Afternoon recap: Gaza death toll reaches 5,791, eight hospitals stop working, former Israeli hostage details time in captivity

Good afternoon, Middle East Eye readers.

Today marks the 18th day of the war, which started on 7 October.

On Monday evening, Israel heavily bombed the besieged Gaza Strip, destroying three neighbourhoods. Palestinians woke up to find dozens of people were trapped under rubble, with the ministry of health stating that at least 140 were killed overnight. The air strikes continued this morning, targeting the only supermarket left in the Nuseirat refugee camp.

People on the ground are describing a severe water crisis, as Israel has cut off all water, food, fuel and electricity to the Strip since 9 October. 

The death count in Gaza has reached 5,791, including 2,360 children, while in Israel the death count stands at 1,400.

Here are some of today's key developments:

- Israeli officials are reportedly unhappy with an interview given by an elderly former captive held in Gaza, in which she said she was treated “gently” and given food as well as medical treatment. Sources told Israel's state-owned Kan News that the interview was a "mistake”. 

- Israeli police have arrested Palestinian actor Maisa Abd Elhadi on accusations of incitement, for posts she made on social media in the aftermath of the assault by Palestinian fighters in southern Israel on 7 October.

- Residents in Gaza’s Nuseirat refugee camp say that one of the only remaining supermarkets is quickly being emptied of stock as survivors scramble to get hold of food. The supermarket was bombed for the fourth time today. 

- French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Israel today, reaffirming his support for Israel. During the meeting, Israel’s President Isaac Herzog said that Israel is “not looking for a confrontation on our northern border” and that “if Hezbollah will drag us into war, Lebanon will pay the price”.

- Mohammed Zakkout, the director general of hospitals in Gaza, says that eight out of 24 hospitals in Gaza have now stopped working.

- Gaza’s Indonesian Hospital has lost power after running out of fuel, putting premature babies at risk of death. 

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 13 October, and we've lost contact with our correspondents there.

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