Israeli Prime Minister says no potential agreement close.

On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that his country has wiped out 18 out of the 24 military battalions of Hamas and has also killed or injured over half of the group’s fighters. He emphasized that anything short of complete victory would mean thousands of Israelis along the Gaza border would be unable to return to their homes. Netanyahu warned that failure to achieve total victory would lead to further militant attacks and potential celebration from Iran, Hezbollah, and others. According to Israel’s estimate, Hamas had approximately 40,000 fighters at the beginning of the conflict. Netanyahu expressed his commitment to achieving total victory, stressing that the war would not cease until this goal is accomplished. While acknowledging ongoing ceasefire discussions, Netanyahu made it clear that an agreement is not imminent. He voiced Israel’s desire for a deal similar to the one that secured the release of over 100 hostages in November, with the condition that a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza will not be included. He also indicated that Israel will not agree to the demands set by Hamas. Developments:∎ American adult film actress Whitney Wright, known for supporting Palestinians online, traveled to Iran, where she recorded videos in various parts of Tehran. It should be noted that pornography is illegal in Iran and is punishable by death.∎ A drone strike targeted a military base housing American troops in eastern Syria, resulting in the death of six Kurdish fighters who are allied with the U.S. This incident occurred two days after the U.S. conducted airstrikes against Iran-backed militias in Iraq and Syria. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of such militants, claimed responsibility for the attack. No U.S. personnel were reported as casualties.∎ Iranian leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei called upon Islamic world leaders to sever all economic ties with Israel, citing the serious nature of the Gaza situation and the potential role that influential figures in the Islamic world can play.Houthi rebels vow retaliation:Israel also carried out a raid on the location where Hamas had been training. Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, holds discussions with Saudi Crown Prince over Gaza conflict and regional tensions
On Monday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh, marking the first stop on his Middle East tour aimed at brokering a deal to end the bloodshed in Gaza and secure the return of hostages to Israel. Blinken is also scheduled to visit Egypt, Qatar, Israel, and the West Bank before concluding his trip on Thursday.Blinken stressed the importance of addressing humanitarian needs in Gaza and preventing the further escalation of the conflict while discussing with the crown prince the significance of promoting a more interconnected and prosperous region and reducing tensions in the Middle East, as per the State Department’s statement. His office also underscored the U.S.’s commitment to taking necessary measures to safeguard its personnel and ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, where Iran-backed Houthi rebels have been disrupting commercial shipping. This visit marks Blinken’s fifth trip to the region since October 7, when Hamas-led militants conducted a deadly incursion into southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 individuals, mostly civilians. Over 240 people were subsequently taken hostage as the militants retreated to Gaza. Israel’s military response has led to the deaths of more than 27,000 Palestinians and widespread destruction in the enclave, which is home to 2.3 million people. Iraq not informed before airstrikes on its territory, says State Department official
On Monday, the U.S. State Department announced that Iraq was not given prior notification of the airstrikes that targeted Iraqi and Syrian territories on Friday, striking 85 locations associated with Iran-backed militias. This statement contradicted earlier information from the White House. Deputy State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel told reporters that Iraq was informed immediately after the series of strikes in response to the drone attack on a U.S. base in Jordan on January 28, which resulted in the deaths of three American soldiers and around 40 injuries. Patel emphasized that Iraq, along with all other countries in the region, understood the need for a response following the deaths of U.S. soldiers. However, no pre-notification was provided specifically regarding the strikes carried out on Friday. John Kirby, the White House national security spokesman, had previously stated that Iraq was notified before the strikes, which resulted in dozens of casualties. The Iraqi government formally protested the attacks, reporting that they led to the deaths of at least 16 of its citizens and the injury of 25 others, including civilians. Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder acknowledged that it is likely there were casualties resulting from these strikes; however, there is no indication that any Iranians were among those killed. Ryder also dismissed the idea of the U.S. planning an extensive “full-scale war” against Iranian proxies. Hamas forces regaining presence in northern Gaza
There are increasing indications of Hamas re-establishing its presence in northern Gaza following the partial withdrawal of Israeli troops from the area, as reported by the Associated Press. Local residents have observed the return of Hamas-led security forces, which previously numbered in the tens of thousands prior to the conflict, in certain areas where they are engaged in disbursing civil salaries and cracking down on looters. Although the authenticity of a video showing masked gunmen leading a group of detainees in front of damaged buildings in northern Gaza has not been verified, it appears to depict this enforcement activity. The Israeli military has been targeting the south of the enclave in its operations for several weeks and is also conducting focused operations in the north to prevent the re-emergence of Hamas forces.Contributing: The Associated Press

Author: OpenAI