JERUSALEM/GAZA — The Islamist militant Hamas movement threatened to execute an Israeli captive every time Israel bombs a Palestinian home without warning, as Israel called up an unprecedented 300,000 reservists and imposed a blockade on the Gaza Strip, raising fears it planned a ground assault.
Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets launched from the Gaza Strip, as seen from Ashkelon in southern Israel on Oct 9, 2023.
Gaza's Health Ministry said at least 687 Palestinians had been killed and 3,726 wounded in Israeli air strikes on the blockaded enclave since Saturday. Apartment blocks, a mosque and hospitals were among the sites attacked, and the strikes destroyed some roads and houses, according to media reports and eyewitnesses.
There was no immediate response from the Israeli military to that threat. Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said more than 100 people had been taken captive by Hamas during the deadly cross-border incursion over the weekend.Palestinians reported receiving calls and mobile phone audio messages from Israeli security officers telling them to leave areas mainly in the northern and eastern territories of Gaza, and warning that the army would operate there.
The United States' top general warned Iran not to get involved in the crisis and said he did not want the conflict to the broaden. Iran makes no secret of its backing for Hamas and has applauded the weekend attack while denying any involvement. As Israel conducted intense retaliatory strikes on Gaza, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant drew international condemnation by announcing a tightened blockade to prevent food and fuel from reaching the strip, home to 2.3 million people.
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
‘There were terrorists inside’: How the Hamas attack on Israel unfoldedAbout 700 Israelis were killed and at least 150 taken hostages by Palestinian militants so far. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Read more »
Commentary: Deadly Hamas attack is a pivotal moment for IsraelIsrael has long prided itself on the ability to pre-empt and crush threats to its borders and people. That Hamas could launch such an audacious attack suggests a massive failure, says the Financial Times’ Middle East editor Andrew England.
Read more »
'I hope someone can come save us': Concertgoer kidnapped by Hamas gunmen in IsraelTEL AVIV — Arik Nani went to a dance party in southern Israel to celebrate his 26th birthday on Friday night (Oct 6) but ended up fleeing a massacre as missiles roared overhead and Hamas gunmen shot down people as they tried to escape. Thousands of young people attended the Nature Party, near Kibbutz Re'im close to Gaza, which became...
Read more »
‘There were terrorists inside’: How Hamas’ attack on Israel unfoldedAbout 700 Israelis were killed and at least 150 taken hostages by Palestinian militants so far. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Read more »
How Israel was duped as Hamas planned devastating assaultA careful campaign of deception ensured Israel was caught off guard when the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched its devastating attack, enabling a force using bulldozers, hang gliders and motorbikes to take on the Middle East's most powerful army. Saturday's assault, the worst breach in Israel's def
Read more »
Deaths surpass 1,100 as Israel retaliates after Hamas attacksAppeals for restraint came from around the world, though Western nations largely stood by Israel. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Read more »