The Israeli army claims to have destroyed around 400 tunnel shafts in the Gaza Strip since October 7. Many of Hamas’ tunnels were under hospitals, schools and civilian homes, the military said today. The army also said it discovered a Hamas tunnel at the site of the Gaza Strip’s largest hospital, Al-Shifa Hospital.
Ground operations in Gaza continue
Meanwhile, the army again attacks Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip ahead of an agreed ceasefire. The Israeli government last night approved an agreement with Hamas for a four-day ceasefire and the release of dozens of hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons. The start of the pause in fighting should be announced within 24 hours, as announced by mediator Qatar.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that the war in Gaza would continue “until we have achieved all our objectives”. This included dismantling Hamas, returning all hostages and missing persons, and ensuring that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel.
Pope: “This is not war, it is terrorism”
Pope Francis once again commented on the conflict. He met with an Israeli delegation and a Palestinian delegation on the sidelines of the general audience. “Because of wars we suffer, but here we have gone beyond wars: this is not war, it is terrorism,” said the pope.
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