The attack by the Hamas terrorist group against Israel resulted in more than 1,200 murders, approximately 3,000 injured, and around 150 people still missing.
Details of the devastating Hamas attack
Reports from Hebrew media confirmed that the number of murders had reached 1,000 last Tuesday. Volunteer groups like Zaka collaborate with security forces in southern Israel in post-disaster tasks.
On Wednesday, the Israeli military updated the death toll to 1,200. At the same time, the Ministry of Health revealed that 2,901 people were injured, of which more than 500 remain hospitalized.
Grief was felt across Israel on Tuesday, with multiple funeral ceremonies commemorating those who fell in the wake of the attack.
#فيديو: هكذا دمرت طائرة حربية المنزل الذي كان يعمل منه الناطق باسم الجناح العسكري لحماس الإرهابية على توجيه الإرهاب ضد دولة إسرائيل
(نفسه الذي هدد وتوعد اليوم البلدات الاسرائيلية وفي نفس الساعة) pic.twitter.com/k8Eczlt5rV
— افيخاي ادرعي (@AvichayAdraee) October 10, 2023
Confrontations in the south and military actions
Israeli security forces confronted terrorists in southern regions, killing several attackers near towns such as Kfar Maimon and the Erez crossing.
Israeli troops, supported by drones and combat helicopters, neutralized three terrorists in the vicinity of Ashkelon. During this confrontation, a fire broke out in the surrounding industrial area.
Explosions light up the sky during Israeli attacks on Gaza City on October 10, 2023. (MAHMUD HAMS / AFP)Overnight, the army bombed more than 70 Hamas targets in at-Tuffah, in Gaza City, as well as infrastructure belonging to Islamic Jihad.
Alerts and operations in key areas
Sirens sounded in Netiv Ha’asara, southern Israel, after the bombings. The IDF reportedly attacked the residence of Abu Obeida, a Hamas military spokesman.
IDF spokesman Avichay Adraee claimed that Abu Obeida “coordinated terrorist actions against Israel .” On the other hand, the IDF carried out raids in Syria and Lebanon in response to mortar fire.
The firing of 15 rockets from Lebanon towards Western Galilee was confirmed, activating alarms in various cities. The Iron Dome system intercepted four of these projectiles.
Israeli response to rocket attacks
After suffering a rocket attack, the Israeli army confirmed through statements, initially, the use of artillery and, later, tank bombings of Hezbollah positions. The Hamas group claimed responsibility for the rocket fire, while Hezbollah claimed responsibility for an ATGM missile attack.
The situation became complicated on Tuesday when mortar fire was reported from Syria towards the Golan Heights. The IDF reported that some projectiles entered Israeli territory, landing harmlessly in clear areas. In response, Israel carried out artillery strikes on Syrian territory.
As the day progressed, Israeli aircraft carried out intense bombing raids on the Gaza Strip, causing enormous damage and generating a climate of panic among the local population.
Humanitarian concern and Israeli commitment
In light of the devastating attack by Hamas over the weekend, which left a tragic toll on Israeli civilian lives, Israel has expressed its firm intention to prevent the terrorist group from carrying out a similar act in the future. Humanitarian organizations have urged the creation of aid corridors to Gaza, as hospitals are stretched to breaking point and lack supplies.
In an attempt to weaken Hamas ‘ capabilities, Israel has cut off all supply access to Gaza. Following airstrikes near the border, the last access point from Egypt was closed on Tuesday. The Ministry of Health in Gaza, under the control of Hamas, reports 700 deaths in the Palestinian enclave due to Israeli reprisals.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that anywhere Hamas operates will suffer devastating consequences. During a conversation with US President Joe Biden, Netanyahu emphasized the unprecedented cruelty the attacks suffered, comparing them to events as painful as the Holocaust.
International reactions and possible future actions
A view of the rubble of buildings hit by an Israeli airstrike, in Gaza City, on October 10, 2023. (Hatem Moussa/AP)US President Joe Biden, in an emotional speech, pledged to stand with Israel and described in detail the brutality of the attacks carried out by Hamas. He mentioned atrocious acts committed against civilians, including children and Holocaust survivors.
On Tuesday, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced that the IDF would launch an “all-out offensive” against the Gaza Strip. In a speech to troops on the Gaza border, Gallant expressed his intention to change the region’s situation radically and emphasized that any attempt to perpetrate atrocities would be met with all necessary force.
In conclusion, an official Egyptian source informed The Times of Israel that Egypt has been notified by Israel about a possible ground campaign in Gaza that could last a month.
