Hamas Captures Dozens in Gaza, US Intelligence Surprised

Visual evidence reviewed by The Washington Post suggests that Hamas fighters took at least 64 captives into the Gaza Strip during the recent incursion into Israel, with the majority being civilians. Among the captives were 49 civilians, including nine children, and 11 members of the Israeli military. The actual number of hostages and prisoners is likely higher than what was seen in the videos and images reviewed. The issue of captive numbers is crucial as Israel prepares for a potential invasion, and Hamas has threatened to execute a hostage for every Israeli airstrike that targets Palestinians. The Israeli military continues to bomb sites across Gaza, causing significant casualties. The situation in Gaza is deteriorating rapidly, with reports of Hamas losing contact with some of its fighters holding captives and Gazan civilians taking hostages on their own.