Spotlight on the Israel-Palestinian Conflict (September 17- 24 , 2024)

The southern arena: The IDF forces continued their activity in the southern and central Gaza Strip, including attacks on Hamas facilities operating in civilian environments. Four IDF soldiers were killed by an explosive device in Rafah.

The hostages and a ceasefire agreement: Khaled Mashal, head of the “external” Hamas leadership, said the leaders of the movement were not in a hurry to reach an agreement at any cost. Hamas rejected an Israeli proposal to exile Yahya al-Sinwar, head of the Hamas political bureau in the Gaza Strip, and other movement leaders.

Israel, Judea and Samaria: An Arab-Israeli worker was killed when he tried to attack an IDF soldier at a base in the south. The Israeli security forces continued their counterterrorism activities in Judea and Samaria. Seven terrorist operatives were killed in the town of Qabatiya near Jenin. Hamas’ military wing issued the videotaped last will and testament of the August 2024 Tel Aviv suicide bomber, and threatened to renew suicide bombing attacks in Israel.

The Palestinian Authority: The chairman of the Palestinian Authority (PA) and its prime minister held policy meetings on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. The General Assembly approved a non-binding Palestinian proposal that requires Israel to withdraw from the “occupied territories” within a year.