Gaza, news of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas

Herzog, I respect Trump but please, formal procedures are needed

“Israeli President Herzog has great respect for President Trump and continues to express his deep appreciation for his unwavering support for Israel, for his extraordinary contribution to the return of the hostages, for redefining the situation in the Middle East, especially in Gaza, and for guaranteeing the security of the State of Israel.” However, “anyone seeking a presidential pardon must submit a formal request in accordance with established procedures,” according to a note from Herzog’s office, following Donald Trump’s letter requesting a pardon for Prime Minister Netanyahu.

Trump writes to Herzog, ‘give Netanyahu pardon’

Israeli President Isaac Herzog this morning received a letter from Donald Trump inviting him to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and defining his trial as “political and unjustified”. Channel 12 reported this by publishing the letter. Trump had made the same request to Herzog during his visit to Israel a month ago, within the framework of a ceasefire agreement with Hamas.

BBC, The IDF has destroyed more than 1,500 buildings in Gaza since the start of the ceasefire

According to satellite imagery analyzed by BBC Verify, Israel has destroyed more than 1,500 buildings in the Gaza area still under its control since the start of a ceasefire with Hamas on October 10. New photos, the most recent taken on November 8, show that entire IDF-held neighborhoods inside the Yellow Line were destroyed in less than a month, apparently through demolition. Many buildings, the BBC added, did not appear to have suffered any damage before being demolished, for example in the eastern part of Khan Younis, near Abasan al-Kabira. The actual number of buildings destroyed could be much higher as satellite imagery in some areas was not available for assessment, BBC Verify said. Some experts argue that the demolition could violate the terms of the ceasefire negotiated by the United States, Egypt, Qatar and Turkey. But an IDF spokesman told British television that the army was acting “in accordance with the ceasefire framework”.

IDF, 100 settlers involved in Tulkarem riots

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that 100 settlers took part in yesterday’s riots near Tulkarem, and stressed that this was a large and unusual number. This was reported by the Ynet news site, following violent riots in the Tulkarem area, in the northwest of the West Bank, where tensions remain high. The settlers involved attacked Palestinians, injuring four of them, as well as destroying their property and setting fire to vehicles. However, the IDF only detained three of them for questioning. The rest of the settlers fled to the “Brown” industrial area near Kedumim, where they began attacking the IDF soldiers who had come to arrest them. Initially, soldiers reported to the police that there were six people detained, but when officers arrived at the scene to round them up, they found that there were only four people and that two rioters had managed to escape by taking advantage of the riot. Last night, Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned extremist settler violence in the West Bank. “The serious incidents that occurred in Samaria by a violent and dangerous minority group are shocking and serious,” he wrote

Media, Israeli attack on Beit Lahia in the north of the Gaza Strip

The Israeli army reportedly carried out three attacks in the area northeast of the city of Beit Lahia, in the yellow line area in the northern part of the Gaza Strip. Al Jazeera reported it, citing one of its correspondents on the spot.

Israeli journalist: “Katz will not shut down army radio”

Israeli Defense Minister “Israel Katz will not close radio stations in the State of Israel. This organization will oppose this crazy decision until it is reversed. IDF Radio will not be closed.” This is how the Israeli journalists’ association responded to Katz’s announcement that it wanted to close army radio because it was “not created to express opinions.” Israeli Army Radio is “damaging the war effort and morale” and will therefore be shut down, Defense Minister Israel Katz announced, ordering the broadcast to cease by March 1, 2026. According to the Times of Israel, before submitting the proposal to the government for approval, Katz will create a team within the Defense Ministry to oversee the closure of the station, assist civilian employees with fair severance agreements and preserve its civilian sister station Galgalatz, which focuses on music.

Israel reopens Zikim crossing for aid to Gaza

Starting today, the Zikim crossing between Israel and northern Gaza will reopen for the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. This was announced by Cogat, the Israeli Defense Ministry agency in charge of civil affairs in the Palestinian territories. The aid will be delivered by the UN and international organizations after thorough security checks by the Defense Ministry’s Land Crossing Authority, the statement added.