THE EARLY PHOENIX
August 30- September 3, 2024
★ ISRAEL & PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES
Hamas Admits to Killing Hostages, Releases Video of Slain Hostage
Hamas’ Al-Qassam Brigades admitted to killing hostages, releasing a video of slain hostage Eden Yerushalmi, and blaming Israel. Spokesperson Abu Ubaida said new orders were issued to guards if Israeli forces approached, accusing Netanyahu of obstructing exchange deals, which led to the hostages’ deaths. The video included Yerushalmi’s message to Netanyahu before her death. The incident is tied to Operation Arnon, which rescued four hostages but resulted in over 100 casualties, including Arnon Zamora. Hamas insists on a full Israeli troops withdrawal from Gaza. Meanwhile, the Biden administration announced ‘last chance’ ceasefire plans for Gaza. The U.S., in coordination with Egypt and Qatar, is focusing on securing hostage releases in exchange for specific Palestinian prisoners. The plan emphasizes the need to free women, elderly, and injured hostages while urgently pushing for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Hamas Claims Attacks; Israel Intensifies West Bank Military Operations
Hamas’ Al-Qassam Brigades claimed responsibility for two West Bank attacks last Friday. The Israeli army reported a car explosion in Gush Etzion, leading to the suspect’s shooting. An attempted ramming at Karmi Tzur settlement resulted in the gunman’s death and several injuries. Israel’s Air Force targeted an armed cell in Tulkarm, killing one Palestinian and injuring another. Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades reportedly coordinated with local militants to attack Israeli forces. Large Israeli forces, accompanied by bulldozers, later entered Tulkarm as part of ongoing anti-terror operations. The Palestinian Red Crescent confirmed the injured were hospitalized.
Israeli Airstrike on Gaza School Kills 11, More Feared
An Israeli airstrike on a school sheltering displaced families in northern Gaza killed 11 people, with more casualties feared under the rubble. Israel claims the strike targeted Hamas militants operating from a command center within the school. An Israeli strike on an apartment in Gaza City also killed two Palestinians and injured others. The total number of injured in the conflict has risen to 94,244. The Gaza Health Ministry reported that the Israel-Hamas conflict’s death toll has reached 40,786.
Israel Strike Shuts Airport, Protests Netanyahu’s Failure on Hostages
A nationwide strike in Israel protested the government’s failure to rescue Gaza hostages, leading to significant closures, including Ben Gurion Airport. Tens of thousands protested after discovering six hostages were killed, blaming Prime Minister Netanyahu for their release failures. Some citizens support Netanyahu’s military strategy against Hamas, despite the outcry over the hostages. Israel’s largest union called for the strike, but some municipalities, like Jerusalem, chose not to participate. The demonstrations saw 500,000 participants demanding urgent government action on the hostage situation.
UK Suspends Arms Exports; Israel Secures Serbian Weaponry
The UK suspended 30 of 350 arms export licenses to Israel, citing concerns about potential violations of international humanitarian law. Israel criticized the UK’s decision but vowed to win the war without British support. Netanyahu called the suspension wrong and supportive of Hamas, reaffirming Israel’s commitment to international law. Despite the UK’s suspension, Israel’s defense remains strong. Serbian arms exports to Israel increased significantly during the Gaza conflict, totaling €23.1 million in 2024. Serbia’s government did not comment on these shipments, labeling them “highly classified.”
Israeli Schools Incorporate Iran Studies Programs By Ex-Shin Bet Experts
Navon High School in Holon has introduced an Iran studies program, covering topics such as the Revolutionary Guard Corps, Khamenei’s policies, and Sunni-Shiite demographics. Fifteen students will learn Persian, Iranian culture, and Israeli security subjects like intelligence gathering, counterterrorism, and threat identification. Former Shin Bet agents teach the program, providing students with deep insights into both Iranian geopolitical issues and Israeli security dynamics. This curriculum offers a unique perspective on the complexities of Iran and its significance in Israeli intelligence strategies.
★ ISRAEL-HEZBOLLAH CRISIS
150,000 Missiles Aimed At Israel, Galilee and Golan In Ruins
Israel on High Alert Response, Hezbollah Resumes Rocket Fire
Despite a major Israeli offensive on Hezbollah positions, the group has resumed regular attacks on northern Israel. On Sunday, September 2, Hezbollah launched 30 anti-tank missiles and rockets, with 10 targeting Misgav Am and 20 aimed at Matat. The attack wounded three Israelis, including one civilian, according to the IDF. Vast areas in the Galilee and Golan lie in ruins, as Hezbollah’s missile attacks sparked devastating fires. Israel remains on high alert, with Hezbollah, backed by Iran, positioning over 150,000 missiles targeting the country. These precision-guided missiles, along with drones that evade Israeli detection, pose a significant national security threat.
Ex-Hezbollah Medic Accused of Spying for Mossad
A former Hezbollah combat medic, Mohammed S., 29, from southern Lebanon, has been accused of spying for Israel’s Mossad. Recruited through Facebook by a fake humanitarian group, Mohammed allegedly provided sensitive information on Hezbollah locations and Lebanese security forces. Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar reported that Mohammed was arrested in February and faces a prison sentence of three to 15 years. His activities included photographing shops, documenting roadblocks, and gathering intelligence on Hezbollah centers.
Lebanon: Former Central Bank Head Arrested, Faces Corruption Charges
In Lebanon, ex-Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh was arrested linked to the “Optimum” case. Directed by Judge Jamal Al-Hajjar, the investigation focuses on alleged financial misconduct. Salameh faces charges of money laundering and corruption, which he denies. His arrest signifies potential progress in Lebanese judicial integrity. Investigations also involve several European countries. During this severe financial crisis, Lebanese depositors attacked banks, demanding accountability and the return of frozen funds.
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Editor’s Selections:
The meetings between the Biden administration and Iran—whether direct or indirect, secret or disclosed, treasonous or capitulatory—yielded no positive outcomes. Instead, they allowed Iran to expand its influence into regions it had never previously dreamed of controlling.
Israeli Army Launches Largest West Bank Operation Since 2002.
