April 27th 2024.
The tension between Israel and Hamas has reached a new height as Israel demands the release of 33 hostages held by the militant group. The demand was made by Mossad chief David Barnea to the Egyptian delegation, led by intelligence chief Major General Abbas Kamel, who was visiting Tel Aviv.
This demand comes amidst fears of a planned attack on the city of Rafah in the southern part of the Gaza Strip. Even Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has expressed his concerns about this potential attack during his recent meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Cairo.
The reason for Egypt's worry is the potential consequences of an attack on Rafah. It could lead to a humanitarian crisis and a massive refugee crisis as Rafah shares a border with the Sinai region of Egypt. This has prompted Israel to take action and demand the release of the hostages.
According to sources in the Israeli Defence Ministry, these hostages are part of a group of 129 Israeli citizens who were taken captive by Hamas. Of these, 33 are elderly, women, or sick individuals. However, Israel has also stated that many of the remaining hostages are presumed to be dead.
Israel is determined not to fall for any delay tactics from Hamas, especially its military commander Yahya Sinwar, who is believed to be the mastermind behind a massacre in 2023. The Israeli intelligence has reported that Sinwar is currently in Rafah, using the hostages as human shields in one of the Hamas tunnels.
To prepare for the potential attack, the Israel Defense Forces have deployed its elite Nahal Brigade in Rafah. With tensions rising and the lives of innocent hostages at stake, Israel is on high alert and will not back down until all the hostages are safely released.
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