Since October 27, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have been conducting a ground operation in the northern part of the Gaza Strip to eliminate Hamas militants and rescue hostages.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ruled out a cease-fire, citing the fact that Hamas is still holding a large number of hostages. According to the latest figures, more than 240 people are being held.
The escalation of the conflict has resulted in the deaths of some 1,400 people in Israel and more than 10,000 in Gaza, according to the latest official figures. It has also raised fears of a wider regional conflagration.
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