The following are the latest developments pertaining to the Israel – Hamas war as of Thursday (22 August):
• Through the day on Wednesday (21 August) rocket sirens were reported in Upper Galilee, Rosh Hanikra, Zarit and Ramot Naftali in northern Israel, and Golan Heights. In the evening, about 10 rockets were fired at Ramot Naftali in the latest volley. One of the rockets was intercepted and the rest exploded in open areas. There are no casualties.
• With the direction of Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and ISA intelligence, the Israeli Air Force on Wednesday (21 August) afternoon conducted a precise strike on Hamas terrorists who were operating inside a command and control center. The center was located inside a compound that previously served as the Salah al-Din School in Gaza City. Hamas operatives reportedly used the compound as a hideout and a base to plan and execute attacks against IDF troops and the State of Israel.
• A drone from Lebanon exploded on Wednesday (21 August) afternoon in the Amiad area, without warning. There were no casualties.
• The IDF on Wednesday (21 August) warned residents of Khan Younis to evacuate to the safety of humanitarian areas ahead of an Israeli strike. Reports indicate that the humanitarian zone has been reduced in Gaza by 38 percent, with evacuation orders issued on 22 July, 27 July, 16 August and 21 August.
• The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) received a report on Wednesday (21 August) of an incident 77 nautical miles west of Yemen’s Hodeidah.
• All banks in the Gaza Strip have suspended operations, according to The Association of Banks in Palestine as of Wednesday (21 August).
• White House in readout of phone call between Biden and Netanyahu on Wednesday (21 August), stated that they discussed active and ongoing US efforts to support Israel’s defense against all threats from Iran, including its proxy terrorist groups.
• In the US, on Wednesday (21 August), at least 55 protesters were arrested following violent clashes with police in Chicago outside the Israeli Consulate, about two miles (3.2 kilometers) from the United Center where Democrats were meeting, on the second night of the Democratic National Convention.
