Israel finds six dead hostages as Gaza begins polio vaccinations

Since the October 7 attack, Israel's military campaign has left Gaza in ruins, severely damaging water and sanitation systems and worsening the spread of disease.

Israel's military, on September 1, announced the discovery of six deceased hostages from Gaza. The remains of the hostages were retrieved from an underground tunnel in Rafah on Saturday and have been officially identified in Israel, according to the Israeli military's statement.

President Joe Biden expressed his "devastation and outrage" over the deaths. The victims have been identified as Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an Israeli-American, Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi, and Master Sergeant Ori Danino. These hostages were among the 251 taken during the October 7 attack by Palestinian militants.

Approximately 100 hostages are still being held captive, with many reported dead by the Israeli military. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum has expressed deep sorrow over the recent deaths and urged for a ceasefire. The group criticised delays and obstacles, suggesting that the latest fatalities could have been prevented.

The campaign group remarked, "Were it not for the delays, sabotage, and excuses those whose deaths we learned about this morning would likely still be alive".

Since the October 7 attack, Israel's military campaign has left Gaza in ruins, severely damaging water and sanitation systems and worsening the spread of disease.

In response to the first confirmed polio case in Gaza in 25 years, a health official announced that vaccination efforts began on Saturday, with a broader campaign planned. The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that Israel has agreed to implement several three-day "humanitarian pauses" to support the vaccination drive, which is set to commence fully on Sunday according to an international aid worker.

West Bank Conflict Flares Up

In the occupied West Bank, Israel continues a major military operation amid intense fighting, particularly in Jenin. Local officials report extensive damage to infrastructure, with power and water supplies cut off. Clashes and explosions have been reported, with additional casualties, including two more Palestinians killed in Jenin and a 20-year-old Israeli soldier. Since Wednesday, at least 22 Palestinians have been killed in raids across northern West Bank cities, with Hamas and Islamic Jihad claiming that some of the deceased were their members.

Israeli forces have focused their operations on Jenin and its refugee camp, which is known for being a stronghold of Palestinian armed groups. The situation in Jenin is dire, with severe shortages of water and electricity and significant destruction to infrastructure.

Escalation in Gaza and Hezbollah's Response

In Gaza, Israel's military offensive continues following Hamas’s October 7 attack. On Saturday alone, 42 people were reported killed in Israeli strikes. The ongoing conflict has severely affected Gaza, displacing most of its 2.4 million residents and leading to a severe humanitarian crisis. The UN reports that Israel's actions have resulted in at least 40,691 deaths in Gaza, with many being women and children.

Hezbollah has escalated the conflict by launching explosive-laden drones at Israeli targets, claiming these actions are in response to Israeli attacks. The war has also drawn in Iran-backed groups from the region, raising concerns about a broader conflict.