Hamas Uncertain of Captive’s Fate After Israeli Strikes; US Airstrikes Kill Three in Yemen

Fate of Israeli-American captive unknown after Israeli air raids: Hamas

The Qassam Brigades, Hamas’s armed wing, say they have lost contact with one of their units holding an Israeli-American captive after a wave of intense Israeli air strikes in Gaza. They stated the body of the guard assigned to watch the captive was found, but the captive’s fate remains unknown.

Meanwhile, Gaza’s Health Ministry reports that more than 92 Palestinians have been killed in the past 48 hours amid relentless Israeli bombardment. The ministry says at least 51,065 Palestinians have died and over 116,505 have been wounded since the war began 18 months ago.

The Gaza Government Media Office has released an updated death toll, now claiming over 61,700 people have been killed, including thousands presumed dead under the rubble of destroyed buildings.

On the humanitarian front, the World Food Programme has issued an urgent appeal warning that “Gaza needs food now,” with hundreds of thousands facing acute hunger.

The conflict began after Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of at least 1,139 people and the capture of more than 200 individuals by Hamas fighters.

Three killed in US airstrikes on Yemen’s capital: Reports

Houthi-affiliated news outlet Al Masirah reports that US airstrikes have hit several districts in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa. The strikes targeted al-Thawra, Bani Matar, and al-Safiah areas, reportedly killing three people and injuring four others.

The attacks come amid continued US military operations targeting Houthi forces, who have been launching drone and missile attacks in the Red Sea in support of Palestinians in Gaza.