LIVE BLOG: Massacres in Khan Yunis, Rafah | Political Crisis in Israel Deepens – Day 534

March 23, 2025

• Israel carried out more massacres in Gaza, killing at least 30 people, including women and children, in heavy strikes on Khan Yunis and Rafah.
• Meanwhile, the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange opened with sharp declines, reflecting the impact of the country’s deepening political and constitutional crisis.
• Since the resumption of violence in Gaza on Tuesday morning through Saturday, Israel has killed 650 Palestinians and injured 1,172 others, the majority of whom are women and children, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza.

 

Hundreds of Palestinians were killed in Israel's latest attacks on Gaza. (Photo: via QNN)

Sun, Mar 23, 7:07 PM (Palestine Time)
Former Military Officers Petition Supreme Court against Bar’s Dismissal
ISRAELI MEDIA: Israel’s Channel 12 reported that an organization representing 530 former senior military officers submitted a petition to the Supreme Court against the dismissal of Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar.

Sun, Mar 23, 7:07 PM (Palestine Time)
Israel Pressures Dr. Abu Safiya to Confess to Unrelated Charges
AL-JAZEERA:

Dr. Husam Abu Safiya’s lawyer (to Al-Jazeera):

• Abu Safiya was severely beaten multiple times in Israeli prisons.
• Prison authorities are heavily pressuring Abu Safiya to confess to charges unrelated to him.
• Prison authorities are pressuring Abu Safiya to confess that he performed surgeries on Israeli prisoners.
• Abu Safiya sustained multiple injuries due to repeated beatings in Israeli prisons.
• There is a policy by prison authorities to isolate Abu Safiya from his lawyer.

Sun, Mar 23, 7:07 PM (Palestine Time)
Yemeni Missile Halts Air Traffic at Ben Gurion as US Strikes Pound Yemen
PALESTINE CHRONICLE:

• Air activity at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel, was completely halted on Sunday morning after sirens sounded in central Israel, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, due to a missile launched from Yemen.
• The Israeli military claimed the missile was intercepted, marking the fifth missile operation carried out by Yemen targeting Israel this week, according to Israeli media.
• Moreover, on Sunday, Saree confirmed that the US aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman and other US warships in the Red Sea were targeted by Ansarallah forces using missiles and drones.

Sun, Mar 23, 6:03 PM (Palestine Time)
Herzog: Israel Will Not Witness a Civil War
ISRAELI MEDIA:
Israeli President Isaac Herzog:

• Our people are not ready to accept division and riots.
• Israel will not witness a civil war, and there is no opposition to the court’s decision regarding the head of the Shin Bet.
• Netanyahu’s duty is to mend the rift he created through action, not empty words, ensuring full citizenship.

Sun, Mar 23, 6:03 PM (Palestine Time)
Two US Airstrikes on Saada in Yemen
YEMENI MEDIA: US warplanes carried out two airstrikes on the outskirts of Saada city, northern Yemen.

Sun, Mar 23, 6:03 PM (Palestine Time)
Soldiers in Gaza Have Not Received Clear Missions - Israeli Media
ISRAELI MEDIA: Israel’s Channel 14 revealed that Israeli occupation soldiers in Gaza have not been given clear missions regarding the nature of their operations in Gaza.

Sun, Mar 23, 6:03 PM (Palestine Time)
Witkoff Highlights Inherent Contradictions in US Gaza Negotiation Strategy – Analysis
PALESTINE CHRONICLE: US envoy Steve Witkoff’s interview exposes contradictions and limitations in the Trump administration’s Gaza strategy. Read the latest analysis by Robert Inlakesh.

Sun, Mar 23, 4:59 PM (Palestine Time)
Israeli Media Warns of Rising Tensions Spilling Over into the Military
ISRAELI MEDIA: The Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom reported that a battle is currently raging in the Knesset, public squares, and on social media, but its devastating effects will soon reach critical areas, starting with the Israeli military.

Sun, Mar 23, 4:59 PM (Palestine Time)
Israeli Police Arrest Protesters during Clashes in Jerusalem
ISRAELI MEDIA: Clashes in Jerusalem between Israeli police and protesters opposing the dismissal of the government’s legal adviser and the head of the Shin Bet. Police arrested several protesters.

Sun, Mar 23, 4:59 PM (Palestine Time)
Israeli Arrested on Charges of Spying for Iran
ISRAELI MEDIA: For the 17th time, the Shin Bet has arrested an Israeli on charges of spying for Iran and photographing sensitive sites and bases.

Sun, Mar 23, 4:59 PM (Palestine Time)
Tel Aviv University President Threatens to Shut Down the University
ISRAELI MEDIA: The president of Tel Aviv University stated that if the government does not comply with the Supreme Court’s decision regarding the head of the Shin Bet, or dismisses the government’s legal adviser, or any other issue, the university will be shut down.

Sun, Mar 23, 4:59 PM (Palestine Time)
Abu Safiya's Lawyer: Israel Classifies Him as an Unlawful Combatant
AL-JAZEERA :
Dr. Husam Abu Safiya’s lawyer, Ghad Qasim:

• Dr. Husam Abu Safiya is suffering from a new eye injury due to beatings.
• He underwent 5 interrogations during which he was tortured and beaten.
• He spent 25 days in solitary confinement at Ofer Prison and underwent several interrogations, the longest lasting 13 days.
• Dr. Husam Abu Safiya was physically, mentally, and psychologically exhausted at Ofer Prison.
• He was classified as an unlawful combatant but has not yet been formally charged.

Sun, Mar 23, 4:59 PM (Palestine Time)
Israeli Justice Minister Calls on Legal Adviser to Resign
ISRAELI MEDIA: The Israeli Justice Minister called on the legal adviser to resign immediately to allow the appointment of a new legal adviser.

Sun, Mar 23, 4:59 PM (Palestine Time)
Over 78,000 Israeli Military and Security Personnel Injured Since October 7
ISRAELI MEDIA: Israel’s Kan channel, citing the Rehabilitation Department of the Defense Ministry, reported that over 78,000 military and security personnel have been injured since October 7, with 50% suffering from psychological disorders.

Sun, Mar 23, 4:52 PM (Palestine Time)
Hamas’ New Tactic if Israel Decides to Invade Gaza – Analysis
PALESTINE CHRONICLE: In this analysis, translated from Al-Jazeera Arabic, the writer outlines potential tactics Gaza’s resistance may employ if Israel continues its expanded military campaign in the Strip.

Sun, Mar 23, 4:52 PM (Palestine Time)
Scores Killed in Rafah and Khan Yunis as Israeli Forces Advance in Gaza
PALESTINE CHRONICLE: Israeli airstrikes and ground operations in Rafah and Khan Yunis result in dozens of Palestinian casualties as the Israeli occupation intensifies its offensive in Gaza.

Sun, Mar 23, 3:16 PM (Palestine Time)
Israeli Government Approves No-Confidence Motion against Legal Adviser
ISREALI MEDIA: The Israeli government unanimously approved a no-confidence motion against the government’s legal adviser.

Sun, Mar 23, 3:16 PM (Palestine Time)
Israel's Aggression on Jenin Enters Third Month
JENIN REFUGEE CAMP MEDIA COMMITTEE:

• The occupation’s aggression has entered its third month, with Palestinian Authority (PA) agencies coordinating to evacuate homes in Jenin.
• The occupation has issued demolition notices for dozens of homes in Taba al-Ghaz, Al-Jabriyat, Harta al-Hawashin, and Al-Alub.
• The occupation is working on a plan to destroy entire residential areas in the western part of Jenin camp.
• We warn against the danger of PA-affiliated entities cooperating with the occupation to facilitate demolitions and evacuations.
• Over 21,000 displaced people, including 2,000 students deprived of education, remain in shelters.
• The occupation has detained over 230 citizens since the aggression began, with dozens subjected to abuse.

Sun, Mar 23, 3:16 PM (Palestine Time)
Aid Ban is Collective Punishment for Gaza - UNRWA
UNRWA COMMISSIONER-GENERAL STATEMENT:

• Three weeks have passed since Israel prevented humanitarian supplies from entering Gaza.
• Every day without aid means more hungry children and the spread of diseases.
• The aid ban is collective punishment for Gaza, and the siege must be lifted to allow uninterrupted aid entry.

Sun, Mar 23, 1:27 PM (Palestine Time)
Israeli Officials: Ready to Negotiate with Hamas
WASHINGTON POST (citing Israeli officials):

• Awaiting the results of ceasefire talks, with no decision yet on escalating the current phase.
• Ready to negotiate with Hamas through mediators before launching any large-scale invasion.
• Occupying Gaza requires 5 military brigades, exhausting the army, with reserve soldiers skeptical about engaging in an open-ended war.

Sun, Mar 23, 1:27 PM (Palestine Time)
Gaza Death Toll Rises
GAZA HEALTH MINISTRY: The number of victims of the Israeli aggression on Gaza has risen to 50,021 dead and 113,274 injured since October 7, 2023.

Sun, Mar 23, 1:27 PM (Palestine Time)
Occupation Sieges Hundreds of Families West of Rafah
AL-JAZEERA: The Israeli army is besieging hundreds of families amid intense artillery shelling and gunfire in the Tal al-Sultan neighborhood, west of Rafah.

Sun, Mar 23, 11:53 AM (Palestine Time)
Lieberman: Reserve Soldiers Are Torn Apart
ISRAELI MEDIA: Yisrael Beiteinu Party leader Avigdor Lieberman criticized government policies, stating, “Reservists are torn apart, half the country is running to shelters, and the October 7 government is passing a budget that rewards draft dodgers.”

Sun, Mar 23, 11:53 AM (Palestine Time)
Casualties in Drone Strike on Displaced Persons in Rafah
PALESTINIAN MEDIA: The death toll has risen to 35 as occupation forces continue to bomb various areas in southern Gaza.

Sun, Mar 23, 11:53 AM (Palestine Time)
Sharp Declines as Trading Opens in Tel Aviv Stock Exchange
ISRAELI MEDIA: The Israeli newspaper Maariv reported that sharp declines were recorded as trading opened in the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, affected by the constitutional crisis in the country.

Sun, Mar 23, 11:53 AM (Palestine Time)
Occupation Warns Palestinians in Tel al-Sultan to Evacuate Homes
AL-JAZEERA: The Israeli army warned Palestinians in the Tel al-Sultan neighborhood of Rafah to evacuate their homes and tents as violent attacks begin in the area.

Sun, Mar 23, 11:53 AM (Palestine Time)
Government to Begin Dismissing Legal Adviser
ISREALI MEDIA: The Israeli government will begin procedures to dismiss the attorney general during today’s session. Opposition leader Yair Lapid accused Netanyahu of exploiting his position to dismiss the prosecutor in his case.

Sun, Mar 23, 11:53 AM (Palestine Time)
Hamas Calls for Unified Ara, Islamic Stance Against Massacres
HAMAS: The Zionist aggression on Lebanon, Syria, and US aggression on Yemen are extensions of the aggression on Gaza and the West Bank. The ongoing aggression alongside the massacres in Gaza and crimes in the West Bank requires a unified Arab and Islamic stance.

Sun, Mar 23, 11:53 AM (Palestine Time)
Israeli Army: Intercepted Missile Fired from Yemen
ISRAELI MEDIA: Channel 12 reported that air defenses intercepted a missile launched from Yemen before it entered Israeli airspace.

Sun, Mar 23, 11:53 AM (Palestine Time)
Cabinet Approves 'Voluntary Transfer' of Gaza Residents
ISRAELI MEDIA: Israel’s Channel 12 reported that The security cabinet approved Defense Minister Yisrael Katz’s proposal to establish a “voluntary transfer” administration for Gaza residents, allowing them to move to third countries.

Sun, Mar 23, 11:53 AM (Palestine Time)
Israeli Army Targets Ambulance North of Rafah
AL-JAZEERA: The Israeli army targeted a Palestinian Red Crescent ambulance north of Rafah.

Sun, Mar 23, 11:53 AM (Palestine Time)
Killed, Injured in Japanese Neighborhood, Khan Yunis
PALESTINIAN MEDIA: Several Palestinians were killed and injured in an Israeli airstrike on a house in the Japanese neighborhood, west of Khan Yunis.

Sun, Mar 23, 11:53 AM (Palestine Time)
Israeli Drone Targets Vehicle in Aita al-Shaab, South Lebanon
LEBANESE MEDIA: An Israeli drone targeted a vehicle in Aita al-Shaab, southern Lebanon. This follows the launch of five rockets from Lebanon toward Israeli territory, with three intercepted and two falling into Lebanese territory.

Sun, Mar 23, 11:53 AM (Palestine Time)
Injuries in Airstrike on House in Al-Nasr Neighborhood, North Rafah
PALESTINIAN MEDIA: Several Palestinians were injured in an Israeli airstrike on a house in the Al-Nasr neighborhood, north of Rafah.

Sun, Mar 23, 12:03 PM (Palestine Time)
Aggression on Yemen Continues: US Warplanes Strike Several Locations
PALESTINE CHRONICLE:

• The United States has intensified its military assault on Yemen by striking several locations in the country overnight including three airstrikes on the Hodeidah International Airport.
• US warplanes also targeted the Al-Manzar area, south of the coastal city of Hodeidah in western Yemen, while five airstrikes targeted the Manzar directorate in northeastern Yemen, according to the Al Mayadeen news agency.

Sun, Mar 23, 11:53 AM (Palestine Time)
US Aggression Targets Saada Governorate
YEMENI MEDIA: US airstrikes targeted the Sahar and Kitaf districts in Saada Governorate, northern Yemen.

Sun, Mar 23, 11:53 AM (Palestine Time)
US National Security Adviser: Transferring Gazans Abroad Is Practical
FOX NEWS: US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz stated that transferring Palestinians out of Gaza is a practical idea, calling it madness to spend billions on reconstruction only to see terrorists attack again.

Sun, Mar 23, 11:53 AM (Palestine Time)
Death Toll from Israeli Bombing on Rafah and Khan Yunis Rises to 30
MEDICAL SOURCES (to Al-Jazeera): The death toll from the Israeli bombing on Rafah and Khan Younis has risen to 30, including women and children. Since resuming the genocide in Gaza, Israel has killed over 650 Palestinians and injured 1,172, mostly women and children.

Sun, Mar 23, 11:53 AM (Palestine Time)
Israeli Airstrike Targets House Northwest of Khan Yunis
AL-JAZEERA: An Israeli airstrike targeted a house northwest of Khan Yunis.

Sun, Mar 23, 12:02 PM (Palestine Time)
Israeli Airstrikes Kill Hamas Leader Salah al-Bardawil, Scores of Others in Gaza
PALESTINE CHRONICLE: Hamas leader Salah al-Bardawil and his wife were killed in an Israeli airstrike, part of a broader attack that has claimed the lives of at least 32 Palestinians.