Israel News for 3-8-2024
News Update
The US carried out another aid drop in Gaza. Several of the parachutes failed to open, resulting in the deaths of 5 Palestinians, including 2 children.
President Biden announced, in his State of the Union address, that the US will build a temporary port in Gaza to facilitate humanitarian aid transported from Cyprus. The aid will be inspected by Israel in Cyprus, before being transported by the US military to Gaza. The European Commission president said that a Spanish ship would make a trial run transporting aid from Cyprus to Gaza this weekend.
Biden also said, “Israel must allow more aid into Gaza and ensure that humanitarian workers aren’t caught in the cross fire. To the leadership of Israel I say this. Humanitarian assistance cannot be a secondary consideration or a bargaining chip. Protecting and saving innocent lives has to be a priority.”
He also said, “Israel has a right to go after Hamas,” Biden said. “Hamas could end this conflict today by releasing the hostages, laying down arms, and surrendering those responsible for October 7th. Israel has an added burden because Hamas hides and operates among the civilian population. But Israel also has a fundamental responsibility to protect innocent civilians in Gaza.”
Biden also called for a two-state solution. Several families of hostages along with former hostage Mia Schem were at the State of the Union as Biden’s guests.
An IDF investigation has found that IDF troops did not fire on civilians during the stampede on the aid trucks that resulted in the deaths of dozens of civilians. Troops did fire on specific suspects that approached them, posing an direct threat.
The U.S., Great Britain and France called for an official meeting of the UN security council to discuss and condemn Hamas sexual crimes against Israelis.
Security forces killed a senior Islamic Jihad terrorist and arrested 9 other terrorists in Samaria last night.
Hezbollah has reportedly rejected attempts by US envoy Hochstein to arrive at a diplomatic solution to avoid a war. They also rejected Israel’s March 15 deadline to reach a solution. Israeli forces are preparing for a major conflict.
Combat operations continue in Gaza.
For a complete list of the soldiers killed in the ground offensive, click here.
