Today, around 16:00 GMT+2, the Israeli Military has assassinated a Hamas Military official, the leader of the Hamas Armed Forces divisions, to that matter, in a swift, tactical move. A plane has launched a missile at the person's car, killing both him and his driver. No civillian casualties.
In response to such, the Hamas Military has declared that "The Occupation [Meaning Israel] has opened the gates of Hell for itself."
That was the start of Operation Pillar of Cloud.
The purpose of the operation, which we now know has been planned for several days in response for over 500 missiles falling over the southern Israeli area over the last Saturday night alone, and additional missiles falling each day, is to eliminate by surprise several Hamas Military high-ranking officers, as well as to take out the long-range missiles [Ranges of over 40km].
The purpose of me sharing this information, as a soldier of the military known globally as "IDF", is to prevent the spread of rumours, as I have been informed that several foreign news broadcasting companies have been releasing false information, as well as to re-assure that the Israelis that play here on CotH are currently out of harms way, so there is nothing to worry about.
Guidelines to proper behaviour during this internationally-important event:
*Do not talk about it, unless it involves you directly. Do not spread information unless it comes officially from a citizen or military personnel of one of the two nations involved. It is very important. Loose lips sink ships, people, and if this thing gets known as bigger than it actually is, it might lead to a greater scale war.
*Do not be afraid to ask questions. Especially regarding casualties. I am aware that on this server there are people who feel more fond of one side of the struggle than they are of the other, and so, it is important that regardless of your opinion, you stay informed of the truth, even if it is only dry facts.
*Do not believe everything you hear on the local news. So far I have been informed that the Russian news are filled with misinformation, it may be true to US and EU news aswell.
*If you are good friends with people from the regional nations [Israel, Gaza, Egypt], be sure to stay in touch, to avoid panic and concern. I had people flood me, personally, with questions when there were local riots here in Israel, so I will not be surprised if the same occurs regarding this.
*If you are part of a local military that has an affiliation to either side of the conflict, be sure to ask your commanding officer regarding information that is disclassified.
Facts as of current:
*Schools and non-critical businesses [meaning anything that ain't police, medical, military, etc] in settlements within the 40km radius of the Gaza area are closed until further notice.
*These settlements are currently shelled approximately once every ten or so minutes.
*The shelling is ineffective due to an advanced anti-missile defense system.
*Current forces involved are the IDF Air Force only, and the Hamas military.
*Despite what the news might say, mobilization of Reserve troops, or Enlisted infantry, is not yet in motion, nor is it planned as of now.
*Current civillian casualties on both sides combined stand on 2, 1 on each side, both cause of sharpnel. It is not the intention of the IDF military to harm civillians. The Hamas military may aim to do so, according to their agenda, however, it is firmly believed by me that they aim to startle the IDF to cease the offensive.
*The Egyptian leadership has withdrawn it's ambassador from Israel. It is a move that has happened before, it is purely diplomatic and does not mean the involvement of the Egyptian military in the conflict. The Egyptian leadership is requesting that the IDF will cease the offensive. So far, the requests have been ignored and declined.
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