In a shocking revelation, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported over the weekend that they had discovered explosive belts designed for children and toy chests concealing warheads in a kindergarten in Gaza.
The IDF stated that the kindergarten was located in a Hamas-controlled area, in close proximity to schools, a mosque, and a medical facility.
The IDF's sweep of the area revealed a weapons compound brimming with explosives. The compound housed explosive belts specifically modified for children, dozens of mortar shells, hundreds of grenades, and several intelligence documents. The IDF carried out the raid on the compound following a successful operation that resulted in the elimination of seven Hamas terrorists who were present in the building.
In a similar operation, the IDF raided a school in Gaza that was being used as a shelter for Palestinian refugees. Following the evacuation of the refugees, the IDF discovered a large cache of grenades, RPG missiles, explosives, and ammunition for firearms.
These alarming discoveries were made public a day after the IDF announced that they had found another weapons cache in a kindergarten. "IDF troops found toy boxes filled with dozens of mortar shells, warheads and RPG type anti-tank missiles in a kindergarten in Gaza," the Israeli military stated.
The IDF has consistently accused Hamas of using civilian areas in Gaza to hide its members and weapons. The discovery of small explosive belts suggests that the terrorist group was planning to use child soldiers in its war against Israel.
The IDF did not disclose the specific locations of the raids in Gaza. However, it was reported that the Israeli army was advancing across all areas of the Palestinian enclave, with additional forces deployed underground to dismantle the enemy's intricate tunnel system.
On Sunday, gunfire erupted near the Rafah Crossing from Egypt into southern Gaza, causing "absolute chaos" around the area where aid trucks were permitted to pass, according to CNN. The source of the gunfire remains unclear.
The IDF reported that at least 14 Israeli soldiers have been killed in southern Gaza since Friday, marking one of the bloodiest 48-hour periods since the war began on October 7. Four soldiers were killed when their vehicle was hit by anti-tank missiles, and ten others were killed in separate conflicts, as reported by Israeli Army Radio.
Since the ground incursion began in October, a total of 153 IDF soldiers have been killed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has attributed these casualties to the cost of eliminating Hamas. "The war exacts a very heavy price from us but we have no choice but to continue fighting," he told his war cabinet on Sunday. "We are continuing with all the force, until the end, until victory, until we reach all our goals."
In the midst of these developments, negotiators are attempting to secure another temporary ceasefire to facilitate the release of the remaining Israeli hostages in Gaza. Israeli officials confirmed that Egypt, which is leading the talks along with Qatar, has proposed a truce that would halt hostilities for two weeks in exchange for 40 hostages, including women, minors, and elderly men, as reported by the Times of Israel.
Israel has specified that those dealing with illness should be prioritized in the exchange. In return, Israel would release 120 Palestinians, specifically women and minors, who are currently imprisoned, according to reports from the Saudi-based Asharq channel.
The proposed exchange deal would conclude with Israeli tanks withdrawing from Gaza and the delivery of more humanitarian aid to the nearly 2 million displaced people in the Palestinian enclave.
The second phase of the Egyptian plan would involve the Palestinian Authority meeting with Hamas officials to form a technocratic government focused on reconstructing the Gaza Strip and preparing for parliamentary government and presidential elections.
The final phase of the plan would see a de-escalation of the war, the release of all remaining hostages in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian prisoners affiliated with Hamas and the Islamic Jihad terror groups, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
The Egyptian plan was unveiled following a meeting between officials in Cairo and Hamas's top political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, that began last week. However, it remains uncertain whether Israel will agree to such a ceasefire, as it has repeatedly stated that it does not want the Palestinian Authority, or any foreign power, involved in post-war Gaza.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has consistently stated that regardless of any temporary ceasefire, Israel will not conclude its operations in Gaza until all of Hamas is captured or eradicated.
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