Hostages still being held as Israel prepares for Rafah offensive | DW News

About 130 hostages remain unaccounted for after being kidnapped by Hamas on October 7 last year - at least 34 of them are presumed dead. The hostages captured or killed are believed to have been spread out among different members and factions of Hamas, as well as other groups. Hamas is classified as a terrorist organization by many governments, including the US, Germany and the EU.

For the families of the hostages, it feels impossible to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Passover, known as the festival of freedom.

Meanwhile, Israel says it's moving ahead with its plans for a ground offensive into Rafah, despite intense international criticism.

The Israeli government claims that the bulk of Hamas' remaining forces are hiding in the southern Gazan city, where over a million internally displaced Gazans are also now living. The offensive is part of Israel's response to the Hamas terror attacks of October 7.

Chapters:
2:39 Uri Dromi, Former Israeli goverment spokesman
10:06 Sam Rose, UNRWA director of planning

#gaza #israel #passover

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