Hamas attacks: Israel defence minister orders ‘complete siege’ on Gaza

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has declared a “complete siege” on the Gaza Strip as the military continues to intensify air strikes on the Palestinian territory. In a video message, Gallant outlined the severe measures, stating that all essential resources such as electricity, food, water, and gas would be completely cut off for the densely populated enclave of 2.3 million people.

The latest escalation follows a devastating attack by Hamas militants who stormed across the border into southern Israel on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of at least 700 people. The attackers targeted communities and towns near Gaza, prompting Israeli security forces to retaliate.

In a distressing event, around 250 individuals were reportedly killed by Hamas gunmen at a music festival attended by young Israelis and foreigners near Kibbutz Reim, close to Gaza. The Israeli Defence Minister, Gallant, described the assailants as “animals” and emphasized that the Israeli forces are acting accordingly.

The toll on both sides of the conflict is grim, with at least 493 people losing their lives in the Gaza Strip as a result of the Israeli military’s air strikes in response to the initial Hamas attack.