In light of heightened tensions in the region, the Israeli military declared a comprehensive assault against Hamas installations in Gaza. Both the Israel Defence Force and the Israeli Air Force made public announcements about this operation in light of renewed large-scale rocket fire into Israel by Hamas.
In a development this morning, Hamas stated that Israeli air raids resulted in the death of four hostages in their custody, along with their captors. The specifics of the total number of individuals kidnapped by Hamas from Israeli territory remains unclear, with Israeli authorities estimating the figure in the dozens.
A recent episode of intense hostilities witnessed rockets targeting Ashkelon, a city in southern Israel. An on-the-ground account describes a couple with two children having to rush to a secure shelter. The incident left their residence strewn with shattered glass.
Rockets have also reportedly targeted central areas in Israel, including Jerusalem, causing injuries to residents. Israeli authorities have been swift to react, with Israel Defense Forces stating they have re-established control over all communities near the Gaza border, even though skirmishes with armed Palestinian militants continue in isolated areas.
An alarming mandate by Israel’s Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant, has been issued to enforce a “complete siege” on Gaza, encompassing restrictions on essentials like electricity, food, and fuel.
Several countries, witnessing the escalating violence, are taking urgent actions to repatriate their citizens from Israel. Serbia, Romania, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Poland, and the UK have all been active in either evacuating or issuing travel advisories for their nationals.
Specifically, Thailand confirmed that twelve of its citizens have been killed with another eleven abducted amidst the chaos. There are approximately 30,000 Thai workers in Israel, many situated near the Gaza border. Nepal has also reported casualties, with 10 of its nationals killed and others injured. Additionally, nations including the US, UK, and Germany have indicated that some of their citizens have either been killed, abducted, or have gone missing amidst the unfolding violence.
India, too, has emphasized its efforts to ensure the safety and potential repatriation of its approximately 18,000 citizens residing in Israel.