Israel’s limited raids in Gaza result in several casualties

New Delhi: Israel conducted “limited raids” in the Gaza Strip overnight, with the aim of targeting Hamas and obtaining information about hostages. The Israeli military spokesperson, Daniel Hagari, confirmed that the raids were carried out by armoured and infantry forces to eliminate “terrorist cells” preparing for future conflicts.

During the operation, Hamas claimed to have destroyed an Israeli tank in southern Gaza, resulting in one Israeli soldier killed and two injured by an anti-tank missile. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) reported striking over 320 targets in Gaza in the past 24 hours, with missile attacks by Hamas leading to one IDF soldier’s death and three injuries.

In addition to Gaza, Israeli forces in the West Bank, detained 64 people overnight, including 37 members of suspected Hamas cadres. Separately, the IDF announced the arrest of approximately 800 wanted Palestinians in the West Bank, including more than 500 affiliated with Hamas, since the conflict began on October 7.

The situation has led to a high death toll, with the Gaza Health Ministry reporting at least 436 Palestinians killed, including 182 children, in the past 24 hours. Since the beginning of the conflict on October 7, the overall death toll has risen to 5,087 Palestinians, with 15,273 wounded. Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh expressed concerns about the situation in the Gaza Strip, referring to it as “the Israeli murder and criminal machine.”

Israeli Strikes Target Hezbollah Cells in Lebanon Amid Ongoing Conflict

Israel has reported targeting multiple Hezbollah targets in Lebanon since the onset of recent hostilities. According to the IDF, an interceptor missile was deployed to address a “suspicious target” entering Israeli airspace from Lebanon. IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari disclosed that, in the past 24 hours, the IDF engaged “eight terrorist cells” within Lebanon, seven of which were neutralized before they could launch anti-tank missiles and rockets. The IDF has asserted that a total of 20 Hezbollah cells have been targeted since the conflict began on the border earlier this month.

On Monday, Israeli jets struck two Hezbollah cells in Lebanon, alleging their intentions to launch anti-tank missiles and rockets towards Israel. Additionally, the Israeli military confirmed strikes on other Hezbollah installations, including a compound and an observation post.

Hezbollah has reported the loss of one of its fighters, marking the 11th casualty within the last 48 hours due to the ongoing fighting. Meanwhile, Israel’s military has suffered seven fatalities on the Lebanese border since October 7.

The clashes have also taken a toll on residents living on the Lebanese side of the border. Several communities living over the Israeli side were evacuated and temporarily adjusted in some guest houses located near the Lebanese border.

Western Leaders Continue Visiting Israel: Greek PM meets Netanyahu

The Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, is the latest in a series of political figures to visit Israel. During the meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the two leaders discussed the ongoing situation. Kyriakos Mitsotakis affirmed his country’s support while Benjamin Netanyahu expressed appreciation for the solidarity shown by Greece.

This visit follows the recent trips of other Western leaders, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and U.S. President Joe Biden, who have also visited Israel in a display of solidarity.

The Dutch Prime Minister, Mark Rutte, is currently visiting, and the French President, Emmanuel Macron, is scheduled to arrive in Israel tomorrow. These visits demonstrate the continued support and solidarity of Western leaders amid the ongoing situation in the region.

Third Aid Convoy Arrives in Gaza from Egypt

Reports from news agencies confirm the arrival of a third aid convoy in Gaza from Egypt. Additional trucks have entered Gaza through the Rafah crossing, following the initial convoy of 20 trucks on Saturday and a second convoy of approximately 14 trucks on Sunday. The number of trucks in Monday’s convoy remains like the previous days, as noted by aid workers. According to UN officials, approximately 100 trucks would be required daily to address essential needs in Gaza.

Israel Military update Hostages in Gaza as 222

The Israeli military has provided an update on the number of hostages being held in Gaza, confirming that 222 individuals are currently held captive. Western leaders and several countries are appealing to Hamas for the release of these hostages. Reports from US media indicate that President Joe Biden is urging Israel to delay a ground operation to allow more time for the release of over 200 hostages. Such a pause would also facilitate the safe evacuation of foreign nationals from Gaza and the much-needed delivery of humanitarian aid. The recent release of two American-Israelis on Friday offered a ray of hope to other families enduring this distressing situation.