Daijiworld Media Network- Gaza

Gaza, Jan 9: Israeli forces have recovered the body of a hostage held in Gaza, the military said Wednesday, adding that they are identifying additional remains that could belong to another captive. The recovery of Yosef AlZayadni, 53, from an underground tunnel comes as Israel and Hamas are considering a ceasefire and hostage release deal.

The conflict began when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing approximately 1,200 people and abducting around 250. A third of the 100 hostages still in Gaza are believed to be dead.

Palestinian medics reported that Israeli airstrikes killed at least nine people in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, including three infants — among them a one-week-old — and two women. Israel’s military maintains that it only targets militants, accusing them of hiding among civilians.

Israel’s air and ground offensive against Hamas in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of over 45,800 Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry. The ministry does not specify how many were fighters, but states that women and children make up over half of the fatalities. The military reports killing over 17,000 militants, though no evidence has been provided.

In Yemen, the U.S. military says it conducted a series of strikes against underground arms facilities of the Houthi rebels. The Iran-backed Houthis have been targeting shipping routes for more than a year and recently escalated missile attacks on Israel, claiming they aim to pressure an end to Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza.