In a recent development in the Israel-Hamas conflict, the Israeli military has revised its estimate, stating that the Hamas militant group in Gaza is currently holding around 199 hostages, up from the initial estimate of approximately 120 hostages. Here are the top ten updates:
- Scheduled for Wednesday, US President Joe Biden plans to embark on a trip to Israel and subsequently to Jordan. The purpose is to engage with both Israeli and Arab leadership at a critical juncture, as concerns grow that the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict might escalate into a broader regional crisis.
- The announcement of President Biden’s visit was made by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. This comes amidst a deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and escalating tensions as Israel prepares for a potential ground offensive.
- After extensive discussions with Israeli officials lasting around nine hours, Secretary of State Antony Blinken revealed that the United States and Israel have reached an agreement to formulate a plan for delivering essential humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip while ensuring it doesn’t end up in the hands of Hamas.
- Regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict, the UK Prime Minister stated in Parliament that the attacks in Israel last weekend shocked the world, with over 1,400 people murdered, over 3,500 wounded, and almost 200 taken hostage. The UK stands with Israel, with at least six British citizens killed and ten missing.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin held discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict, providing insights from recent conversations with leaders from the region and the Palestinian authority.
- Amid a growing diplomatic dispute, Israel has halted its security exports to Colombia due to statements made by Colombian President Gustavo Petro equating Israel’s actions in Gaza with Nazi Germany.
- The UN Security Council dismissed a Russian resolution on Monday aimed at condemning the escalating violence in the Middle East. Delegates opted not to support the motion as it failed to specifically pinpoint Hamas for its unexpected attack on Israel.
- The Israeli military reported on Tuesday that approximately 500,000 Israelis have been evacuated and displaced over the past ten days due to what is described as the bloodiest attack in the country’s history initiated by Hamas.
- After nine hours of discussions with Israeli officials, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that the United States and Israel have agreed to develop a plan for delivering critically needed humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip while ensuring it doesn’t end up in the hands of Hamas.
- A prominent Hamas leader stated on Monday that the organization possesses the necessary leverage to secure the release of all Palestinians incarcerated in Israeli prisons. This suggests that Hamas might consider using the kidnapped Israelis as bargaining tools to negotiate the release of Palestinian prisoners.