Setting the Record Straight on Humanitarian Aid

A new video provides the whole picture on Israel's humanitarian efforts in Gaza

Regular readers will be familiar with my updates on the IDF’s humanitarian efforts during this war.

From calling on civilian populations to evacuate from combat zones, to facilitating the entry of thousands of tons of humanitarian aid for Gazan residents, we have been going to great lengths to mitigate harm to the civilian population while fighting against the Hamas terror organization.

Let me be clear about something: protecting civilians as far as possible in war is our moral obligation. Humanitarian measures and aid are also a strategic necessity, as they enable us to achieve our goal of targeting terrorists and separating them from civilians.

To tell this story from start to finish, we have produced a short film that we’re sharing with you here on Mission Brief.

The film is primarily about Israel and the Gaza Strip, but it’s also about the broader Middle East and a vision of peace over terrorism.

This is a message that must be shared with the world:

I hope you found the film to be informative. Feel free to leave a comment below with your thoughts.

For more details and live updates on Israel’s humanitarian aid efforts, you can also stay updated on COGAT’s dedicated website on the issue: https://govextra.gov.il/cogat/humanitarian-efforts/

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Operational Updates:

Gaza Strip:

• The IDF exposed a vast underground tunnel excavated by Hamas under the city of Khan Yunis. The tunnel was located by the Commando Unit, the Yahalom Combat Engineering Unit and Special Forces. The tunnel was connected to an extensive underground tunnel network beneath a civilian area in the city and equipped with air ventilation systems, electrical supply and plumbing. After investigating the tunnel, it can be confirmed that Israeli hostages had been inside the tunnel.

• During IDF activity in the area of Al-Maghazi, three terrorists carrying AK-47s were identified. Using an aircraft, IDF troops continuously tracked the cell, and a short while after an IAF aircraft thwarted the cell as they were exiting a tunnel shaft.

• The 5th Brigade is operating against terrorist infrastructure, launching posts and means of observation in the area of Khirbat Ikhza'a. Khirbat Ikhza'a is a dense area and consists of civilian buildings, in which Hamas built and used terrorist infrastructure. On October 7th, Hamas terrorists mobilized this terror infrastructure, set out from the Khirbat Ikhza'a area to invade Israeli territory, and attacked communities of southern Israel - including Nir Oz, Nirim and Ein HaShlosha - where they brutally murdered and abducted innocent civilians.

Northern Arena:

• On Thursday, approximately 10 launches from Lebanon toward Kiryat Shemona and Margaliot in northern Israel, three of which were intercepted.

• An IAF fighter jet and IDF artillery struck a series of Hezbollah terror targets in Lebanon, including a military post and terrorist infrastructure.

Humanitarian Aid:

• On Wednesday, a total of 208 humanitarian aid trucks were inspected and transferred to the Gaza Strip today. 89 trucks were inspected at Nitzana and transferred via the Rafah Crossing. 119 trucks were inspected and transferred via Kerem Shalom.

• Over the last few days, COGAT coordinated and facilitated a new field hospital (pictured below) in southern Gaza, operated by the International Medical Corps. With a capacity of 50 beds, personnel of 200 and comprehensive care, the hospital bolsters the medical response for civilians in Gaza

  

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That’s all from me for today.

Thanks for reading - and watching.

Richard