Israel and Hamas war: What to know on day 4 after surprise attack.

 

The Israeli military continued to attack Gaza overnight, with more than 200 locations targeted. Residents of the Gaza Strip spent a third night in fear and darkness, with water and power supplies cut off. Hamas said it would execute an Israeli captive for every civilian house bombed without warning.

The international community has called for an end to the violence, with the US, UN, and other countries working to mediate a ceasefire. Demonstrations in support of both Palestine and Israel have continued across the world, with some countries condemning the violence and others expressing their support for one side or the other.

The death toll has risen to at least 900 in Israel and 794 in Gaza, with thousands more injured. The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza has called for the opening of a "safe corridor to ensure the entry of urgent medical aid" into the territory's hospitals.

The US has reaffirmed its support to secure the release of all hostages held by Hamas, while it also said at least 11 American citizens were among those killed in Israel. Thailand updated the number of its nationals killed from 12 to 18 on Tuesday, with nine wounded and 11 taken captive. Ten Nepalese citizens were killed in Kibbutz Alumim, one of the locations attacked by Hamas fighters, the Nepalese Embassy in Tel Aviv said.

The situation in Gaza is dire, with residents facing a humanitarian crisis. The UN has called for an immediate end to the violence and for the international community to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza.

 

Diplomacy

• US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaffirmed Washington’s support to secure the release of all hostages held by Hamas.
• The US has already begun delivering critically needed munitions and military equipment to Israel.
• But it said it had no intention of putting its military on the ground but would protect US interests in the region.

• UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an end to the “vicious circle of bloodshed, hatred and polarisation”.
• US President Joe Biden released a joint statement with the leaders of Germany, the UK, France and Italy on Monday, condemning the attacks on Israel by Hamas and expressing their “steadfast and united support” for Israel.
• In the statement, they acknowledged the “legitimate aspirations” of the Palestinian people, and supported justice and freedom for Israelis and Palestinians alike.
• Turkey is ready to act as a mediator to end the conflict if the two parties make such a proposition, including hostage swaps, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said.
• Demonstrations in support of Palestine and Israel have continued across the world over the last 24 hours.
• Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who joined a solidarity gathering for Israel, has condemned demonstrations in support of Hamas in his country.

Casualties and humanitarian situation

• Israel’s death toll has risen to at least 900 with 2,600 injured, according to the Israeli Health Ministry.
• In Gaza, authorities said 794 Palestinians were killed and 4,000 others injured.
• The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza called for the opening of a “safe corridor to ensure the entry of urgent medical aid” into the territory’s hospitals.
• The US reaffirmed its support to secure the release of all hostages held by Hamas, while it also said at least 11 American citizens were among those killed in Israel.
• Thailand updated the number of its nationals killed from 12 to 18 on Tuesday, with nine wounded and 11 taken captive.
• Ten Nepalese citizens were killed in Kibbutz Alumim, one of the locations attacked by Hamas fighters, the Nepalese Embassy in Tel Aviv said.