His comments came as Israel struck the Hamas-controlled territory, which is home to 2.3 million people. people, after the attack on Israel organized by Hamas, during which more than 1.2 thousand were killed. people. Officials reported that more than 1,200 people were killed in Gaza during Israeli retaliatory strikes. people.
Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on Saturday, invading its territory and launching rocket attacks. Israel carried out retaliatory strikes on the Gaza Strip.
Hamas is the Palestinian militant group that rules the Gaza Strip and has been involved in several wars with Israel since taking over the Gaza Strip in 2007. The group has been recognized as a terrorist by Israel, the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom and some other countries.
Hamas is supported by Iran, financing the purchase of weapons, supplying them and providing military training. Hamas has a political office in Qatar, where some of its leaders are based.
2.3 million people live in the Gaza Strip. people, but Israel, with the help of Egypt, has imposed a blockade on the territory since 2007 – it restricted the import of goods to and from the territory by water, sea or air, as well as the ability of the Palestinians themselves to leave the territory, except for a few tens of thousands of workers.
#ICRC #humanitarian #situation #Gaza #Strip #spiral #control
How does the hostage situation complicate efforts to bring about peace in the region?
## Interview Excerpt: The Ongoing Conflict
**Host:** We are joined today by Dr. Sarah Khalil, a Middle East expert from the Institute of International Relations. Dr. Khalil, thank you for being with us.
**Dr. Khalil:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah brings some relief to Lebanon, but the conflict in Gaza appears far from over. Prime Minister Netanyahu has made it clear that he remains committed to dismantling Hamas and maintaining control over parts of the territory.
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**Host:** These are undoubtedly ambitious goals. What are your thoughts on the likelihood of achieving them?
**Dr. Khalil:** The situation is incredibly complex. Netanyahu faces immense pressure from within Israel to deal a decisive blow to Hamas. However, achieving a complete dismantlement of the organization is highly unlikely. Worse, such a goal could lead to even greater bloodshed and instability in the region. As for maintaining control over parts of Gaza, this raises serious questions about the viability of a two-state solution and the long-term prospects for peace.
**Host:** Hamas is holding Israeli hostages. How do you see this issue impacting the path towards a resolution?
**Dr. Khalil:** The hostage situation is a heartbreaking tragedy and a major obstacle to peace. Hamas is using it as leverage, and it’s a horrific situation for those being held captive. It’s crucial that international pressure is brought to bear on Hamas for the safe and immediate release of all hostages.
**Host:** Lila, this conflict has already resulted in an immense loss of life on both sides.
**Dr. Khalil:** Indeed, the human cost is devastating. We are witnessing a humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. 2.3 million people are trapped in a densely populated area with limited access to basic necessities.
[[1](https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-war-lebanon-ceasefire-hamas-1a091e620e72c0fe341ff9e866237c08)]
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Khalil, for sharing your valuable insights with us today.
