Death toll rises above 1,100 as Israel vs Hamas war rages

Violence escalated in the Gaza Strip as Israel continued to pound the region while clashing with Hamas, resulting in the death toll from the conflict against Palestinian militants exceeding 1,100.

The Israeli army reported striking over 500 targets within the blockaded Gaza Strip during overnight confrontations, with ongoing fighting in seven to eight locations inside Israel near the enclave. This surge in violence followed Hamas’ recent attack, launching rockets and initiating an assault on Israel, which led to civilians being killed and at least 100 hostages being taken.

Israel officially declared war on Hamas, vowing to prepare for a prolonged and challenging conflict. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) stated that over 700 Israelis have been killed and around 1,200 others wounded, many critically, since the large-scale attack by Hamas.

In retaliation, Israeli airstrikes have relentlessly targeted the Gaza Strip, resulting in a reported 413 Palestinian deaths in the besieged region. The conflict remains ongoing, with military operations persisting and efforts to regain control in affected areas. Army spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus described the assault by Hamas as “by far the worst day in Israeli history.”

He highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating, “Never before have so many Israelis been killed by one single thing, let alone enemy activity in one day,” comparing it to significant historical events such as “a 9/11 and a Pearl Harbour wrapped into one.”

Conricus disclosed that a significant number of Israeli civilians and soldiers were being held within Gaza, underscoring the complexity of the situation. Efforts continue to expel Hamas fighters from Israeli territory, with a substantial deployment of reserve troops in the region.