Israeli Military revises number of hostages held in Gaza to 199, higher than previous estimates

The Israeli military has revised the number of people confirmed to have been kidnapped by Hamas during the cross-border terrorist attacks to 199 individuals. “The families have been notified. He did not specify whether that number includes foreigners, or say who is holding them,” said Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, a military spokesman on Monday. Most are believed to be held by the Hamas militant group, which rules Gaza. More than a million people have fled their homes in the Gaza Strip ahead of an expected Israeli retaliation that seeks to eliminate Hamas’ leadership after its deadly incursion. Aid groups warn an Israeli ground offensive could hasten a humanitarian crisis. Israeli forces, supported by U.S. warships, positioned themselves along Gaza’s border and drilled for what Israel said would be a broad campaign to dismantle the militant group. A week of blistering airstrikes have demolished neighbourhoods but failed to stop militant rocket fire into Israel. The incursion by Hamas that began Oct. 7 triggered a devastating war in the Gaza Strip. It has become the deadliest of five Gaza wars for both sides, with more than 4,000 dead. The Gaza Health Ministry said 2,670 Palestinians have been killed and 9,600 wounded. More than 1,400 Israelis have been killed, and at least 155 others, including children, were captured by Hamas and taken into Gaza, according to Israel.