"Israel-Hamas War: Mounting Gaza Deaths, Hostages, and Macron's Visit - Day 18 Updates"

The death toll in Gaza surpasses 5,000 as the conflict between Israel and Hamas enters its 18th day. Hamas releases two elderly Israeli captives while their husbands remain in captivity. The Indonesian Hospital in Gaza shuts down temporarily, and Israel bombards the al-Shati refugee camp. Israeli air raids kill at least 140 people in Gaza, including a Palestinian journalist. Fighting between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters at the Lebanon-Israel border displaces 19,000 people in Lebanon. In the occupied West Bank, a senior Hamas leader dies in custody, and night raids and arrests continue. French President Emmanuel Macron visits Tel Aviv, calling for the creation of a Palestinian state and an end to Israeli settlements. The United Nations General Assembly will hold a special emergency session on the situation in Palestine, and US President Joe Biden emphasizes the need for aid to Gaza. China's foreign minister stresses the importance of finding a peaceful solution and will visit the US. Former US President Barack Obama condemns Hamas, supports Israel's right to defend itself, and warns of the long-term impact of Israel's siege on Gaza.