Hamas Holds 199 Hostages in Gaza, Israeli Military Reports

The Israeli military has updated the number of people being held captive by Hamas in the Gaza Strip to 199, following the group's attacks on Israel on October 7. Efforts to secure the release of the hostages are a top national priority for Israel. The attacks, known as Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, resulted in the deaths of over 1,400 people, mostly civilians, and injured around 3,500 others. Israel responded with intense air attacks on Gaza, causing significant destruction. Hamas claims that 22 captives have been killed due to Israeli bombardment, while Israel denies this. There are reports of an agreement to open the Rafah crossing for humanitarian aid, but Israel's Prime Minister's office denies any ceasefire. The United States is seeking to evacuate its citizens from Gaza and has called for humanitarian aid for Palestinians.