Israel claims that there are 199 hostages from the extremist group Hamas in Gaza; See updates so far
The majority of hostages are civilians of Israeli nationality, spanning a specific age range from children to the elderly, and including many with dual citizenship
Buildings reduced to rubble in the Rimal neighborhood of Gaza City - Images Reproduction/The Guardian
The Israeli military announced confirmation that Hamas holds 199 people hostage in Gaza. In a statement to the press, the Israeli armed forces confirmed the information that Hamas is holding 199 hostages in Gaza. These people were captured on October 7, when members of the extremist group Hamas crossed the border into southern Israel and attacked an electronic music festival and several settlements, resulting in the deaths of more than 1,400 people. Among the victims were several foreigners, including three Brazilians.
Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari stated that "there is a priority commitment at national level to the issue of kidnapped people, and that they are dedicating themselves to this effort as a national priority. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are working tirelessly to ensure the return of those kidnapped." He also reported that the IDF has informed the families of all kidnapped victims. Furthermore, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Catholic Patriarch of Jerusalem, expressed their willingness to negotiate the release of child hostages.
Updates to date
Victims of the conflict
The Army reported that, to date, at least 291 Israeli soldiers have lost their lives in the conflict and reaffirmed the position of the Prime Minister's office that there is no temporary ceasefire in force in southern Gaza. Previously, the Gaza Ministry of Health reported that since the Hamas attack, at least 2,750 Palestinians have been killed and 9,700 injured as a result of Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip.
O Palestinian Journalists' Union said Israel killed 11 Palestinian journalists in its airstrikes on Gaza. In addition, Israel has also severely restricted the arrival of fuel, water, food and medical supplies into the territory.
A United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) reported that more than 1 million people have moved to southern Gaza and that "there are no deceased body bags for the tragedy in Gaza". Its latest situational report highlighted that Gaza had been without electricity for five days, access to drinking water was scarce and more than a million people had been displaced.
Almost half of Gaza's total population – have been displaced. 600,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) are in the central area, Khan Yunis and Rafah. Of these, almost 400,000 are in UNRWA facilities – far exceeding our ability to help in any meaningful way, including space in our shelters, food, water or psychological support, the statement said.
An Israeli air strike causes extensive damage to the Nuseirat refugee camp in Gaza - Images Reproduction/The Guardian
Evacuations
Israel implemented an evacuation program to displace inhabitants who live within a radius of 2 km (equivalent to 1.2 miles) from the Lebanese border, according to information from the military forces on Monday (16). This measure comes amid clashes with the Hezbollah group, in parallel to the conflict in southern Israel with Hamas. The Israel Defense Forces and the Ministry of Defense released a joint statement stating that the plan was authorized by Defense Secretary Yoav Gallant and involves the evacuation of 28 villages. Residents will be relocated to government-subsidized housing facilities.
Israeli government
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared before the Knesset that the nation of Israel is united in its quest for victory, while also addressing the need for an investigation into the intelligence and security deficiencies that allowed Hamas to launch such a devastating attack. He called on the international community to unite in the fight against Hamas.
Egyptian border
Thousands of people are concentrated near the crossing into Egypt, hoping to leave Gaza. On Monday morning, the Egyptian Foreign Minister, Sameh Shoukry, stated that the Israeli government had not yet taken a position that would allow the crossing to be opened. Shoukry reported that fuel trucks with UN flags were also delivered to the border. However, despite speculation about a possible local ceasefire and limited opening, the crossing between Egypt and Gaza remained closed.
Martin Griffiths, UN aid chief, announced this morning that he is expected to travel to the Middle East on Tuesday (17), to support negotiations related to the provision of aid to the Gaza Strip, which are currently blocked. Griffiths said his office had been involved in "in-depth discussions" with Israel, Egypt and other parties involved.
Negotiations
You leaders of the 27 countries of the European Union issued a joint appeal, demanding the "immediate and unconditional release" of all hostages. They will meet tomorrow via videoconference in an emergency summit called for later in the week as concerns grow across the European Union about instability in the region.
European Council President Charles Michel issued a strong statement in which he stated that the EU recognizes Israel's right to self-defense, but emphasized that this self-defense must be fully in accordance with international law and international humanitarian law.
The UN Security Council scheduled for this Monday the vote on the proposed resolution presented by Brazil, which seeks to establish a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, as well as the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. The vote is scheduled for 6 pm in New York (7 pm in Brasília) and is seen as an important test for the main global powers.
