More than two days have passed since Hamas launched a surprise attack from Gaza on Israel, taking Israel’s military and intelligence establishment by surprise and resulting in significant urban combat on its streets for the first time in decades. Civilian casualties are rising on both sides, with Israel reporting over 700 casualties and Gaza witnessing nearly 500 killed. Palestinian militant groups claim to be holding more than 130 Israeli captives. The Israeli army has asserted that it has regained control of all towns around the Gaza fence. Army spokesperson Daniel Hagari mentioned that clashes between troops and fighters have become isolated in recent hours, and there is currently no fighting in the region. Hagari affirmed the possibility of remaining militants in the area. Tanks, along with support from combat helicopters and drones, are guarding the breaches around the fence, and 15 out of 24 border towns have been evacuated. Israel’s military is actively searching the southern part of the country for Hamas fighters and securing breaches in its border fence with tanks. Simultaneously, Israel is conducting airstrikes on the Gaza Strip as it prepares for a campaign aimed at dismantling…
Escalations Continue Between Israel and Hamas as the Joint Death Toll Rises to 1,200
October 9, 2023
