Live updates on Israel-Hamas conflict: Hamas releases two hostages, confirmed by Red Cross; Gaza death toll reportedly surpasses 5,000, according to officials

Two Israeli women who were being held hostage by Hamas have been released into Red Cross custody, according to a statement by the humanitarian organization on Monday. The death toll in the Gaza Strip has passed 5,000, Palestinian health authorities said earlier Monday, after Israel said it launched hundreds of strikes on the enclave overnight. The assault came after Israeli officials warned that attacks on Gaza would increase. The White House said President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed Sunday that there would be a “continued flow” of critical aid, the same day a second convoy of trucks entered Gaza through the Rafah crossing from Egypt. As tensions rise in the Middle East, Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned of a “likelihood” of “escalation by Iranian proxies” against U.S. forces, and said the United States is “taking steps to make sure we can effectively defend our people.”

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