Hamas Claims Israeli Bombardment in Gaza Resulted in 13 Hostage Deaths, Including Foreign Nationals

According to Hamas, the militant organization ruling the Gaza Strip, Israel’s intensive aerial assault on the region has led to the deaths of 13 hostages, among them foreign nationals. The statement, released on Friday by the armed wing of Hamas, indicated that the fatalities occurred at different sites within the past day.

Additional Information on Israel-Hamas Conflict

• Israel Instructs Evacuation of 1.1 Million Residents from Gaza’s Northern Region, Reports UN
• Real-Time Updates: Israel Commands Large-Scale Evacuation in Gaza City
• A Music Festival Survivor, Two Hamas Militants, and a Lethal Decision

The statement from Hamas did not disclose the nationalities of the foreign hostages. Israel has yet to confirm these claims.

Earlier Report from AP

The Israeli military instructed nearly 1 million residents of Gaza to evacuate the northern region of the territory on Friday, as reported by the United Nations. This order, covering almost half the population of Gaza, precedes an anticipated ground invasion targeting Hamas.

The UN has voiced concerns about the potentially catastrophic consequences of such a mass movement, warning that it could exacerbate an already volatile situation. Despite the order, Hamas encouraged residents to remain in their homes, thereby adding to the prevalent chaos.

With airstrikes continuing and a complete blockade in place, the atmosphere in Gaza is tense. “The current priority is simply survival,” said Nebal Farsakh, a spokesperson for the Palestinian Red Crescent in Gaza City.

As of now, the conflict has led to more than 2,800 casualties on both sides, with increasing regional tensions. Among the notable incidents was an exchange of fire between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah group, although the situation has since stabilized.

Israeli military spokesperson Jonathan Conricus stated that while targeting Hamas’ military installations—much of which is deeply entrenched underground—the forces would make significant efforts to minimize civilian casualties.

The UN stated that it received another directive from the Israeli military, giving 1.1 million civilians in the north of Gaza 24 hours to move south. The Israeli military did not immediately confirm this broader evacuation order.

Humanitarian Concerns and Global Reactions

Hamas militants are often operational within civilian territories, a tactic that Israel claims is intended to use Palestinians as human shields. The expected ground offensive by Israel could lead to significant casualties on both sides due to close-quarters combat.

Public opinion in Israel has been mounting for decisive action against Hamas, particularly after a shocking attack that resulted in the deaths of hundreds, including children and festival-goers.

Hamas, the de facto governing authority of the Gaza Strip since 2007, has urged Palestinians to ignore what it termed as “psychological warfare” from Israel.

In addition to the immediate concern for life, the evacuation order resonates deeply with the population of Gaza, many of whom are descendants of refugees from the 1948 conflict involving Israel’s establishment.

As of Thursday, the UN reported that at least 423,000 people, approximately one-fifth of Gaza’s population, have been displaced due to Israeli airstrikes.

Neighboring Egypt has taken “unprecedented measures” to fortify its border with Gaza, cautioning that a ground invasion would be a “grave mistake.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to “crush” Hamas, further emboldened by U.S. support in the form of Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit and weapons shipments.

According to authorities, the conflict has thus far resulted in more than 1,300 deaths in Israel and over 1,530 in Gaza, with thousands more injured. Concerns are growing about the potential for the conflict to spread throughout the region, as evidenced by the recent Israeli airstrikes that incapacitated two Syrian international airports.

The Israeli government has stated that the blockade will continue until Hamas releases approximately 150 hostages captured during its attack last weekend.

The report includes contributions from journalists located in Gaza City, Jerusalem, Baghdad, and Cairo.

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More about Israel-Hamas Conflict

• UN Warns of Humanitarian Consequences
• Israel-Hamas Conflict Timeline
• Regional Implications of the Israel-Hamas Conflict
• International Reactions to Gaza Airstrikes
• Overview of Hamas’ Claims
• Israel’s Military Objectives in Gaza
• Evacuations and Displacements in Gaza