Gaza

Israel's sustained bombardment and siege have worsened conditions, leaving pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, along with infants, in a perilous state due to shock, stress, and lack of access to essential services.

With 100% of Gaza's population now food insecure, mass malnutrition is imminent, intensifying the risks for expectant mothers and newborns. The situation is dire, with 5,522 women expected to deliver in the next month alone. The absence of clean water and basic prenatal and postnatal care only exacerbates their plight.

But three weeks after the massacre, Israel's secretive military strategy, Operation Swords of Iron, is slowly starting to reveal itself.

The last few days saw a dramatic escalation in Israel's activities in Gaza.

Palestinian medics said eight members of one family died in the strike, among them five children.

Israel said the attack targeted the home of Rasmi Abu Malhous, who it called a militant commander from the group Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ).

It said no civilians were expected to be in harm's way.

The attack in Deir al-Balah, in central Gaza, was the deadliest episode in a two-day exchange of fire between Israel and the Palestinian group.

It took place on Thursday, shortly before a ceasefire came into effect.

One air strike targeted a national security base east of the Jabalia refugee camp in the north of the strip, moderately injuring one Palestinian, medical sources said on Saturday.

Another air strike hit a base east of Gaza city in the Zeitoun neighbourhood while a third hit an empty field in the north of the Gaza Strip in Beit Hanoun.

Earlier on Friday, a rocket fired from the strip struck a parked bus in the town of Sderot without causing casualties, Israeli police said.

Netanyahu's remarks came a day after Israel's stunning announcement that two men — Avraham Mengistu, an Israeli of Ethiopian descent, and a Bedouin from Israel's Arab minority whose identity is still under a gag order — are being held captive in the Gaza Strip.

Earlier Friday, the families complained to Israeli media over their treatment by government officials, saying their anguish is being ignored.

Netanyahu said Israel is doing everything it can to bring both men home. He met with the Mengistu family in the south of the country on Friday afternoon.

Friday's remarks came a day after Israeli officials' stunning announcement that two men — Avraham Mengistu, an Israeli of Ethiopian descent, and a Bedouin from Israel's Arab minority whose identity is still under a gag order — are being held captive in the Gaza Strip.

Mengistu's uncle, Tzachi Malasa, told Army Radio that he feels his family is being treated badly "because he's black," referring to his nephew.