As tensions continue to rise, Israel has escalated its airstrikes on the Gaza Strip and imposed a blockade on the region, preventing the entry of crucial supplies such as food, fuel, and humanitarian aid. These actions come in retaliation for a bloody incursion by Hamas militants, marking the third day of a devastating conflict that has left both sides reeling.
Hamas has issued a chilling threat, pledging to kill captured Israelis if Israeli attacks continue to target civilians without prior warnings. This ominous warning further exacerbates the already dire situation in the region, where the conflict has claimed numerous lives and caused extensive damage.
Israel is still grappling with the aftermath of Hamas’ stunning weekend attack into southern Israeli towns, even as the conflict enters its third day. Search and rescue teams are working tirelessly to locate and recover bodies from the wreckage left behind by the incursion, highlighting the devastating impact of the ongoing hostilities.
Updates below:
Israeli Military Strikes Two Tunnels Used by Hamas Militants; Tensions Escalate Amid Rising Casualties
Israeli Retaliation Targets Hamas Tunnels In a significant development, the Israeli military announced early Tuesday that it had successfully struck two tunnels utilized by Hamas militants to infiltrate Israeli territory. The strike followed a disturbing incident where 70 militants infiltrated the Be’eri kibbutz on Monday night, turning it into a flashpoint in the ongoing conflict. The small farming community witnessed a hostage standoff during the attack, leaving it deeply scarred.
Casualty Figures on the Rise
The toll of the ongoing conflict continues to climb, with the combined death toll reaching nearly 1,600 on both sides as of Monday. In Israel, media reports indicate that approximately 900 individuals, including 73 soldiers, have lost their lives. Meanwhile, authorities in Gaza report more than 680 casualties. The conflict has also left thousands wounded on both sides, further highlighting its devastating impact.
11 U.S. Citizens Among the Victims
In a somber statement, U.S. President Joe Biden confirmed that at least 11 U.S. citizens have tragically lost their lives in the unexpected Hamas attacks. Additionally, Biden expressed concern that American nationals might be among those currently held hostage by Hamas militants, while others remain unaccounted for. The President extended his heartfelt condolences to the affected families, acknowledging the profound pain and uncertainty they are experiencing.
Netanyahu’s Warning of Continued Offensive
Netanyahu’s Warning of Continued Offensive Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a nationally televised address, stated that Israel’s response to the unprecedented Hamas attack in the Gaza Strip has only just begun. As Israel continued a third day of intense airstrikes in Gaza, Netanyahu issued a stern message:
“We have only started striking Hamas. What we will do to our enemies in the coming days will reverberate with them for generations.”
Gaza’s Rising Toll: 680 dead
The Gaza Strip’s Health Ministry reported that more than 680 people have lost their lives in Israel’s retaliatory strikes following Hamas’ unprecedented attack. The ministry also revealed that over 3,700 individuals have been wounded. Israel’s relentless bombardment has inflicted extensive destruction throughout the Gaza Strip, raising concerns about the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Tragedy in Beeri Kibbutz: More than 100 dead recovered in Jewish community
Israeli rescue service Zaka grimly announced that over 100 bodies have been recovered from the small farming community of Beeri, which became the epicenter of a hostage standoff during Hamas’ attack against Israel. This tragic figure is part of the total 900 reported casualties in Hamas’ multi-pronged attack. Before the assault, Beeri was home to approximately 1,000 residents, making the loss all the more devastating.
Credit: AP
