Casualties in Israel-Hamas conflict rise over 1100 as war intensifies
Tel Aviv, October 09
In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the death toll has surged above 1,100, with more than 1,23,000 people displaced in the Gaza Strip. The United States has deployed warships and fighter jet squadrons to Israel in a show of support, as the fighting rages on.
The fighting began on Saturday, when Hamas launched a barrage of rockets at Israel and sent a wave of fighters who gunned down civilians and took hostages. Israel responded with airstrikes on Gaza, and the conflict has since escalated.
On Monday, Israeli military said it hit more than 500 targets in the blockaded and impoverished Gaza Strip in overnight clashes. Israel’s military said it had regained control of most infiltration points along security barriers.
The United States has moved to affirm its backing for Israel after Saturday’s surprise attack from the Gaza Strip, vowing “rock solid” support and warning other parties to stay out of the conflict. The US is also working to verify reports of its citizens being among those killed and taken captive. President Joe Biden ordered US ships and warplanes to move closer to Israel in a show of support on Sunday while sending fresh military aid. The Pentagon said it was sending the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and its accompanying warships to the eastern Mediterranean while boosting fighter aircraft squadrons in the region.
The fighting has also taken a toll on civilians, with more than 123,000 people displaced in the Gaza Strip since the outbreak of the conflict. The United Nations said on Monday that more than 73,000 people are sheltering in schools.
The conflict has also spread to other parts of the region, with Israeli forces and Iran-backed Hezbollah militia exchanging artillery and rocket fire. In Egypt, two Israeli tourists were shot dead along with a guide. Appeals for restraint have come from around the world. Western nations have largely stood by Israel while Iran, Hezbollah and protesters in various Middle Eastern nations lauded Hamas.