Israel War Day 82 -Efforts Continue for Hostage Release as Aid Enters Gaza amid Ongoing Israel-Hamas Conflict:  On the 82nd day of the Israel-Hamas conflict, US President Joe Biden and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani held discussions regarding the release of hostages held in Gaza and the increase in humanitarian aid. The White House highlighted the urgency of releasing all hostages, including American citizens, held by Hamas. Qatar and Egypt have been actively mediating between Israel and Hamas since the truce in late November.

Here are the latest updates on the Israel-Hamas conflict:

On Tuesday, 83 humanitarian aid trucks and seven ambulances crossed into Gaza through the Rafah Crossing from Egypt after being inspected at the Nitzana checkpoint, according to ANI reports.

In response to the crisis, the United Nations appointed a coordinator to oversee the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza following a UN Security Council resolution passed last Friday.
Sigrid Kaag, the outgoing finance minister of the Netherlands, will assume the role of senior humanitarian and reconstruction coordinator for Gaza starting January 8, as announced by the UN.

Palestinian health authorities in Gaza reported nearly 21,000 casualties from Israeli airstrikes, with many feared to be still trapped under debris. The conflict has displaced almost all of Gaza's 2.3 million residents, forcing many to flee multiple times.

The conflict escalated when Hamas killed 1,200 people and took 240 hostages on October 7. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu initiated an assault causing widespread devastation in Gaza.

Israel's military chief reportedly expressed that the war against Hamas could extend for months, citing incidents outside Gaza that pose risks of the conflict spreading, 

Israel's Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi emphasized the determination to dismantle Hamas, stating that there are no quick solutions, only persistent efforts.

Israeli actions intensified around Christmas, particularly in a central area of Gaza. Civilians were urged to evacuate, despite many claiming there were no safe places left to seek refuge.
Gaza authorities buried 80 unidentified Palestinians on Tuesday, their bodies handed over by Israel through the Kerem Shalom border crossing, as confirmed by the health ministry.

The United States has urged Israel to reduce its military actions against Hamas, favoring more targeted raids on leaders. However, Washington's support for Israel remains evident, despite attacks on US forces in the Middle East by Iran-backed militants.

The ongoing discussions between global leaders and the continued influx of aid highlight the complexities and challenges faced in resolving the conflict and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza."

Israel-Hamas War Day 81: Netanyahu declares, "We will not give up until we finish