By Luis de Jesus
03 Nov 2023, 20:57 PM EDT
The United States reported this Friday that it is carrying out unmanned drone flights over the Gaza Strip to help Israel in its efforts to recover Hamas hostages.
Brigadier General Pat Ryder, Pentagon spokesman, indicated that these operations began after October 7, the day the terrorist organization launched a violent attack against Israeli territory.
As a result of these events, 1,400 people were killed, while more than 5,400 were injured and 242 kidnapped, the Efe news agency published.
Ryder added that the United States is also offering Israel advice on hostage release.
This statement from the Pentagon coincided with the third visit to Israel by Antony Blinken, United States Secretary of State.
US hopes for temporary ceasefire
The official met in Tel Aviv with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog, with the intention of achieving a temporary ceasefire in the strip that allows the departure of foreigners and the entry of humanitarian aid.
In Gaza, more than 9,250 people have died in this period due to the Israeli offensive, most of them children and women, and more than 23,500 have been injured, according to Gaza authorities, Efe indicated.
Blinken acknowledged Israel’s right to defend itself, but stressed the importance of doing everything possible to protect civilians caught in the crossfire created by Hamas.
“We think about our hostages at every moment. So many Israelis, Americans and other citizens. “We are determined to do everything possible to bring them back, safe and sound,” said the head of US diplomacy.
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