Israel’s Defense Minister ordered a “complete siege” on the Gaza Strip on Monday (9), as its army fights against Palestinian militants in border towns on the third day of conflict.
Yoav Gallant stated that “no electricity, food, water, or fuel” would be allowed into Gaza, further isolating a coastal territory already under blockade for 16 years, where militants are holding at least 150 Israelis hostage.
More than two days after the incursion of Palestinian militants into Israeli territory, the most significant security failure for Israel in decades, the country’s chief military spokesman, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, declared that the army had regained control of the border communities but acknowledged that “there may still be terrorists in the area.”
Over 700 people have been killed in Israel and nearly 2,400 injured. In Gaza, Israeli forces have launched hundreds of attacks, destroying buildings that authorities say are linked to Hamas, the militant group that controls the territory. At least 560 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza authorities, and at least 2,900 others have been injured.
By mobilizing 300,000 reservists, Israel has sent troops and tanks to the south to prepare for what military officials say will be the next phase of the war, which analysts believe could involve a ground invasion of Gaza. However, such an operation seems unlikely to begin until Israel secures its own territory.
The United States announced on Sunday (8) that it was sending additional munitions to Israel and moving more warships, including an aircraft carrier, and combat aircraft closer to Israel in a show of support.
Nine Americans were killed in the Hamas militant attacks in Israel, according to a spokesperson for the White House National Security Council. “There are U.S. citizens missing. We are closely monitoring information about the hostages taken by Hamas,” the Council reported.
Source: The New York Times