The Israeli military announced the recovery of the body of Ilan Weiss, an Israeli hostage, during an operation in the Gaza Strip. Weiss, aged 56, was reportedly killed while defending Kibbutz Beeri during the Hamas attack on 7 October 2023. Along with Weiss, the remains of another hostage were also recovered, though their identity has not been disclosed.
Following the initial attack, which resulted in 1,200 deaths and the capture of 251 individuals as hostages, Israel launched extensive military operations in Gaza. Currently, 48 hostages are believed to remain in Gaza, with Israeli officials estimating that 20 of them might still be alive.
Ilan Weiss was killed on the same day his wife, Shiri, and daughter, Noga, were taken hostage by Hamas. They were later released during a temporary ceasefire in November 2023. Israeli President Isaac Herzog commended Weiss for his bravery during the attack and acknowledged the strength of his family throughout this ordeal.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces domestic pressure to negotiate the return of all remaining hostages. This has spurred widespread protests calling for an end to the military campaign. As Israel proceeds with its strategy to take control of Gaza City, Netanyahu asserts that a decisive defeat of Hamas is necessary to ensure the hostages’ safety.
Israel’s military indicated that it has begun advancing into Gaza City, announcing that a planned pause in military actions would not be applicable in this area. Recent airstrikes have targeted Gaza City, with residents urged to evacuate towards the southern part of the Gaza Strip.
The UN reports significant displacement since the offensive began, with approximately 20,000 people displaced to the south and 40,000 moving further north. Warnings from Western countries and the UN highlight the potential humanitarian impact of operations in densely populated areas, where access to essential services has deteriorated significantly. The situation in Gaza is dire, with reports indicating over 90% of homes damaged and a severe food insecurity crisis.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crlzyne9jl2o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss