Gaza Strip
Israel’s current policy cannot assure its long-term security, and particularly that of its southern residents, experts tell JNS.
Egypt has a most important role in preserving regional stability, says Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid.
“The State of Israel will not apologize for protecting its residents, but the death of innocents, especially children, is heartbreaking,” said Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid.
“Our team worked around the clock with the parties to support the outcome,” said U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Israeli military says 35 Palestinians, 11 of them non-combatants, were killed by Israeli airstrikes, while 15 killed by failed PIJ rockets • Israeli officials deny agreeing to prisoner release as part of ceasefire.
Palestinian Islamic Jihad violated the ceasefire just minutes after it went into effect, but Israel refrained from responding.
The deal, brokered by Egypt and Qatar, was praised by U.S. President Joe Biden for bringing nearly three days of conflict to a halt.
‘Operation Breaking Dawn’: Heavy rocket barrages across Israel ahead of ceasefire with Islamic Jihad
A truce meant to end the fighting came into effect at 11:30 p.m. local time on Sunday • A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office warned: “If the ceasefire is violated, Israel maintains the right to respond strongly” • Terrorists from Gaza fired some 1,000 projectiles at the Jewish state over three days of conflict.
Police detain three Jewish and a number of Muslim worshippers on the Mount for “disturbing the peace,” declaring that Israel has “no intention of allowing any provocations.”
The Israeli military says some 180 projectiles launched by PIJ fell short in Gaza, killing at least nine people • “All fire by the Islamic Jihad terrorist organization is a double war crime: It is shooting at civilians, and using Gazan civilians as human shields,” says the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office.
Western powers express support for Israel’s security but call for “restraint” on both sides.
The IDF has struck over 140 PIJ assets in Gaza since the conflict erupted on Friday • Sirens blare in the Jerusalem area and in Beersheba as Jews mark Tisha B’av • Egypt reportedly working to forge a ceasefire that could go into effect as early as Sunday night.
