A spokesperson from the Hamas political bureau, Khalil al-Hayya, spoke at a press briefing in Beirut, asserting that the Gaza Strip has suffered more than 14,000 fatalities as a result of Israeli bombardment. The briefing was circulated via a Telegram channel associated with radical Islamist movements, amplifying the claim to audiences beyond the region.
Al-Hayya’s figures included more than 5,800 children among those killed, and he added that more than 33,000 people were wounded in the conflict. The statement underscored what he described as a severe humanitarian toll from ongoing airstrikes and shelling, and it was presented as part of a broader narrative about the impact of the war on civilian life in Gaza.
Earlier reporting from the Lebanese newspaper Al Shark, citing sources close to the draft ceasefire agreement, suggested Hamas planned to secure the release of ten Israeli hostages each day as part of terms surrounding any potential cessation of hostilities with Israel. The claim reflects a bargaining posture tied to negotiations that have repeatedly shifted and faced new obstacles amid the fighting.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited a reserve battalion of the Israel Defense Forces and indicated that progress had been achieved in talks with Hamas regarding the release of hostages. The remark pointed to ongoing diplomatic maneuvering as both sides weigh concessions amid a volatile security environment.
In related accounts, Russians who had previously fled into Gaza’s war zone described daily life under bombardment, sharing perspectives on how people navigate danger, displacement, and the strain on essential services. These testimonies highlighted the broader human dimension of the conflict and the challenges faced by residents and refugees alike.