Israel-Gaza war: Hamas asserts Israeli airstrikes result in deaths of 13 Gaza hostages
Israel-Gaza war: In a tragic and distressing development, the armed wing of Hamas reported that at least 13 hostages, including Israeli and foreign individuals, have lost their lives as a result of Israeli airstrikes conducted in the northern Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours. This announcement came on Friday, escalating the ongoing conflict in the region.
The situation escalated when, in a shocking and audacious move early on Saturday, Hamas militants initiated an attack on Israeli communities near the Gaza border. They unleashed a barrage of rockets that led to a devastating loss of life, claiming the lives of more than 1,200 individuals. Israel contends that Hamas has taken more than 150 people hostage, encompassing both civilians and security personnel.
The Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas's armed wing, issued a statement declaring, "Thirteen prisoners... including foreigners" were among the casualties, victims of Israeli fighter jet strikes in five separate locations.
The conflict has taken an immense toll on the blockaded Gaza Strip, a densely populated area home to approximately 2.4 million people. Israel has carried out extensive air and artillery attacks, resulting in the destruction of buildings and a tragic loss of life, with the death toll exceeding 1,500. Tragically, the casualties include at least 500 children, according to reports from the Hamas media office in Gaza.
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This grim situation has been further exacerbated by the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, which issued a warning earlier this week. They stated that "every targeting of our people without warning will be met with the execution of one of the civilian hostages." The threat underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgency for de-escalation and a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in the region.
Also Read: Israel-Hamas Conflict: Israel Defence Forces is moving to 'full offence' against Hamas targets
- With inputs from agencies
