The United Kingdom, France, and Canada on Monday (local time) strongly opposed Israel's recent expansion of military operations in Gaza, condemning the intolerable level of human suffering in the region.
The IDF said that the latest strikes are part of preparations to expand the operations, with key goals including the dismantling of Hamas and the safe return of hostages.
President of Israel, Isaac Herzog on Friday morning visited the Embassy of the Vatican and the Papal Nuncio, and signed the book of condolences opened officially to mourn the passing of Pope Francis. The President expressed his sympathies to the Catholic communities in the Holy Land and the
"I appeal once again," Pope Francis said, "for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, for the release of the hostages... and for access to humanitarian aid," the Pope said.
Prime Minister Netanyahu held meetings with the families of David and Ariel Cuneo, Nimrod Cohen, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, and Evyatar David, Israelis held hostage in Gaza.
The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) Chief of Staff Lieutenant General. Eyal Zamir on Tuesday conducted a situation assessment and field tour in Shuja'iyya in the Gaza Strip, where he spoke about the recent controversy about a protest letter written by reservists demanding an immediate end to the
The attack took place on March 11, when the Peshawar-bound Jaffar Express -- carrying 440 passengers -- was ambushed. Several hostages were taken during the assault, prompting a two-day security operation to neutralize the threat and rescue the captives.
"556 days ago, twin brothers Gali and Ziv Berman, two wonderful and caring young Israelis, were brutally kidnapped from their home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza," said Herzog.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz called on the people of Gaza to "remove Hamas and release all hostages" before the IDF expands its operations, especially in the southern part of the Strip.