Ghaza(The COW News Digital)Hamas announced on Sunday that it has lost contact with two hostages in Gaza following heavy Israeli airstrikes, raising fears for their safety. The group stated that ongoing military operations and intense bombardment have made it impossible to communicate with the captives or confirm their condition.
In an official statement, Hamas called for a 24-hour halt to Israeli airstrikes in northern Gaza to allow its fighters to locate the missing hostages and secure their evacuation from high-risk areas. The group blamed Israel’s continued military escalation for putting the lives of hostages at risk and warned that any harm to them would be a direct consequence of the ongoing offensive.
Meanwhile, Israeli bombardment across Gaza has continued without pause. According to Palestinian officials, the Israeli military targeted several residential neighborhoods, including the Nuseirat refugee camp, resulting in at least 41 more Palestinian deaths in the latest wave of attacks.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. Medical authorities reported that a two-and-a-half-month-old infant died in Khan Younis due to starvation and lack of medical care, underscoring the deepening crisis faced by civilians under blockade.
Local health officials say Israeli airstrikes are not only destroying homes but also hampering rescue efforts, as paramedics struggle to reach the wounded and retrieve bodies trapped beneath rubble. Aid groups have repeatedly called for humanitarian corridors to deliver food, water, and medical supplies, warning of a looming health catastrophe.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, since October 2023, more than 66,000 Palestinians have been killed and over 168,000 injured as a result of Israeli military operations. The toll continues to rise daily as airstrikes intensify and ground assaults expand.
International observers have urged both sides to protect civilian lives and to work toward a ceasefire. However, with negotiations for a potential truce still underway, there is no indication of an immediate de-escalation.
The situation surrounding the hostages adds further complexity to ceasefire talks, as mediators try to balance humanitarian concerns with political demands from both Israel and Hamas. Analysts warn that failure to secure the hostages’ safety could derail ongoing efforts for a comprehensive ceasefire agreement and prolong the conflict.
