As Israel's war against Gaza enters its third week, here are some of the latest updates regarding the conflict as of Monday (October 23)
Israel Mounts Limited Raids in Gaza
Reuters quoted the Israel Defense Force (IDF) after it reported that its ground forces mounted limited raids into Gaza amid its continuous airstrikes targeting Palestinian militants assembling to repulse any full-scale Israeli invasion, which has yet to commence.
"During the night there were raids by tank and infantry forces. These raids are raids that kill squads of terrorists who are preparing for the next stage in the war," IDF chief spokesperson, RAdm. Daniel Hagari said in a televised briefing.
Hamas officials also reported on Sunday (October 22) that its fighters engaged an armored force infiltrating a southern area of Gaza and destroyed some Israeli military equipment before returning to base.
Israeli military commanders have not provided any comment on operator or personnel losses.
Israeli Military Updates Confirmed Hostage Count to 222
During a briefing, Admiral Hagari confirmed the number of hostages Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad have abducted on the October 7 raid of southern Israel has been updated to 222.
"These raids also locate and search for anything we can get in terms of intelligence on the missing and the hostages," he added.
Last week, both Israeli and US officials confirmed the release of American hostages Judith and Natalie Raanan of Evanston, which Hamas did for "humanitarian reasons."
37 Hamas Members Arrested in Latest West Bank Raids
Israeli authorities have also said it has arrested 37 Hamas members after raids in the West Bank late Sunday night.
This brought the total number of Palestinians detained since the October 7 attacks to 800, with over 500 of them associated with Hamas.
Israeli public broadcaster i24 reported that the 37 Hamas members were around half of the 64 arrests made in the latest raids by Israeli authorities overnight.
A joint task operation by the Israeli security service Shin Bet and the Israel Border Police also confiscated military equipment from the suspects, including bullet proof vests, as well as Israeli military uniforms and license plates.
Third Aid Convoy Enters Gaza
Meanwhile, a third aid convoy was reportedly scheduled to enter southern Gaza on Monday despite Israeli siege and shelling.
An unidentified Egyptian Red Crescent official confirmed to reporters on both sides of the Rafah border crossing that the supply run followed two previous convoys since the border was opened, but fell short on how many trucks would cross the border.
It was also reported that the US and Israel have agreed to allow the flow of humanitarian aid to the strip.
