The Israeli military updated its estimation of the number of hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza. According to military spokesperson Daniel Hagari’s revelation on Monday, the number of hostages now stands at 199.
The Gaza Health Ministry has reported a staggering toll of over 2,300 Palestinians dead, along with more than 9,000 wounded. In parallel, the Israeli military confirms the loss of over 1,300 of their own, with more than 3,400 suffering injuries.
Ten days back, Hamas’s launch of “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood”–and Israel’s ensuing “Operation Swords of Iron” in retaliation–have resulted in these spiraling numbers.
Israel has shut off vital resources such as water and power to Gaza, aggravating the region’s horrendous living conditions. Also, over a million Gazans in the northern enclave have been compelled to flee to the south.