JFNA Updates

THE LATEST:

As fighting continues, additional IDF soldiers have been killed, bringing the total number of IDF casualties since the ground offensive began to 116, (and to 442 since October 7). Among those who fell yesterday was American-Israeli Elisha Loewernstern, a young father of six (and a friend and neighbor of this writer). May his memory (and those of all the fallen), be for a blessing. See details of all the fallen soldiers here.

ISRAEL DEFENSE FORCES (IDF) OPERATIONS

Fierce fighting continues in both northern and southern Gaza. See this summary and statement in English about the latest fighting, by an IDF spokesperson.

Earlier today, IDF troops operated in the Kamal Adwan Hospital area with the Shin Bet, and dozens of Hamas terrorists were killed or detained. During the operation, the IDF troops located a building close to the hospital that was being used by Hamas terrorists. An exchange of fire took place, in which a number of Hamas terrorists were killed. Some 70 terrorists surrendered and left the building with their weapons and were detained and taken for interrogation by the Shin Bet.

The Latest:

As fighting continues, seven more soldiers have been killed, bringing the total number of IDF casualties since the ground offensive began to 104 (and 433 since October 7). See details of all the fallen soldiers here.

The IDF says it has killed 7,000 Hamas members or allied terrorists since fighting began. More than 22,000 targets in the Gaza Strip have been struck since the beginning of the war, 3,500 of them since the end of the ceasefire. See this infographic video of eliminated senior commanders.

Cypriot law enforcement agencies, in cooperation with the Mossad, have thwarted an Iranian cell that planned to carry out attacks against Israeli and Jewish targets in Cyprus. Cypriot security services have arrested the attackers, and considerable information was obtained about the cell’s operations, the targets of the attack, and Iranian plans to kill innocents in Cyprus and elsewhere.

The Israeli Government has approved a $5 billion multi-year plan to rehabilitate and develop the region around the Gaza Strip. The approved outline aims to ensure “the safe and lasting renewal and development of the region with significant demographic growth, which constitutes a prosperous and attractive focus and magnet for economic resilience, quality education, investments, and advanced and innovative agriculture.” A new authority has been set up to implement the plan, known as “Tekuma.”

The Latest:

The IDF reported today that it hit 450 sites in Gaza over the past day.

As fighting continues, five more IDF soldiers have been killed, bringing the total number of IDF casualties since the ground offensive began to 91. See details of all the fallen soldiers here.

An anti-tank missile fired from Lebanon struck and killed an Israeli civilian in the northern border town of Mattat yesterday. The man in his 60s was treated by Magen David Adom medics near the scene who were forced to declare his death.

By Thursday, the IDF said that its troops had surrounded Khan Younis, the largest city in southern Gaza, (and a center of Hamas’ power) and had also advanced inside the city.

All restrictions have been lifted regarding the resumption of schools in the center of Israel. Until now, schools could only open if students could reach shelters within the allotted time when sirens rang.

Israeli authorities have now identified a total of 274 soldiers and 859 civilians killed during the brutal October 7 assaults. The latter figure includes 57 Israel Police officers and 38 local security officers. It is unclear which of these individuals were on duty when killed. Removing those victims leaves a figure of 764 civilians. Read additional details about the demographics and nature of those murdered.

The Latest:

As fighting continues, following the collapse of the ceasefire, three more soldiers have been killed, bringing the total number of IDF casualties since the ground offensive began to 8 4, (and to 410 IDF since October 7). One of those killed in recent days was an American-Israeli man, Ben Zussman. His mother’s moving eulogy has been widely viewed in Israel. See details of all the fallen soldiers here.

By late Tuesday afternoon, the IDF said that its troops had reached the center of Khan Younis, the largest city in southern Gaza.

Hamas rocket attacks on Israel remain far lower than earlier in the war, but continue to strike Israeli cities daily. Yesterday, as a result of a particularly large barrage, several people were lightly injured by shrapnel from rockets in Tel Aviv and other locations. One rocket hit a kindergarten; thankfully, all the children were in the safety of the shelter at the time. In the north, Hezbollah also continues its medium-level rocket and other fire against Israeli targets.

Join a special webinar with the Jewish Agency for Israel: Israel’s Fight for Survival - A Discussion with Dr. Einat Wilf and Dan Elbaum on Thursday, December 7 at 10 AM ET. Register here.

The Latest:

As fighting continues, following the collapse of the ceasefire, three more soldiers have been killed, bringing the total number of IDF casualties since the ground offensive began to 76, (and to 401 since October 7). See details of all the fallen soldiers.

The Latest:

The week-long ceasefire in Gaza ended this morning after Israel and Hamas failed to agree on a list of hostages to be released today. Also, the Prime Minister's office accused Hamas of not fulfilling its promise to release all the female hostages.

In a terror attack in Jerusalem on Thursday morning, three people were killed when two brothers, Hamas-affiliated terrorists, opened fire at a bus stop. At least six other people were injured. Among those killed were a 24-year-old woman, and a Rabbinical Court Judge, Dayan Rabbi Elimelech Wasserman.

Israeli security forces arrested 15 people last night in the West Bank on suspicion of terrorism.

A rocket landed this morning in a kibbutz in the south of the country; no casualties, however, were reported.

The Latest:

Since October 7:

1,225 Israelis have been killed, including 395 soldiers.

88 hostages have been freed, but 155 remain in captivity.

10,500 rockets have been fired at Israeli civilian targets.

9,038 Israelis have been injured.

Key Resources From Jewish Federations

Join a JDC Webinar, focusing on the organization’s efforts to respond to the current crisis: Wednesday, November 29th at noon (ET). Register here.

Arab and Jewish Israelis joint responses: Join this webinar to hear from Shira Ohana and Hanan Alsanah about inspiring joint emergency responses from the earliest days of the war, and what they are doing today to preserve a shared future for all residents of the Negev. November 28, 12 noon ET. Register here.

Additional resources can be found at the end of this update.

The Latest:

Overnight, the Israeli government voted to approve a limited hostage deal with Hamas, brokered by Qatar, with assistance from the US, Egypt, and others:

Following a marathon eight-hour meeting, Israel’s government voted late last night to approve a deal that would enable a limited hostage exchange. See details below.

From recent polling research by Jewish Federations: 72% of public supports humanitarian pause for hostage release; only 20% want unconditional ceasefire. Read more.

Hamas will release at least 50 women and children, and will not release children without their mothers. A full list of those being released will be provided by Hamas tonight (Wednesday evening, Israel Time). The hostages will be released at a rate of 12-15 each day for four days, with the first set likely to come out on Thursday.

The 50 slated for release include 30 children, eight mothers, and twelve elderly women whose lives are considered to be at risk. Read more here about the children.

The Latest:

68 Israeli soldiers have been killed since the ground offensive began, and 388 soldiers since October 7. See a list of all soldiers who have fallen (with details, in Hebrew) in this war, here. Vered Benvenisti, who tragically lost her father and then her brother in previous Israeli wars, has now lost her son, who fell in battle in Gaza last night.

Reports continue of an imminent deal on some hostages. Commenting on a possible agreement, White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said, “We’re closer now than we’ve been before.” According to many media outlets, the deal will likely involve the freeing of around 50 hostages (comprised of women, children, and non-Israeli nationals) in exchange for an unknown number of Hamas prisoners, alongside a 3-5 day ceasefire.

The IDF announced that the residents of the Gaza Envelope in communities that are located within four kilometers or more from the Gaza Strip can now return home, although, for many, their houses have been destroyed. Yesterday, media circulated a photo of the reopened dining hall at Kibbutz Be’eri.

See details on these developments, and more, below.