Israel’s military has confirmed the number of individuals reportedly held hostage in Gaza. It increased the count from 155 to 199. The captives were taken during the surprise attack by Hamas gunmen into Israel slightly over a week ago, which resulted in the tragic loss of over 1,400 lives.
During a session at the House of Commons, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak disclosed that at least six British nationals were among those who were killed, and ten individuals are still unaccounted for.
With more than 2,700 people in Gaza killed in Israel’s retaliatory strikes, the United Nations has said it is “deep in negotiations” to get first aid into Gaza.
At present, thousands of Gazans are near the border crossing with Egypt, hoping to depart from Gaza. However, reports suggesting a ceasefire for the passage of people and aid through the Rafah crossing have been dismissed by Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas.
