Continued Clashes in Gaza; Israeli Army Reports Discovery and Destruction of Hamas Tunnels Under 'Blue Beach' Hotel in Northern Gaza

On the 91st day of the war between Israel and Hamas, which began following a terrorist attack by this group supported by the Islamic Republic that resulted in the massacre of 1,200 people in southern Israel, the Israeli army continues its operations aimed at destroying this Islamist group. In this context, the Israeli army reported the discovery and destruction of tunnels used by Hamas under the 'Blue Beach' hotel in the northern Gaza Strip. One of the tunnels used by Hamas has been captured by the Israeli army. On Friday, December 15, 2023, according to the Jerusalem Post, a combat team from Brigade 14, operating under Division 162, discovered seven shafts leading to Hamas tunnels, which contained Hamas bunkers and various weapons and surveillance devices. After extensive examination of the shafts, Israeli soldiers destroyed all of this Hamas infrastructure. According to the Jerusalem Post, Hamas used this hotel as a shelter and also conducted its tactics and operations from above and below ground against Israel. During the Israeli army's operation, Hamas forces opened fire from inside the hotel against Israeli soldiers, which was met with a response from Israeli forces, resulting in the deaths of several Hamas members. Israel has repeatedly published evidence regarding Hamas's use of civilian infrastructure to achieve its military objectives and has called on this group, supported by the Islamic Republic, to cease this practice. Despite all evidence, Hamas denies using infrastructure and civilian locations. Medical aid from France and Jordan to civilians in Gaza. On Thursday night, the air forces of France and Jordan dropped seven tons of urgent humanitarian and medical aid from the sky into Gaza. Reuters reported, citing a French official, that this aid was sent to a field hospital in Khan Younis, the second-largest city in Gaza. Jordan had previously sent its aid to the residents of Gaza through this method. France, which had previously sent 1,000 tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza, is now sending aid by air for the first time. Rocket sirens in northern Israel. Sirens related to rocket attacks sounded twice on Friday evening in northern Israel near the border with Lebanon. Israel's national emergency service, known as the 'Red Star of David', announced that it had not received any reports regarding possible casualties from these attacks. Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah in Lebanon, warned on Friday that this group cannot accept the assassination of Saleh al-Arouri, the deputy leader of Hamas. He accused Israel of carrying out this assassination and warned that Hezbollah would respond at the appropriate time and place. Nasrallah stated that if the residents of northern Israel wish to return to their homes, they must demand an end to the war in Gaza. Al-Akhbar, affiliated with Hezbollah, also warned on Friday that this attack would not go unanswered. In this context, the Lebanese government submitted a complaint against Israel to the United Nations Security Council, accusing it of the assassination of al-Arouri, describing the attack as 'the most dangerous escalation of tensions since 2006'. Although this attack has been attributed to Israel, it has not accepted responsibility for it. A spokesperson for the German Foreign Ministry announced on Friday that Germany is monitoring the situation at the Israel-Lebanon border. He stated, 'Unfortunately, the risk of escalation is very real.' This German diplomat added that Annalena Baerbock, the Foreign Minister, is scheduled to travel to Israel on Friday to meet with her Israeli counterpart Israel Katz and also with Israeli President Isaac Rabin. Baerbock is also expected to meet and discuss with officials from the Palestinian Authority. According to the latest statistics provided by health officials in Gaza, which is under Hamas's control, at least 22,600 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed in Israeli attacks, and nearly 60,000 others have been injured. Hamas, as usual, without mentioning its own casualties, reported that the number of Palestinians killed in the past 24 hours was 162 and the number of injured was 296. The Persian section of Voice of America cannot independently verify any of the figures provided by Hamas. Meanwhile, during Hamas's terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 1,200 people were killed, and more than 240 were taken hostage. Israeli officials also reported that the number of Israeli soldiers killed during the ongoing invasion of Gaza aimed at destroying Hamas is at least 170. The United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Japan, Israel, and several other countries have listed Hamas as a terrorist organization. Blinken is discussing increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza and preventing the spread of tensions in the region. Claims by the Houthis: 'We have guaranteed the security of maritime transport; the U.S. is a threat to shipping in international waters.' The High Commissioner for Human Rights: Statements by Israeli ministers regarding 'forced relocation' of Gaza residents are concerning. The Israeli Defense Minister: Operations in Gaza continue with the ongoing 'pursuit of Hamas leaders' in the south. Hundreds arrested in the West Bank; the Israeli army: Our intelligence harms enemies 'from Gaza to Iran.' Diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions in the region; two senior U.S. officials are heading to the Middle East. The U.S. and several other countries have urged their citizens to leave Lebanon. Hezbollah Lebanon reported the death of nine of its members following Israeli army attacks. Biden's envoy is dispatched to the Middle East; the U.S. is working to reduce tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. The International Maritime Organization condemned the Houthis' attacks on ships in the Red Sea. A senior fellow at the American Foreign Policy Council: The proxy war between the Islamic Republic and Israel is heating up. The U.S. rejected South Africa's claim; there is no evidence of 'genocide' in Gaza. An ultimatum from the U.S. and its allies to the Houthis: Stop the attacks or expect 'consequences.' The killing of Saleh al-Arouri; the removal of an important name from Israel's wanted list. The aftershocks of al-Arouri's killing continue; Israel is on alert for a possible conflict with Hezbollah. CENTCOM: The Houthis fired missiles at several commercial ships on Tuesday night. U.S. intelligence assessment; Hamas has used Shifa Hospital as a command center. The continued reluctance of major shipping companies to pass through the Red Sea; a sharp increase in delivery costs.