ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - December 17, 2023

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - December 17, 2023

ZeroFox physical security experts collect, curate, and analyze information derived from open and proprietary sources for comprehensive context of the circumstances surrounding global events. Here is today’s daily roundup of major developments.

Brief Highlights

• Israel Continues war Against Hamas Despite Declining International Support
• Western Sanctions on Russia: Recent Developments
• Zelensky Visits U.S. to Urge Congress to Approve Support for Ukraine

Israel Continues war Against Hamas Despite Declining International Support

According to a Wall Street Journal report on December 12, 2023, the Israeli military began pumping sea water into Hamas’ tunnels in the Gaza Strip in recent days, in an effort to flush out the group’s fighters. The move is controversial, as some believe that many of the more than 130 hostages still held by Palestinian militants are housed in the tunnel system. There is also concern that it could “endanger Gaza's fresh water supply.” The move comes amid increasing international condemnation of Israel’s ongoing offensive. On December 12, 2023, the United Nations General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to demand a humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. On the same day, United States President Joe Biden also criticized Israel’s “indiscriminate bombing” and warned that the country is rapidly losing international support for its campaign.

Western Sanctions on Russia: Recent Developments

Between December 11 - 12, 2023, several notable developments regarding Western sanctions on Russia occurred. On December 11, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation that would ban the import of enriched Russian uranium. The bill is largely expected to also pass the Senate. Russia is currently the largest supplier of enriched uranium to the United States, amounting to imports worth about USD 1 billion. Given Russia's status as a major supplier of enriched uranium, the legislation provides for a waiver on imports until January 2028. This mechanism may weaken initial implementation; however the legislation still represents a strong rebuke of Russian uranium imports.

Zelensky Visits U.S. to Urge Congress to Approve Support for Ukraine

On December 11, 2023, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky traveled to Washington, DC to urge the US Congress to approve U.S. President Joe Biden's USD 60 billion aid request for Ukraine. Zelensky began his visit with a meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Llyod Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Brown. On December 12, Zelensky will meet with Biden and address the Senate.