'Tanksgiving' on Thanksgiving: IDF scorns Hamas with cryptic picture post of rolling Merkavas

As the world extends Thanksgiving greetings, Israel Defense Forces (IDF), which is battling to defend its country against Hamas, also wished with a tone of sarcasm in its message.

“Happy Tanksgiving,” wished Jonathan Conricus, IDF spokesperson on X along with a picture of rolling Merkavas.

Happy Tanksgiving pic.twitter.com/L68zUNHJHy

— Jonathan Conricus (@jconricus) November 24, 2023

The wish appeared to be a dig at Hamas and came moments after a truce began between Israel and the Palestinian terrorist group to free the hostages held captive in Gaza.

Merkava is a series of main battle tanks that the IDF is using in its war with Hamas. Last month, several Merkava tanks and troops were positioned by the Israeli forces near the Gaza border in the south of the country.

Earlier on Friday, a four-day truce began between Israel and Hamas. The ceasefire comes as the first breakthrough in a bloody conflict that claimed the lives of several civilians over the last seven weeks.

Also Read: Israel-Hamas truce begins; 13 hostages to be freed in exchange for Palestinian prisoners

The warring sides have agreed to release hostages in exchange for prisoners during the ceasefire.

During the course of the next four days starting 24 November, nearly 50 hostages will be freed, leaving approximately 190 still held by the Hamas.

Concurrently, the release of 150 Palestinian prisoners is also expected from the Israeli side. It has been learned from Qatari authorities that an initial group of 13 hostages will comprise women and children from the same families.

The Israeli soldiers will assure the hostages of their safety, in line with protocols, as well as take along the children's favourite food items, reports said.

The deal stated a "complete ceasefire, with no air or ground attacks" and the requirement for clear skies without drones to ensure the safe release of hostages.

Israel has released a list that has 300 Palestinians eligible for release if the truce extends beyond the initial four days. This list includes 33 women, 267 children, and youths under 19, along with 49 Hamas members.

With inputs from agencies