British Citizens Killed in Palestinian-Israeli Conflict: Death Toll Reaches Ten, Including Missing Teen Girl
### British Citizens Killed in Palestinian-Israeli Conflict
According to Sky News, the number of British citizens killed as a result of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has now reached at least ten people. This includes a 16-year-old girl who went missing after the Hamas attack on Kibbutz Be’eri on October 7. Her body has been identified, bringing the total number of British fatalities to ten. Her parents and 13-year-old sister were also reported missing, with the sister later confirmed dead. The father is still missing, and the mother is presumed deceased.
Earlier reports stated that seven Britons were killed and nine were missing during the escalation of the conflict. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made a promise to use all available means to secure the release of the hostages during a meeting with the Emir of Qatar.
### Escalation of the Conflict
On October 7, Israel experienced an unprecedented missile attack from the Gaza Strip as part of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, announced by the military wing of Hamas. In addition, ISIS fighters entered border areas in southern Israel. In response, the Israeli army launched Operation Iron Swords against Hamas in Gaza. Within days, the Israeli army gained control of settlements near the Gaza border and began launching air strikes, including on civilian targets, in the Strip. Israel also implemented a complete blockade on the Gaza Strip, suspending supplies of water, food, electricity, medicine, and fuel.
### Casualties and Hostages
The number of casualties in the Gaza Strip has exceeded 4,600 people, with over 14,000 wounded. In Israel, according to local authorities, more than 1,300 people have died. The Russian Embassy reported that during the conflict, 20 Russians were killed, two were taken hostage, and seven were listed as missing. Estimates suggest that Hamas may be holding around 150 Israelis, while the movement claims to have around 200-250 prisoners in Gaza.
### Calls for Resolution
The Russian Foreign Ministry has called on both sides to cease hostilities. Russian President Vladimir Putin supports a settlement based on the “two-state” formula, which entails the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the Palestinian territories, with the 1967 borders and East Jerusalem as its capital. The Palestinian-Israeli conflict, with its regional interests, has been a longstanding source of tension and fighting in the region. While the UN resolution in 1947 approved the creation of both Israel and Palestine, only Israel was established, and the Palestinian territories remain under occupation.