Military experts have told the Guardian that a “kinetic tactical” effort to free the hostages was not feasible given current conditions, the numbers of hostages and their dispersed locations. So far, four female hostages have been released after negotiations brokered by Qatar, which is also believed to be trying to reach a deal in which 50 more dual nationals held by Hamas would be released. The Israeli government will struggle to reconcile its stated aim to “crush Hamas” while saving the lives of as many hostages as possible, analysts say.
Raids, airstrikes and artillery bombardment have so far killed more than 7,000 people in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health authorities in the enclave.
The Thai prime minister, Srettha Thavisin, said it was possible the Israeli figure included a combination of confirmed deaths, abductions, and missing people.Įarlier this week, Israel dropped leaflets in Gaza offering a reward for hostage information in the latest effort to free those abducted, as the Israeli military continued preparing for an expected ground offensive. The Thai ministry of foreign affairs said on Thursday it was in the process of verifying the figure of 54 with Israeli authorities. Authorities in Bangkok have said that at least 33 of its nationals were killed and 18 wounded but that only 18 were among those taken hostage.
