Israeli warplanes launched relentless airstrikes on downtown Gaza City, targeting Hamas’ centers of government, on Tuesday. The ongoing conflict, which has entered its fourth day, has already claimed the lives of at least 1,600 people, according to reports.
Hamas militants breached the border fence into Israel, resulting in gun battles in Israeli towns for the first time in decades. In retaliation, Israel is conducting massive air and artillery bombardments of Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip, causing significant destruction in densely populated areas.
The Israeli military announced that it had discovered the bodies of approximately 1,500 Hamas militants within Israeli territory. Additionally, Hamas and other militant groups in Gaza are believed to be holding more than 150 soldiers and civilians who were captured from within Israel.
The situation remains highly volatile, and Israel is considering the possibility of launching a ground assault into Gaza, which would be the first since 2014. Thousands of Israelis have been evacuated from towns near Gaza, and security measures have been put in place along the border.
The conflict has escalated tensions between Israel and Hamas, with both sides vowing to continue their actions. Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, warned that the strikes against Hamas would “reverberate with them for generations.”
The situation is also having repercussions in the West Bank, where Palestinians are facing movement restrictions and clashes with Israeli forces.
The death toll continues to rise on both sides, with thousands of casualties reported, including civilians, as hostilities persist.