Gaza City, Aug 29 (AP)— Gaza City has become a perilous combat zone, according to Israel, which claims to be in the “initial stages” of an offensive that has faced international criticism.
Israel's military has halted midday pauses in fighting that previously allowed food and aid supplies to enter between 10 am to 8 pm into Gaza's largest city.
The military reported recovering the body of one hostage and the remains of another, pledging that the offensive would recover more.
The shift comes weeks after Israel announced plans to expand its offensive against Gaza City, where thousands of displaced residents are facing dire conditions.
Bittersweet Moment for Hostage's Father— Rubi Chen, whose son is believed to be held captive in Gaza, described the news of recovered hostages as a “stab in the stomach.”
Israel confirmed the return of one hostage’s body and the remains of another, identifying one as Ilan Weiss, who died during the initial Hamas attack.
Chen shared the bittersweet moment for the Weiss family, now reunited with a lost loved one. While there is closure, 49 families still await the same resolution.
Despite being informed that his son may not have survived the October 7 attack, Hamas has not disclosed any details about his son’s whereabouts.
Netanyahu on Hostage Recovery— The Israeli Prime Minister detailed an operation involving the IDF and Shin Bet to recover the body of a deceased Israeli and the remains of another from Gaza.
The remains identified as Ilan Weiss, who defended Kibbutz Be'eri during the Hamas attack, are now being positively identified.
Weiss's family, including his wife and daughter, were released from captivity in November 2023. The Israeli Hostages and Missing Families Forum emphasized bringing all hostages home as a “highest national priority.”
Intensifying Gaza City Offensive— An Israeli military spokesman stated that the offensive on Gaza City has begun, with operations intensifying on the city's outskirts.
Avichay Adraee, the Arabic-speaking spokesman for the IDF, announced that strikes would intensify until all Israeli hostages are returned and Hamas is dismantled.
Adraee described Hamas as a once military organization now resorting to guerrilla warfare.
UN Raises Concerns— The UN's humanitarian agency expressed grave concerns over the military's intent to step up its offensive, foreseeing a “horrific impact” on the exhausted and deprived Gaza population.
UN and NGO teams remain on the ground, continuing life-saving support amid the challenges they face in doing so.
Returning Hostages’ Bodies— Netanyahu confirmed the recovery of Ilan Weiss’s body and another hostage's remains, vowing to continue efforts until all are returned home.
Two hostages’ bodies were recovered, including an Israeli man killed in an October 7 attack which ignited the conflict.
Roughly 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with estimates suggesting 20 are alive as of now.
Offensive Initiated— Israel has declared the largest city in Gaza a dangerous combat zone, beginning an offensive amid widespread international criticism.
The decision followed weeks after the initial plans to broaden military operations in Gaza City, where displaced residents suffer from famine.
Sheltering in Gaza’s Catholic Church— Approximately 440 individuals are seeking refuge in Gaza's only Catholic church and have chosen to stay despite Israel’s advancing military offensive.
Spokesman Farid Jubran shared that this decision was made freely and not imposed, with some clergy staying to support those sheltering.
While Jubran is outside Gaza, he noted that decisions to leave would be up to those in the church, though they remain without additional safety measures.
For those inside, actions such as moving towards protected walls are maintained when danger feels imminent. Yet, the church itself lacks specific defenses. (AP)
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