The Gaza Health Ministry has reported a grim toll of at least 313 Palestinians killed as a result of Israeli attacks in response to a Hamas offensive. Additionally, the ministry disclosed that 1,990 Palestinians have been wounded as violence continues to escalate in the region.
Conversely, the Israeli Health Ministry released a statement revealing that 1,864 Israelis have been injured during the ongoing military conflict with Palestinian groups in Gaza. Disturbingly, 345 of those injuries are categorized as critical.
Israeli Channel 12 has reported at least 350 Israelis killed in this latest wave of violence.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have publicly identified 26 soldiers who lost their lives during clashes with Palestinian forces along the Gaza Strip border over the past day. Among those named are Col. Jonathan Steinberg, 42, the commander of the Nahal Brigade from Shomria; Lt. Col. Sahar Machluf, 36, the commander of the 481st Signal Battalion from Modiin; and Maj. Chen Buchris, 26, the deputy commander of Maglan from Ashdod.
In a written statement, the Israeli military announced the evacuation of Israeli settlers residing in Jewish settlements near the Gaza Strip border. The IDF also noted that they have regained control of most of the areas that were under attack, though clashes are still occurring in the Be’eri settlement.
The violence escalated following the launch of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood by Hamas, citing reasons including the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and increased settler violence. In response, the Israeli army initiated Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has characterized the situation as a state of war and urged civilians in Gaza to evacuate, stating that the Israeli military intends to target “all Hamas hiding places.” The conflict shows no signs of abating, and the international community closely monitors the situation with deep concern.
