🚧 IDF LINKS GAZAN FOOTBALL FIGURES TO TERROR GROUPS, EXPANDS GAZA BARRIER AS DUTCH TRADE BAN ADVANCES
🕑 Published: July 23, 2026 · 12:24 AM Israel time
⚽ IDF REVEALS GAZAN FOOTBALL FIGURES’ TERROR AFFILIATIONS: The IDF said intelligence investigations identified 12 Gazan football players, coaches and referees who were presented internationally solely as athletes or civilians but also served in the military wings of Hamas or Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
According to the IDF, they included commanders, fighters and operatives in aerial, anti-tank and other units. Three allegedly infiltrated Israel during the October 7 massacre, while others held command roles in Nuseirat, Rafah and elsewhere in Gaza.
The IDF said the findings refute claims that the individuals were deliberately targeted because of their sporting professions. It described the allegations as part of a broader campaign in which terrorists were presented only as journalists, aid workers or other civilians while their organizational affiliations were concealed.
🔸 AL-HAYYA CALLS FOR SECOND PHASE OF GAZA CEASEFIRE: Hamas political bureau head Khalil Al-Hayya used his inaugural address to call for a transition to the “second phase of the Gaza ceasefire,” according to Mehr.
He pledged to follow the “same path as the commanders,” work to ease Gaza’s humanitarian suffering, assume responsibility for defending Judea and Samaria, and continue the “defense of occupied Jerusalem,” while urging support from “all the free people” backing the Palestinian cause.
🚧 IDF CONSTRUCTING 23-KILOMETER BARRIER ACROSS GAZA: The IDF is constructing an earthen barrier along the “yellow line” established under the October ceasefire. The barrier spans more than half of the Gaza Strip’s approximately 40-kilometer length and incorporates a security zone equipped with technological assets.
Recent data shows that the barrier was extended approximately two kilometers between July 1 and July 15, separating Rafah from Muwasi. A 17-kilometer central stretch now connects Khan Younis to northern Gaza City.
On the Israeli-controlled side, forces have leveled the majority of buildings and agricultural land using bulldozers and explosives while establishing new roads and military bases on the ruins of towns.
The IDF says the berms reduce friction and prevent infiltration. More than 1,100 terrorists have been eliminated after approaching the boundary, while five Israeli soldiers have been killed in militant attacks.
Implementation of the U.S.-backed withdrawal remains stalled. The Trump-led “Board of Peace” and CENTCOM declined to comment on the construction, according to the report.
Diplomatic stagnation continues amid “Hamas' failure to disarm” and reciprocal accusations of ceasefire violations. This has heightened local fears that the temporary division could develop into a permanent border partition.
🚫 NETHERLANDS TO BAN TRADE IN GOODS FROM ISRAELI COMMUNITIES IN JUDEA AND SAMARIA: The Dutch government announced a ban on the import, transit, purchase and sale of goods originating from Israeli settlements in Judea and Samaria, effective September 22, according to Al-Arabiya English and Dutch News citing public broadcaster NOS.
Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen said the directive also applies to Dutch companies operating abroad and prohibits activities intended to circumvent the restrictions for three years.
The measure follows a May announcement and a parliamentary mandate requesting national action amid “insufficient support” for EU-wide sanctions. The Dutch Foreign Ministry cited international legal obligations as the basis for the restrictions.
The Council of State issued an “urgent advisory opinion” raising doubts about enforceability but made no formal objection.
The Netherlands is reportedly the “top destination” for settlement produce and previously received roughly one-third of agricultural exports originating from Israeli settlements and sent to the European Union. It joins Belgium, Spain and Ireland in imposing national-level trade restrictions.
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