Over half of Hamas hostages hold foreign nationality, confirms Israel

Israel Defense Forces spokesman Daniel Hagari said on Monday that the number of people taken hostage by Hamas had increased to 222, among them having foreign passports from 25 different countries.

Of the 138 hostages, 54 are Thais, 15 Argentinians, 12 Americans, 12 Germans, six French and six Russians, Ynet reported, citing the Israeli government.

A total of 328 people from 40 countries were confirmed dead or missing in the Oct 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel, Reuters reported citing the government.

The death toll in the assault stands at 1,400.

Among other foreign nations that suffered heavy losses were the United States, with 34 killed and five missing; Ukraine, with 25 killed and two missing; France, with 23 killed and one missing; and Russia, with 23 killed and four missing, reported Reuters.

Five Chinese citizens were killed and one was missing, while Nepal had five killed and five missing.

On October 7, Palestinian movement Hamas launched a surprise large-scale rocket attack against Israel from the Gaza Strip.

Israel launched retaliatory strikes and ordered a complete blockade of the Gaza Strip, home to more than 2 million people, cutting off supplies of water, food, and fuel.

The escalation of the conflict has resulted in thousands of people being killed and injured on both sides.

(With UNI/Sputnik inputs)