An Israeli tank was targeted with an explosive device in Gaza City this morning, resulting in multiple IDF casualties, according to breaking reports from X. The exact number of injured is still being clarified, but initial accounts suggest more than four soldiers were affected in the incident, which occurred within the last 30 minutes. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu extended New Year greetings to Jewish people and supporters of Israel worldwide this morning, expressing wishes for a happy new year on behalf of the Government of Israel. This comes amid ongoing diplomatic tensions, with Belgium having recognized a Palestinian state on September 22nd, following similar recognitions by the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada on September 21st. Saudi Arabia welcomed these recognitions, while Prime Minister Netanyahu strongly rejected them, stating they reward terrorism and that "there will be no Palestinian state." Minister Idit Silman is attending a United Nations Conference in New York, with her travel costing between 200,000 and 300,000 shekels, as indicated in a social media post at 8:34 AM UTC today. Meanwhile, Israeli President Isaac Herzog met with members of the Hasmonean Brigade, the IDF's first ultra-Orthodox division, earlier today to offer New Year wishes and commend their service. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs also sent New Year greetings at 7:00 AM UTC today in collaboration with singer David D'Or, wishing for a year of hope and peace. In related military activity, Israeli forces destroyed a building used by Hamas to launch rockets at Ashdod yesterday, as troops of the 162nd Division push deeper into Gaza City. During these operations, the 215th Artillery Regiment struck the building, and other forces killed 15 gunmen and demolished Hamas infrastructure. The IDF also reported that the 98th Division directed an Israeli Air Force drone to strike a Hamas weapons manufacturing site within Gaza City, and separately killed a cell of operatives with a drone strike. Separately, a spectator carrying a Palestinian flag entered the field during a Barcelona match, and Danny Ayalon was reportedly outside the UN building with Rabbi Neumann, discussing past achievements and future goals. An attack had previously led to the closure of the Allenby Bridge crossing to Jordan for passenger traffic, and Egypt announced border security measures in the Sinai Peninsula. Aid boxes for Gaza, designed for easier transport by women and children, were detailed in a social media post received at 1:12 AM UTC today. A new British "Palestine" map was also referenced in a social media post during this reporting window.
