On the 21st day of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Israeli Army announced on Thursday night that they had successfully eliminated five high-ranking Hamas commanders, among them is Shadi Barood, the deputy head of Hamas Intelligence, who had close ties to Yahya Sinwar, the principal commander responsible for attacks on Israel.
50 hostages died in Israeli assault: Hamas
On the other hand, Hamas has asserted that 50 hostages lost their lives in an Israeli assault, a significant increase from their earlier claim of 20 casualties. Notably, on October 7, Hamas militants had taken 200 to 250 Israeli and foreign citizens as hostages and transported them to Gaza, with only four hostages having been released thus far.
6 injured in missile attack in Egypt
In a separate incident, a missile struck near a medical facility in the Egyptian Red Sea resort city of Taba, situated close to the Israeli border, injuring six individuals, according to Egypt's Al Cairo News. However, it remains unclear whether the missile strike was connected to the ongoing conflict or was the result of a testing mishap.
US strikes 2 sites 'used by Iranian troops' in Syria
On Thursday, the United States conducted an airstrike on bases of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps in Syria. This action was described as a retaliation for attacks on American forces in Iraq and Syria. American officials said the attack ordered by President Biden, aimed was aimed at sending a clear message that the United States will not tolerate assaults on its military personnel.
A statement from US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III explained, "Today, US military forces conducted self-defense strikes on two facilities in eastern Syria used by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and affiliated groups. These precision self-defense strikes are a response to a series of ongoing and mostly unsuccessful attacks against US personnel in Iraq and Syria by Iranian-backed militia groups that began on October 17. "
The statement clarified that these strikes were distinct from the Israel-Hamas conflict and did not signify a shift in the US approach to that conflict.
Israel ready to negotiate for release of hostages?
In a significant development, reports suggest that Israel is prepared to negotiate for the release of hostages. According to Kan public broadcaster, Israel has conveyed its readiness to Qatar, which had been mediating in the matter. However, the specifics of what Israel might offer in exchange for the prisoners remain undisclosed.
Dire fuel shortage in Gaza
A dire fuel shortage in Gaza is having a severe impact on the lives of its residents. Israel has halted fuel supplies to Gaza due to concerns that Hamas might divert it for use in attacks.
The ongoing attacks in Gaza have given rise to a growing humanitarian crisis. During a UN meeting on Thursday, European leaders advocated for a temporary cessation of hostilities to allow for the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. A vote is scheduled on a ceasefire proposal in a special session of the UN General Assembly on Friday.
Currently, 12 out of 35 hospitals in Gaza are closed due to a lack of resources, particularly fuel. Seven major hospitals are overwhelmed with more patients than they can accommodate, exacerbating the strain on the healthcare system. Additionally, European Union leaders are set to convene in Brussels to discuss the possibility of a temporary halt to the conflict to facilitate humanitarian assistance.
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