GAZA: The death toll in Gaza continues to climb as Israeli air strikes persist for a second consecutive day. The Palestinian health ministry in Gaza reported that the number of martyred has reached 313, with an additional 1,990 people wounded.
This escalation of violence began on Saturday when Hamas launched a surprise dawn attack, firing thousands of rockets into Israel.
Israeli warplanes have not relented, maintaining their bombing campaign in the Gaza Strip. This comes in response to Hamas’s Operation Al Aqsa Flood, initiated on Saturday, citing the storming of the Al Aqsa Mosque and increased settler violence as reasons for the attack. Israeli airstrikes have also targeted residential areas and destroyed homes across Gaza.
#WATCH: #Israel strikes at the Gaza Strip destroying a tower and buildings, in retaliation for multiple rocket barrages fired from the #Palestinian enclavehttps://t.co/RDwW7OZICB pic.twitter.com/0jzSshjrcP
— Arab News (@arabnews) October 8, 2023
One significant strike saw Israeli aircraft destroy the headquarters of the Government Labour Directorate in Gaza, which is affiliated with the Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas.
Meanwhile, on the Israeli side, the situation is dire. The Israeli Health Ministry reported that a total of 1,864 Israelis have been injured in the ongoing military escalation with Palestinian groups in Gaza. Out of these, 345 individuals are in critical condition.
Israeli casualties have also been substantial, with at least 350 Israelis reported killed, according to Israeli Channel 12. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have released the names of 26 soldiers killed during fighting with Palestinian forces along the Gaza Strip border.
#WATCH: #Palestinians run for cover after #Israeli strike hits a building in #GazaCity in retaliation for the unprecedented surprise attack by #Hamas militantshttps://t.co/RDwW7OZICB pic.twitter.com/QJHpfFipVn
— Arab News (@arabnews) October 8, 2023
The situation worsens as approximately 750 Israelis are missing, as reported unofficially. Israeli media outlets, including the Jerusalem Post, have noted the high number of missing individuals.
The conflict has taken a concerning turn as the Israeli army confirmed that some soldiers have been captured and taken hostage in Gaza. This development further exacerbates the already dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.
As the violence continues unabated, urgent calls for de-escalation and humanitarian intervention grow louder. The international community closely watches the situation, hoping for a swift resolution to prevent further loss of life and suffering.
