Israeli army says 222 hostages held in Gaza

By Abdul Raouf Arnaout

JERUSALEM (AA) - The Israeli army confirmed Monday that 222 hostages are held by Palestinian group Hamas in the Gaza Strip following a cross-border attack on Oct 7.

Military spokesman Daniel Hagari told reporters that a number of foreign nationals were among the hostages.

“We will employ every available means to safely free the hostages, whether through military, intelligence, or diplomatic channels,” he said.

"This represents the core purpose of this war, in addition to dismantling Hamas rule and destroying its capabilities. These objectives will be achieved," Hagari said.

The spokesman said the Israeli military deaths in the Gaza war reached 308.

The Israeli army holds bodies of at least 1,000 killed Hamas members, Hagari said, without providing any further details.

The conflict in Gaza, which has been under Israeli bombardment and a blockade since Oct. 7, began when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea and air. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

Over 6,000 people have been killed in the conflict, including at least 4,651 Palestinians and more than 1,400 Israelis.

*Written by Rania Abu Shamala in Istanbul