Smoke is rising after an Israeli strike on Gaza, seen from a viewpoint in Southern Israel, October 24, 2023 (L). People inspect the area of Al-Ahli hospital where hundreds of Palestinians were killed in a blast that Israeli and Palestinian officials blamed on each other, and where Palestinians who fled their homes were sheltering amid the ongoing conflict with Israel, in Gaza City, October 18, 2023 (R – Top). Members of the Palestine Red Crescent Society distribute aid to people in Deir al-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip, in this handout picture released on October 25, 2023 (R – bottom). Photograph:(Agencies)
The Hamas health ministry reported that within a single hour of intensified Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip, at least 50 individuals lost their lives on Tuesday. Prior to this, the Palestinian health ministry had stated on Tuesday that Israeli airstrikes had resulted in the deaths of over 700 Palestinians in the Hamas-controlled Gaza overnight, marking the highest 24-hour death toll.
Israel alleged that Hamas, a Palestine-based group which is designated terrorist organisation by many countries, offered $10,000 and an apartment to its militants if they brought a hostage back to Gaza with them when they launched an unprecedented attack on Oct 7. Smoke is rising
The United Nations does not officially designate Hamas as a terrorist organization. However, Hamas is considered a terrorist organization by some countries, including the United States and Israel, while others view it as a political and resistance movement. The designation of Hamas varies depending on the perspective of each nation or organization.
Pope Francis on Wednesday renewed his calls for the release of hostages held by Palestinian militants and for humanitarian aid to be allowed into the Gaza Strip.
“I am always thinking about the grave situation in Palestine and Israel. I encourage the release of hostages and the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza,” he said during his weekly audience.