By Muhammed Emin Canik
ISTANBUL (AA) - The Israeli military said the armed wing of Hamas, Al-Qassam Brigades, has been holding 126 Israelis hostage since the conflict began Oct. 7, according to the TImes of Israel.
Spokesman Daniel Hagari said the families of the hostages in the Gaza Strip, who are under heavy attack and a full blockade by the Israeli military, have been informed.
He said the number of Israeli soldiers killed in the military's attacks on Gaza is 279.
Reports in Israeli media, based on sources, previously estimated the number of Israelis taken captive in Gaza was 200.
Israeli forces launched a sustained and forceful military campaign against the Gaza Strip one week ago in response to a military offensive by the Palestinian group Hamas in Israeli territories.
The conflict began last Saturday when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood against Israel, a multi-pronged surprise attack including a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel via land, sea and air.
Hamas said the operation was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem and Israeli settlers’ growing violence against Palestinians.
The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets within the Gaza Strip.
That response has extended into cutting water and electricity supplies to Gaza, further worsening the living conditions in an area that has reeled under a crippling siege since 2007.
More than 3,500 people have been killed since the outbreak of the conflict on Oct. 7, including 2,215 Palestinians and 1,400 Israelis.
*Writing by Rania Abu Shamala