Israel conducted airstrikes on Gaza on Sunday as pressure mounted to secure the release of hostages still held in the Hamas-run territory. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced protests from relatives of the hostages, who called for urgent negotiations. The Israeli army admitted mistakenly killing three captives in Gaza, adding to the urgency of the situation. Hamas claimed that 18,800 people, mostly women and children, have been killed in Israel’s retaliatory offensive. At a protest in Tel Aviv, relatives of the hostages pleaded with the government for a deal. Over 100 hostages were released in a previous truce mediated by Qatar. Netanyahu expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of the three hostages and emphasized the necessity of military pressure for their return and victory over enemies.
On Sunday, Israeli strikes in Gaza resulted in the deaths of at least 12 people in Deir al-Balah. Witnesses reported additional strikes in Bani Suhaila and Khan Yunis. Netanyahu addressed Qatari efforts towards a new truce, expressing criticisms but emphasizing the focus on recovering the hostages. Qatar reaffirmed its ongoing diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire, while Hamas stated its opposition to negotiations until the aggression against their people ceases completely. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced his travel to Israel, Bahrain, and Qatar to highlight Washington’s commitments to regional security and stability.
The UN estimated that Israel’s bombardment of Gaza has displaced 1.9 million Gazans and caused hunger and desperation, leading to a breakdown of civil order. International aid organizations have struggled to deliver supplies to Gaza, raising concerns about hunger, disease, and weak immunity. US President Joe Biden, UK Foreign Minister David Cameron, and German counterpart Annalena Baerbock expressed growing concern over civilian deaths and called for a sustainable ceasefire. In response to international pressure, Israel announced a temporary measure to allow aid deliveries directly to Gaza through the Kerem Shalom border crossing.
Fierce fighting continued in Gaza, with the Israeli army raiding two schools it claimed were Hamas hiding places. The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem reported the shooting deaths of a Christian mother and daughter by an Israeli soldier on the grounds of the Gaza Strip’s only Catholic church. Journalists held a funeral for Al Jazeera cameraman Samer Abu Daqqa, who was killed in an Israeli strike. The war has also caused disruptions to the Red Sea shipping lane, with major firms redirecting their vessels due to attacks by Yemeni rebels allied with Hamas. The conflict has raised fears of a broader conflict, with Israel exchanging fire with Hezbollah across its northern border with Lebanon.