IDF halts strikes in Gaza after weeks of accelerated fatalities, as BoP seeks Hamas disarmament

The IDF halted strikes on Hamas operatives in Gaza after two weeks of accelerated strikes that killed around 500 terrorists, following pressure from the US and the Board of Peace. Defense officials said opportunities to strike were missed due to government policy, while political officials denied this. Netanyahu rejected a 15-point document and insisted on genuine disarmament before any withdrawal.

The IDF increased the pace of its strikes in Gaza over the past two weeks, with fatalities rising accordingly, before restricting them under a new policy. Defense officials confirmed on Sunday that opportunities to strike Hamas military wing operatives had been missed over the past week because of government policy. However, senior political officials told Walla that this is a complete lie, saying the IDF did not bring a single targeted killing for approval. Hamas's leadership pressured Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and other countries, including the Board of Peace, which in turn pressured the White House to halt the targeted killings. Officials in Jerusalem instructed the IDF to scale back operations, but even this failed to satisfy the Americans, and the targeted killings were completely halted this week. The situation has drawn criticism from within the defense establishment. In response, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel rejects the 15-point document and will not withdraw until Hamas is genuinely disarmed. Defense officials point to several developments without which Netanyahu's remarks would be meaningless, including preventing the national force from entering Gaza and resuming strikes against Hamas operatives.