The military will continue its ground operation in Gaza “with increasing intensity” until all of the hostages “both living and dead” are returned, according to Israel Katz.
Of the 59 hostages remaining in custody in Gaza, it is believed that 24 are still alive, but their future is still up in the air following the failure of discussions on the second phase of the ceasefire agreement.
Israel restarted its ground invasion and shelling of Gaza this week, killing hundreds of civilians, ending the precarious ceasefire that had been in effect since January.
According to Sam Rose of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, Unrwa, the situation in the Strip is “gravely, gravely concerning” with “absolutely desperate tragedies occurring all over Gaza.”
