Israel has officially declared war and has authorized a series of 'significant' measures in response to an unexpected assault carried out by Hamas.

 Israel has officially declared war and has authorized a series of 'significant' measures in response to an unexpected assault carried out by Hamas.

The Israeli government officially declared war on Sunday and authorized "significant military actions" in response to Hamas' surprise attack. The military is currently focused on eliminating remaining fighters in southern towns and intensifying its bombardment of the Gaza Strip. The death toll has surpassed 1,000, with thousands injured on both sides.

While Israeli forces continue their efforts to defeat the remaining groups of militants, who are currently holed up in various towns, the staggering toll of at least 700 reported deaths in Israel represents a level of devastation that the country has not witnessed in decades. In Gaza, over 300 people have lost their lives due to the ongoing Israeli airstrikes.

The declaration of war indicates that greater conflicts lie ahead, and one crucial question is whether Israel will initiate a ground assault on Gaza. Historically, such a move has resulted in a surge of casualties. Additionally, a brief exchange of strikes between Lebanon's Hezbollah militant group and northern Israel has amplified concerns about the potential expansion of the fighting into a broader regional war.

Authorities are still working to determine the number of civilians and soldiers who were taken captive by Hamas during the chaotic events and transported back to Gaza. Based on videos and witness testimonies, it is known that among the captives are women, children, and the elderly.

During an interview on ABC's "This Week," U.S. Secretary of State Andrew Blinken stated that up to 1,000 Hamas fighters were involved in the assault, highlighting the extensive planning undertaken by the militant group that governs Gaza. They ruthlessly targeted civilians in towns, along highways, and even at a techno-music festival held in the desert near Gaza.

Israel's military has already struck over 800 targets in Gaza, according to its reports. This includes airstrikes that have leveled a significant portion of the town of Beit Hanoun in the northeastern corner of the enclave. Israeli Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari told journalists that warplanes dropped tons of explosives on 120 targets, claiming that Hamas had been utilizing the town as a staging area for attacks. At present, there is no information available regarding casualties, though it is likely that most of the tens of thousands of residents in the community fled prior to the bombardment.

Posted in: Hamas,Israel