Israel-Hamas war enters 4th day, death toll mounts to 1,600
At least 1,600 people have died and thousands were injured in the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, India Today reported. The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza confirmed over 700 people there have been killed. As the conflict entered its fourth day, 137,000 people took shelter at United Nations emergency shelters in Gaza as Israel's retaliatory strikes against Hamas continued.
Why does this story matter?
Hamas's surprise attack on Israel early on Saturday has triggered questions about the intelligence and military prowess of the country. The attack also comes at a time when violent activities have reportedly risen exponentially in both Gaza and the West Bank. Meanwhile, Hamas spokesperson Abu Ubaida said the Islamist organization would kill an Israeli hostage every time the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) strikes Gaza.
3,700 people injured: AP
Will change Middle East: PM Netanyahu vows revenge
On the other hand, in a televised address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to attack Hamas with a force "like never before." "What Hamas will experience will be difficult and terrible...we are going to change the Middle East," Netanyahu said. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has ordered a "complete siege" of Gaza, depriving the region of fuel, water, food, and other resources.
US backs Israel, while Palestine's set to visit Russia
The United States (US) is supplying ammunition and military equipment to Israel. Moreover, the White House has said that 11 Americans have died in the ongoing conflict. Notably, Israel's Iron Dome air defense system, which was jointly built by the US, has intercepted hundreds of rockets fired by Hamas. Separately, the Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is expected to visit Russia, Reuters reported.
Proxy war on Israel's northern front
On the other hand, in northern Israel, a senior military officer and two soldiers were killed while battling infiltrators on the Israel-Lebanon border. Per Times of Israel, mortars were also fired from Lebanon into Israeli territory. Hamas's ally Hezbollah has a stronghold on southern Lebanon. Meanwhile, in southern Israel, the military claimed it regained full control of the border fence breached by Hamas.
