IDF reports indicate that Israeli forces are not only surrounding Khan Yunis, the second largest city in the Gaza strip, but are actually operating in the heart of the city. Khan Yunis is the birthplace of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. It is also both a military and administrative center for Hamas. I believe the Hamas para-military has at least one regiment of 5 battalions located there, Mot are in underground facilities.
A soldier from Kibbutz Migdal Oz, less than 5 kilometers from our home, was killed in northern Gaza. His funeral was yesterday. Once again we are reminded that everyone in Israel knows someone who has become a casualty in this war.
The media continues to talk about the “humanitarian crisis” in Gaza. The emphasis now is trying to undermine IDF efforts to limit civilian casualties. The IDF asks people to leave areas where there is, or will soon be, significant fighting. UNRWA is being quoted on many media outlets that there is no place to go., and not enough aid is getting through. Well, here are some interesting facts to consider. Once the aid trucks cross from Egypt into Gaza they are under the control of Hamas. I’ve seen cellphone videos from Khan Yunis showing civilians confronting terrorists guarding supply trucks because Hamas was not giving them food, water, and cooking gas form those trucks. Recently an aid truck that was still on the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing was found to be carrying a number of drones. I don’t think drones can be used medically, and you cannot eat or drink them. In the north, the IDF sent in 180 truckloads of supplies for civilian refugees, including 2 fuel tankers, via an Israeli controlled entry point. This was done at the same time that IDF forces continue to battle Hamas terrorists in tunnels and urban ruins in the areas of Jebaliyah and Sajawiyah. Those trucks are controlled by Israel, and the civilians are receiving the aid.
A word about the Red Cross: the ICRC played a role in transferring released hostages. They are supposed to be able to visit and guarantee welfare of the remaining hostages and prisoners. When asked, the ICRC representatives simply say they have been unable to do so. No further explanation is given. If Hamas is preventing them from carrying out their mission, why don’t they say so? If not, why can’t they report to the families of the hostages about their condition?
Finally, another item regarding UNRWA: UNRWA is handling most of the tent camps for refugees from northern Gaza who fled south. UNRWA loses no opportunity to tell the world how overcrowded their facilities are. But the IDF recently went through an UNRWA school in a combat zone that had been abandoned. Inside the structure were stocks of weapons, ammunition, grenades, mortar shells, and even 122mm GRAD rockets. If UNRWA lets Hamas use their buildings as munitions magazines it’s no wonder they haven’t room for more civilian refugees.
Wetherhorn 