Israel News for 7-21-2025
News Update
The IDF launched a second wave of aerial strikes on the central Gaza city of Deir al-Balah today after warning civilians to move away from the area to the safety of humanitarian zones to the south. Tanks and heavy armored vehicles were seen entering the city from the north-east under the cover of artillery fire and airstrikes. This area has previously not been touched by ground operations.
Settlement and National Missions Minister Orit Strock said that the IDF should launch a “decisive battle” in areas of the Gaza Strip that the military has largely avoided due to the presence of hostages. She said, “There is an entire area — around 25% of the territory, as the chief of staff defined it — that has been designated ‘do not touch’ because of the hostages. But you can’t win a war that way. It’s not logical and not acceptable.” When asked if she was not concerned that hostages may be killed, she said the military should try hard to avoid harming the captives, “but it could happen. Yes, it could happen.” This outraged hostage families.
IDF troops shot and killed a number of civilians who they deemed posed a threat to them at a humanitarian aid hub in southern Gaza. The number of civilians is disputed, with the IDF claiming a much lower number than the 77 claimed by Hamas.
The Air Force struck Houthi targets at the central port of Hodeidah in retaliation for recent ballistic missile attacks against Israel.
Tom Barrack, the U.S. ambassador to Turkey and special envoy to Syria, said that the U.S. is committed to supported the new Syrian government and that the recent intervention by Israel against government forces is poorly timed and complicates efforts to stabilize the region. For more, click here.
Jordan’s Bedouin tribal council issued a sharp statement on Sunday, warning Israel of severe consequences if the IDF violates the ceasefire and re-enters southern Syria to support Druze communities. The Jordanian government expressed “full solidarity” with Bedouin tribes attacking Druze communities.
