14-11-2023 (GAZA) The armed wing of Hamas, a Palestinian militant group, has expressed its willingness to release approximately 70 women and children held in Gaza, on the condition of a five-day truce, according to Qatari mediators.
Abu Ubaida, the spokesperson for Hamas’ armed wing, Alqassam Brigades, made the announcement in a recorded audio message published on the group’s Telegram channel. He stated that the truce should entail a complete ceasefire and the unrestricted provision of aid and humanitarian relief across the Gaza Strip. Ubaida accused Israel of stalling and avoiding compliance with the terms of the proposed deal.
The recent conflict between Israel and Hamas escalated after Hamas gunmen launched attacks on southern Israel, resulting in civilian casualties. In response, Israel initiated a campaign to dismantle Hamas, which governs the Gaza Strip. According to Israel, the conflict led to the deaths of around 1,200 people, with 240 taken as hostages in Gaza.
As of Monday, the media office of the Hamas-controlled government reported a total death toll of 11,240 in the Gaza Strip since October 7. This figure includes 4,630 children and 3,130 women.
Israeli Military Alleges Hostages Held in Gaza Hospital; Hamas Denies Accusations
On Monday, the Israeli military presented video and photographic evidence claiming that Hamas had stored weapons in the basement of a children’s hospital in Gaza, where hostages were allegedly being held. The footage displayed what appeared to be living quarters and a tunnel entrance.
Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, a spokesperson for the Israeli military, stated that troops had discovered a command center with an arsenal of weapons, including grenades, suicide vests, and other explosives, in the basement of Rantissi Hospital. The hospital specializes in treating cancer patients, particularly children.
The military spokesperson showed footage revealing basic living facilities, such as a small kitchen, along with a nearby tunnel entrance that purportedly led to the residence of a senior Hamas naval commander. Reuters could not independently verify the location and date of the video, and both Hamas and Gaza hospital authorities denied the allegations.
US President Biden Stresses Protection of Gaza City Hospital
US President Joe Biden emphasized the importance of safeguarding Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza City and expressed his hope for less intrusive actions in the area. Israeli tanks had reportedly positioned themselves at the entrance of the main hospital in Gaza City as part of Israel’s efforts to gain control over the northern half of the Gaza Strip. Reports emerged of patients, including newborns, dying due to fuel shortages.
Ashraf Al-Qidra, spokesperson for the Gaza health ministry, reported 32 patient deaths, including three newborns, in the past three days due to the ongoing siege and power shortage.
Israeli Prime Minister Declares “War to the End”
In a video released on Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu referred to the current campaign as a “war to the end,” emphasizing that it was not merely an operation or a round of conflict. Addressing gathered soldiers, Netanyahu stated that finishing Hamas was crucial to prevent future threats.
“This is neither an ‘operation’ nor a ’round’ but a war to the end. It is important to me that you know this,” Netanyahu asserted, underscoring the seriousness of the situation. He added, “This is not lip service, but from the heart and mind. If we do not finish them, it will come back.”
