The Israel-Hamas conflict has reached a devastating toll, with nearly 1,000 casualties reported since Palestinian militant group Hamas initiated a massive surprise attack on Israel. The conflict has seen a barrage of rockets and a large-scale ground assault, resulting in over 600 deaths on the Israeli side and at least 370 fatalities in Gaza, along with thousands of injuries on both sides.
Fighting continues in the south of the country as thousands of Israeli forces are deployed to confront Hamas fighters. The Israeli air force has also intensified its strikes in the Gaza Strip. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned of a challenging and prolonged war.
Intense gun battles are taking place in various towns and on highways as the Israeli army aims to secure desert regions near the Gaza Strip, rescue Israeli hostages, and evacuate areas near Gaza within 24 hours. Military spokesman Daniel Hagari vowed to eliminate all terrorists in Israel.
The situation took a shocking turn when over 100 Israeli citizens were captured by Hamas gunmen and taken into Gaza, leading to widespread shock and dismay in Israel.
In related news, a British man serving in the Israeli army lost his life in the Hamas attack, while another British national is reported missing in Gaza following the kidnappings by Hamas militants. The Israeli government is actively working to secure the release of those held hostage.
Additionally, several major airlines, including American Airlines, Air France, Lufthansa, Emirates, and Ryanair, have canceled flights to Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport due to the escalating conflict. However, flights to Eilat, another international airport in Israel, continue, and El Al, the Israeli flag carrier, is maintaining some Tel Aviv flights in accordance with security instructions.
The conflict represents one of the most severe escalations in decades and continues to evolve rapidly, with international attention and concerns growing.