Israel Demands Release of Hostages Before Lifting Gaza Siege

Israel has stated that there will be no exceptions to its siege of the Gaza Strip until all Israeli hostages are freed, rejecting pleas from the Red Cross for fuel to be allowed in to prevent overwhelmed hospitals from running out of power. The death toll in Israel has risen to over 1,300, with most being civilians killed in their homes or on the streets. Israel has responded with a powerful bombing campaign, while Gaza authorities report that over 1,350 Palestinians have been killed and more than 6,000 wounded. The International Committee of the Red Cross warns that hospitals in Gaza could turn into morgues without electricity.