Gaza, 9 October 2023 (TDI): Israeli forces pounded the besieged Gaza Strip for a second consecutive night after formally declaring war against the Palestinian Hamas group.
The Israeli military has reported that approximately 100,000 reserve troops have assembled near Gaza.
Fierce fighting continues between Hamas gunmen and Israeli troops in at least three areas in southern Israel, including a kibbutz (a communal place of work) in Karmia, as well as in the cities of Ashkelon and Sderot.
Also read: Hundreds of casualties amidst Israel-Palestine Conflict
According to health officials, the current death toll stands at 413 Palestinians. As media reports indicate over 700 Israelis have been affected.
Moreover, Hamas launched a surprise attack following Israeli settlers storming the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in recent days and a record number of Palestinians being killed by Israel in recent months.
In anticipation of a potential Israeli ground invasion of Gaza, Al Jazeera’s Tarek Abu Azzoum, reporting from the southern Palestinian territory, has stated that in the last hour, the area of Beit Hanoun has experienced “intense” bombardment from the air.
Also read: Iran stands firm in support of Palestinian rights & self-defense
Azzoum mentioned that “The level and speed of the air strikes inside the Gaza Strip has remarkably intensified during the last couple of hours,” and noted that some buildings were struck without prior warning.
Thus, he further added, “The exact casualties are unknown due to the inability of the emergency services to reach the area.”
){kind=link}