Daijiworld Media Network - Gaza

Gaza, Aug 3: Israel's top military chief has warned that combat operations in Gaza will continue relentlessly if negotiations fail to secure the swift release of hostages held by Palestinian groups.

Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, Chief of Staff of the Israeli army, stated, “I estimate that in the coming days we will know whether we can reach an agreement for the release of our hostages. If not, the combat will continue without rest.” Zamir made the remarks during a visit to military personnel stationed inside Gaza, with the Israeli Defence Forces releasing footage of him addressing officers in a command centre.

As per the Israeli military, 49 out of the 251 hostages kidnapped during Hamas’s October 2023 attack remain in Gaza. Of these, 27 have been confirmed dead. This week, two videos released by Palestinian groups showed hostages appearing visibly frail and emaciated, further heightening concerns about their condition.

Meanwhile, Hamas has reiterated its stance, declaring that it will not disarm unless a fully sovereign Palestinian state is established. “Armed resistance cannot be relinquished except through the full restoration of our national rights,” the group said in a statement on Saturday, emphasising that Jerusalem must be the capital of any future Palestinian state.

On the humanitarian front, Gaza continues to suffer grave consequences. Hospitals reported that Israeli fire killed over a dozen people on Saturday, including eight civilians searching for food amidst severe shortages and limited overland aid.

The Gaza Health Ministry also reported seven deaths over the past 24 hours due to malnutrition-related causes, including one child. Since the beginning of the war, 93 children have reportedly died from hunger or associated complications, underscoring the worsening humanitarian crisis.

As diplomatic efforts remain fragile, both sides appear to be digging in, leaving civilians caught in a relentless cycle of violence, hunger, and uncertainty.