DAY 24 OF THE GAZA WAR:Hostage Rescued, Ground Troops Advance, More Aid Enters Gaza

Tel Aviv Diary, October 31, 2023

The top news today was the IDF announcement that it, together with security services, have rescued one of the 239 hostages kidnapped by Hamas.  The freed hostage is a young woman soldier, Pvt. Ori Megidish, who was one of the IDF border observers seized by Hamas at the very beginning of their heinous incursion. For obvious reasons, the army is keeping most of the details of the rescue secret. However, it was reported that the operation took place last night. Moreover, Defense Minister Galant stated that the fact Israeli troops are now deep in Gaza has provided the army with opportunities for its Special Forces to take actions to free more hostages.

While Pvt. Megidish is only one of 239 hostages in Hamas captivity, her return home is the first sliver of good news Israelis have received in three weeks — and it feels good. We all know that there will be difficult days ahead, but at least for a few hours there has been a little happiness pulsing through the country. After hundreds and hundreds of funerals, tonight in Kiryat Gat, home to Ori Megidosh, a city-wide celebration is taking place. It should be noted, tonight the army stated that Ori’s excellent memory will be very useful to help locate other hostages.

Before this good news was released, Israel was consumed by a tape of three woman hostages released by Hamas. The recording, part of Hamas’ psychological warfare is aimed at unnerving the Israeli public, and forcing the government to make concessions it would not otherwise consider. On the tape, the women who spoke blames the Israeli government for not orchestrating their release. While the video is widely available on the internet, the Israeli TV stations did not broadcast the tape — both at the request of the families of the hostages and out of the sense that the recording is Hamas-manufactured propaganda

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The released tape was recorded yesterday. It’s believed Hamas made additional tapes, including— no doubt— one with children. As the IDF tightens the noose on Hamas expect more attempts at psychological warfare. The Israeli government hopes that as increasingly greater military pressure is placed on Hamas they will be more willing to make a deal to return our hostages.

Israeli troops in and around Gaza are escalating pressure on Hamas. While details of the military maneuvers are still being kept secret, the army appears to be advancing on two axis.  The first, along the coast and the second, in the middle of Gaza. Israeli tanks have advanced on the main East-West Road. It looks like they have almost reached the sea, thereby dividing Gaza in two.

The IDF is advancing carefully, with overwhelming power. The Air Force has been providing extremely close air support. If troops come under fire from a building, an Air Force support plane or UAV, simply destroys the building. The integration of tanks, infantry, and engineering, and intelligence working together has succeeded in creating a formidable force. With the exception of the first day when three soldiers were wounded, Israel has suffered no casualties in Gaza, to date. So far, the Israeli offensive has gone further and faster than anticipated. Expectations are that Israeli troops will slowly move into the center of Gaza City. Additional Israeli troops have entered Gaza today

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Today was another day of relative quiet from rocket attacks. There were two barrages launched in the direction of Tel Aviv, but none actually reached the city. Earlier in the day, the southern border town of Netivot faced a large barrage, of which a few rockets overcame Iron Dome. While there were no casualties, some property damage was caused.

There were a number of attacks along our Northern border. Rockets were launched at the town of Shlomi, and missiles were fired at IDF positions surrounding Hanita, and other points along the border. There were no casualties on the Israeli side. In response, Israel attacked and killed a number of Hezbollah squads firing the anti-tank missiles before they were able to fire.

The Russians have been involved in trying to negotiate the freedom of the six Russian nationals held by Hamas. Hamas has demanded arms from Russia in return. This seems like a non-starter. Furthermore, In a speech delivered earlier today, Putin stated that the US and its representatives are behind the slaughter of Palestinians. I am so glad we stayed neutral regarding the Ukraine and Russia. Meanwhile, President Zelensky has been outspoken in support for Israel.

The US has been pressuring Israel to increase the number of aid trucks allowed into Gaza.  Today 46 trucks entered. The goal is to reach 100 aid trucks per day. With the IDF close to cutting Gaza in two, Israel will be more willing to allow additional aid in. It should be noted that Hamas has tunnels that no doubt cross under the roads Israel has control of, but in time, Israel has the tools to locate the tunnels and intercept the goods (including weapons) transported through them.

Prime Minister Netanyahu’s tweet and follow-up apology continues to make waves. There are an increasing number of voices questioning whether Netanyahu should continue to lead. What seems like Netanyahu’s endless obsession with trying to protect his political reputation “for the day after,” instead of dealing with the monumental challenges we face right now is not being received well — even among some of his most ardent supporters. In order to remove Netanyahu from office, it would require a vote of no confidence and the presentation of an alternative government. The only realistic path for that to happen is for five members of his own party to support the move to replace him. Given recent history, this is unlikely to happen; however, at this point, all previous bets are off. Anything is possible.