Israel takes Gaza border's 'full control,' 1,500 Hamas terrorists killed
Israel said on Tuesday it has "restored full control" over the Gaza border and had "largely regained control" of the country's southern region, according to the Associated Press. It is also believed to have killed 1,500 Hamas terrorists on Israeli territory, whose bodies were allegedly found. Israeli military spokesperson Richard Hecht claimed no Hamas terrorist had infiltrated Israel since Monday night. He added the army has "nearly completed" evacuations of all border settlements.
Why does this story matter?
On Saturday, Palestinian terror group Hamas launched over 5,000 rockets toward Israel and deployed terrorists across the border in an unprecedented offensive. Despite its renowned intelligence and military prowess, Israel was caught off-guard by Hamas. In response, Israel mobilized 300,000 troops, its largest force since the Yom Kippur War in 1973, for retaliatory strikes against Hamas in Gaza. The conflict might extend for a long time, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declaring an all-out war and other countries joining in.
Israeli military strikes hundreds of Hamas targets: Spokesperson
Hecht claimed that the Israeli military hit scores of Hamas targets overnight in Gaza's City Rimal, which includes several Hamas ministries and government buildings, per AP. He reportedly stated that locals were advised via social media to evacuate before the Israeli strikes without disclosing any other information. Hecht said Palestinians must try to leave through the Rafah crossing but did not indicate where they could go or how they could use the occasionally closed crossing.
Ready for long war, hold hostages: Hamas leader
Separately, a senior Hamas leader said they were ready for a long war with Israel and planned to use hostages held in Gaza to ensure the release of Palestinians held in Israel and other countries. A member of exiled Hamas leadership in Beirut, Ali Barakeh, reportedly claimed the group had an arsenal of rockets that could last for a long time. He added that only a small number of senior commanders inside Gaza knew about Saturday's incursion by Hamas.
Hamas surprised by extent of their operation
Barakeh reportedly admitted even Hamas was surprised by the extent of their operation; they expected Israel to at least prevent or limit it. He also denied reports that Iranian security officials helped plan the attack but added allies like Iran and Lebanese Hezbollah "will join the battle if Gaza is subjected to a war of annihilation." Israel has faced a deadly attack by Hamas terrorists who launched rockets and stormed through the border fence on Saturday, killing over 900 people.
