Number of Israeli hostages in Gaza rises to 199: Israeli army
291 soldiers killed since start of war on Oct. 7, according to army
JERUSALEM
The Israeli army on Monday announced the number of hostages in Gaza jumped to 199, with 291 soldiers killed since the start of the war on Oct. 7.
Army spokesperson Daniel Hagari said in a news conference: “We have been in contact with the families of 199 captives. The Israeli army and the state are working around the clock to secure their release.”
He added: “We are doing our utmost to try to determine the whereabouts of the captives in Gaza.”
Announcing that the number of Israeli soldiers killed since the start of the war increased to 291, Hagari said: “We have increased our reserve forces as part of the war effort.”
The Israeli military spokesperson also warned the Lebanese Hezbollah of a “lethal response if it intervenes in the war in Gaza.”
“Gaza is the focus of the fighting, but if Hezbollah dares to test us, the response will be deadly,” he said, emphasizing that Washington provides them with “full support.”
The Israeli Prime Minister's Office stated in a press release on Monday: “There is no cease-fire in Gaza.”
Ten days into the conflict with Palestinian group Hamas, Israeli bombardment and blockade of the Gaza Strip has continued, with over 1 million people – almost half the total population of Gaza – having been displaced.
Gaza is experiencing a dire humanitarian crisis with no electricity, and water, food, fuel and medical supplies are running out, as civilians flee to the south following Israeli warning to evacuate northern areas.
The fighting began when Hamas on Oct. 7 initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack including a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel via land, sea, and air. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and increased settler violence.
The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets within the Gaza Strip.
The number of Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza has risen to 2,750, including 750 children.
In Israel, 1,300 have been killed.
*Writing by Rania Abu Shamala
