This is a simple account of what’s happening from as unbiased a perspective as we can manage. To see our biases, scroll to the bottom.

Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

Starting before dawn on 07 October 2023, militant forces led by Hamas invaded towns and villages in southern Israel, slaughtering civilians and abducting women, children, and foreigners as hostages. Paraglider troops deliberately targeted a music festival, at which location alone they killed, raped, and captured hundreds. They then returned to the Gaza Strip and celebrated it as a major victory.

They also engaged in armed conflict with elements of the Israeli military, and were initially successful, having gained operational surprise.

Multiple thousands of explosive rockets have been launched from Gaza, the West Bank, Syria, and Lebanon against Israel. Some must surely have been smuggled in through Egypt, in spite of the laws to the contrary, with the active complicity of elements of that country’s armed forces. Representatives of Hamas, Hezbollah, and the IRGC have explicitly and publicly stated that Iran has sent these weapons. Further, Hamas, Hezbollah, and the IRGC have announced that this attack was ordered from Iran, organized by that nation, and commanded by their Quds Force soldiers of the IRGC.

Late in the day of 09 October, the last of the active militants within Israeli territory were captured or killed. The death toll among invaders is, as of this writing, about 2000; civilian casualties in Israel are nearing 1000 dead, several hundred taken hostage, and many times that wounded.

Before The Attack

Israel had left Gaza in stages from 2005-8. A month ago, the main Israeli presence beyond the border was water, food, and power distribution (for free).

The Rafah crossing into Egypt always has been at least nominally open. Egypt controls it on the one side, and Hamas on the other. Israel does not have anything to do with it, nor has done for 17 years. Thus, Gaza may be said to be a prison, but if so it must be also acknowledged that it has an open gate.

Weapons, including the thousands of rockets fired during the recent attacks, have been supplied through the southern gate counter to both treaty and Egyptian law. It’s possible for food, water, and power to arrive via this access point, but nobody seems interested in making that happen.

Hamas took power in Gaza nearly two decades ago; the Palestinian National Authority continues to control the West Bank. As has been alluded to, Hamas is directed from Iran, supplied and funded by them, and is led by Iranian commanders. In specific, these people belong to the IRGC, and don’t take orders from the civilian government of Iran any more than they do in Gaza. Their stated objective is, and has always been, the destruction of Israel as a state.

In late August, Iran sent weapons and a directive to use them. Mossad knew about this, but not the time and place of the attack. Western intelligence knew slightly less.

The Israeli Response

Israel has declared war.

Massive bombardments and airstrikes have begun, largely against known military targets inside Gaza.

Rocket barrages continue to launch from Gaza; each is subjected to counterfire. Hamas regularly launches from the roofs of schools, hospitals, mosques, and museums in order to invite the subsequent destruction of those locations by Israel, which usually obliges.

The Israeli Defense Force has assembled, calling up 300,000 reservists. Two-thirds have assembled in the north of Israel, near the Syrian and Lebanese borders. The remainder are present in the south near the Gaza Strip. The Israeli crossings with Gaza, both formal and informal, have been sealed, and power and water supplies have been cut off. The Rafah crossing into Egypt is open, making this less a siege so much as it is a tube of toothpaste designed to force civilians out by the southern gate.

We’re informed (Col. Hecht, IDF’s press guy, early morning 10 October) that Hamas had shut that gate down earlier, but he doesn’t know if it’s open. Different factions of Hamas have been known to get into firefights over the question, in particular about ten months ago (January 2023) when several of their people shot each other. Early on 09 October, an airstrike hit a garrison/armory not far away, and the best guess is that a different faction now holds the crossing.

Bottom line: IDF wants civilians to leave via the Egypt gate. Hamas may stop them.

In the north: A very few militants attempted to infiltrate from Lebanon. They were engaged and captured or killed, but they killed some Israeli soldiers. Some limited rocket and mortar fire was released from across the Lebanese border, and it was suppressed with overwhelming force.

No major activity is taking place in the West Bank or across the Syrian border, and the border with Jordan is peaceful.

Prediction (unsubstantiated): The Gaza Strip is about to be leveled from north to south.

A few days of increasing pressure will take place as civilians are encouraged to leave into Egypt. Soon after, military force will be applied in the north of Gaza, where the expensive residences and resorts have already been destroyed. This will be an attempt to draw armed resistance, which will be systematically eliminated. Gaza will gradually be leveled or pacified. A further ultimatum will be issued to any remaining noncombatants, after which the southern border will be sealed and the remaining territory destroyed. The American carrier group will be on station to assist with beachside civilian evacuation.

At any point during this, surrender by Hamas will be accepted. Alternately, armed opposition may come from any of three neighboring nations.

UPDATE: 10 October 1230 PM local time

• Hamas fires rocket attack at Beersheba.
• Red Crescent reports Rafah crossing is at least partially open

2PM

• Vehicles north of the Rafah gate were destroyed. The gate stands open. The official message from Israel to Egypt stated that aid moving in by vehicle would be attacked.
• More missile attacks fired from Gaza. Drones shot down in the north, origin uncertain.

330pm

• Massive rocket strike north from Gaza toward airport
• Announced Hamas rocket strike into Ashkelon
• Rocket barrage from Lebanon

4pm

• Artillery into Lebanon
• Airstrike into Lebanon

6pm

• Cleanup and house-to-house continues
• USA mobilizes Delta / SOCOM in Europe
• President Biden warns neighboring countries: “Don’t.”

Midnight

• First ammunition and supply shipment from USA arrives

4am 11 Oct

• Huge wave of airstrikes against Gaza city proper
• Northern Israel has quieted down
• Egypt is unofficially refusing any mass exodus via the Rafah Gate
• Hamas has closed the gate to all but a few
• Earlier Israeli bombing has been confirmed to be two airstrikes against cargo vehicles moving north from Rafah Gate, one carrying munitions (secondary detonations). Gate remains intact and functional.

10am

• Hezbollah fires multiple ATGMs from sites in Lebanon against Israeli military. The response is swift and devastating. Civilian casualties likely in Lebanon.
• Islamic University of Gaza has been destroyed by Israeli airstrikes. One of the TNFN information feeds has gone silent.

1pm

• Massive rocket bombardments continue from Hamas south of Gaza. Civilian casualties, as Iron Dome ammunition is being reserved.
• Airstrikes target rocket launch locations. The destruction is… otherworldly.
• NOTE: Propaganda is spreading.
  – Israel hasn’t deployed white phosphorus incendiary rounds.
  – Qatar isn’t shutting off oil exports until this ends.
  – Friday has not been designated as a global terror attack day, but rather a regional protest day.
  – The West Bank is fairly quiet, but some Palestinian civilians have been shot by overzealous Israeli settlers.

12 Oct

• Lull in the north interrupted by sporadic rocket attacks
• Bombardment of Gaza strip continues, including areas near the southern border.
• Israel declares Hamas “no longer capable of governing”.
• Hamas calls for “International Day of Jihad” on Friday 13 October.
• Egypt refuses to open Rafah gate for civilian escape.
• Syria reports airstrikes on Damascus and Aleppo airports. Transport plane from Iran has turned around in midair.
• Pro-Palestine protests across the US and Canada remained mostly peaceful. France tear-gassed and dispersed protesters, fearing violence.
• Just before midnight, Israel sends 24-hour notice to UN and civilians still in Gaza: Go south while you can.

13 Oct

• Hamas leaders have declared a worldwide “Day of Jihad”, calling on allies in neighboring countries to rally to the cause and strike Israel. US intelligence predicts limited token attacks across the northern borders.
• In Jordan, border forces have deployed tear gas to keep their own citizens from crossing the border. Most appear to be unarmed.
• Massive protests have erupted on the streets of Jordan.
• Three more TNFN feeds have gone silent. These are all either freelance journalists or civilians speaking from their homes. Our prayers are with them and their families.

14 Oct

• The civilian evacuation of Gaza is proceeding.
• Airstrikes and (likely) Hamas-placed detonations are delaying the withdrawal.
• Some 35,000 civilians are sheltering in and near local hospitals, many of which are evacuating.
• Late in the day, Hamas roadblocks are placed in Gaza preventing civilian vehicle evacuation.
• Tel Aviv under rocket attack.
• Massive airstrikes proceed in Gaza City.

15 Oct

• Limited rocket strikes are coming from Syria. Syria reports potential attack at Aleppo airport.
• Fire from Lebanon has begun impacting civilian populations. IDC is counterfiring.
• The border territory with Lebanon has been placed under lockdown, with civilians advised to go to shelters.
• Approximately half a million Palestinians are reported to have fled Gaza City.
• Official Israeli military liaisons have announced a delay in the upcoming invasion due to weather. As to whether or not this can be trusted, however…
• Hamas is apparently discouraging civilian evacuation. One source: https://twitter.com/krassenstein/status/1713519394230272352
• Hamas press release: “We appreciate Russian President Vladimir Putin’s position regarding the ongoing Zionist aggression against our people and his rejection of the Gaza siege.”
• Massive rocket bombardment of Tel Aviv forces visiting US Senators to take shelter. It’s unlikely that this is a coincidence.

16 Oct

• Multiple sources are now reporting that the United States has agreed to assist Israel against Hezbollah in Lebanon if needed, forestalling an Israeli preemptive strike over the border.
• Hamas appears to be running low on rockets in the Gaza Strip. Long lull.
• Investigations in the West Bank have resulted in the arrest of multiple Hamas militants. Arms recoveries extensive.
• Hezbollah strikes border cameras, surveillance at Lebanese frontier.
• Terror attack in Brussels.
• Rafah gate has been bombed. Could be Israel; could be Hamas.

17 Oct

• Attacks from Lebanon continue, as do counterstrikes.
• IDF continues to target Hamas officials, infrastructure, and C&C in Gaza.
• Relief convoy stopped by Egypt near Rafah gate.
• US support troops prepared for deployment.
• During a Hamas rocket barrage, Baptist Hospital in Gaza was hit by munitions. Multiple casualties. Could have been much worse, but very much not good.

18 Oct

• Rocket strikes from Gaza and limited attacks from Lebanon continue, as does counterfire.
• Hospital attack determined to be from Hamas munitions, likely accidental.
• President Biden meets with Israeli government, pledges support.
• American pressure (presumably) gets Israel to guarantee passage for limited humanitarian aid from Egypt.
• US pledges massive humanitarian support package for Palestine.
• Unconfirmed attacks on US bases in Iraq.

19 Oct

• Iran-backed militias in Iraq confirmed to have attacked US bases there..
• Egyptian humanitarian aid enters Rafah Gate.
• Fire from Lebanon answered by counterfire.
• Targeted strikes in Gaza Strip continue to kill Hamas leadership.
• Armored vehicles begin to arrive from US to replace Israeli losses.
• Armed and active shooters in West Bank killed by drone strike.
• Rep. Rashida Tlaib, Al Jazeera both confirmed to have deliberately spread disinformation about IDF.

20 Oct

• Limited conflict along Lebanese border escalates slightly. Some weapons confirmed to be Iranian.
• Iran issues another warning to US and Israel.
• Targeted strikes in Gaza continue.
• Missile launches confirmed from Yemen (which is three countries away).
• Minor projectile fire from Syria.
• Israel announces welfare of Hamas hostages “secondary”.
• 45th American cargo plane arrives in Israel carrying armaments. Airlift continues.

21 Oct

• Low-end deliberate targeting of Israeli civilians in an escalation from Lebanon.
• Likely attack from Iranian-funded Iraqi militias against US base.

22 Oct

• Israel raids into Lebanon, eliminating what they term a terrorist cell, but which anyone else would likely call a gun crew on the way to launch more missiles. Either way, they were hostiles, and now are not.
• Rocket strikes from Gaza continue; Israeli strikes continue.
• Strikes from/into Lebanon lessen but continue.
• Israeli airstrike against mosque in Jenin, in the West Bank. Target: underground shelter containing militants. UPDATE: Size of explosion indicates multiple secondary blasts from munitions on-site.

23 Oct

• Hezbollah unofficially claims rocket launches into Israel from Lebanon.
• Israel issues unprompted statement of political unity.
• Humanitarian aid shipments into Gaza Strip continue. NO FUEL is allowed, since Hamas tends to convert it into munitions.
• Telegram App has blocked Hamas networking channels.

24 Oct

• Iranian-backed militia in Iraq claims drone strike against American base in Syria.
• Rocket fire from Syria intercepted over Israel.
• Hezbollah guided missile teams killed in Lebanon.
• US CENTCOM reports injuries from drone strikes at US bases in Syria, Iraq last week.
• US Border Patrol has been alerted to likely attempted infiltration via the southern border.

25 Oct

• IDF announces rocket fire from Syria was met with airstrikes on positions over the border, including Syrian military
• Missile and rocket strikes from Hezbollah in Lebanon have been met with IDF counterfire.
• Heavy Hamas rocket bombardment today from Gaza against civilian targets.
• Another TNFN feed within Gaza has fallen silent.
• Hamas divers intercepted and killed coming ashore in Israel.

26 Oct

• IDF announces overnight “targeted raid” in northern Gaza, which involved heavy equipment, military vehicles, and infantry. Video shows the destruction of hardened defense positions. IDF forces have withdrawn.
• Massive airstrikes against central Gaza reported.
• US airstrikes against IRGC forces in Syria and Iraq in response to their attacks on American bases.
• Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida issued a statement on social media that was instantly blocked.
• Russia hosts senior Hamas officials for planning session.

27 Oct

• Airstrike escalation in Gaza.
• Israel claims Hamas HQ under hospital; hospital staff responds “It isn’t!”
• Another substantial rocket barrage from Gaza against Israeli cities.
• Gaza comms blackout has begun. Rumors the invasion has started.
• Rocket fire from southern Lebanon lands in Syria. (Did NOT expect THAT today.)

28 Oct

• IDF confirms ground forces operation in Gaza. Zero IDF casualties reported.
• Report from Gaza: Hamas blocking distribution of humanitarian aid.
• Rocket strikes from Gaza against civilian targets in Israel continue.
• Shifa Hospital, largest in Gaza, confirmed as Hamas command center. IDF reports awareness of this for weeks.

29 Oct

• Iranian militia in Iraq launches rocket strike against Conoco (USA) oilfied in Syria.
• IDF raid into Jenin, West Bank. IED, small explosions.
• IDF airstrike against Syrian military border defense installation following hostile fire.
• Small infantry engagement along Lebanese border.

30 Oct

• Airstrikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon broaden in scope; include logistics centers.
• Hamas tunnels to Egypt located and confirmed. They are reportedly still open and being used for resupply.
• Iranian militias in Iraq continue to attack US bases.
• IDF casualties in Gaza on the rise.

31 Oct

• Iran’s Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian publicly met with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Doha, Qatar.
• Houthis in Yemen have claimed to have launched ballistic missiles and drones against Israel. IDF reports intercept but as yet no damage.
• Hezbollah fires mortars at civilian areas in northern Israel. Mortars targeted but may not have been destroyed.
• Rocket strikes continue from southern Gaza Strip. Operations continue in north. Objective appears to be to surround Gaza City.
• Myriad propaganda stories debunked. One from IDF, all the rest anti-Israel. Several appear to have originated with noted propagandist and Twitter shock jock Hinkle.

01 Nov

• Civilian casualties reported in both Jordan and Egypt from Houthi weapons fire based in Yemen.
• More Jenin airstrikes (West Bank) confirmed. Three civilian injuries, multiple deaths. IDF video confirms 3 armed militants targeted in one strike.
• Senior Hamas official announces intent to repeat 07 October raid.
• More Hinkle propaganda debunked. Hinkle invited to discuss Gaza on Tucker Carlson.
• Hezbollah attacks from Lebanon continue; Israel warns that they are prepared to invade if necessary. Lebanese civilian casulaties announced.
• Bolivia, Peru cut diplomatic ties with Israel. Jordan recalls ambassador.
• West Bank Israeli settlers clash with Israeli police. Police authorized to use lethal force.

02 Nov

• IDF confirms Gaza City has been surrounded. Operations continue against city. No civilian evacuation corridor has been established.
• Multiple Hamas tunnels detonated.
• Rocket launches continue from Gaza and southern Strip. Some civilian casualties reported in Israel.
• Massive Hezbollah Lebanon escalation against Israel via indiscriminate rocket attacks against civilian targets. IDF retaliates proportionately.
• Israel declares end of Gaza support funds, announces deportation of all Gaza guest workers presently still in Israel.

03 Nov

• Lebanese leader prepares to give speech.
• Hezbollah (Lebanon) attacks continue; new Iranian missile use confirmed. Civilian casualties confirmed in Israeli suburb.
• Ambulance convoy struck by airstrike. IDF indicates it was transporting Hamas leadership. Note that there is no possibility of confirmation or contradiction by any reputable source, but both public speeches and intelligence services confirm that Hamas has done so in the past..
• IDF invasion of northern Gaza City continues.

04 Nov

• Further bombardment by Hezbollah from Lebanon. Israeli counterstrikes intensify. Secondary explosions suggest an ammunition store was hit.
• IDF armored corridor separating Gaza City from the south has expanded overnight. Hamas tunnel complexes located and partially destroyed.
• Israel confirms: No peace until the war ends.
• IDF announces humanitarian evacuation corridor from Gaza City.
• Hamas fires mortars at evacuation corridor and evacuees. IDF destroys one mortar.

05 Nov

• DFLP issues threats from Jenin, West Bank.
• Israel calls on Gaza residents to resist Hamas.
• More rocket fire from Gaza on central Israel. Unconfirmed reports of intercept failure.
• Humanitarian corridor reopened; dozens flee heading south.

06 Nov

• IDF announces 450 airstrikes in Gaza in 24 hours, capture of Hamas tunnel complex stronghold.
• “Times of Israel” quote: “Hamas claims responsibility for the rocket barrage that missed”
• Evacuations allowed once again to continue via Rafah Gate. Highly restricted exit only. Massive aid convoy allowed to go north.
• Humanitarian evacuation corridor from Gaza opened again.
• Attack from West Bank stopped by ground forces.
• Attacks from Lebanon countered by massed artillery barrage plus multiple airstrikes against C&C and logistics hubs. Escalations continued on both sides, but for now… an uneasy silence.

07 Nov

• Hamas logistics depot near Al Quds hospital targeted. Video of resulting explosion shows massive secondary detonations, indicating explosives storage. Hamas is definitely sheltering in, around, and under hospitals, and this one, in northern Gaza City, is at the edge of the Israeli invasion force.
• Thousands of Gaza City residents evacuate via the humanitarian corridor.

08 Nov

• No rockets fired from Gaza today.
• Hundreds of airstrikes in Gaza Strip today.
• IDF strikes targets in Syria.
• US airstrike against IRGC weapons storage in Syria.
• Attacks from Lebanon. IDF counterstrikes.
• Mossad foils Hezbollah attack in Brazil.

09 Nov

• Rocket fire from Gaza against Israeli cities. Still inaccurate.
• Overnight raid in Jenin, West Bank, engages Hamas militants and removes massive numbers of IEDs, largely without damage to IDF.
• West Jabalia has been reduced. This is the town north of Gaza City. East Jabalia is virtually cut off.
• Heavy clashes in Gaza.

10 Nov

• Israeli tanks documented near al-Rantisi Hospital in northern Gaza.
• IDF reports successful operation aimed at eliminating Hamas command of Nasser-Radwan Battallion, the Hamas unit which had been preventing evacuation of civilians from the Rantisi Hospital. Commander had been sheltering in a nearby school, which also hosted an exit from a massive underground tunnel complex.
• Independent journalists confirm: Hamas command is headquartered in Al Shifa Hospital basement.
• Aircraft from Lebanon shot down over northern Israel.

11 Nov

• Jordan delivers medical aid to Gaza by air.
• Gaza City isolated, removed from Hamas command and communication.
• Attacks from Lebanon have increased. Counterstrikes.
• One Israeli counterstrike in Syria.

12 Nov

• IDF reaches al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City, delivers fuel for generators.
• US DoD announces airstrikes against Iranian infrastructure targets in Syria.
• Hamas command in Gaza City has been virtually destroyed aside from hospital enclaves, per IDF.

13 Nov

• Hamas forbids al-Shifa hospital from accepting Israeli fuel. Verified telephone call.
• Hamas anti-tank weapon fired from steps of al-Quds hospital (evacuated). Militant killed.
• Rockets launched into Israel from southern Gaza Strip.
• Israel announces plans in motion to permit civilian return to Gaza City.

14 Nov

• IDF penetrates to city center along coast.
• Rockets from Gaza Strip strike in Tel Aviv, injuring one civilian.
• Al Jazeera reports American infantry on the ground in Gaza. UNSUBSTANTIATED.
• al-Shifa Hospital ground attack begins.

15 Nov

• Multiple launches in barrage from Lebanon. Massive immediate counterfire.
• al-Shifa hospital largely in IDF hands. No reported gunfire inside. 5+ killed on grounds, all armed, all filmed. (Pending confirmation.)
• Parliament building destroyed by massive explosion after casual social media film of Hamas militants inside appears via satphone. Neighborhood, formerly heavily urban commercial/government, appears to have been leveled.
• Rocket launches continue against cities from southern Gaza Strip.
• Embedded US reporter comments on operations in Gaza.

16 Nov

• Lion’s Den attack at Jerusalem checkpoint into West Bank, claimed by Hamas.
• IDF Commando Brigade enters Gaza City proper.
• al-Shifa hospital secured. Strong IDF presence. Very few civilians or patients are being evacuated. Supplies and equipment arriving from Israel/USA.
• Dead hostage found in al-Shifa hospital complex.

17 Nov

• Lebanese border heating up. IDF artillery counterfires; air force performs precision strikes.
• Israeli airstrikes in Damascus.
• Jenin operation ongoing.
• Second dead hostage found in al-Shifa hospital complex.

18 Nov

• Airstrikes against other West Bank areas.
• IDF is operating near Indonesian Hospital in Gaza, presumed long evacuated.
• Possible truce announced for hostage exchange.

19 Nov

• Houthis from Yemen hijack cargo ship in Red Sea.
• Houthis threaten to expand the war against Israel.
• Iranian militias in Iraq continue to attack American bases with missile, rocket, and drone fire.
• Hamas tunnels beneath al-Shifa hospital complex filmed and independently verified. Earlier Hamas footage shows construction of similar tunnels using identical techniques.
• Conflict continues in Gaza and along border with Lebanon.

20 Nov

• Gaza rocket barrage launched against Tel Aviv.
• IDF counterstrikes.
• Jordan and UAE to set up neutral field hospitals in Gaza Strip.

21 Nov

• Attacks from Lebanon again.
• Massive airstrikes against Gaza Strip.
• Hamas morale reportedly low due to command casualties.
• US SOCOM aircraft engaged and killed Iran-Iraq militia members in the act of launching missiles against a US base.
• Humanitarian pause confirmed by all parties, for prisoner exchange and Gaza City evacuation.

22 Nov

• 12 more casualties confirmed by US forces against Iran-Iraq militias.
• Yeminis continue to fire missiles against southern Israel without effect.
• Israeli airstrikes in Damascus.
• Attacks from Lebanon; counterfire from IDF.
• CENTCOM announces destruction of Yemeni drones by US warship.

23 Nov

• Rocket launches from Gaza, West Bank.
• Iron Dome replacement missiles to be constructed in Alabama.
• Germany purchases Israeli weapons system.
• Hezbollah rocket barrage falls short, lands in Lebanon.

24 Nov

• Conflict continues along all fronts through the night. Cease fire scheduled to begin soon.
• Cease fire begins.
• Houthis continue threats on shipping.
• Some activity on border with Lebanon.
• First hostages exchanged for prisoners held by Israel.
• Aid shipments into Gaza begin.

25 Nov

• Second hostage exchange. Peace continues.
• Houthi drone from Yemen shot down.
• Airstrike reported in Jenin. No details.

26 Nov

• Israeli airstrike against Damascus airport. Secondaries.
• Third hostage exchange.
• Hamas indicates desire for ceasefire extension.
• Various terror organizations are asking for donations via cryptocurrency.
• Confirmed: Houthis fire missiles at US Navy ship.

27 Nov

• Hamas condemns Human Rights Watch for reporting Hamas rocket impact on Gaza hospital.
• The fourth batch of Hamas hostages has been released, totaling 50 women and children, plus one Russian national. Israel has freed 150 Palestinians in total.
• Hamas announces 20 more hostages to be freed, makes statement that they hold 90 more. By this, 80 hostages are evidently unaccounted for. However, other organizations have stated they too have hostages.
• Qatar indicates their support for a longer ceasefire.

28 Nov – 30 Nov

• Hostages continue to be exchanged for time.
• Small exchanges of fire occur but are ignored.
• Terror attack at Jerusalem gate; three civilians killed and multiple wounded.
• Hamas claims responsibility.

01 Dec

• Hostage release default.
• Rocket launch by Hamas.
• Cease fire ends as Israeli military begins operations shortly after sunrise.

Daily log is now ending.

Notable events:

• 02 Dec: Israel announces targets throughout northern and southern Gaza, with few safe zones.
• 05 Dec: IDF announces highest level of engagement in the conflict thus far.
• 07 Dec: Mass surrender of Gaza City residents, all male, who are stripped and disarmed.
• 11 Dec: Amnesty International again conflates smoke round use with firebombing. WaPo echoes claim. There is potential that a smoke round was mis-fused at Lebanon border, but no certainty.

Participating pro-Hamas organizations:

• Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades
• Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine
• Islamic Jihad, Al Quds Brigades
• PFLP
• Palestinian Mujahideen
• Hezbollah, Lebanon
• Hezbollah, Syria
• Lion’s Den, West Bank
• Popular Resistance Committees
• Yemeni Houthis

International Reaction

Many countries have called for peace and restraint. The United States and much of NATO has expressly sided with Israel, while Russia expressed limited support for Iran and blamed the US for the Hamas attack. Two American carrier groups are stationed in the eastern Mediterranean.

The International Socialists staged multiple pro-Palestine rallies in cities across North America and Europe. Demonstrations across Australia both for and against Israel have been common.

Summit meeting was held in Riyadh, as the leaders of neighboring nations met to discuss the Hamas War.

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Caveats

The Not Fake News condemns unequivocally acts of terror regardless of proffered justifications. The Hamas raid of 07-08 October, Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, was not a military operation but instead the intentional slaughter and targeted kidnapping of innocent civilians in a time of peace. We condemn it, Hamas, and their puppet-masters in the IRGC, as should every civilized human being.

This is not to say that Israel has been without fault in their treatment of Palestinians.

There exists no detailed account of every atrocity committed by either side. Even if one did stand ready, open to all and authoritative, so much time has passed and so much blood has been spilled on both sides that casting blame accurately is both impossible and moot. Further, the variety of factions — for not even Israel is a monolithic entity, and Palestine and its neighbors exist in infinite division — makes assigning fault a nearly impossible task except event by event.

That’s a job for courts, for statesmen, for nations. It’s likely far beyond the average reader and certainly not for us at TNFN.