More than 100 hostages are believed to be in Gaza. Hamas is threatening to execute hostages if Israel carries out strikes on homes in Gaza without warning civilians.
By Annabelle Timsit, The Washington PostRelatives of U.S. citizens that are missing since Saturday's surprise attack by Hamas militants near the Gaza border, in Tel Aviv, Israel attend a news conference on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023 in Tel Aviv, Israel.
Israeli authorities estimate that Gaza militant groups have between 100 and 150 hostages, Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Gilad Erdan told CNN on Monday, calling it an “unprecedented number.” Israeli authorities have not released the names of hostages, but a spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces said the military has made contact with the families of 50 Israeli hostages to apprise them of the situation.Israeli authorities said they are looking for the hostages. The Gaza Strip is a 140-square-mile, densely populated enclave with an extensive network of subterranean tunnels.
Hamas, during its initial incursion, also captured and held people within Israel as fighting was underway around the border towns.President Biden said in a statement Monday, “While we are still working to confirm, we believe it is likely that American citizens may be among those being held by Hamas.
Biden also said at least 11 American citizens had been killed in the war so far, “many of whom had made a second home in Israel.” Other foreign nationals also have been killed, including at least four people from France, 18 from Thailand and at least 10 Nepalese nationals.Hamas has threatened to execute hostages if Israeli forces target Gaza residents without warning them so they are able to flee — sparking fears of further escalation of the situation.
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