Headline: IDF Strikes Syrian Army in Response to Attacks on Golan Heights
Date: October 25, 2023 – 1:22 AM
In the 19th day of the ongoing war, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched an attack on military infrastructures of the Syrian army in the early morning on Wednesday. This response came after rocket launches into the Golan Heights. Meanwhile, two individuals suspected of involvement in terrorist activities were arrested in Jenin.
During the exchange of fire with IDF forces, more than 10 terrorists from the terrorist organization’s naval commando force were killed. In a separate incident, 5 people were slightly injured in a barrage of rockets launched from the Gaza strip towards the center of Israel.
During a press conference, Yochaved Lifshitz, an 80-year-old woman who was held hostage in the Gaza Strip, shared her harrowing experience. Lifshitz described how she was kidnapped on a motorcycle and subjected to physical abuse. She was taken through a muddy tunnel miles long before being released.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres made controversial statements regarding the war in Gaza and the terrorist attack carried out by Hamas against Israeli citizens. Guterres claimed that these events “did not happen in a vacuum.” His words provoked anger in Israel, with Minister Benny Gantz criticizing the Secretary-General’s remarks. Foreign Minister Eli Cohen canceled a scheduled meeting with Guterres and criticized his understanding of the situation.
In a related development, the IDF reported an exchange of fire in Jenin where two wanted individuals were arrested. Drones were used to neutralize armed terrorists, and there were no casualties among IDF forces.
In response to the rocket attacks on the Golan Heights, the Israeli Air Force targeted military infrastructure and positions used for launching rocket launchers in Syria.
Inside the Gaza Strip, alarms were triggered, causing tension and anxiety among the population.
Palestinian reports indicated that eight trucks carrying humanitarian aid, including water, food, and medicine, entered the strip.
The Pentagon confirmed that US military forces were attacked 13 times in Iraq and Syria over the course of the last week. The attacks, suspected to be carried out by pro-Iranian militias, have prompted increased security measures for American forces throughout the Middle East.
Due to the ongoing war, credit rating company S&P lowered Israel’s credit rating forecast from “stable” to “negative.” The company cited the significant deterioration in geopolitical and security risks following the surprise attack by Hamas on October 7. While the conflict is currently focused on the Gaza Strip, there are concerns it could expand to other areas.
The number of Israelis killed and fallen since the beginning of the war has reached an estimated count of at least 1,400. This number includes both civilian and IDF casualties. The bodies are still being collected and identified. The IDF confirmed that 222 Israelis have been abducted in Gaza, with their families informed.
As the conflict continues, the international community closely watches the situation, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing violence.