Israel Intensifies Aerial Assaults on Gaza as Two Additional Hostages Are Released; UN Calls Delivered Aid Inadequate

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The Israeli military confirmed an increase in air raids targeting various sites within the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, signaling a potential ground invasion. This move has raised U.S. concerns over the possibility of the conflict expanding to involve other regional players, including threats to U.S. forces stationed in the Middle East.

This intensification in military actions comes alongside the release of two elderly Israeli women by Hamas. These women were part of the large group of hostages taken during Hamas’s far-reaching assault on southern Israeli communities on October 7.

French President Emmanuel Macron landed in Tel Aviv on the same day to offer condolences and support to the families of French nationals affected by the conflict, prior to holding discussions with high-ranking Israeli officials. In a press briefing with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Macron emphasized France’s support for Israel in its counter-terrorism efforts, while Netanyahu acknowledged that the conflict may be protracted.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, as the population of 2.3 million grapples with scarcity in essential supplies. A third convoy of aid entered the region on Monday, but its volume was markedly less than what is needed, according to international aid organizations.

Tamira Alrifai, the spokesperson for the United Nations agency dedicated to Palestinian refugees, noted that the 54 trucks delivering aid in recent days were insufficient, as compared to the 500 trucks per day before hostilities escalated. With fuel still not allowed into the region by Israel, the United Nations warns of a looming breakdown in aid distribution, particularly affecting hospitals that are already overwhelmed.

The Israeli military disclosed that it had conducted 400 airstrikes within a 24-hour period, targeting Hamas command centers, underground tunnels, and militants preparing rocket attacks against Israel. Reports from the Palestinian official news agency, WAFA, stated that some of the airstrikes were aimed at residential buildings, where civilians had been advised to seek refuge.

A single overnight strike in the southern city of Khan Younis resulted in the deaths of at least 32 individuals, including 13 members of the Saqallah family, who had sought refuge in the area believing it to be safer than other regions.

The war’s human toll continues to rise exponentially. Over 5,000 Palestinians have been killed, including a significant number of minors and women. Meanwhile, the Israeli death toll has exceeded 1,400, predominantly civilians who were targeted in the initial phases of the conflict by Hamas.

Two Israeli women, who were part of the hostage group, were safely transferred to Egypt via the Rafah crossing. Although enduring a harsh initial treatment, they reported an improvement in conditions during their captivity. This release follows a similar action where an American woman and her teenage daughter were set free by Hamas, which is believed to still be holding approximately 220 individuals hostage.

Both Israel and the United States are maintaining a vigilant watch on the situation, particularly as it has implications for U.S. military assets in the region. An increase in Iranian-backed militia attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria has already been observed, and the U.S. has advised Israeli officials that postponing a ground offensive would allow for additional diplomatic efforts to secure the release of more hostages.

This comprehensive report has been contributed to by journalists located in Cairo, Jerusalem, the Gaza Strip, Washington, and London.

For more extensive coverage, visit AP’s dedicated page on the Israel-Hamas conflict.

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