Hamas ‘Is Collapsing Into Its Own Tunnels’ | CBN NewsWatch January 26, 2024

Summary

The top United Nations court has issued a preliminary genocide ruling against Israel for its actions in Gaza amid advances by Israeli forces against Hamas. The IDF has reportedly killed hundreds of terrorists and secured key areas like Khan Younis. There is pushback in Israel over US negotiations with Qatar to exchange Palestinian prisoners for Israeli hostages in Gaza. Meanwhile global leaders are reflecting on the meaning of Holocaust Remembrance Day after the Hamas attacks in October. The US military is also expanding its chaplain corps to address declining spiritual readiness among service members facing growing mental health challenges.

Takeaways

• 😀 UN court rules South Africa's genocide case against Israel can proceed
• 😱 Israel makes major advances against Hamas in Gaza city Khan Younis
• 📉 New York Times reports reduced civilian deaths in Gaza recently
• 🗓️ International Holocaust Remembrance Day holds new meaning after Oct 7 attacks
• 🔥 Israel says Hamas collapsing in tunnels as forces advance
• 🤝 Biden sends CIA director to work on hostage release deal with Israel and Qatar
• 😥 Concerns in Israel over possible hostage swap agreement with Hamas
• 🙏 US military focuses on spiritual readiness, expands chaplain corps
• 😌 Navy adding chaplains to ships to provide care and reduce stress
• 👼 Rising generation feels called to serve as military chaplains

Q & A

What preliminary ruling did the top UN court issue regarding South Africa's genocide charge against Israel?

The top UN court, the International Court of Justice, issued a preliminary ruling to proceed with South Africa's charge of genocide against Israel regarding actions in Gaza.

What major advances have Israeli forces made against Hamas in Gaza?

Israeli forces have made major advances against Hamas in the Gaza city of Khan Younis, with hundreds of Hamas members killed underground and many surrendering according to Israel's Defense Minister.

How many hostages are estimated to still be held by Hamas in Gaza?

Of the 132 or so hostages originally taken by Hamas in Gaza, the IDF believes about 28 have died or been executed, leaving around 100 still held.

What was the death toll from the Hamas attacks on October 7th?

Hamas murdered more than 1100 people, including women and children, during the October 7th attacks.

How does the October 7th attack relate to Holocaust Remembrance Day?

The barbarity and cruelty of the Hamas attack on October 7th, the worst attack on Jews since the Holocaust, has brought new meaning to Holocaust Remembrance Day and the pledge of 'never again'.

How is the Israeli government responding to South Africa's genocide charge?

Israel is rejecting the genocide accusation and has asked the court to throw out the case, stating it makes no distinction between terrorist and civilian deaths.

What progress has the IDF made in the Gaza city of Khan Younis?

The IDF now controls northern Gaza and has 7 brigades attacking Khan Younis, where Hamas leaders are believed to be located.

Why is the US sending the CIA director to the region?

President Biden has dispatched the CIA director to meet with Israeli and Qatari leaders to work on a deal to release all remaining hostages in exchange for an extended pause in fighting.

How is Israel responding to the proposed hostage deal?

There is mistrust in Israel over the deal, with concerns over releasing thousands of Palestinian prisoners and frustration with Qatar's role despite allegations they fund Hamas.

What's behind the US military's renewed emphasis on spiritual readiness?

With rising mental health issues, the Pentagon is expanding the chaplain corps to provide more spiritual counsel and care for service members across all branches.