UK military to conduct surveillance flights over Gaza to help locate hostages held by Hamas, confirms the British defence ministry. According to Israeli authorities, around 240 Israelis and foreign hostages were seized by Hamas fighters in their attack on Israel on October 7. While approximately 110 hostages have been freed during a recent week-long truce, the resumption of combat by Israel's military on Friday has hindered the release of the remaining 130 captives believed to be held in Gaza.