As the Hamas terror groups continued their assault on Israel for the third consecutive day, The Times of Israel reported that the death toll has reached at least 700 people, with over 2,000 individuals injured. These numbers are expected to climb further as the conflict persists.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a state of war on Sunday, issuing a stern warning to Hamas and asserting that a grave conflict had commenced. He emphasized that the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) would utilize its full strength to degrade Hamas’ capabilities.
The Government Press Office, operating under the Israeli Prime Minister’s office, revealed that more than 100 people have been taken as hostages in Gaza. Additionally, Hamas and Islamic Jihad claimed to be holding approximately 130 Israeli hostages, including high-ranking army officials.
In response to the declaration of war, Israeli jets carried out “intense” airstrikes on Gaza on Sunday afternoon, according to reports.
Meanwhile, The Jerusalem Post’s Senior Military and Intelligence Analyst, Yonah Jeremy Bob, reported that as of Monday morning, the IDF had executed 1,149 airstrikes on Gaza, marking a significant increase of about 800 since Sunday midday. The conflict continues with six ongoing confrontations between Hamas and Israeli villages along the Gaza corridor.
Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer stated in an interview with CNN that the death toll had surpassed 600 people and anticipated that it would rise further.
In retaliation against the Hamas attacks in Israel, the Israel Air Force launched airstrikes on various buildings housing Hamas leaders and operational headquarters. The strikes targeted a headquarters spanning three floors, as well as a headquarters associated with senior Hamas naval forces, including Muhammad Kashta. Furthermore, the Air Force destroyed an operational asset located within a mosque in the Jabaliya area, which was used by the terrorist organization.
Also Read: Israel is Trained for Such Attacks: Defence Experts
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