Israel-Hamas War day 313: What happened in Israel and Iran?

A Hamas guard who allegedly killed an Israeli hostage on Monday acted 'in a vengeful manner' contrary to instructions, Abu Obeida, spokesperson for Hamas' Al-Qassam Brigades, announced on his Telegram channel on Thursday.

The IDF eliminated about 20 terrorists in Gaza, targeting Hamas and Islamic Jihad operatives, dismantling tunnels, and destroying weapon facilities.

The IDF set up roadblocks around the city of Jericho in the West Bank on Wednesday night following the initial report of a shooting at a vehicle in the area.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with Palestinian Authority chairman President Mahmoud Abbas in Ankara on Wednesday and reaffirmed his support for the Palestinian people, according to a Wafa news agency report.

According to the report, Erdogan called for an immediate ceasefire and stressed his interest in developing further Palestinian-Turkish relations. He then reiterated his country's support of the Palestinian people and their right "to the establishment of their independent state."

The IDF Home Front Command has issued a warning to Ultra-Orthodox (Haredis) Israelis to avoid hiking in isolated areas without phones in an announcement on Wednesday.

The Home Front Command issued the warning as it is concerned that many Haredis who go hiking in isolated areas of Israel will be unable to receive updates and alerts about the war.

In particular, the period between Tisha B'Av (August 12-13) and the start of the month of Elul (September 4) is a common time for haredis to go hiking in isolated areas such as forests and mountains.

The Home Front Command is concerned that "kosher phones" commonly used by Haredis will be unable to receive warning messages and alerts.

A large fire seen after missiles launched from Lebanon hit Safed, northern Israel, on June 13, 2024 (credit: David Cohen/Flash90)

Hiking in the North

Many of these areas are in the North, particularly near the Safed, where many important rabbis have lived and died.

Those same areas are currently under fire from Hezbollah, and the IDF has recommended that people do not travel to that area unless absolutely necessary.

They highlighted that many common hiking areas are out of the range of sirens and have weak cellphone connections, making it extremely difficult to know if there has been an attack.

They call on people to make clear and detailed plans for their hike and to contact the emergency services if they see a fallen rocket.

They also call on parents to pay particular attention to their children, check where they are, and ensure their safety on any possible hiking trips.