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Palestinians Have Been Denied Their Homeland: Jaishankar

By LokMarg 27th March 2024

In a strong statement on the Israel-Palestine issue, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that whatever the rights and wrongs in the whole conflict between Israel and Palestine, the underlying fact is that the Palestinians have been denied their rights and homeland.

He stated that what transpired on October 7 was a ‘terrorist attack’ but also acknowledged, in reference to the Israeli counteroffensive in Gaza, that every response must take into account something called international humanitarian law.

Jaishankar, who is on a visit to Malaysia, was interacting with the Indian community during an event.

“How different pulls and pressures can be. On one hand, what happened on October 7 was terrorism. On the other hand, nobody would countenance the death of innocent civilians. Countries may be justified in their own minds in responding, but you cannot have a response that…every response must take into account something called international humanitarian law,” Jaishankar said.

“The fact is whatever the rights and wrongs of the issue, there is underlying issue of the rights of the Palestinians and the fact that they have been denied their homeland,” he added.

Hamas launched a horrific terror attack in Israel on October 7 killing more than 1200 people and holding more than 250 people as hostages, out of which over 100 are still in captivity.

In response, Israel launched a strong counteroffensive in the Gaza Strip targeting the Hamas units. However, the operation has also resulted in civilian casualties. According to Gaza ministry, more than 32,000 people have been killed in Gaza including women and children.

Notably, PM Modi was one of the first global leaders to condemn the horrific terror attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7.

However, India has also continued with its weight behind the ‘two-state solution’ to the long-running Israel-Palestine conflict.

Meanwhile, Jaishankar is on an official visit to Malaysia, followed by his visits to Singapore and the Philippines.

Earlier in the day, he called on Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and expressed admiration for his vision aimed at fostering stronger ties between India and Malaysia. He also emphasised that this vision will serve as a catalyst for crafting a more ambitious agenda to advance the relationship between the two nations.

He also held a round-table meeting with CEOs in Malaysia and appreciated their growing interest in partnering with Indian industries.

“A productive round-table meeting with CEOs in Malaysia. Glad to hear about growing interest in partnering with Indian industries. Encouraged them to join in India’s growth story. Discussed geopolitical developments that can provide more opportunities in business interactions,” the EAM posted on X. (ANI)

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Israel Launches Military Operation At Gaza’s Al-Shifa Hospital

By LokMarg 18th March 2024

Israel’s military has initiated a targeted operation within limited areas of Gaza’s al-Shifa hospital, citing intelligence indicating the presence of senior Hamas operatives using the facility to coordinate attacks against Israel.

Israel Defence Forces (IDF) Spokesperson RAdm said in the wee hours of Monday that the operation is a response to concrete intelligence requiring immediate action, emphasising that the objective is to combat Hamas militants rather than harm civilians.

“We know that senior Hamas terrorists have regrouped inside the al-Shifa hospital and are using it to command attacks against Israel,” said RAdm Hagari.

He further emphasised that the operation is conducted with precision and care to minimize civilian casualties. The IDF has deployed Arabic speakers and medical personnel to aid patients within the hospital compound and is providing humanitarian assistance to civilians.

“While there is no obligation for patients and medical staff to evacuate the hospital, a pathway is available for civilians seeking to leave,” RAdm Hagari stated. He called on Hamas militants to surrender, underscoring that medical facilities should never be exploited for terrorist activities.

“Medical facilities should never be exploited for terror. Hamas must be held accountable,” Hagari concluded his short video message, posted by IDF on X.

Meanwhile, the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry in Gaza released a statement on the ongoing Israeli operation, saying, “We hold the Israeli occupation responsible for the lives of medical staff, patients and displaced people inside the al-Shifa Medical Complex,” according to Al Jazeera.

“What the occupation forces are doing is a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law. The Israeli occupation is still using its fabricated narratives to deceive the world and justify the storming of the al-Shifa Medical Complex,” the statement added.

Footage verified by Al Jazeera’s Sanad verification unit saw dozens of Palestinians fleeing Gaza’s al-Shifa Hospital after Israeli forces launched an operation in the area.

Israeli forces opened fire inside the medical complex in northern Gaza City, causing deaths and injuries. The report also said that a fire broke out in a surgical building at the al-Shifa Hospital due to Israeli bombing.

The Israeli military is also ordering everyone via loudspeakers to evacuate the hospital, while shots have been fired inside the complex, causing deaths and injuries, Al Jazeera reported. (ANI)

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Israel quietly transitions to phase 3 in war against Hamas

By LokMarg 14th January 2024

Without fanfare, the Israel Defense Forces is transitioning from phase 2 in the war against Hamas–the high-intensity stage of surging ground forces throughout Gaza–to phase 3, involving far more targeted operations, with a focus on the south of the strip.

The decision to do so is based primarily on the IDF’s assessment that it has succeeded in dismantling Hamas’s organized military structures in northern Gaza and in Hamas’s former heartland of Gaza City, leaving disorganized terror cells that have fallen back on independent guerrilla warfare tactics.

“While there are still terrorists and weapons in the north, they are no longer functioning within an organized military framework,” IDF Spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said on Jan. 6. “We are now operating differently in that area, with a different mix of forces, to deepen our achievements. We are currently focusing on the central Gaza Strip, in the area of the central camps, and in the southern Gaza Strip, in the area of Khan Yunis.

“This is still a complex operational activity, with hard battles being fought both in the center and the south. The fighting will continue into 2024,” Hagari added.

This coming year will likely see the military divide Gaza in two, with IDF units deployed to defend the dividing line while also working to make sure that tunnels cannot be used to move from north to south Gaza.

In practical terms, this means that large numbers of soldiers are being discharged, with reservists returning to the workforce to nourish the badly neglected economy and recharge ahead of a potential call-up to the north.

The operations in remaining Hamas strongholds such as Khan Yunis are being led by the IDF’s 98th Division, which features many special forces operators.

In the central Gaza Strip, the army is still involved in significant fighting in the area of the central camps in Al-Bureij, where it is locating tunnels, large underground weapons factories (from which weapons were sent along the Hamas military tunnel network to positions all over Gaza) and terrorists.

Flexibility, Adaptability and Ambiguity

The IDF’s shift from phase 2 to phase 3 (phase 1 involved airstrikes and massing forces throughout October ahead of the ground incursion into Gaza) is not being declared or occurring in one clear maneuver, much like the military’s ground offensive was not declared when it began at the end of October.

This approach is indicative of a broader tactical philosophy emphasizing flexibility, adaptability and ambiguity. This ambiguity serves multiple purposes: It allows the IDF to adjust its tactics based on realities in the field without being constrained by prior public commitments, and it keeps adversaries uncertain about precise future moves.

The realities in Gaza mean it is now clear that different military tactics are needed in the north and the south. The IDF’s decision to release many brigades back to the economy while refreshing forces indicates a long-term view of the campaign while recognizing the need to maintain operational readiness on the Lebanese border as well.

The conflict has been prolonged, already lasting some 100 days, which requires the IDF to manage its human and material resources carefully.

Giving the 98th Division, with its special forces, the lead in the war, in contrast to the more conventional divisions, is a response to the unique challenges in southern Gaza. This includes more contained operations with a focus on specific Hamas centers of gravity, involving tunnels where Hamas’s leadership likely is barricaded, together with many of Israel’s hostages. Above ground, many civilians remain.

The nature of combat in southern Gaza is therefore slower, more precise and targeted, involving raids and focused assaults rather than large-scale rapid maneuvers.

In northern Gaza, dismantling Hamas’s organized military capacity has already seen the elimination of many commanders to disrupt command and control, surrounding areas like Jabaliya with combined forces, and unprecedented collaboration between the air force and ground forces. These tactics have yielded significant results, including the surrender of many Hamas field terror operatives and the collection of valuable intelligence.

Meanwhile, rocket caches and underground infrastructure continue to be destroyed, despite the sporadic rocket fire that continues from Gaza at Israeli civilian areas.

As the IDF moves forward with its operations in central and southern Gaza, it is applying lessons learned from earlier phases. The focus on intelligence-gathering, using classified ways to deal with tunnels, precision strikes, and minimizing civilian casualties while effectively dismantling Hamas’s military capabilities is part of those lessons.

No less important, the IDF must retain full freedom of movement in the coming years and conduct persistent security raids in response to intelligence, to prevent Hamas from rebuilding capabilities to serve its genocidal intentions, just as Israel does in Judea in Samaria every night. (ANI/TPS)

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Israel Hails Lakshadweep’s Pristine And Majestic Underwater Beauty

By LokMarg 8th January 2024

Israel said on Monday that a team had visited Lakshadweep last year and the country is ready to commence working on a desalination programme in the islands.

The Israel Embassy said in a tweet that a team from the country was in Lakshadweep last year at the request of the Indian government to initiate a desalination programme.

The embassy also shared pictures of the Lakshadweep Islands.

“We were in #Lakshadweep last year upon the federal government’s request to initiate the desalination program. Israel is ready to commence working on this project tomorrow,” Israel in India said in a post on ‘X’.

“For those who are yet to witness the pristine and majestic underwater beauty of #lakshadweepislands, here are a few pictures showing this island’s enchanting allure,” it added.

The embassy also shared a video of the majestic beach.

Meanwhile, Indian online travel company Make My Trip on Monday said that it has observed a whopping 3,400 per cent increase in on-platform searches for beach destination Lakshadweep ever since Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the archipelago.

This interest by potential tourists in local Indian beaches has prompted the launch of a ‘Beaches of India’ campaign on the platform, with offers and discounts to encourage Indian travellers to explore the country’s stunning beaches.

The huge spark in interest for Lakshadweep is linked to the outcome of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent overnight stay, followed by beach visits and his participation in some adventure activities.

A massive row was triggered after three Maldives deputy ministers made disparaging and unsavoury references to PM Modi’s Lakshadweep visit.

Indians, including cricketers and film celebrities, have since come out in open support in promoting local beach destinations and other tourist spots. They also voiced support for PM Modi’s call for promoting beach tourism in Lakshadweep.

Following a huge uproar and a diplomatic row, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu suspended the three ministers who had made the derogatory remarks.

The Maldives government has also distanced itself from the remarks made by its ministers. Maldivian Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer said that these remarks against foreign leaders are “unacceptable” and do not reflect the official position of the Maldives government.

PM Modi visited the Union Territory of Lakshadweep on January 2 and shared several pictures, including an ‘exhilarating experience’ of trying his hand at snorkelling.

In a series of posts on X, PM Modi shared pictures of the white beaches, the pristine blue skies and the ocean and tagged them with a message that read, “For those who wish to embrace the adventurer in them, Lakshadweep has to be on your list.”

Maldives receives a sizeable number of tourists from India. (ANI)

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US, UK Imposes 3rd Round Of Sanctions On Hamas-Affiliated Individuals, Entities

By LokMarg 15th November 2023

Taking coordinated action along with the United Kingdom against the Hamas entities following their October 7 attack on Israel, the United States Department of Treasury has imposed a third round of sanctions targeting Hamas-affiliated individuals.

This action identifies important Hamas figures as well as the channels by which Iran backs Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) and Hamas.

The UK is also coordinating today’s designations in an effort to safeguard the global financial system from potential misuse by Hamas and others who support them.

“The United States will continue to work with our partners, including the UK, to deny Hamas the ability to raise and use funds to carry out its atrocities,” said Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen, according to an official press release of US Department of Treasury.

“Hamas’s actions have caused immense suffering and shown that terrorism does not occur in isolation. Together with our partners, we are decisively moving to degrade Hamas’s financial infrastructure, cut them off from outside funding, and block the new funding channels they seek to finance their heinous acts,” she added.

According to US Treasury release, Hamas has been empowered primarily through Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

“Iranian support, primarily through its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has enabled Hamas’s and PIJ’s terrorist activities to include the transfer of hundreds of millions of dollars in financial assistance and the furnishing of both weapons and operational training,” the release read.

“Nasser Abu Sharif serves as the PIJ representative to Iran, the group’s primary financier. Iran’s IRGC has trained PIJ fighters to build and develop missiles in Gaza,” it added.

The key Hamas officials that the US release mentions include senior member and co-founder of Hamas, Mahmoud Khaled Zahhar (Zahhar). He has worked closely with Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of the organisation, and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGT).

“Additionally, Mu’ad Ibrahim Muhammed Rashid al-Atili is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, for having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Hamas,” the release read.

All of the above-described designated individuals’ property and interests in property that are in the country or under the custody or control of Americans are blocked as a result of today’s decision and need to be reported to OFAC.

Any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked.

“In addition, financial institutions and other persons that engage in certain transactions or activities with sanctioned entities and individuals may expose themselves to sanctions or be subject to an enforcement action. The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person,” the US Treasury release stated.

Treasury will not stop providing funds to terrorists and other bad actors, but it will continue to facilitate the flow of legal humanitarian aid that meets the fundamental needs of disadvantaged communities. (ANI)

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India Calls For Immediate Release Of Israeli Hostages, De-Escalation: MEA

By LokMarg 9th November 2023

Amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, India on Thursday called for immediate and unconditional release of hostages while also urged to de-escalate the situation to resume direct peace negotiations towards a two state solution.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that India has also shared its concern over the rising death toll of civilians during conflict.

“We (India) made our position very clear on multiple occasions during the UNGA debate. We have strongly condemned the horrific attack on Israel, urged the need for zero tolerance for terrorism and called for immediate and unconditional release of hostages,”he said while strongly condemning the barbaric Hamas attack on Israel on October 7.

Retierating India’s stand for supporting two-state solution for resolving the Isreal-Palestine issuse, Bagchi said,”We have also conveyed our deep concern at the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the increasing civilian toll and welcomed efforts to de-escalate the situation and provide humanitarian assistance. We have also urged the parties to de-escalate violence and work towards creating conditions for early resumption of direct peace negotiations towards a two state solution.”

While addressing the MEA weekly press briefing, he also went on to mention the humanitarian assistance provided by India to the war-torn Gaza and shared that India has also requested both the sides engaged in war to de-escalate the situation.

MEA spokesperson said, “India has also sent 38 tonnes of humanitarian relief material. We have emphasised strict observance of international humanitarian law”.

Notably, the medical supplies were sent by India for the people of Palestine included essential life-saving medicines and protective and surgical items aimed at handling emergency medical conditions. While arranging the medical supply, wound care was also taken into consideration.

Fluids and painkillers have been included in humanitarian aid for immediate relief. The disaster relief material weighing approximately 32 tons includes tents, sleeping bags, tarpaulins, basic sanitary utilities, water purification tablets etc.

Bagchi, in a response to the question on reports of India workers’ replacement in Israel, he informed that they are working to ensure the safety of Indians working in the world and shared that a lot of Indians have been working as caregivers in Israel .

He added, “We have been working towards giving our citizens access to a global workplace. We are in discussion to try and get into mobility agreements with a number of countries. In Israel, already a number of workers are employed there, especially in the caregiver sector. We have been discussing a bilateral framework in the construction and caregiver sectors. But this is a long-term initiative, I’m not as I said aware of the specific requests are numbers that are floating….”

Meanwhile, Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) Spokeswoman Shani Sasson on Thursday highlighted that 665 trucks have entered Gaza through Rafah as of Wednesday, stressing that, the trucks contain food, medicine, tents and water for the Gazans.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) shared the video message of COGAT spokesperson Sasson on X, emphasizing that the IDF is facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gazan civilians through COGAT.

International organizations and several countries have been providing humanitarian aid to the people in Gaza where the ongoing Israel-Hamas war entered a new phase after the Israel Defence Force entered Gaza City to eliminate Hamas operatives. (ANI)

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IDF Destroys 130 Tunnels In Ongoing Effort To Combat Hamas Infras In Gaza

By LokMarg 9th November 2023

Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have said that the combat engineers are working continuously to destroy Hamas terrorist infrastructure and added that they have destroyed at least 130 tunnels since the beginning of the war.

The Hamas terrorists infiltrated Israel through land, sea and air, as they carried out the October 7 assault, killing innocent people, which included not only men and women but also the elderly and children as well.

In a post on social media platform X, the IDF wrote, “IDF combat engineers are currently working to expose and destroy Hamas terrorist infrastructure in Gaza, including tunnels.”

“Water and oxygen storage discovered inside the tunnels indicates Hamas’ preparations for prolonged stays underground. 130 tunnel entrances have been destroyed since the beginning of the war,” it added.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has once again said there will be no ceasefire without the release of hostages by Hamas.

“There will be no ceasefire without the release of our hostages,” the Israeli Prime Minister wrote on ‘X’ on Thursday.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said on Wednesday, “We won’t let Hamas’ win, we will rebuild our communities in southern Israel and we will continue to live our lives.”

The war with Hamas began after approximately 3,000 terrorists breached the Gaza border on October 7, resulting in the deaths of around 1,400 people, mainly civilians, and the abduction of over 240 individuals, including at least 30 children.

Earlier, Israel Defence Forces shared a video showing some of the weapons used by Hamas, including explosive belts, firearms, hand grenades and rockets.

While sharing the video on X, IDF stated, “Raw footage: Here are some of the weapons found on Hamas’ terrorists on October 7th. 1,493 hand grenades and explosives, 760 RPGs, 427 explosive belts, 375 firearms, 106 rockets and missiles. These are just a few of the weapons used to massacre over 1,400 Israeli civilians. Weapons used for the killing of innocents.”

Meanwhile, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said that Sgt First Class (res.) Yaacov Ozeri (28) of the 401st Armored Brigade was killed while fighting against Hamas terrorists in the northern Gaza Strip.

He is the 31st soldier to be killed since Israel began its counter-offensive in response to Hamas’s attack on October 7, The Times of Israel reported.

Furthermore, the IDF said three soldiers from the Golani Brigade’s 13th Battalion, the 401st Brigade’s 601st Battalion, and the Paratrooper’s 890th Battalion were seriously injured during fighting in northern Gaza on Tuesday. (ANI)

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Israel Envoy To India Calls For Lighting Diya Of Hope For Israeli Hostages Held By Hamas

By LokMarg 8th November 2023

As the festival of lights — Diwali approaches in India, Israel’s Ambassador Naor Gilon has urged to light a ‘Diya of Hope’ for the hostages held by Hamas since the October 7 assault on the country.

Drawing a comparison, Gilon, in a video posted on X (formerly Twitter) said that as Lord Ram’s return is celebrated on Diwali by lighting Diyas, a Diya (lamp) must be lit in the hope of having our loved ones return.

“240 of our loved ones have been held hostage by #HamasTerrorists for a month. Every #Diwali, we celebrate Lord Ram’s return by lighting Diyas,” Gilon said.

“THIS #Diwali2023 we invite you to light a Diya in the hope of having our loved ones return Tag us and share your photos using the #DiyaOfHope,” he further added.

Meanwhile the Israeli Defence Forces today released pictures of various weapons recovered from Hamas terrorists during their operations. According to the IDF some of the weapons found on Hamas’ terrorists on October 7th include; 1,493 hand grenades and explosives, 760 RPGs, 427 explosive belts, 375 firearms, 106 rockets and missiles.

“These are just a few of the weapons used to massacre over 1,400 Israeli civilians. Weapons used for the killing of innocents” the IDF said.

Earlier, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel will have “security responsibility” over the Gaza Strip for an indefinite period following its war against Hamas.

“The situation in Gaza post-war remains uncertain, with concerns about how Israel plans to manage it. I think Israel will for an indefinite period have security responsibility,” Netanyahu told ABC News.

“We’ve seen what happens when we don’t have that… security responsibility, what we have is the eruption of Hamas terror on a scale that we couldn’t imagine” he added.

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IDF: Forces Continue To Operate Against Hamas

By LokMarg 5th November 2023

As the Israel-Hamas war completes almost a month, the ground offensive by Israel continues to take place in northern Gaza, as Israel Defence Forces spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari has said the forces are determined to continue to operate against Hamas terrorists.

In a post on social media platform X, the IDF wrote, quoting Hagari, “They are strong. They are determined. They are prepared. They know what they are fighting for.”

“Our forces continue to operate against Hamas’ leadership and infrastructure in northern Gaza,” he added.

The IDF also claimed that Hamas hides within the intricate network of “terror tunnels.”

“While Hamas obstructs their civilians from getting to safety in southern Gaza, Hamas hides within their intricate network of terror tunnels,” the IDF posted on X.

“IDF troops uncovered multiple access points during operational activity in Northern Gaza,” it added.

Israel claimed responsibility for the attack on an ambulance outside Gaza City’s Al-Shifa Hospital, which killed several people and left dozens more wounded, CNN reported on Friday.

Israel said that it had targeted the ambulance because it was being used by Hamas, according to a statement from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

Notably, at least 15 people were killed and 50 others were wounded in the attack on the largest medical facility in the enclave, CNN reported, citing the Hamas-run health authorities.

According to the footage from the scene, at least a dozen bloodied casualties can be seen strewn across the ground near an ambulance.

“A Hamas terrorist cell was identified using an ambulance. In response, an IDF aircraft struck and neutralized the Hamas terrorists, who were operating within the ambulance. We emphasise that this area in Gaza is a war zone. Civilians are repeatedly called upon to evacuate southward for their own safety,” IDF posted on X (formerly on Twitter).

IDF said in a statement that a number of Hamas terrorist operatives were killed in the strike.

“We have information which demonstrates that Hamas’ method of operation is to transfer terror operatives and weapons in ambulances,” CNN quoted the statement.

The conflict in Gaza escalated after the October 7 attack by Hamas, where about 2,500 terrorists breached the border into Israel from the Gaza Strip, leading to casualties and the seizure of hostages.

Israel has characterised its Gaza offensive as targeting Hamas’ infrastructure with the goal of eliminating the entire terror group while making efforts to minimise civilian casualties, The Times of Israel reported.

More than 9,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks since October 7, while 1,400 people were killed in the Hamas attack on Israel. (ANI)

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IDF’s ‘Merkava’ Tanks In Action Near Gaza Strip

By LokMarg 22nd October 2023

Amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, several Merkava tanks and troops have been positioned by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) near the Gaza border in South Israel.

The visuals showed a significant presence of troops, armoured vehicles, and tanks near the Gaza border.

Notably, the Israeli government has announced its intention to launch a ground operation against Hamas in the near future.

The Merkava, a series of main battle tanks utilized by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), serves as the cornerstone of the IDF’s armoured corps.

Its development commenced in 1970, with the inaugural version, the Merkava Mark 1, officially commissioned in 1979. Over time, four primary iterations have been put into service. As of 2023, the most recent model is the Merkava Mark 5.

The Merkava gained significant operational experience during the 1982 Lebanon War, and its name is derived from the IDF’s initial development program.

Meanwhile, several people from southern Israel have left their homes and moved to Jerusalem where deserted streets and the historical West Bank wall area showcase an image of fear.

Several Palestinian (Arab) nationals have been living in Jerusalem for business purposes. However, their work has been impacted due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. They have attributed their losses to the current situation.

Taxi drivers and shopkeepers in the area are deeply upset by the actions of Hamas and the Israeli soldiers’ retaliatory measures.

Notably, Hamas launched a horrific terror attack on Israel on October 7 which killed more than 1400 people. In response, Israel launched a strong counter-offensive against Hamas targeting the units of the terror group. Over 4300 Palestinian people have been killed in Israeli strikes.

Meanwhile, the number of confirmed hostages abducted and held in Gaza since the shock assault rose to 212, Times of Israel reported.

Earlier in the day, the Israel Defense Forces said that it carried out an airstrike against a Hezbollah position in southern Lebanon in response to anti-tank guided missile attacks on northern Israel earlier today, Times of Israel reported. (ANI)