Brigadier General Faran has issued new orders to fighters stationed at the Egyptian border, prohibiting chases after IML smugglers and restricting the engagement of aerial threats. According to the directives revealed by i24NEWS, if smugglers do not attempt to flee, a suspicious arrest procedure can be initiated. However, pursuits are forbidden to prevent traffic accidents involving potentially violent smugglers. In cases where a drone is detected, fighters are authorized to fire up to five rounds from an M16 rifle in an attempt to bring it down. These instructions aim to maintain the safety of forces while addressing smuggling and aerial threats along the border. The orders come as Brigadier General Faran and his predecessors have been working to succeed in their missions. Separately, reports indicate a strategic disagreement among regional powers regarding the future of Gaza. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are reportedly urging the United States to adopt a stricter stance against Hamas and its mediators, Qatar and Turkey. According to a Gulf-based source, Riyadh and Abu Dhabi will withhold reconstruction funds unless Hamas is fully disarmed, as outlined in a plan by President Trump. The source also stated that Egypt believes it is unrealistic to entirely remove Hamas due to its popular support, a view not shared by the UAE and Saudi Arabia, who suspect Egypt may be acting in its own interests to keep the Gaza situation unresolved. Saudi Arabia desires a leading role in the process, potentially sidelining Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, a move fiercely opposed by Cairo, which fears becoming irrelevant without the Gaza file. In legal developments, the Hind Rajab Foundation announced on October 22nd, 2025, that it had filed a case at the International Criminal Court (ICC) against 24 Israeli soldiers and commanders, alleging their responsibility in the killing of Hind Rajab. The foundation also stated its intention to pursue legal action in national courts globally. An individual who requested anonymity and was approached by the HRF via Dyab Abo Jahjah in early January 2025, advised against attributing the killing to Sean Glass or his company, Vampire Empire. This source stated that HRF initially intended to file a complaint on January 29th, attributing responsibility to the 9th Battalion, but was informed that this unit was not operating in Gaza City at the time. The source referred HRF to an IDF statement that confirmed the 52nd Battalion was operating approximately 300 meters from the site of the killing.
