Wednesday morning. 

Elkara, who operated anti-tank missiles, took part in the October 7 attack and, during Israel's war in Gaza, led attacks against Israeli forces, the IDF added. 

Strike occurs after child near terrorist moves away

SMOKE RISES following an Israeli strike in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, last week. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said there is no way to defeat Hamas without entering Rafah, the writer notes. (credit: Ahmed Zakot/Reuters)

The military noted that in preparation for the strike, a child was identified near the terrorist, and the strike was immediately stopped. Only when the child moved away from the building did the strike occur. 

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh arrived in Tehran for the funeral of Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi, according to a Kan news report on Wednesday morning. 

Norway's government will announce on Wednesday that the Nordic country recognizes an independent Palestinian state, public broadcaster NRK and daily Aftenposten reported, citing unnamed sources.

Israel has eliminated only 30-35% of the Hamas terrorists who were part of the terror organization prior to the October 7 attack, according to a Politico report on Wednesday, citing US intelligence.

In addition, the report states 65% of Hamas's tunnels have yet to be destroyed.