Spotlight on the Israel-Palestinian Conflict (October 14 – 29 , 2024)

Hamas after Yahya al-Sinwar: According to reports, Hamas would not elect a new head to its political bureau until March 2025 and would rely on the leadership of a committee composed of five senior members.

• The southern front: IDF forces continued operations in the northern Gaza Strip, focusing on the Jabalia refugee camp and Beit Lahia, and in the central and southern regions of the Strip. Fourteen IDF soldiers were killed.

• The hostages and a ceasefire agreement: Negotiations continued for an agreement mediated by Egypt and Qatar. Senior Hamas figures did not reject the Egyptian president’s proposal for a short ceasefire and the release of four Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, but Hamas continues to demand a complete end to the war, full Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and the reconstruction of the Strip.

• Israel, Judea and Samaria: There were five terrorist attacks. An Israeli police officer and a civilian were killed, and others were injured. Israeli security forces continued counterterrorism activities throughout Judea and Samaria.

• The Palestinian Authority: Mahmoud Abbas and senior Palestinian Authority figures continued activities in the international arena, accusing Israel of committing “genocide” and calling on the international community to impose sanctions on Israel unless it withdrew from Palestinian territories.