Israel-Gaza war claims nearly 1,000 lives in 48 hours: Key updates

Israel Gaza war: In the wake of a surprise attack by Hamas, the death toll in Israel has surged to over 600, with more than 100 individuals reportedly held as "prisoners" by the group, according to the Israeli government. Authorities stress that the death toll is not final and is likely to rise.

Here are the top 10 updates on this significant development:

1. The deadliest escalation of the conflict in decades has witnessed a massive rocket barrage and a multi-front offensive by Hamas, resulting in reports of 600 Israelis killed and 1,000 wounded. Simultaneously, intense Israeli airstrikes on Gaza have brought the Palestinian death toll to at least 400, with nearly 1,700 reported injuries.
2. Hezbollah, backed by Iran in Lebanon, has claimed to have fired "large numbers of artillery shells and guided missiles" at Israeli positions in a disputed border area. This action is declared to be in "solidarity" with Hamas's attack.
3. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to avenge what he referred to as a "black day" for Israel, promising to use all available military force to destroy Hamas's capabilities. He warned Palestinians residing near Hamas sites in Gaza to evacuate, as Israel planned to eliminate these hideouts completely.
4. According to Israeli officials, approximately 100 soldiers and civilians have been kidnapped by Hamas. Army spokesman Richard Hecht revealed that "terrorists rampaged and broke into homes, massacring civilians," adding that hundreds of infiltrators had entered the country, with many still engaged in combat within Israel.
5. Hamas militants fired thousands of rockets, breached Gaza's security barrier, attacked nearby Israeli towns and military posts, and indiscriminately opened fire on residents and passersby. They dubbed their operation "Operation Al-Aqsa Flood" and called for the participation of "resistance fighters in the West Bank" and from "Arab and Islamic nations."
6. Hamas released images of several Israelis taken captive, while in the Israeli town of Sderot near Gaza, bodies were found strewn on the streets and inside cars, their windscreens shattered by gunfire.
7. In response to these deadly attacks, the Israel Defense Forces declared a "readiness for war" and launched "Operation Swords of Iron," targeting various locations in the Gaza Strip. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant declared in a video statement, "We have seen the face of evil... We will change the face of reality in the Gaza Strip."
8. As the UN Security Council convened an emergency meeting, US President Joe Biden expressed "rock-solid and unwavering" support for Israel and cautioned "against any other party hostile to Israel seeking advantage in this situation."
9. The Indian embassy in Israel has issued an advisory to its citizens, urging them to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines as instructed by local authorities. The advisory emphasizes caution, avoiding unnecessary movement, and staying close to safety shelters.

The situation in Israel and Gaza remains highly volatile and fluid, with the conflict showing no signs of immediate resolution.

- With inputs from agencies

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