Israel is launching repeated deadly airstrikes on Gaza, resulting in the displacement of over 100,000 individuals and overwhelming hospitals with injured Palestinians. The military is carrying out these actions in line with orders to impose a "complete siege" on the densely populated coastal strip. The Israeli ambassador to the United Nations, speaking to CNN on Monday, stated that the country's main focus is to completely eradicate Hamas' terrorist capabilities. This comes after Hamas threatened to execute civilian hostages and broadcast the killings if airstrikes occur in Gaza without prior notice.
"Although we are eager to ensure the safe return of all the individuals who were abducted, regardless of age or gender, our current priority is to concentrate on our national strategy of eliminating the terrorist capabilities of Hamas," stated Gilad Erdan, as the violence extended into its fourth consecutive day on Tuesday. Erdan went on to estimate that the number of individuals currently being held captive in Gaza following Hamas' shocking and destructive attack on Israeli territory is believed to be somewhere between 100 and 150. Additionally, Hamas declared on Sunday that they were holding over 100 hostages in Gaza, including senior members of the Israeli military.
Erdan stated that the existence of hostages in Gaza will not hinder or deter us from taking the necessary actions to ensure the future security of Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered stern warnings to Hamas on Monday, emphasizing that Israeli forces will launch an unprecedented attack and that the annihilation of Hamas strongholds in Gaza is only the initial phase.
"This enemy sought conflict, and they shall face the consequences," stated Netanyahu on Monday. He further emphasized that challenging times lie ahead.
CNN reporters stationed near the Israeli-Gaza border reported hearing impactful explosions and powerful vibrations originating from within Gaza, accompanied by the presence of fighter jets overhead. These developments suggest the possibility of additional attacks taking place early Tuesday, according to local time.
Smoke rises over buildings in Gaza City on October 9, during an Israeli air strike.
Over 900 individuals lost their lives and countless others sustained injuries during the Hamas attack in Israel. The aggression commenced on Saturday, with the militant organization launching thousands of rockets and infiltrating Israeli territory with fighters. Israel, in response, officially proclaimed war on Hamas on Sunday.
Israeli airstrikes on Gaza persistently continued on Tuesday. The ongoing bombings have resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 687 individuals, including numerous children and women, and have left thousands wounded, as stated by the Palestinian Health Ministry. There is widespread anticipation of a significant Israeli offensive, possibly a ground incursion into Gaza, although the exact extent of the Israeli response remains uncertain.
Israel has deployed a significant number of troops along its southern border, ensuring full coverage with tanks and air support, according to a statement by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) provided to CNN. The IDF further disclosed that civilians residing near the border have been successfully evacuated, and over 300,000 Israeli reservists have been mobilized as a precautionary measure. Despite the increased military presence, Hamas militants have persistently made efforts to breach the southern border with the explicit intention of carrying out suicide missions targeting both civilians and soldiers, as stated by IDF spokesperson Lt Col. Jonathan Conricus.
What occurs during the journey and the execution of this task remains to be seen. However, currently, we are persistently conducting aerial strikes. Moreover, there are intentions to expand these operations," stated Conricus. "The troops, including reserves and regular units, are assembling along the southern border and preparing for their assigned duties."
Israeli soldiers take position near the border between Gaza and Israel on October 9.
Oren Ziv/AP
Israel accused of deliberately targeting civilians
In response to turmoil, Israel has predominantly resorted to recurrent airstrikes, whereas on Monday, a "complete siege" directive was issued, leading to the suspension of vital provisions including electricity, food, water, and fuel to the Palestinian enclave.
With a population of around 2 million squeezed into a mere 140 square miles, the territory holds the distinction of being one of the most densely populated areas on the planet. This confinement has been imposed upon it for almost 17 years, ever since Hamas took control, compelling Israel and Egypt to enforce a rigorous blockade that remains in place. Additionally, Israel has maintained an air and naval blockade on Gaza.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) announced on Monday that it has been compelled to shut down its 14 food distribution centers in Gaza, leading to the discontinuation of essential food aid for 500,000 individuals. Over half of Gaza's population lives in poverty and faces food insecurity, with approximately 80% relying on humanitarian assistance.
The Palestinian Health Ministry has stated that on Monday, Israeli strikes focused on the Shati and Jabalia refugee camps in Gaza, referring to the attack as a "massacre against the entire neighborhood."
In addition, the Hamas-controlled Government Media Office announced that further airstrikes in the western part of the Gaza Strip resulted in the death of two local journalists and the injury of another in a residential building.
According to a statement from Salama Marouf, the head of the media office, Saed Al-Taweel and Mohammed Sabah were reporting on the evacuation of a building under threat when they were struck by an Israeli attack. Marouf stated that they were easily identifiable as press members, wearing protective gear and having distinct journalist markings. A video, which CNN has viewed, shows Sabah's body being carried on a stretcher, wearing a blue bulletproof vest with "Press" clearly labeled on it. The IDF has informed CNN that it is investigating the incident.
Meanwhile, the ministry denounced the Israeli forces for consistently and intentionally targeting residential areas occupied by civilians, healthcare facilities, and particularly medical and rescue teams, including ambulance vehicles.
Friends and relatives of Ilai Bar Sade mourn next to his grave during his funeral at a military cemetery in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Monday, October 9.
Erik Marmor/AP
Sama Alwadia, a six-month-old child, was saved from the wreckage in Gaza City on October 9. Although she managed to survive the initial attack, she tragically passed away during her medical treatment for the injuries she sustained.
Ali Jadallah/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
Lightning strikes over Gaza City following an Israeli bombardment on October 9.
Mohammed Abed/AFP/Getty Images
Israeli soldiers take position near the border between Gaza and Israel on October 9.
Oren Ziv/AP
A Palestinian man mourns over the body of his nephew killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City on October 9.
Mohammed Saber/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Israeli security and emergency officials respond after a rocket landed in the Israeli settlement of Beitar Ilit, in the occupied West Bank on October 9.
Ronen Zvulun/Reuters
Palestinians inspect the damage following an Israeli airstrike on the Sousi mosque in Gaza City on October 9.
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Israeli soldiers work on a tank at the border between Israel and Gaza on October 9.
Ilia Yefimovich/dpa/picture-alliance/AP
Palestinians remove a body from the rubble of a building after an Israeli airstrike on the Jebaliya refugee camp in Gaza on October 9.
Ramez Mahmoud/AP
A plume of smoke rises in the sky over Gaza City during an Israeli airstrike on October 9.
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The mother of Israeli Col. Roi Levy cries during her son's funeral at the Mount Herzl cemetery in Jerusalem on October 9.
Maya Alleruzzo/AP
Palestinians inspect damage from Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City's Shati refugee camp on October 9.
Mahmud Hams/AFP/Getty Images
An injured Palestinian child is pictured in the aftermath of Israeli airstrikes at al-Shati refugee camp in Gaza on October 9.
Ali Jadallah/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
Israelis view a damaged residential building in Ashkelon, Israel, after it was hit by a rocket fired from Gaza on October 9.
Erik Marmor/AP
Tali Touito reacts as she describes how Hamas gunmen attacked and took over the police station on her street, in Sderot, Israel, on Sunday, October 8.
Tamir Kalifa/The New York Times/Redux
Fire and smoke rise from Gaza City following an Israeli airstrike on October 8.
Fatima Shbair/AP
A relative of an Israeli missing since the attacks is overcome by emotion during a press conference in Ramat Gan, Israel, on October 8.
Maya Alleruzzo/AP
Palestinians inspect a mosque destroyed by Israeli air strikes in Khan Younis, Gaza, on October 8.
Ibraheem Abu Mustafa/Reuters
Israelis inspect the rubble of a building in Tel Aviv on Sunday, October 8, a day after it was hit by a rocket fired from Gaza.
Oded Balilty/AP
An Israeli soldier prays standing in front of a tank on the outskirts of the northern town of Kiryat Shmona on October 8.
Jalaa Marey/AFP/Getty Images
Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets launched from Gaza on October 8.
Ronen Zvulun/Reuters
Palestinians search the rubble of a home in Khan Younis, Gaza, that was destroyed by Israeli air strikes on October 8.
Ibraheem Abu Mustafa/Reuters
Palestinian citizens inspect damage to their homes caused by Israeli air strikes in Gaza City on October 8.
Ahmad Hasballah/Getty Images
Rockets launched from Gaza are intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system on October 8.
Amir Cohen/Reuters
Palestinian children look toward the sky at the sound of airstrikes at a United Nations-run school in Gaza on Saturday, October 7.
Samar Abu Elouf/The New York Times/Redux
A woman runs to her family's reinforced concrete shelter moments after rocket sirens sounded in Ashkelon, Israel, on October 7.
Tamir Kalifa/The New York Times/Redux
From the window of his family's apartment, a man surveys damage from a rocket that struck a parking lot in Ashkelon on October 7.
Tamir Kalifa/The New York Times/Redux
Palestinians gather around an Israeli army vehicle that Palestinian militants drove from Israel into Gaza on October 7.
Fatima Shbair/AP
Palestinians break into the Israeli side of the Israel-Gaza border, after gunmen infiltrated parts of southern Israel on October 7.
Mohammed Fayq Abu Mostafa/Reuters
Police officers evacuate a woman and a child from a site hit by a rocket in Ashkelon on October 7.
Tsafrir Abayov/AP
Israeli police take cover in Ashkelon as sirens wail while rockets are fired from Gaza into Israel on October 7.
Ahmad Gharabli/AFP/Getty Images
Smoke rises over Gaza during Israeli air strikes on October 7.
Mahmud Hams/AFP/Getty Images
An Israeli woman reacts over the body of her relative who was killed in the southern Israeli city of Sderot on October 7.
Baz Ratner/AP
Children are seen in a damaged house in Gaza after Israeli airstrikes on October 7.
Mustafa Hassona/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
Vehicles in Ashkelon burn as rockets are launched from Gaza on October 7.
Ilan Rosenberg/Reuters
A man in Ashkelon runs after rockets were launched from Gaza on October 7.
Amir Cohen/Reuters
Israelis donate blood in Jerusalem on October 7.
Maya Alleruzzo/AP
Palestinians inspect a destroyed building as emergency responders try to contain fires after Israeli jets bombed Gaza on October 7.
Samar Abu Elouf/The New York Times/Redux
Outside of a hospital in Gaza, men sit next to the covered body of a Palestinian militant killed during Saturday's clashes.
Eyad Baba/AFP/Getty Images
Relatives of Palestinians killed on Saturday, October 7, mourn at the morgue of a hospital in Gaza.
Ali Jadallah/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
An Israeli soldier stands by the bodies of Israelis killed by Palestinian militants in Sderot on October 7.
Tsafrir Abayov/AP licensed
A woman stands in a room damaged by rockets in Ashkelon on October 7.
Amir Cohen/Reuters
A building in Tel Aviv is ablaze Saturday, October 7, following rocket attacks from Gaza.
Itai Ron/Reuters
Smoke rises as the clashes between Palestinian groups and Israeli forces continue on the streets of Beit Hanun in Gaza on October 7.
Ali Jadallah/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
People take cover in a bomb shelter in Rishon Lezion, Israel, as rockets are launched from Gaza on October 7.
Hadas Parush/Reuters
Rockets are fired toward Israel from Gaza on October 7.
Fatima Shbair/AP
In pictures: The deadly clashes in Israel and Gaza
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In Gaza, the ministry reported that five medical personnel were tragically killed in deliberate attacks. The provision of medical assistance has been further complicated by Israel's decision to disconnect electricity in the area. Consequently, the ministry announced the suspension of all operations at the sole operational hospital in Beit Hanoun neighborhood due to persistent Israeli airstrikes. Additionally, the ministry highlighted that nine ambulances have been deliberately targeted since Saturday.
A spokesperson for the Palestinian Health Ministry informed Shihab Agency, a Palestinian news outlet, on Monday that the majority of individuals arriving at hospitals in Gaza have suffered from severe burns (second- and third-degree) as well as amputations. Additionally, many have also sustained injuries from shrapnel, according to Ashraf al-Qidra. Al-Qidra further noted that the individuals seeking hospital care are primarily women and children, which he attributes to the deliberate targeting of residential houses and buildings by the Israelis.
The UNRWA reported that over 137,000 individuals are seeking refuge from Israeli attacks in its emergency shelters in Gaza, which are currently operating at 90% capacity. Additionally, a UN school that was providing shelter to displaced families was hit directly, although specifics about the incident were not provided. The number of people present in the shelter at the time of the strike remains unknown. Reporters Ibrahim Dahman, Kareem Khadder, Abeer Salman, Eyad Kourdi, and Amir Tal contributed to this CNN coverage.
