Latest developments:
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is prepared to resume fighting in the Gaza Strip “at any moment” while vowing to complete the war’s goals “whether through negotiation or by other means”.
- Israeli Defence Minister Katz said 40,000 Palestinians have left the northern occupied West Bank as he ordered the army to stay in refugee camps there.
- Hundreds of thousands of people in Lebanon bid farewell to Hezbollah’s slain leader Hassan Nasrallah at a mass funeral in Beirut, nearly five months after he was killed in an Israeli air strike.
- Israel suspended the release of more than 600 Palestinian prisoners, which was scheduled for yesterday, citing dissatisfaction with the way Israeli captives held by Hamas are freed.
- The Israeli military said soldiers arrested 26 “terrorists” during incursions across the occupied West Bank.
- The Israeli army confirmed it directed a series of air strikes on areas in southern Lebanon, claiming it targeted Hezbollah.
Outrage as Israel breaks deal to free hundreds of Palestinian inmates
The Israeli decision has triggered widespread outrage, frustration, and distrust among Palestinian families. It reflects the consistency with which Israel undermines agreements.
Yesterday, relatives of the hundreds of prisoners gathered all day at the European Hospital in Khan Younis awaiting the arrival of loved ones. Many broke down in tears and left in the middle of the night when they realised Israel broke the agreement to release them.
Many told us they believe the mediators will contain the situation and they have not yet lost hope completely.
There have been many ceasefire violations by Israel, including failing to provide heavy machinery and mobile housing units as agreed in the deal. So this is just the latest move to undermine the fragile agreement.
But for some Palestinians here, they believe the possibility of the resumption of the war on Gaza is extremely high.
Israel ready ‘at any moment’ to resume Gaza war: Netanyahu
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel is prepared to resume fighting in the Gaza Strip “at any moment” while vowing to complete the war’s goals “whether through negotiation or by other means”.
“We are prepared to resume intense fighting at any moment,” Netanyahu said at a ceremony for combat officers, a day after Israel halted the release of Palestinian prisoners as part of a truce deal.
“In Gaza, we have eliminated most of Hamas’s organised forces but let there be no doubt – we will complete the war’s objectives entirely.”
Another lie, Hamas has recruited as many / if not more people than they have lost...
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hamas-has-added-up-15000-fighters-since-start-war-us-figures-show-2025-01-24/
