In a grim update from the Israeli prime minister’s office, it has been reported that over 1,400 people have lost their lives since Hamas initiated an offensive on October 7. Tal Heinrich, spokesperson for the prime minister’s office, confirmed this devastating toll to journalists, further revealing that more than 120 Israelis have been abducted by Hamas terrorists.

Meanwhile, the Palestinian health ministry in Gaza has disclosed that at least 2,450 Palestinians have been killed as a result of Israeli shelling and air strikes. Tragically, the number of injured individuals has reached a staggering 9,200, highlighting the immense human cost of the ongoing conflict.

In response to mounting tensions, Israel’s defence minister, Yoav Gallant, expressed his country’s reluctance to engage in further warfare along its northern front. Gallant emphasised that Israel has no interest in escalating the situation and seeks to maintain the current state of affairs. However, he cautioned that if Hezbollah chooses the path of war, it will face severe consequences.

In a significant development, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden have reportedly agreed to renew water supplies to select areas in southern Gaza. Israel’s energy minister, Israel Katz, confirmed that this decision aligns with Israeli policy, which aims to tighten the blockade on the Hamas-ruled territory.

Addressing the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza, President Joe Biden disclosed that he spoke with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to discuss the urgent need for assistance. The US president assured Abbas of his commitment to collaborate with regional partners to ensure the delivery of essential humanitarian supplies to civilians in Gaza.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, Hamas’s Qassam Brigades claimed responsibility for firing 20 rockets from Lebanon, targeting two Israeli settlements. Additionally, Lebanon’s Hezbollah announced that it launched guided missile strikes on Israeli barracks in Hanita, claiming to have inflicted casualties on the “enemy ranks.”