Operation Iron Swords (Updated to 1 p.m., February 18, 2024)

The southern arena: The IDF forces increased their hold on the Khan Yunis area while significantly damaging Hamas’ Khan Yunis Brigade. They focused on Nasser Hospital, where according to intelligence, there was Hamas military activity and Israeli hostages had been held. As far as was possible, the IDF activity allowed the hospital to continue functioning normally. Palestinians condemned the IDF activity ignoring the fact that Hamas was conducting military activity in the hospital. Hamas members commented on Israeli Minister Benny Gantz’s statement that the fighting would continue during the month of Ramadan and be extended to Rafah, and claimed his threats would not deter them.

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