For the first time since the first Lebanon war in 1982, an entire division of Israeli army reservists "is operating in enemy territory." The Tel Aviv armed forces announced this, explaining that in recent days the 252nd division "took control of Beit Hanoun, an area in northern Gaza, and killed hundreds of terrorists, including senior members".
Division commander General Moran Omer said this was a “decisive moment,” adding: “We have been preparing for years, it is our duty to restore peace and security. Our reservists and their families are an expression of our unity, of the will to defend the people."
And while the clashes between the Israeli army and Palestinian militiamen continue, with thousands of civilians moving towards the south of the Strip, negotiations for the release of the hostages held by Hamas continue in parallel.
A source close to the militiamen explained that negotiations are underway for the release of 12 hostages, including 6 Americans, in exchange for a three-day truce.
Abu Obeida, the spokesperson for the al Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas in Gaza, stated however that "the only and obvious path to the release of the hostages is an agreement that provides for the total or partial exchange of prisoners".
WAR IN THE MIDDLE EAST: ALL THE NEWS
(Unioneonline/lf)
