Escalating Death Toll in Gaza: Latest Updates on Israel-Hamas Conflict

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has stated that Israel has a "moral duty and strategic imperative" to protect Palestinian civilians in Gaza, joining other U.S. officials in urging Israel to mitigate civilian harm in its ongoing conflict with Hamas. The mistaken killing of three Israeli hostages in Gaza has raised concerns over IDF tactics, prompting the IDF chief of staff to instruct troops to exercise caution. Over 100 hostages held in Gaza have been released, while a Washington Post video analysis reveals how Hamas exploited vulnerabilities in Israel's security barrier to carry out a deadly attack. Traders reportedly made millions of dollars by anticipating the attack.