Situation in Gaza and the West Bank
The families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza have called on the government to release the names of the next four hostages to be freed by Hamas. This comes as a six-week truce between Israel and Hamas has entered its sixth day. The Israeli government is eager to learn the names of the hostages who will be released this Saturday.
Concerns Over Hostage Release
There are concerns about the number of hostages who have died in captivity, with Israel estimating that around one third of the over 90 hostages may have lost their lives. However, Hamas has not provided definitive information about the number of hostages still alive or the names of those who have died.
Military Operation in the West Bank
Meanwhile, in the West Bank, hundreds of Palestinians have fled the Yenín refugee camp due to an Israeli military operation aimed at targeting armed groups. The operation, known as "Iron Wall," involves the use of planes, armored vehicles, and infantry.
Objectives of the Military Operation
The Israeli government has stated that the objective of the operation is to "eradicate terrorism" in Yenín. The city and refugee camp have been under Israeli occupation since 1967. The Israeli army has reported killing two Islamic Jihad fighters who were allegedly responsible for an attack that killed three Israelis in January.
Casualties and Justification
The Palestinian Authority’s Ministry of Health has reported 10 deaths in the operation so far. The Israeli Minister of Defense has justified the operation, citing a "change in the security approach" in the West Bank. The situation remains tense, with relatives of the hostages and the international community calling for the release of all hostages and a peaceful resolution to the conflict.