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Palestinian Arabs

Israeli Leaders Press Ahead with Gaza Offensive Amid Calls for Ceasefire

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Protesters in Israel on Tuesday torched tires, blocked highways, and clamored for a ceasefire that would free hostages still in Gaza, as Israeli leaders pressed ahead with plans for an offensive they argue is needed to crush Hamas. The disruption came as Palestinians in Gaza braced for the expanded offensive against a backdrop of displacement, destruction, and parts of the territory plunging into famine. It also came a day after deadly strikes against Gaza's main hospital killed 20 people, including medics and journalists, among them Mariam Dagga, a journalist who worked for The Associated Press.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is planning to launch an expanded offensive in Gaza City despite calls for a ceasefire from hostage families and their supporters.
  • The majority of the 251 hostages captured by Hamas on October 7, 2023, have been released during ceasefires, but 50 remain in Gaza, with around 20 believed by Israel to still be living.
  • Protesters in Israel waved banners reading "Hostage Deal Now" in response to a call from Israel's Hostages and Missing Families Forum for a "National Day of Struggle."
  • Far-right members of Netanyahu's coalition have threatened to bolt if Israel agrees to a truce, dismissing the protesters' demands.
  • The strike on Gaza's main hospital killed at least 20 people, including journalists and medics, and was widely condemned across the globe.
  • Israel's military wants people in hospitals, displacement camps, and Gaza City neighborhoods to evacuate southward to so-called safe zones so it can destroy Hamas and prevent attacks.
  • The Gaza Health Ministry has reported that 186 adults have died from malnutrition and starvation since late June, including 117 children since the start of the war.
  • Israel's military offensive has killed 62,819 people, including around half who were women and children, according to Gaza's Health Ministry.

Statistics:

  • 251 hostages were captured by Hamas on October 7, 2023.
  • 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with around 20 believed by Israel to still be living.
  • 62,819 people have been killed in Israel's military offensive, according to Gaza's Health Ministry.
  • 186 adults have died from malnutrition and starvation since late June, including 117 children.
  • 20 people, including journalists and medics, were killed in the strike on Gaza's main hospital on Tuesday.
  • 16 Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes on Tuesday, according to hospitals.

Sources:

  • The Associated Press, citing Ruben Chen, father of 21-year-old Itay Chen.
  • The Associated Press, citing Einav Zangauker, whose 25-year-old son Matan was abducted from one of Israel's hardest hit kibbutzim on October 7.
  • The Associated Press, citing officials from Nasser Hospital, Shifa Hospital, and Gaza City's Sheikh Radwan clinic.
  • Gaza's Health Ministry, reporting 186 deaths from malnutrition and starvation since late June.

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