Israel Daily News – War Day 114, January 28, 2024

Summary

The transcript covers day 114 of the war in Gaza, highlighting IDF encirclement of southern Gaza, ongoing battles with Kamas operatives, and negotiations for a ceasefire. It discusses IDF drills for potential war with Hezbollah, UNRWA's alleged complicity with Hamas, and the International Court of Justice's decision regarding Gaza. It also touches on International Holocaust Memorial Day, emphasizing the connection between Nazi ideology and modern-day terrorism. The weather forecast concludes the broadcast.

Takeaways

• 😟 Israel and Hamas may be close to an agreement to pause fighting for 2 months in exchange for Israel releasing over 100 hostages held by Hamas.
• 🤝 The potential deal was developed in talks mediated by the CIA, Mossad and Egyptian intelligence.
• 😥 Over 100 Hamas members have been captured by Israel in recent days, some surrendering after hiding in tunnels.
• 🛑 The UN has suspended funding for UNRWA after finding 12 employees participated in the Oct 7th Hamas attack on Israel.
• 😡 The UN Secretary General vowed to hold accountable any UNRWA staff involved in terrorism.
• 👍 At the ICJ, South Africa's appeal for an immediate Gaza ceasefire was rejected.
• 🤔 The ICJ found plausibility to South Africa's claims but did not order Israel to cease military operations.
• 🇮🇱 On International Holocaust Memorial Day, Israel's ambassador compared Nazi and Hamas ideologies.
• 😢 He said the Oct 7th attack showed the world failed to learn the lessons of the Holocaust.
• 🌦️ The weather forecast calls for rain around Israel over the weekend, with highs of 15°C/58°F.

Q & A

What is the current status of the battle for Khan Younis?

IDF troops have encircled Khan Younis and are battling Hamas operatives inside the city. Khan Younis is expected to be under complete Israeli control above ground within days.

What is the next strategic goal for Israel according to the IDF?

The IDF says the next strategic goal would be the capture of Rafah and control of the entire Philadelphi route along the Gaza-Egypt border.

What are the key terms of the potential agreement to pause fighting?

In the first stage, fighting would cease for 6 weeks in exchange for Israel releasing some Palestinian prisoners and expanding aid to Gaza. In the second stage, Hamas would release Israeli hostages in exchange for more Palestinian prisoner releases.

Why did the UN relief agency UNRWA come under scrutiny?

It was revealed that 12 UNRWA employees participated in the October 7th Hamas attack against Israelis. This follows other evidence of UNRWA complicity with Hamas.

What was the decision of the International Court of Justice?

The court found plausibility in South Africa's genocide claims but crucially did not order an immediate ceasefire in Gaza as South Africa had requested.

How did the Israeli ambassador link the Holocaust and Hamas?

He said the October 7th attack showed what one day of a new Holocaust could look like, with Hamas promoting a genocidal jihadist ideology like the Nazis.

What criticism did the Israeli UN ambassador level against the UN?

He said the UN has failed to learn the lessons of the Holocaust, as evidenced by the ICC case showing the meaning of genocide has not been properly understood.

What are the latest weather forecasts?

Light rain is expected around most of Israel tonight, with lows of 9°C (49°F). More rain is forecast tomorrow, with highs of 15°C (58°F).

What channels can I access for more news updates?

You can check the i24news channel, subscribe to their newsletter, and visit their recently improved website i24tv.tv for the latest news from Israel.

What message did the news anchor conclude with?

He concluded by saying "Let's win this war and bring them home," referring to the Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.