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Palestinians cross a flooded avenue following heavy rain in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Dec. 11.
Abdel Kareem Hana/AP
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Abdel Kareem Hana/AP
TEL AVIV, Israel — Efforts to recuperate the physique of the final Israeli hostage in Gaza have been hindered by heavy rains and dangerous climate within the enclave, in line with an Israeli official who spoke to NPR on situation of anonymity as a result of they weren’t approved to talk to the media.
“Search operations and continued sweeps have been coordinated, however are at present delayed because of climate situations within the northern Gaza Strip,” the official stated.
The official instructed NPR that the search efforts are “anticipated to renew as quickly as floor situations permit.”
The start of part two of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire settlement is on maintain, till the final physique is transferred to Israeli authorities by Hamas.
Section two would contain Hamas laying down its arms and an Israeli army withdrawal from Gaza.
The physique of Ran Gvili, who was killed whereas attempting to assist individuals escape from the Nova music pageant, is the final Israeli hostage held by Hamas. Gvili was 24 and the member of an elite police unit.
The Hostages and Lacking Households Discussion board, which has advocated for the return of the hostages for the reason that starting of the conflict, instructed NPR that there have been “at present no search operations underway,” as a result of climate situations didn’t allow it.
The Israeli army didn’t affirm the delays in search efforts for Gvili’s physique however known as on Hamas to “fulfill its a part of the settlement.”
The Hamas spokesman in Gaza, Hazem Qassim, instructed NPR the search efforts have been “very difficult.”
Either side have blamed the opposite for violating the phrases of the primary part of the ceasefire.
Israel has continued to strike Gaza for the reason that ceasefire deal was reached in October, killing greater than 380 Palestinians, in line with native well being officers.
Earlier this month, the Israeli army assassinated a prime Hamas chief it considered because the second-in-command of the group’s army wing. Hamas known as {that a} violation of the ceasefire.
Heavy rains have swamped hundreds of tents used as shelters by already displaced Palestinians.
The United Nations company chargeable for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, appealed to the Israeli army to permit extra assist into Gaza.
“With heavy rain and chilly introduced in by Storm Byron, individuals within the Gaza Strip are freezing to demise,” UNRWA Commissioner-Basic Philippe Lazzarini posted on X.
Lazzarini stated that the waterlogged ruins of buildings have been collapsing.
Gaza civil protection spokesperson Mahmoud Basal stated that dozens of Palestinians have been killed when buildings collapsed.
“These buildings are a significant nightmare in Gaza and threaten the lives of hundreds of individuals,” Basal instructed NPR.
Itay Stern contributed to this report from Tel Aviv. Abu Bakr Bashir contributed from the UK. Ahmed Abuhamda contributed from Cairo.
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