In the past 24 hours, Israel has launched a series of airstrikes, targeting numerous sites in Gaza, including areas previously declared as safe zones. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) claimed that their objective was to dismantle “Hamas terror structures,” including command centres and tunnel shafts utilised by the proscribed terror group.
However, amidst these bombings, the toll on civilian lives continues to rise. A doctor from south Gaza reported that at least 12 people were killed and 40 others wounded in an Israeli strike on a residential building in Khan Younis city. The Associated Press confirmed that the latest round of bombings included targets in areas where Palestinian civilians were instructed to seek shelter.
This alarming situation has left more than two million Palestinians trapped within the besieged territory feeling increasingly vulnerable and at risk. There are growing concerns that nowhere is truly safe for them.
Tragically, a recent discovery by a casualty recovery group has further highlighted the devastating consequences of the ongoing conflict. The remains of a boy and a woman were found at a house that had been burned down in the Beeri kibbutz. The recovery group, Zaka, stated that the victims were “incinerated” after being murdered. The attacks on Beeri kibbutz resulted in the deaths of approximately 10% of its residents, with a total of 1,400 fatalities reported on October 7th, according to Israeli officials. As forensic efforts progress, Israeli authorities anticipate a slow increase in the number of identified bodies.
Meanwhile the Israeli military has confirmed that there are currently at least 203 people being held hostage in Gaza, a figure that surpasses the previous official count. Hamas had previously claimed to be holding 250 hostages.
During a joint news conference in Jerusalem, Rishi Sunak and Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the ongoing conflict. Mr. Netanyahu referred to Hamas as “the new Nazis and the new ISIS” and characterised the current situation as a “battle for the free world.” He emphasised the presence of two opposing forces: one representing evil, led by Iran, seeking to regress the Middle East to the Middle Ages, and the other representing progress and humanity.
Expressing his support for Israel’s right to self-defense in accordance with international law, Mr. Sunak acknowledged the efforts taken by Israel to minimise harm to civilians, in stark contrast to the tactics employed by Hamas. He also recognised that the Palestinian people are victims of Hamas and welcomed Israel’s decision to open humanitarian routes into Gaza. Mr. Sunak assured Israel of the UK’s solidarity and support, stating, “I am proud to stand here with you in Israel’s darkest hour as your friend. We will stand with you in solidarity and support your quest for victory.”
In a separate incident, the head of the Hamas-led national security forces in Gaza, Jehad Mheisen, and his family were reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike on their house, as reported by Hamas-aligned media.
