Jerusalem: The war between Israel and the Hamas militant group entered its 21st day after Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7, killing at least 1,400 people. According to the latest data, over 8,000 people have been killed from both sides in the war so far, while thousands have been displaced. Reportedly, even greater loss of life could come if Israel launches a ground offensive aimed at crushing Hamas – which has ruled Gaza since 2007.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Friday said its fighter jets struck three senior Hamas operatives in the Daraj Tuffah Battalion. “IDF fighter jets struck 3 senior Hamas operatives in the Daraj Tuffah Battalion. The battalion’s operatives played a significant role in the invasion and murderous attack against Israel on October 7, and is considered to be the most significant brigade of the Hamas terrorist organisation,” the IDF said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
EU leaders have called for “continued, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access and aid to reach those in need through all necessary measures including humanitarian corridors and pauses for humanitarian needs”. According to aid groups, since the conflict began, only 74 trucks of food, water and medicine have been permitted to enter Gaza which is home to 2.4 million people.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during a press conference on Thursday said that there was a “strong call from the leaders that Hamas must immediately release all hostages without any preconditions.” “Hamas is already bringing harm to the Palestinian people. Hamas has provoked a humanitarian crisis in Gaza,” she said.
The United Nations has warned that “nowhere is safe” in Gaza as Israel stepped up its bombardments in preparation for a ground offensive. “Israel’s advance warnings make no difference…People are left with nothing but impossible choices. Nowhere is safe in Gaza,” UN humanitarian coordinator for the Palestinian territories, Lynne Hastings said.