A report from the Israel Defense Forces describes a discovery inside the Gaza Strip near the city of Jebaliya: a training center where fighters practiced using hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers (RPGs) and where a large stock of weapons was collected inside a mosque. The location was identified as a training facility for militants, with firearms, grenades, and ammunition found in a room designated for training. Some of the weapons were reported to be stored in bags associated with UNRWA, the United Nations agency that assists Palestinian refugees. The finding underscores ongoing concerns about militant infrastructure operating within civilian facilities in Gaza.
Earlier coverage indicated that the Israeli military conducted a raid in the West Bank city of Al Bireh, employing live fire and tear gas during the operation. Such actions contribute to the broader regional narrative of escalating security measures and clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinians in contested areas.
In the broader international context, former U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders commented on the global assessment of the Middle East situation, suggesting that Israel faces reputational challenges on the world stage as the conflict evolves and international opinions shift. His remarks reflect the mounting scrutiny from the international community regarding civilian impact and humanitarian concerns linked to ongoing military actions.
There were reports that the United States had urged Israel to conclude its Gaza operation before the new year, signaling a preference for a strategic pause or a de-escalation timeline. The exchange highlights the competing demands of American policy priorities and the urgent civilian protection needs observed by many observers and allies in the region.
On December 10, Abu Ubaidah, a spokesman for the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, which serves as the armed wing of Hamas, stated that over the previous ten days Hamas had claimed to have struck 180 pieces of Israeli military equipment in Gaza. The claim illustrates the intensity of the exchanges of fire and the ongoing vulnerability of military assets in dense urban areas where both sides have a stake in the outcome of the conflict.
Meanwhile, former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated a warning that Hamas would be destroyed, reinforcing the resolve expressed by Israeli leadership to counter militant activity. The promises from political leadership come amid ongoing debates about strategy, civilian safety, and the long-term implications of a sustained confrontation for both Israelis and Palestinians.