Strikes in the Gaza Strip continue to grow as the United Nations calls for a ceasefire.
The conflict between Hamas and Israel continues to escalate. As the Israeli army has increased the pace of its attacks on the Gaza Strip, the UN is calling for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire”. The United States is demanding the release of all hostages in Gaza before any possible discussion takes place. This Monday, October 23rd, only two female hostages were released. Here’s what you’ll remember from this day.
Israel is stepping up its attacks on the Gaza Strip
Israel on Monday intensified its attacks on the Gaza Strip, where Hamas said more than 5,000 people have been killed since the war began 17 days ago. The Jewish state also reiterated that it was continuing its preparations for a ground offensive.
War between Hamas and Israel: How is the IDF preparing its offensive? War between Hamas and Israel: How is the IDF preparing its offensive? – (France 2)
This prospect worries the international community, which fears an escalation of the conflict. Iran, a Hamas ally, warned that the situation in the Middle East could become “uncontrollable” and turn into a “powder keg.”
Since October 15, the Israeli army has been urging civilians in the north of the Gaza Strip, where the bombing is most intense, to flee to the south. But the attacks also continue to affect the south, near the Egyptian border, where hundreds of thousands of displaced people are crowded.
Two new hostages were released by Hamas
Two new hostages have been released by Hamas, the International Committee of the Red Cross confirmed on Monday, October 23. The armed wing of Hamas said in a press release that there were two women. They were released “for urgent humanitarian reasons,” Hamas added, without specifying their nationality.
Hamas claims that this release took place thanks to the mediation of Qatar and Egypt. The ICRC says it “facilitated the release of two additional hostages by transporting them from Gaza.” This publication comes three days after that of two Americans. The ICRC was also involved in this first publication. Around 220 Israeli, foreign or binational hostages have been identified by Israel.
The UN is calling for a “ceasefire” in Gaza, the USA is hesitating
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights called for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” in Gaza on Monday, October 23, urging leaders to take “bold decisions.” “Humanity must come first,” emphasized Volker Türk, emphasizing that “far too many civilians, including many children, have already lost their lives in both camps.”
The United States, for its part, called for the release of all hostages in Gaza ahead of any possible discussion of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Finally, France is calling for a “humanitarian ceasefire” to allow the distribution of aid in the Gaza Strip, which “could lead to a ceasefire,” Élisabeth Borne told the National Assembly.