Two Hamas sources told AFP that some of the hostages seized in the October 7 raids on Israel were on Friday handed over to the Red Cross for return to Israel, via Egypt.

How could Israel, one of the most powerful nations in the world, with its dreaded MOSSAD and Shin Bet intelligence services respected all over the world, sit on its bum and allow itself to be surprised by its sworn enemy next door?

Qatar on Tuesday urged Israel and Hamas to reach an agreement on releasing hostages seized in the October 7 attack, cautioning the situation in Gaza was worsening on a daily basis.

The United Nations Associations of the USA (UNA-USA) has emphasised the organisation’s commitment to the values and principles of the United Nations amid the conflict in the Middle East, demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire between Haman and Israel.

Memorial speeches were pierced by sobs and candles were lit by mourning crowds as Israel fell silent on Tuesday, marking one month since the October 7 Hamas attacks.

Media reports said others would be taken to a hospital in El Arish, while the most complex cases will be referred to Cairo

Israel’s war on Gaza militants will be “long and difficult”, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Saturday as Hamas demanded the release of all Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the hostages it seized three weeks ago.

In a separate statement, the Israeli military said one raid had killed Hamas air attacks chief Asem Abu Rakaba, who it said played a key role in the October 7 attacks that set off the current war.

The Israeli military said Friday it was expanding its ground operations in Gaza as it unleashed one of the fiercest bombardments in three weeks of war with the territory’s Hamas rulers.

Hamas is “ready” for an Israeli invasion of Gaza over the October 7 attacks, a top official of the Palestinian Islamist group said late Friday after Israel announced it would extend its ground operation.