New phase in the Hamas conflict

Jerusalem under attack

Yesterday (December 29), the Israeli military announced that fighter jets had struck rocket launchers in the city of Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip, where Palestinian forces had launched two long-range rockets at Jerusalem the day before, according to The Times of Israel . Both rockets were intercepted. On December 28, sirens also sounded in Jerusalem due to a rocket launched by Houthi forces in Yemen.

Israeli tanks prepare to enter Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza on December 28.

Jerusalem has been relatively calm throughout the Hamas-Israel conflict, and being attacked twice in 24 hours is a surprising development. According to The Jerusalem Post , the attack by Hamas and Houthi signals the beginning of a new phase in the conflict, with Israel's opponents still capable and willing to attack the holy city for Jews and Muslims despite Tel Aviv's military deterrence. The attack, if left unchecked, could prompt other Israeli rival groups in the region to take similar action.

Hamas, Israel accuse each other of obstructing ceasefire agreement

The attacks came as Israel carried out a raid on Kamal Adwan Hospital in Jabalia, northern Gaza, capturing more than 240 militants hiding there and discovering numerous weapons inside. Gaza health authorities denied that militants were operating at the hospital and said that among those arrested were hospital director Hussam Abu Safiya and several medical staff. The World Health Organization (WHO) criticized the raid, saying that the blockade of the health system in northern Gaza for more than 80 days was putting the lives of 75,000 Palestinians at risk. The WHO said that 15 critical patients and 70 remaining medical staff at the hospital had been evacuated before the raid and the facility was now completely empty.

Conflicting information agreement

Amid stalled ceasefire and hostage talks, Israeli Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi has ordered units to prepare for an expansion of military operations in the Gaza Strip. The Jerusalem Post , citing military sources, reported that several combat units have been ordered to be ready to redeploy to Gaza, believed to be part of a plan to pressure Hamas and other militant groups to release the hostages.

On December 28, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani held talks with Hamas representatives to seek a "clear and comprehensive" agreement to end the conflict in the Gaza Strip. The talks took place in Doha (Qatar) with a delegation led by senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya.

According to Israel's N12 TV channel, a senior official involved in the negotiations revealed that Hamas could accept a limited deal, which would release a small number of hostages as a goodwill gesture before the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump on January 20, 2025. Israeli and US officials said on December 26 that the possibility of reaching an agreement before Trump takes office is slim. President-elect Trump previously warned that the Middle East would pay a heavy price if the hostages were not released before he returned to the White House. The Israeli Prime Minister's Office issued a statement denying N12's information. To date, an estimated 96 hostages are still being held in Gaza, of which the Israeli army confirmed at least 34 people were killed.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/giai-doan-moi-trong-xung-dot-hamas-israel-185241229220858447.htm