Latest news with #GolaniBrigade
CNN
4 days ago
- Politics
- CNN
Israeli tanks roll into Gazan city of Deir al-Balah for first time since war began
Israeli tanks on Monday rolled into a part of central Gaza that has not previously seen ground operations in the 21-month war, according to Israeli media, aid agencies and witnesses. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) declined to comment on its operations. However, Israel Army Radio said the operation had begun. It said the IDF's Golani Brigade had 'begun a ground maneuver in the southern Deir al-Balah area,' which had been preceded by aerial and artillery strikes last night. Army Radio said that 'at this stage, the maneuver involves only one brigade, and it is expected to continue for several weeks.' On Sunday, the Israeli military ordered Palestinians to evacuate an area of nearly 6 square kilometers (2.3 square miles), dropping thousands of leaflets in Deir al Balah. The IDF Arabic language spokesperson said the military 'continues to operate with great force to destroy the enemy's capabilities and terrorist infrastructure in the area. It is expanding its activities in this area, operating in areas where it has not operated before.' Israeli media has reported that the IDF has been reluctant in the past to carry out ground operations in Deir al-Balah for fear of further endangering surviving hostages, who may be held there. The Hostages Families Forum said Monday that it was alarmed by reports the assault had begun and demanded the government explain why 'the offensive in the Deir al-Balah area does not put the hostages at serious risk.' This is a developing story and will be updated.
CNN
4 days ago
- Politics
- CNN
Israeli tanks roll into Gazan city of Deir al-Balah for first time since war began
Israeli tanks on Monday rolled into a part of central Gaza that has not previously seen ground operations in the 21-month war, according to Israeli media, aid agencies and witnesses. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) declined to comment on its operations. However, Israel Army Radio said the operation had begun. It said the IDF's Golani Brigade had 'begun a ground maneuver in the southern Deir al-Balah area,' which had been preceded by aerial and artillery strikes last night. Army Radio said that 'at this stage, the maneuver involves only one brigade, and it is expected to continue for several weeks.' On Sunday, the Israeli military ordered Palestinians to evacuate an area of nearly 6 square kilometers (2.3 square miles), dropping thousands of leaflets in Deir al Balah. The IDF Arabic language spokesperson said the military 'continues to operate with great force to destroy the enemy's capabilities and terrorist infrastructure in the area. It is expanding its activities in this area, operating in areas where it has not operated before.' Israeli media has reported that the IDF has been reluctant in the past to carry out ground operations in Deir al-Balah for fear of further endangering surviving hostages, who may be held there. The Hostages Families Forum said Monday that it was alarmed by reports the assault had begun and demanded the government explain why 'the offensive in the Deir al-Balah area does not put the hostages at serious risk.' This is a developing story and will be updated.
Russia Today
4 days ago
- Politics
- Russia Today
Five Israeli soldiers kill themselves in two weeks
At least five Israeli soldiers have taken their own lives over the past two weeks, including both conscripts and reservists recently discharged after extended combat deployments in Gaza and other active conflict zones. Suicides within the IDF ranks have surged since West Jerusalem deployed troops to Gaza following the deadly Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Seven soldiers died by suicide by the end of 2023, followed by 21 cases confirmed in 2024, and at least 20 incidents since the start of this year. The most recent case, confirmed on Sunday, involved a 19-year-old Norwegian immigrant who immigrated to Israel to join the IDF less than a year ago and was still undergoing training. Four others ended their lives in the past two weeks, including a Golani Brigade serviceman who shot himself at the Sde Teiman base, and reservist Daniel Edri, who self-immolated after being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. Most cases involve active-duty reservists, with military officials attributing the rise to combat-related trauma rather than personal or family circumstances. 'One cannot breathe in the face of this statistic,' opposition leader Yair Lapid said. 'This war also kills souls.' The IDF has also confirmed that thousands of reservists have withdrawn from combat roles due to psychological stress. The true number of suicides due to service-related mental health issues may be higher, with Haaretz reporting at least 12 non-combat veterans, whose deaths were not included in the army's official statistics in recent years. Now in its 21st month, the Gaza conflict has placed intense strain on Israeli forces, with prolonged deployments and mounting losses. Since the start of the operation, 893 Israeli soldiers have been killed, according to official data, in addition to nearly 1,200 Israeli civilians killed during the October 7 Hamas raid. The retaliatory offensive has resulted in nearly 59,000 Palestinian deaths, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Beyond Gaza, Israel has conducted airstrikes and limited ground operations in Lebanon, expanded its military presence in Syria, and bombed Iran. It has also escalated its activities in Iraq, Yemen and the West Bank. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that Israel is fighting on seven fronts 'to defend ourselves against… barbarism.'
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
IDF finishes new 15 km. Magen Oz Corridor splitting critical Hamas-controlled city of Khan Yunis
The announcement of the corridor came as Israel and Hamas continue to dispute the issue of military withdrawal during a ceasefire. The IDF on Wednesday announced that it had completed the new Magen Oz Corridor, splitting the critical Hamas middle-southern Gaza city of Khan Yunis. Stretching 15 kilometers north from the Morag Corridor, which currently splits off Rafah from Khan Yunis, the new corridor announcement comes as Hamas and Israel say they have solved 90% of their disputes regarding a new ceasefire, other than the extent of the withdrawal of IDF forces during and after the deal. Hamas has demanded that the IDF withdraw to the lines it held in early March, when the last ceasefire was still in place, leaving the IDF only a 700-1,100 meter security perimeter around Gaza, as well as the Philadelphi Corridor bordering with Egypt. IDF General Staff and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir have been willing to accept these terms for over a week. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected these terms, insisting on keeping some aspect of the IDF presence at the Morag Corridor. The timing of the announcement seemed certain to put further pressure on Hamas about additional facts on the ground, which Israel might be able to inject into the situation if a deal is not cut soon. The corridor was established by 36th Division and the Golani Brigade The 36th Division and the Golani Brigade carried out most of the work to establish the corridor, including destroying extensive Hamas positions and terror tunnels in the area. In addition, the IDF said it had killed dozens of Hamas terrorists in the process of clearing the area. Prior to the war, Khan Yunis was Hamas's second most crucial city, after Gaza City in northern Gaza. Meanwhile, Hamas's Health Ministry said on Wednesday that IDF attacks killed 93 Palestinians and wounded 278 on Tuesday. Hamas does not distinguish between civilians and its own fighters. Likewise, the IDF has only been reporting vague numbers for how many Hamas terrorists it kills on a given day or week, without detailing the number of civilians killed. Earlier in the war, some IDF estimates suggested that 40% of those killed were Hamas terrorists, and 60% of those killed were civilians, a percentage which is better than some other urban warfare conflicts. But even IDF sources have acknowledged that in recent months, the percentage may be worse, with some accusing IDF Southern Command chief Maj.-Gen. Yaniv Asor, who took charge in March, of running a looser operation in that regard and taking probing mistaken killing of civilians less seriously. Asor rejected those allegations but has also offered few details to contradict critics to date. Solve the daily Crossword
UAE Moments
16-07-2025
- Politics
- UAE Moments
Israel Opens New Military Corridor in Southern Gaza
Israel has opened a new military corridor in southern Gaza, known as the Magen Oz corridor, amid its ongoing offensive against Hamas. Stretching approximately 15 kilometers, the corridor runs east to west through Khan Younis, effectively bisecting the city. This new development is part of a broader Israeli strategy to fragment Gaza into smaller zones, allowing for tighter military control and increased pressure on Hamas forces operating in the region. The Magen Oz corridor links up with the pre-existing Morag Corridor, helping to isolate Khan Younis from Rafah and other surrounding areas. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have stated that the corridor's purpose is to significantly restrict the movement of Hamas militants, particularly the Khan Younis Brigade, and to dismantle their infrastructure. The operation to establish the corridor was carried out by the IDF's 36th Division, which includes elite units like the 188th Armored Brigade and the Golani Infantry Brigade. These forces reportedly engaged in intense combat during the clearing operations, targeting underground tunnels and militant hideouts. The success of this maneuver means that Israel now operates four major military corridors in Gaza—Netzarim, Philadelphi, Morag, and now Magen Oz—further tightening its grip on the territory. While the strategic purpose of the Magen Oz corridor is clear from a military perspective, the humanitarian fallout has raised serious concerns. Thousands of Palestinian civilians displaced by the conflict now face even more limited access to aid and safe zones. The division of Khan Younis adds to the already chaotic landscape, making the delivery of humanitarian assistance increasingly difficult. Twenty-one Palestinians were killed on Wednesday, July 16, when gas was fired into the crowd, causing a crush at an aid center in Khan Younis in southern Gaza, according to the enclave's Health Ministry. Israel's use of corridor systems in Gaza is also being viewed as a form of political leverage. With ceasefire talks stalling, the increasing fragmentation of the territory may serve to pressure Hamas into negotiations under less favorable terms. The opening of the new military corridor follows the Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz's announcement of a plan for a concentration camp in Rafah. The opening of the Magen Oz corridor not only signals a significant shift in the tactical landscape of Gaza but also the political and humanitarian dynamics at play. As Israel continues to build and enforce these military routes, the international community is watching closely, weighing the balance between security objectives and humanitarian responsibilities. The long-term impact of these corridors will depend not just on military outcomes but also on the success of diplomatic efforts and adherence to international law.
