Live Blog Update| Israel's genocide in Gaza
This is an entry from: Israel-Palestine live: Week three ends with over 7,000 Palestinians killed

Evening recap: Hamas claim Israel turned down offer to release hostages, global pro-Palestine solidarity, Palestinians buried in mass grave

21 October 2023 22:52 BST

Good evening Middle East Eye readers.

Today marks the 15th day of the war, which started on 7 October. 

While a convoy of 20 trucks was allowed into Gaza for the first time since the war started, Israel is still maintaining a full siege on Gaza. Aid and international organisations have warned that the aid is not enough to cater for the significant need in Gaza.

Nearly 4,500 Palestinians have been killed and 15,400 wounded since 7 October, while the Israeli death count stands at 1,400 people.

Here are some of the key developments from today.

- Hamas' paramilitary spokesperson said that the group offered to release two people held captive in Gaza but Israel refused to take them. The Israeli prime minister's office said they would "not respond" to the claims.

- Mass pro-Palestine rallies were held around the world, including in the UK, France, Spain and South Korea.

- Around 43 Palestinians have been buried in a mass grave in Gaza, dedicated to the "unidentified" due to the bodies being disfigured by Israeli bombing. 

- The Israeli military dropped leaflets in Gaza informing citizens they would be "identified as a partner in a terrorist organisation" if they didn't adhere to Israel's orders to move south. 

- Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi criticised the international community's response to the crisis in Gaza at a summit in Cairo, attended by representatives from countries including Jordan, France, Germany, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, the United States and Qatar.  

- Israeli bombing of Gaza's Nuseirat refugee camp intensified, while the Israeli military reiterated their preparations for the "next phase of war".

We at Middle East Eye are doing our best to continue providing you with up-to-date information around the clock. Internet connectivity in Gaza has dropped by nearly half as of Friday, and we've lost contact with our correspondents there.

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