Hamas and the Islamic Jihad group, both based in Gaza, have been demanding the release of at least 130 Israeli prisoners since Saturday as part of their resistance movement. Additionally, Israel has reported 750 missing individuals.
Senior Hamas official Musa Abu Marzook and the head of the Islamic Jihad, Jihad al-Nakhala, have stated that they will not release any Israeli captives until Israel releases all Palestinian prisoners in its custody, regardless of their status, including soldiers, women, children, and civilians.
They have also indicated that among the captives, there are soldiers as well as civilians, including women, children, and the elderly.
Last Sunday, Hamas initiated a sudden attack on Israel, launching thousands of rockets from Gaza, marking the first time in history that they penetrated into Israeli territory. They have destroyed several Israeli tanks and infiltrated into some Israeli military positions. They have also claimed to be fighting in various locations inside Israel.
As of the second day of the conflict, 700 Israelis and 413 Palestinians have been reported killed. Among the Israeli casualties, there are several foreigners, including 10 Nepalese citizens, and citizens from the United States, France, and Ukraine. Hamas’ attacks have left 2,156 Israelis injured, and there are 750 reported missing Israelis. On the other hand, among the Palestinian casualties, there are 78 children and 40 women.
Israel has already initiated a full-scale war, and the United States has announced its support for Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a warning of a “prolonged and difficult war” against the Palestinians. Furthermore, all Israelis residing near Gaza have been instructed to evacuate the area immediately. Israel is prepared to launch a ground offensive in Gaza.
Israel has continued its relentless attacks on Gaza. By Sunday, they claimed to have targeted 800 sites in Gaza, with more than 100 fighter jets participating in the assault.
In addition, starting from Saturday evening, Israel has cut off electricity supply to Gaza. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced through a press release that Israel will cease the supply of food, electricity, and fuel to Gaza.
The restrictions on movement of people and goods to and from Gaza have been in place since 2007, with control exerted by both Egypt and Israel.
Israel controls the airspace and movement of goods in and out of Gaza on one side, while Egypt controls the movement of people and goods on the other.
Source: Al Jazeera, CNN, BBC, and others.
