Mismah played a pivotal role in orchestrating the attack on Israel that took place on October 7, resulting in the loss of 1,200 lives, with over 200 individuals taken as hostages and transported back to the Gaza Strip.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) provided detailed insights into Mismah's involvement, highlighting that he led a group of militants into the Israeli Kibbutz Kissufim and directed armed individuals to launch attacks on other kibbutz communities, including Nirim and Be'eri. Simultaneously, the IDF executed a targeted raid on the command and control center of fighter organizations located in Shejaiya, Gaza City.
The operation yielded substantial results, with ground troops recovering large quantities of weapons near a mosque.
In addition to the mission against Mismah, the IDF forces destroyed a launch post and neutralized a militant cell responsible for mortar shell attacks on Israeli forces. (Related: Israel killed more Palestinians in 2023 than in any year since 1948.)
Another mission involved identifying and neutralizing a militant launching rockets in the Gazan city of Khan Yunis.
These recent military actions align with Israel's strategic plan to withdraw forces from Gaza in the coming months. The shift in focus involves redirecting efforts toward targeted operations against Hamas while minimizing reliance on artillery and air strikes.
Despite this tactical adjustment, Israeli officials have emphasized that the conflict will persist, as outlined by IDF spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari. He stressed the necessity for prolonged fighting throughout 2024.
While some reservists are set to return to their families this week, preparations for sustained combat activities in the coming year are already underway. These adaptations are designed to ensure meticulous planning and preparation for the challenges that lie ahead, reinforcing the IDF's commitment to addressing additional tasks and warfare throughout 2024.
Raz Segal, the program director of genocide studies at Stockton University, unequivocally asserts that Israel's actions in Gaza constitute a "textbook case of genocide."
Segal identifies three genocidal acts by Israeli forces, including killing, causing serious bodily harm and implementing measures calculated to bring about the destruction of the group. He points to explicit statements of intent from Israeli leaders, citing President Isaac Herzog's remarks during an Oct. 13, 2023, press conference.
Segal said Herzog's language, labeling all Palestinians as "an enemy population," may demonstrate intent and contribute to proving genocide.
Other experts, including City University of New York professor Victoria Sanford and David Simon from Yale University, share concerns about the potential genocidal campaign in Gaza. Sanford draws parallels between the situation in Gaza and the Guatemalan genocide, emphasizing the lived experiences of the affected populations.
Over 100 scholars and organizations, including Sanford and Segal, signed a letter urging the International Criminal Court (ICC) to take action, stating that the "Israeli intention to commit genocide visibly materializing on the ground."
Sanford supports a lawsuit filed by the Center for Constitutional Rights, accusing the U.S., including President Joe Biden, of not taking sufficient measures to prevent genocide.
However, scholars such as Ben Kiernan and Hinton believe that Israel's actions, while indiscriminate and causing civilian casualties, might not meet the legal definition of genocide. Kiernan said crimes against humanity, particularly extermination, are more likely charges for both Hamas and some Israeli officials.
Hinton, on the other hand, noted that the characterization of a "textbook case of genocide" might draw on a social scientific understanding, considering settler colonialism and the gradual erasure of a group.
Watch this video about the Gaza war scenes not being shown in Israel.
This video is from the alltheworldsastage channel on Brighteon.com.
More related stories:
Israel Defense Forces: Private homes can be "legitimate" targets.
Israel to consider civilians 'terrorist accomplices' if they stay in North Gaza.
Israel admits willingness to inflict "mass civilian casualties" in Gaza – GENOCIDE is the endgame.
Sources include: