Israel-Hamas war Highlights: Hostage release deal ‘very close’, says Israeli official

Smoke rises after Israeli strikes in Gaza, as seen from southern Israel, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas, November 21, 2023. REUTERS/Alexander Ermochenko

Hospitals in Gaza have become the primary target for Israeli forces as they press their offensive against Hamas in the northern region. At least 12 people were killed and dozens injured in a fresh attack at Indonesian Hospital in the beseiged enclave, the Gazan health ministry said. Thousands of patients and displaced people have been sheltering in that hospital for weeks.

The fresh offensive came as 28 premature babies were being evacuated from another hospital in Gaza City, Al-Shifa, which was raided by the Israeli military earlier based on the claim that Hamas has been using the complex as a key military base.

Like all other health facilities in the northern half of Gaza, the Indonesian Hospital has largely ceased operations but is still sheltering patients, staff and displaced residents.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his commitment on securing the release of hostages after he met with the family members of Israelis being held captive in Gaza.

Meanwhile, both Israel and Hamas officials indicated a potential truce deal to release dozens of hostages from Gaza. However, no timeline has been announced either on the release of hostages or the final completion of the deal.