Israel makes forced concessions to US over Hamas - media
Israel has suspended targeted killings in Gaza following US demands. The IDF carried out 22 strikes from Thursday to Sunday, with the Palestinian side reporting 26 dead. The US demanded explanations and a halt to operations amid talks on the second phase of the agreement. Israel says it will not give up protecting its citizens.
Israel has halted targeted killings of terrorists in the Gaza Strip over the past day after the US demanded explanations over a series of strikes and called for an end to operations. According to Maariv, from Thursday to Sunday the IDF conducted 22 targeted strikes and response operations. The Palestinian side reported at least 26 deaths, including children, but the Israeli army said the targets were terrorists. The IDF has already revealed the identities of some of the eliminated militants, with data on others being verified. US dissatisfaction arose amid a possible transition to the second phase of the Gaza agreement, which is to include the disarmament of Hamas. The American side demanded an explanation for the sharp increase in operations and an immediate halt to the killings. After the US appeal, the IDF for the first time in a long while did not strike targets linked to Hamas and Islamic Jihad in areas that the Palestinian side considers humanitarian infrastructure. At the same time, Israel does not intend to fully abandon forceful actions. A political source stressed that the army will maintain its current positions in the Gaza Strip and continue to eliminate threats to Israeli citizens and soldiers. Thus, the pause in operations looks not like a change in overall strategy but a temporary decision amid US pressure and talks on the next phase of the agreement. The main sticking point remains Israel's right to act against terrorists posing an immediate threat, as well as against those involved in the October 7, 2023 attack. The Israeli side has repeatedly stated it is not ready to give up this option even after progress in talks.