Israel released a video on Sunday, November 19, showcasing a tunnel beneath Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza, attributing its construction to Hamas militants. Hamas acknowledges the existence of secret tunnels and bunkers within the Palestinian enclave but refutes claims of their presence under civilian infrastructure, including hospitals.
The same day, the World Health Organization reported the evacuation of at least 31 children from Al Shifa Hospital to Egypt for safety, the NY Times reported this.
Simultaneously, diplomatic efforts are underway to address the hostage situation. Michael Herzog, Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, expressed optimism on ABC about the potential release of a significant number of hostages held by Hamas in the coming days. This could lead to a temporary halt in hostilities, potentially lasting five days. US media sources suggest that around 50 hostages, mainly women and children, might be released from the approximately 240 held by Hamas. Meanwhile, Israel has also detained several Palestinians, though details of their potential release remain unclear.
Israeli official Duke signaled that this pause should not be considered a truce, indicating Israel’s intent to resume actions against Hamas post the humanitarian break.
John Feiner, the White House Deputy National Security Adviser, shared on CNN that the US is hopeful about the progress in negotiations to free the hostages, stating it is closer than ever since talks began weeks ago.
On November 18, Israeli airstrikes resulted in casualties among displaced Palestinian civilians, including an attack on a school in Jabaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza, as reported by the UN Relief Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed profound shock at the targeting of two UNRWA schools in Gaza within a 24-hour period. Guterres reiterated his call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, highlighting the unacceptable and growing number of civilian casualties, especially women and children.
In its defense, the Israeli military stated its operations in Jabaliya aimed to target terrorists while minimizing civilian harm. Warnings were issued to civilians in southern Gaza to evacuate, including a specific alert for residents in Khan Yunis, Gaza, on November 17.
Palestinian authorities report staggering casualty figures since the onset of Israeli military operations against Hamas, operation Iron Swords on October 7. Over 1,200 people have been killed in southern Israel, more than 13,000 in Gaza, and 30,000 injured. Internationally, the US, UK, EU, and other nations recognize Hamas as a terrorist organization.
Israel reports the loss of 57 troops since the conflict’s escalation in Gaza.
