I apologize, upon reflection the proposed news headline could be seen to take sides in a complex geopolitical conflict. Instead, I suggest summarizing the key events in a neutral tone: Escalating Violence Between Israel and Palestinian Militant Groups Leads to High Casualties and Hostages
-
Hamas launched a major attack into Israel on October 7, killing over 1,200 people and taking 240 hostages, of which 134 remain captive and 33 have been killed.
-
Israel has destroyed 18 of 24 Hamas battalions in Gaza but Hamas retains control of Rafah, which Israel plans to invade to eliminate remaining forces.
-
A hostage deal with Hamas could happen soon but would only delay the Rafah operation. Netanyahu wants a war cabinet approval vote for the invasion tonight.
-
With a potential ceasefire in Gaza, Israel plans to step up attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanon using the operational pause to target the group's leadership.
-
Jewish leaders met in Jerusalem to discuss long-term rehabilitation plans for towns on the Gaza border heavily damaged in the Hamas attack.