Israel has captured 200 Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants in a week, bringing the total arrests to 700 since the Gaza offensive began, aimed at dismantling Hamas. Some suspects voluntarily surrendered, attempting to blend with civilians.
During retaliatory actions after an incursion by Hamas on October 7, which resulted in 1,200 Israeli casualties and hostage-taking, extensive damage has occurred in Gaza.
With over 20,000 deaths and 50,000 injuries reported by Hamas officials, Israel persistently bombs the region, prompting recent UN directives for 150,000 civilians to evacuate central Gaza. Thomas White of UNWRA emphasizes the humanity of Gazans, many repeatedly displaced, most recently from Bureij camp to Deir Al-Balah.
Shelling in Bureij and deadly strikes in Jabalia and Nuseirat camps have been reported by Palestinian media. Amidst the crisis, an Israeli adviser admitted Gaza's suffering due to Hamas's indifference, tracing the conflict back to October 7.
The IDF and Shin Bet cited the interrogation of 200 militants post-arrest, though the BBC could only confirm past detention footage. Despite this, the UN Security Council has taken a step toward mitigating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza by passing a resolution, with US and Russian abstentions, to facilitate aid delivery and establish sustained peace conditions. This resolution, criticized by Hamas as insufficient, avoids calling for an immediate ceasefire but demands the release of all hostages, and international organizations are urged to monitor its enforcement.
UN Secretary-General
António Guterres comments on Israel's operation highlight significant aid delivery challenges in Gaza.