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Israel’s newly appointed armed forces chief, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir (C), visits the Western Wall in the old city of Jerusalem on March 5, 2025. Menahem KAHANA / AFP / Getty Images]
Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said on Sunday that the Israeli army must be prepared to shift swiftly from defensive operations to a large-scale offensive aimed at occupying territory beyond the so-called “Yellow Line” in the Gaza Strip.
Zamir’s remarks came during a visit to Rafah in southern Gaza, according to a statement issued by the Israeli army. Zamir conducted a situational assessment with senior commanders, including Southern Command chief Yaniv Asor, Gaza Division commander Barak Hiram and the heads of all brigades operating in the Strip.
The army said Zamir toured the Rafah area, where he reviewed operational developments across all fronts and stressed the need to maintain defensive readiness, eliminate threats and remain prepared for “a rapid transition to offensive operations”.
Zamir stated that the Israeli army currently “controls more than 50% of the Gaza Strip, without controlling its population”, adding that the Yellow Line functions as a “line of encirclement and control”. He said military efforts continue to prevent Hamas from regrouping, including maintaining control over border crossings and areas under Israeli oversight.
“In parallel with the current operational course, and if necessary, we must be prepared to move quickly to a large-scale offensive to occupy areas in the Gaza Strip on the other side of the Yellow Line,” Zamir said.
The chief of staff added that Israeli forces are continuing efforts to clear areas along the Yellow Line and eliminate remaining resistance pockets, while the Southern Command works to destroy “terrorist infrastructure”, including underground tunnels.
Zamir reiterated that Israel is committed to ensuring that “Hamas rule will not remain on the other side of the border”, saying the army’s objective is to dismantle Hamas and disarm the Gaza Strip “whether through agreements or military action”.
He also noted that the military has continued its investigation into the failures of the 7 October attack, saying he established an expert committee upon taking office to ensure “a profound process of learning and understanding”.
“We are not afraid of the consequences,” Zamir said. “All of this is for the sake of advancing the army and improving its future performance.”
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Keir Starmer objects to criticism of the IDF. He asks how could anyone object to them starving people to death, forced marches like the Nazis did, bombing Gaza’s hospitals and universities, mass-murdering journalists, healthworkers and starving people queuing for food, killing and raping prisoners and murdering children. He calls for people to stop obstructing his genocide for Israel.Vote Labour for Genocide.Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a press conference in Jerusalem on December 9, 2024. [Photo by MAYA ALLERUZZO/POOL/AFP via Getty Images]
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated on Sunday that his government remains firmly opposed to the establishment of a Palestinian state, issuing the clarification amid intense criticism from far-right parties in his ruling coalition. The backlash followed a US-backed statement at the United Nations referencing a potential path towards Palestinian statehood.
The dispute erupted after the United States and several Muslim-majority countries endorsed a UN resolution supporting former US President Donald Trump’s plan to end the genocide in Gaza. The resolution includes language implying the possibility of an independent Palestinian state, provided that the Palestinian Authority undergoes significant reforms.
The clause triggered outrage among Israel’s far-right leadership, who had already voiced opposition to the Trump-brokered ceasefire in Gaza.
The political fallout now threatens the stability of Netanyahu’s coalition. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich—both influential far-right figures—demanded that Netanyahu explicitly reject any reference to Palestinian statehood. Ben-Gvir warned he would withdraw his party from the government if Netanyahu failed to issue a clear, unequivocal statement.
“Our opposition to a Palestinian state in any territory remains unchanged. Gaza will be demilitarised, and Hamas will be disarmed, one way or another. I don’t need assurances, tweets or lectures from anyone,” Netanyahu responded defiantly.
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Keir Starmer objects to criticism of the IDF. He asks how could anyone object to them starving people to death, forced marches like the Nazis did, bombing Gaza’s hospitals and universities, mass-murdering journalists, healthworkers and starving people queuing for food, killing and raping prisoners and murdering children. He calls for people to stop obstructing his genocide for Israel.Vote Labour for Genocide.Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.
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Palestinians wait in line to receive aids at the school where UNRWA distributes food parcels in Deir al-Balah, Gaza on November 07, 2024. [Ashraf Amra – Anadolu Agency]
The United States, on Tuesday, said Israel is not currently impeding humanitarian aid for the Gaza Strip and, therefore, is not violating US law, avoiding restrictions on US military aid.
Israel has said it met most of the 16 specific demands put forward by Washington but was still discussing some items. International aid groups, however, said that Israel failed to meet any of them completely.
In a 13 October letter, the US gave 30 days to comply.
Below are the requirements and responses by Israel’s COGAT military agency, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and a report by a coalition of eight aid groups.
Enable a minimum of 350 trucks per day to enter Gaza through all four major Crossings and open a new fifth Crossing.
Israel: Israel allowed a daily average of 76 trucks over the past 30 days. Israel said it was planning to reopen a fifth Crossing, Kissufim.
United Nations: An average of some 50 truckloads a day entered Gaza over the past month.
From 1 October to 10 November, three Crossings were open and no new Crossings opened. Kissufim appeared to have opened on 12 November.
Aid groups: Over 25 days, an average of 42 trucks per day entered Gaza. Three Crossings regularly had trucks entering; a fourth averaged zero trucks a day and a fifth did not open.
Institute adequate humanitarian pauses across Gaza as necessary to enable humanitarian activities for at least the next four months.
Israel: “Subject to operational considerations, attempts are made to implement, on an almost daily basis, tactical pauses along certain routes, allowing for safer movement and facilitating that aid convoys reach their destinations without interference, as well as daily humanitarian pauses in various areas.”
United Nations: No response.
Aid groups: Israel has not complied. In October, only 11 per cent of goods that reached warehouses were distributed.
Allow people in Al-Mawasi and the humanitarian zone to move inland before winter.
Israel: A spokesperson said people from those areas were allowed to move inland but he did not know how many had.
United Nations: “We cannot quantify this,” said OCHA.
Aid groups: Partial compliance as only a limited number of people were allowed to move inland in the 30-day period.
Enhance security for fixed humanitarian sites and movements.
Israel: Security is in place but was not enhanced during the past month.
United Nations: “Humanitarian convoys still face serious security incidents upon picking up humanitarian supplies from Karm Abu Salem. Humanitarian facilities have come under fire.”
Aid groups: “Israel not only failed to take demonstrable actions to improve security for the humanitarian response, but also worsened security risks for humanitarians. Israeli forces repeatedly attacked humanitarian sites and frontline responders during the 30-day period.”
Rescind evacuation orders when there is no operational need.
Israel: Evacuation of civilians from combat areas was for their protection and the Israeli military “is committed to international law and operates accordingly”.
United Nations: As of 25 August, nearly 90 per cent of Gaza was under evacuation orders. About 79 per cent of Gaza remains under evacuation orders as of 11 November.
Aid groups: Israel’s evacuation orders are not compatible with international law. During the 30 days, one evacuation order was rescinded. Six new evacuation orders were implemented in October and early November.
Facilitate rapid implementation of the UN World Food Program winter and logistics plan to repair roads, install warehousing and expand platforms and staging areas.
Israel: It has “absolutely” met this requirement, the spokesperson said. A winter humanitarian assessment was done and was now being executed, including bringing in shelter equipment and repairing roads.
United Nations: No response
Aid groups: Israel has failed to do this and denied WFP requests for movement to repair roads, new warehousing and expanded staging areas. Israel rejected requests to transport blankets, heating supplies and clothes.
Ensure Israeli Coordination and Liaison officers can communicate with humanitarian convoys at checkpoints
Israel: COGAT sits with representatives from international organisations in a joint task force room and they are in constant contact with the trucks on the ground.
United Nations: CLA officers can communicate with humanitarian convoys at checkpoints, “however, UN convoys rarely come across CLA officers at checkpoints”.
Aid groups: CLA officers do not communicate with humanitarian convoys at checkpoints.
Assign division-level liaison officers from Southern Command to the Joint Coordination Board.
Israel: This has not happened.
United Nations: No response.
Aid groups: No officers have been assigned as required.
Remove restrictions on the use of container and closed trucks and increase the number of vetted drivers to 400.
Israel: Israel does not allow closed trucks to cross into Gaza because they are a security threat, the spokesperson said. “It will be used to smuggle weapons. Last week they found a sack of bullets in an aid truck, for example.”
The spokesperson said that there are around 75 drivers with security clearance and talks are under way about increasing that number.
United Nations: No response.
Aid groups: Israel did not comply with either requirement.
Remove an agreed list of essential items from the dual-use restricted list.
Israel: “We are making efforts to do this,” said the COGAT spokesperson.
United Nations: No response.
Aid groups: Most of the list remains highly restricted and the list is administered inconsistently.
Provide expedited clearance processing at the Port of Ashdod for Gaza-bound humanitarian assistance.
Israel: “Israel has implemented targeted measures to significantly enhance the volume and efficiency of aid entering through the Ashdod Port, primarily from Cyprus,” Israel said. This involved improved logistics and coordination.
United Nations: No response.
Aid groups: Israel has failed to consistently expedite clearance processing at the port.
Waive customs requirements on the Jordan corridor until the UN can implement its own process.
Israel: Israel streamlined the customs treatment for the UN to allow for standardised processing of humanitarian shipments.
United Nations: Aid deliveries are classed as donations and no customs or import charges are paid to Israel. As agreed, a UN mechanism under UN Security Council resolution 2720 facilitates Israeli customs clearance processes.
Aid groups: A problematic customs clearance requirement introduced by Israel in the summer was waived during the 30 days. But burdensome processes remain for humanitarian organisations.
Allow aid via a Jordanian corridor to enter Gaza through the northern Crossings, and others as agreed.
Israel: The COGAT spokesperson said that, every week, 30-50 trucks enter through the western Erez Crossing.
United Nations: Jordan corridor trucks have been offloading their goods at Zikim (Erez West) to access northern Gaza.
It said that since 10 October, 374 truckloads have been sent to Gaza through the Jordan corridor.
Aid groups: The corridor is “ostensibly functional but nowhere near capacity”. They gave Israel a rating of partial compliance.
Reinstate a minimum of 50-100 commercial trucks per day.
Israel: The COGAT spokesperson said no commercial goods are allowed to enter Gaza because Hamas controls the merchants.
United Nations: Israel has not let commercial goods into Gaza since 2 October.
Aid groups: No commercial trucks have entered since 30 September.
Reaffirm there will be no Israeli government policy of forced evacuation of civilians from northern to southern Gaza.
Israel: Israel’s military operates in northern Gaza to target Hamas infrastructure. To minimise harm to civilians, it warns the population and removes non-involved people from combat zones. Humanitarian aid will continue for northern Gaza and the Jabalia area.
United Nations: There were forced evacuations.
Aid groups: Israel has ordered civilians to leave including patients from hospitals. Over the prior four weeks, some 100,000 people were displaced from North Gaza.
Ensure humanitarian organisations have continuous access to northern Gaza from Israel and from southern Gaza.
Israel: “Yes, we allow it,” said the COGAT spokesperson.
United Nations: OCHA said humanitarians do not have continuous access to northern Gaza.
This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Keir Starmer objects to criticism of the IDF. He asks how could anyone object to them starving people to death, forced marches like the Nazis did, bombing Gaza’s hospitals and universities, mass-murdering journalists, healthworkers and starving people queuing for food, killing and raping prisoners and murdering children. He calls for people to stop obstructing his genocide for Israel.Vote Labour for Genocide.Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.
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A view of the site as Israeli forces take measures in front of the Ofer Prison in West Bank, in Jerusalem on January 19, 2025. [Mostafa Alkharouf – Anadolu Agency]
At least 98 Palestinians have died in Israeli prisons since the start of Gaza war in October 2023, an Israeli human rights group said Monday, Anadolu reports.
The findings were published in a report issued by Physicians for Human Rights–Israel, which said the report is based on official responses, medical documents, autopsy reports, testimonies from medical staff and released detainees, and other human rights sources.
The organization said Israel has concealed the causes of death among Palestinian detainees in its prisons and continues to hide the true number of victims, warning that the real figure is likely much higher.
It accused Israel of carrying out a policy of systematic killing, ill-treatment, and medical neglect against Palestinian prisoners.
“The unprecedented toll, together with extensive findings and evidence of deaths caused by torture and medical neglect, points to a deliberate Israeli policy of killing Palestinians in custody,” said Oneg Ben Dror, a project coordinator in the organization’s Prisoners and Detainees Department.
The rights group said 98 Palestinians lost their lives in Israeli custody, including 94 documented deaths between October 2023, and August 2025. It added that four other fatalities were recorded during October and November of this year alone.
The report includes only deaths that occurred inside Israeli prisons and detention centers and does not include seven additional documented cases of Palestinians executed by gunfire shortly after their arrest.
The rights group said that the fatalities included 52 detainees from Gaza.
There was no comment from the Israel Prison Service nor the army on the report.
The Israeli group said the report revealed a repeated pattern of severe violence by prison guards alongside serious medical neglect of Palestinian detainees.
It said that an examination of ten autopsy reports showed signs of physical violence in nearly half the cases, including head injuries, internal bleeding, and rib fractures.
Other medical reports documented cases of extreme malnutrition, denial of insulin for diabetic patients, failure to treat cancer, and the presence of life-threatening infections.
The organization noted that these findings correspond with extensive documentation over the past two years of hunger, dehydration, and prolonged exposure to extreme cold and heat in Israeli detention centers.
The report dedicated significant space to describing the methods used by Israeli authorities for “concealing the causes of death and obstructing families from uncovering the truth about the circumstances in which their relatives died.”
The Israeli army launched a brutal offensive on Gaza in October 2023, killing more than 69,000 people, mostly women and children, injuring over 170,000 others, and arresting thousands. The assault came to a halt under a ceasefire agreement that took effect on Oct. 10.
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Keir Starmer objects to criticism of the IDF. He asks how could anyone object to them starving people to death, forced marches like the Nazis did, bombing Gaza’s hospitals and universities, mass-murdering journalists, healthworkers and starving people queuing for food, killing and raping prisoners and murdering children. He calls for people to stop obstructing his genocide for Israel.Vote Labour for Genocide.Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.
People react following the first results of the referendum vote in Quito, Ecuador on November 16, 2025. (Photo by Rodrigo Buendia/AFP via Getty Images)
“It is, to date, the Noboa government’s biggest electoral defeat.”
Ecuador’s voters on Sunday delivered a major blow to right-wing President Daniel Noboa by decisively rejecting the proposed return of foreign military bases to the South American country’s soil—including installations run by the United States.
Around two-thirds of voters opposed the measure with most ballots tallied, a result that was widely seen as a surprise. Voters also rejected a separate effort to rewrite the country’s progressive 2008 constitution, which enshrined strong labor and environmental rights.
The stinging defeat for Noboa, an ally of US President Donald Trump, comes as the United States carries out an aggressive military buildup and deadly airstrike campaign in the Caribbean and the eastern Pacific—and weighs a direct attack on Venezuela. The BBCreported that the Trump administration “had hoped the referendum would pave the way to opening a military base in Ecuador, 16 years after it was made to close a site on its Pacific coast.”
“The former US military base on Ecuador’s Pacific coast was closed after left-wing President Rafael Correa decided not to renew its lease and pushed for the constitutional ban,” the outlet noted.
Correa celebrated Sunday’s results in a social media post, expressing hope that the vote would mark “the beginning of a definitive constitutional stability for the country.”
“Our constitution is one of the best in the world; we just need to comply with it,” he wrote.
The American people are grateful to the people of Ecuador for blocking the attempt by @SecRubio@SecWar to install US military bases in Ecuador!
Unlike DC elites, working class Americans want to bring our troops home, not send more abroad.
The vote followed a recent trip to Ecuador by US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, a prominent figure in the Trump administration’s lawless assault in immigrants in the United States. The Trump administration and Noboa’s government have ramped up cooperation efforts in recent months, and both governments have unleashed military forces on their own citizens, illegally repressed protests, and carried out enforced disappearances and other grave human rights violations.
During her visit to Ecuador earlier this month, Noem toured the site of what Noboa’s office described as a potential US military base in the port city of Manta.
The Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR) said in a statement late Sunday that “by inviting direct US military involvement and permanent presence in military bases—framed as a partnership to combat drug trafficking and organized crime—Noboa has tied the country’s safety and sovereignty to Washington’s regional ambitions.”
“Today’s ‘no’ vote therefore underscores widespread public unease with that approach and reflects the Ecuadorian people’s skepticism toward the government’s heavy reliance on the Trump administration’s support,” CEPR continued. “More generally, this vote raises questions about the effects and popularity of the last few years of security rapprochement and cooperation between Ecuador and the United States, which include, among other agreements, a Statute of Forces Agreement signed in 2023 that enables the presence of—and grants immunity to—US forces in Ecuador.”
“It is, to date, the Noboa government’s biggest electoral defeat,” the group added.
