Israel-Hamas war

Israel's attacks reportedly hit church - at least 18 dead 

During the night to Friday, Israel attacked over a hundred targets in Gaza. According to Israel, the attacks targeted tunnels, ammunition depots and operational headquarters belonging to the terrorist group Hamas. 

 

At the same time, Palestinian authorities state that Israel's bombs hit a medieval Greek Orthodox church where many people sought shelter, writes Sky News. According to the authorities, at least 18 people were killed in the attack.  

 

Israel has called on civilians to evacuate the northern half of the Gaza Strip, but many people still remain in the area, writes Reuters. 

  

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Israel: Most of the hostages are still alive  

Most of the 200 or so people taken hostage by Hamas are still alive. This is stated by the Israeli military, AFP reports.  

 

The military states that more than 20 of the hostages are children and that between 10 and 20 of them are older than 60 years. At the same time, between 100 and 200 people are considered missing after the Hamas attacks. 

 

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Americans held hostage are released by Hamas 

 

Two Americans who were taken hostage by Hamas during the attack in Israel have been released, the terror-labelled group says according to Reuters. According to the news agency, which refers to an Israeli channel, the release is confirmed by Israel.  

 

Haaretz reports that it is a mother and a daughter, and according to a Hamas spokesperson, Qatar has acted as a mediator. It is not clear when they were released or how it happened.  

 

Earlier on Friday, the Israeli military said about 200 people were taken hostage in the October 7 attack and that most are alive.