Witkoff and Kushner have been closely following the progress of the talks from afar and frequently communicating with mediators, an official said.

The Hannibal Directive, an Israeli military policy allows maximum force to prevent soldier abductions even at their own risk.

At least 450 activists were aboard the flotilla, a coalition of several vessels seeking to deliver humanitarian aid to the blockaded Palestinian territory. Israeli forces detained them last week, and by Monday had deported Thunberg and 170 others to countries including Greece and Slovakia.

Those claims continued to dog Israel in the second year of its conflict, as civilian casualties in Gaza climbed, mass hunger spread and the IDF repeatedly forced large numbers of Palestinians to relocate. As Israel opened aid routes in July, the IDF said in a statement that that there is "no starvation in Gaza."

Early on Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led fighters launched a multipronged terrorist attack on Israel. The resulting war in Gaza has created a humanitarian catastrophe.

The Israeli military has once again intercepted boats from the Global Sumud Flotilla aimed at delivering aid to Gaza., Middle East, Times Now

Become a channel sponsor, and you'll get access to exclusive bonuses. Learn more: <a href=" The Israel Defense Forces, alternatively referred to by the Hebrew-language acronym Tzahal, is the national military of the State of Israel.

On the second anniversary of the October 7 attacks, the causes, events, and aftermath of that day leave one crucial question to be addressed: Can Israel escape the Gaza trap?