Israeli warplanes have continued to strike targets in Gaza as the United States advised Israel to delay its expected ground offensive to allow more time for hostage negotiations. Fears of a widening war have increased as Israel struck targets in the occupied West Bank, Syria, and Lebanon, and clashed with Lebanon’s Hezbollah group. Two aid convoys have arrived in Gaza, bringing much-needed food, water, and medical supplies. However, Israel has not allowed in fuel, which is critically needed for water and sanitation systems and hospitals. The war, which is currently in its 17th day, has been the deadliest of the five Gaza wars for both sides. The Hamas-run Health Ministry reported that at least 5,087 Palestinians have been killed and 15,270 wounded. In the occupied West Bank, 96 Palestinians have been killed and 1,650 wounded. In Israel, more than 1,400 people, mostly civilians, have been killed, and at least 222 people, including foreigners, have been taken hostage by Hamas. Two hostages have been released, and Hamas announced on Monday that two more have been released on humanitarian grounds. The International Committee of the Red Cross has confirmed the release of the two hostages but there has been no formal announcement from Israel. Meanwhile, the U.N. Security Council is preparing for a high-level meeting to discuss the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and adopt a resolution condemning Hamas attacks and violence against civilians, as well as reaffirming Israel’s right to self-defense. French President Emmanuel Macron is also traveling to Israel to show solidarity and work on the release of hostages. A third aid convoy from Egypt has entered Gaza, but the population is still struggling with limited access to food, water, and medicine due to Israel’s blockade. Abu Youssef Al-Najjar Hospital in Rafah has reported 61 deaths since Monday morning, with a lack of space in the morgue and resources for proper burial.
Ongoing Updates: Israeli Warplanes Attack Targets; US Requests Extension to Liberate Hostages
