News Digest — 12/15/25
Hamas Rejects Disarmament, Confirms Senior Commander Saad Killed In Israeli Strike
Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya said on Sunday (14th) that the terror group’s arms are “a right guaranteed by international law” and rejected the International Stabilization Force (ISF) envisioned by US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan, which was enshrined in a UN Security Council resolution last month.
In a speech marking the 38th anniversary of Hamas’ establishment, Hayya also confirmed that the Israel Defense Forces killed Raad Saad, a top Hamas commander, on Saturday (13th). Separately, the Hamas-run interior ministry in Gaza accused Israel of orchestrating the killing of an internal security officer in the terror group on Sunday morning (14th).
According to written comments published by Hamas, Hayya called in the speech for the ceasefire to proceed, “and especially complete the first phase that includes the entry of aid” into Gaza.
The first phase, which formed the basis of the current Gaza truce and hostage-release deal, is meant to end when Hamas returns all 48 living and dead hostages who were still in Gaza when the deal was signed on October 9. The remains of one hostage, Israel Police Master Sgt. Ran Gvili is still in Gaza.
The Second Phase of Trump’s plan would see Hamas lay down its arms as the ISF takes responsibility for Gaza’s security, while Israel stages a further withdrawal in the Strip.
But in his speech, Hayya said the ISF should be limited to “maintaining the ceasefire and separating the parties along the Gaza Strip’s border.”
On the other hand he said Hamas – which Trump’s plan forbids from playing any role in Gaza’s governance – is prepared to hand over its authorities and “facilitate the work” of the apolitical technocratic Palestinian commission that would administer the Strip on a civilian level under the plan.
Hamas stands firm in “rejecting all forms of custody” over the Palestinian people, and will not give up its arms absent a Palestinian state, said Hayya.
“We affirm that the resistance and its weapons are a legitimate right guaranteed under international law to all nations under occupation.”
Hayya also hailed the Hamas-led terror onslaught on October 7, 2023, which killed 1,200 people in Israel and kidnapped 251, and thanked Arab and Muslim countries that have contributed humanitarian aid to Gaza in the ensuing war.
He singled out Russia and China, praising them for their pro-Palestinian stance at the UN Security Council, ceasefire mediators, Turkey, Egypt and Qatar, and South Africa, which launched proceedings at the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of Genocide.
In addition, Hayya saluted “those who supported our people in the city squares, streets and universities” as well as the Freedom and Sumud activist flotillas that Israel detained en route to Gaza this year.
He also paid tribute to the “martyrs” killed by Israel during and since the October 7 attack, including Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed last year, Iranian Quds Force commander Saeed Izadi, who was killed during the 12-day Israel-Iran war in June, and Saad, the military commander who was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Gaza City on Saturday (13th).
Israel confirmed Saad’s death on Saturday (13th), with Palestinian media reporting a total of five people killed in a strike that targeted a car traveling along the coastal Rashid Road.
Hayya said Saad “was martyred alongside his brothers who were with him,” without elaborating.
Separately, Hamas’ interior ministry said Sunday (14th) that one of its officers, lt. Col. Ahmed Zamzam, was shot dead by unspecific armed people in the Maghazi refugee camp in central Gaza, and that one suspect had been apprehended.
Later, citing an initial investigation, the Hamas ministry said Zamzam was killed by an Israel-backed group under Israel’s orders.
“The assassination was carried out by agents of the occupation under direct orders of the Israeli intelligence apparatus,” the Hamas interior ministry said, adding that investigations were ongoing and that “the remaining perpetrators” are under pursuit.”
President Herzog’s Message to Australian Jews: “We are The Eternal People”
President Isaac Herzog on Sunday (14th) conveyed condolences and solidarity to the Jewish community of Australia following a deadly terror attack in Sydney that targeted Jews celebrating the first night of Hanukkah.
In a message sent from the President’s Residence in Jerusalem, Herzog addressed the community directly, expressing deep sorrow over the attack and emphasizing Israel’s support during the difficult moment.
“On behalf of the State of Israel, I send my deepest condolences to the Jewish community of Australia after today’s horrific terror attack, “ Herzog said. He noted that the terrorists “deliberately targeted innocent Jewish families celebrating the first night of Hanukkah.”
The President stressed that the people of Israel stand with Australian Jewry, describing the attack as an attempt to extinguish light and hope. Despite the tragedy, he underscored the resilience and unity of the Jewish people.
“Even in the face of terror and tragedy, let’s not forget: We are the eternal people,” Herzog said, adding that the message of Hanukkah remains unchanged.
Herzog concluded by affirming that Jewish life and tradition would continue unabated. “The Hanukkah lights must go on and will be lit all over the world, especially in Bondi Beach in Sydney and all over Australia,” he said, emphasizing that Jews in Australia, Israel, and around the world would continue to bring light and overcome darkness.
Jews Are Again Reminded That Anywhere In The World We Will Be Targeted On Our Holy Days – Comment –Alex Winston
For those of us who work in the news, Sunday is usually a quieter day. Even though Israel gets its week up and running, the rest of the world stays quiet, and so it usually remains throughout the day.
The Jerusalem Post’s newsroom, however, was shaken into action on a scale not usually seen on Sunday morning (14th) when the first reports of an attack in Bondi Beach, Australia, hit our screens.
As the news grew more and more grim, from simply an attack at a Hanukkah party to the true scale of the tragedy, with at least 11 people killed and scores wounded, the videos and photos seen were truly graphic.
Jeremy Leibler, President of the Zionist Federation of Australia, told the Post, “The Jewish community is in shock. There were 2,000 members of the Jewish community celebrating Hanukkah, lighting the first candle together at Bondi Beach.”
It reminded many of what they had seen emerging in the early hours of October 7. Bodies strewn across the floor. Screams, blood everywhere.
This is not to equate October 7 or the Nova Festival with what happened in Bondi. The numbers are not comparable, and October 7 changed the world for Israel and the Jewish Diaspora forever, in ways we cannot even comprehend right now.
However, consider the words of one October 7 survivor who was wounded at Bondi Beach, who stated afterward, “This is a bloodbath. It was an absolute massacre. I saw children falling to the floor, I saw elderly.”
“October 7 was the last time I saw this. I never thought I would see this in Australia..”
And 2,000 people is no small crowd. They had gathered to celebrate Hanukkah, the festival of light. They were not marching for Israel, not taking part in a political campaign. This was a religious celebration, and Jews were once again left dead on the floor.
The image of Arsen Ostrovsky, an international human rights lawyer and regular Post contributor, should inform anyone who doesn’t know what terror looks like. After being shot at, he shared an image of himself lying, wounded, on the ground with blood covering his hands and arms.
Reminiscent again, of so many videos and photos shared from Nova and October 7.
It also brought to mind the recent attack in Manchester on Yom Kippur in October, when a man drove a car into pedestrians before stabbing worshipers at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation, which left two dead.
This time it seemed so much worse.
Simchat Torah, Yom Kippur, Hanukkah. Our religious holidays are no longer safe for Jews to gather and celebrate their festivals worldwide.
Don’t tell Jews that “It’s anti-Zionism” not anti-Semitism. Don’t tell Jews that they shouldn’t feel scared and threatened. Don’t tell Jews how we should trust those in positions of power who can keep Jews alive. Innocent people who went to celebrate Hanukkah have been murdered in cold blood, and the images are once again truly terrifying,
US Jewish Lawmakers Decry Sydney Attack: Light’s Stronger Than Darkness
The 25 Jewish members of the US House of Representatives issued a bipartisan statement on Sunday (14th), condemning the anti-Semitic attack in Sydney, Australia.
“On a night meant for celebration, Jewish families in Australia, gathering in joy and peace on the first night of Hanukkah, were grotesquely targeted with hate and murderous intent. Sadly, this attack does not come as a surprise to the Jewish community of Sydney who have been raising a clarion call for local and national authorities to take concrete steps against a rising tide of anti-Semitism, “ the lawmakers said.
“We stand in solidarity with the Australian Jewish community and together extend our condolences to the families and friends of the people murdered and are praying for the complete recovery of the dozens wounded, and the entire Jewish community feeling besieged,” the statement continued.
“Anti-Semitism is a cancer that eats at the core of society, whether in Australia, the United States, or anywhere it is allowed to take root and grow. We join leaders around the globe in condemning this evil act and in calling for justice, peace, and unwavering support for those affected. We also call on the leaders to do better standing up to anti-Semitism, bigotry, and hate. We must also do better in our work for a world where everyone can celebrate their faith and traditions free from discrimination and fear.” the Jewish lawmakers wrote.
“Jews around the world continue to gather this week to celebrate Hanukkah and its story of religious freedom and defiant optimism. As we light the menorah each night and remember the miracle of the festival of lights, let us proclaim that light is stronger than darkness, right is stronger than night, and justice is stronger than tyranny. Wishing all Jewish communities and the world around us strength and peace.” they concluded.
US President Donald Trump earlier said that people celebrating Hanukkah should not be worried about their safety, and should celebrate proudly” following the attack in Sydney.
Trump made the remarks in a conversation with Peter Doocy of Fox News, who had asked the President whether Americans observing Hanukkah should be worried about their security.
“Straight from the president, his message to people celebrating Hanukkah today, he said, ‘they do not need to be worried. They should celebrate proudly, and they should be proud of who they are – celebrate proudly,’”Doocy said.
Speaking later at the White House Christian reception, Trump commented on the Sydney attack and said that “it was an anti-Semitic attack, obviously.”
“We’re. Here to celebrate Christmas and… I think today, we can first say, loudly, we celebrate Hanukkah because that was such a horrible attack, that was purely an anti-Semitic attack,” said Trump.
Trump’s daughter Ivanka published a message following the Sydney attack writing that Hanukkah teaches that “even in the darkest moments, a single flame has the power to push back overwhelming darkness.” She said that lighting the menorah should serve as an honor to those lost, a sign of solidarity with their families, and a commitment to “bring more compassion, integrity, and holiness into the world.”
She concluded by calling on individuals to become a source of light where it is most needed.”
The massacre in Sydney, Australia at a Jewish Hanukkah celebration on Sunday evening, (14th) left at least 15 dead, and 27 wounded and hospitalized, with six of them in critical condition.
More Light: Crowd At NYC Menorah Lighting Insists On Celebration After Sydney Massacre
NEW YORK — Jews from around New York City danced, sang, and huddled together in the cold at a menorah lighting in Manhattan on Sunday night (14th), at a celebration marked by mourning for those killed in the terror shooting targeting a Hanukkah event across the world, at Sydney’s Bondi Beach.
Tonight, our hearts are with the Jewish community of Sydney, Australia,”Rabbi Velvl Butman told the crowd at the start of the event, dedicating the service to the victims .
The event on the first night of Hanukkah centered around a massive, 36-foot, 4,000 pound menorah that is erected every year at the southeast corner of Central Park by the Chabad Hasidic Movement.
The lighting of the menorah, certified as the world’s largest, is an annual, public celebration of Jewish life in the city dating back to 1977.
The shooting in Australia also targeted a Chabad event, and at least two of those killed were rabbis with the hasidic movement.
The slaughter in Australia cast a pall over this year’s lighting, but the crowd and Butman insisted on maintaining the event’s upbeat atmosphere, despite the tragedy.
“As you all know what happened, we are caught in a bind, because on the one hand, Hanukkah is a celebration,” Butman said. “But on the other hand our hearts are heavy.” “The pain is beyond description,” he said.
The mass shooting at Bondi beach killed at least 15, making it the deadliest terror attack against Jews in the Diaspora in decades.
“My spirit is not broken. The Jewish response to challenge has never been fear or retreat – the Jewish response is to add more light and more action,” he said.
Dancing circles formed in the crowd when music played, volunteers at a table distributed holiday donuts, Chabad-affiliated youths gave out menorahs and candles, and attendees passed around an Israeli flag to pose for photos, with the menorah in the background, as a dusting of snow blew down from the trees.
Other public menorah lightings took place around the city, despite the frigid temperature, at Columbia University, Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn, and on the Upper East Side waterfront.
Zachary Kerman, a Queens resident, said he had woken up to “anger” and “shock” seeing the news of the massacre, but that “it made me feel my Judaism even stronger. It was my first time at the Central Park menorah lighting. As horrified as I was, I wasn’t surprised, with all the anti-Semitism rhetoric worldwide.”
“This is the world we’re living in now, but we still have to be proud of who we are and still have to celebrate. That’s why we’re all here,” he said.
A perimeter of police officers armed with assault rifles circled the gathering, as Butman ascended above the crowd on a cherry picker to light the massive menorah with a blowtorch.
“God will always outshine hate,” he said.
Hyperbaric Pressure Chambers help Wounded IDF Soldiers Heal – Sarit Rosenblum
Every day, dozens of wounded soldiers enter the hyperbaric pressure chambers at the Israeli Navy’s Institute for Maritime Medicine in Haifa. The initiative was originally intended to treat diving injuries. Since October 7, it has become a critical rehabilitation hub for injured soldiers with severe burns, amputations, blast injuries, and hearing damage. At the height of the war, up to 50 soldiers a day were treated at the institute.
At the heart of the institute, located adjacent to Rambam Hospital, are advanced hyperbaric chambers that can treat up to 12 patients simultaneously. They are used for decompression sickness, embolisms, blast injuries, gas poisoning, and complex tissue damage. Patients breathe oxygen at pressures higher than atmospheric levels, increasing oxygen delivery to tissues and supporting processes such as wound healing, blood vessel growth, and bone generation.
One of the most significant breakthroughs during the war has been the treatment of hearing damage. Over the past two years, thousands of soldiers with hearing damage have been treated there. A recent study found that 88% of those who began treatment within seven days showed significant improvement, and 60% of soldiers who were initially deemed unfit for combat, returned to active service.
