RAFAH, Gaza Strip — Israel has intensified its bombardment of the Gaza Strip, according to the military on Tuesday. This comes as the U.S. fears a ground invasion against Hamas militants could lead to a larger conflict in the region, including attacks on American troops. The increased attacks have resulted in a rapidly rising death toll, with thousands killed in Gaza. Meanwhile, Hamas has released two elderly Israeli women who were captured during a devastating attack on towns in southern Israel. French President Emmanuel Macron has arrived in Tel Aviv to meet with the families of French citizens who were killed or held hostage, expressing his support and solidarity with Israel in the fight against terrorism. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel will make every effort to fight the war quickly, but acknowledges that it could be a long war. Gaza’s 2.3 million people are facing shortages of food, water, and medicine due to Israel’s closure of the territory. Aid groups are struggling to provide the necessary supplies, and negotiations for sustained aid into Gaza have not yet resulted in an agreement. With Israel still blocking the entry of fuel, the distribution of aid is expected to come to a halt soon, affecting hospitals and their ability to provide life-saving medical care. On Tuesday, Israel reported launching 400 airstrikes, targeting Hamas commanders, militants preparing to launch rockets, and command centers. Palestinian officials have reported that many of the airstrikes have hit residential buildings, even in areas where civilians were told to seek shelter. The death toll in Gaza has reached over 5,000, including 2,000 minors and 1,100 women, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry. In Israel, over 1,400 people have been killed, mostly civilian casualties from the initial Hamas attack. Two elderly Israeli women who were held hostage have been freed by Hamas, following the release of an American woman and her daughter. The women described their ordeal, detailing their treatment by the militants. Videos released by both Hamas and Israel’s internal security service, Shin Bet, show the handover and the prisoners discussing their actions. However, the authenticity of these videos cannot be independently verified. Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas, while Iranian-backed fighters have warned of possible escalation and targeting of U.S. forces in the region if a ground offensive is launched. The U.S. has advised against a ground offensive, urging Israel to allow more time for negotiations on the release of hostages.
Israel escalates airstrikes on Gaza while two additional hostages are liberated; UN criticizes slow pace of aid delivery.
