Israel seeks to oust Hamas from authority as the potential increase in casualties looms.
The Israeli military spokesperson predicts that the death toll of 700 will increase as Israel aims to oust Hamas from power. The Iron Dome shield successfully intercepts rockets launched from Gaza. The battles persist following what is considered the Jewish state’s most devastating day in history.
- The Israeli Defense Forces spokesperson expressed their intention to undermine Hamas’ governing authority in Palestine following the alarming attack that commenced on Saturday.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statements seemed less impactful compared to his.
- Conricus stated that this is the most devastating day in Israeli history, and mentioned that not all terrorists have been eliminated.
Israel persistently attacked the Gaza Strip during the early hours of today, conducting air strikes and artillery fire on over 1,000 Hamas targets.
Israel initiated a retaliatory strike following a surprise assault by Hamas, resulting in numerous Palestinian casualties and the destruction of buildings. Over 700 Israelis have been killed thus far.
Israeli soldiers are getting ready for a significant ground attack to eliminate Hamas militants and infrastructure in Gaza, resulting in street battles. However, Israel might also opt for smaller special operations, focusing on prominent Hamas figures and targets.
The Israeli military aims to completely remove Hamas from its position of governing in Palestine, following what has been referred to as the most devastating day in the country’s history. The number of Israeli casualties in the conflict is expected to increase.
Jonathan Conricus, spokesperson for the Israeli Defence Forces, blasted the terror group on X on Sunday, going one step further than Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who had vowed to destroy Hamas´ ability to govern in a way that posed a threat to Israeli civilians.
Conricus stated that this is the most terrible day in the history of Israel. He mentioned that Israeli forces have not yet eliminated all the terrorists who managed to enter the country.
He further stated that we are all shocked and angered by the savagery and inhumane behavior of these terrorists.
According to rescue service officials, multiple Israeli news outlets reported that the death toll in Israel has reached a minimum of 700, including 44 soldiers. The attacks have persisted throughout Sunday and Monday, with the Iron Dome defense system successfully intercepting numerous rocket barrages.
![Israel continued to relentlessly pound the Gaza Strip in the early hours of this morning](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/10/09/08/76326283-12609189-image-a-1_1696835723677.jpg)
Israel persistently bombarded the Gaza Strip during the early hours of this morning.
![Israeli airstrikes destroyed buildings and cars at the al-Shati refugee camp in Gaza Strip on Monday](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/10/09/08/76326241-12609189-image-a-2_1696835794259.jpg)
On Monday, the Gaza Strip’s al-Shati refugee camp experienced destruction of buildings and cars due to Israeli airstrikes.
![An injured Palestinian is being carried on a stretcher after Israeli airstrikes at al-Shati refugee camp in Gaza Strip on Monday](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/10/09/08/76326235-12609189-image-a-3_1696835846756.jpg)
On Monday, a Palestinian who was injured during Israeli airstrikes at al-Shati refugee camp in Gaza Strip is being transported on a stretcher.
![Israeli soldiers gather near tanks, as violence around the nearby Gaza Strip mounts following a mass-rampage by armed Palestinian infiltrators on Monday](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/10/09/08/76326259-12609189-image-a-4_1696835853459.jpg)
Israeli soldiers congregate near tanks in response to escalating violence near the Gaza Strip, which ensued after a large-scale attack by armed Palestinian infiltrators on Monday.
![Jonathan Conricus, a spokesman for the Israeli Defense Forces says they want to end Hamas' ability to govern in Palestine following the shock attack and warns that the current death toll of 700 is likely to rise much higher](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/10/09/07/76322249-12609189-Jonathan_Conricus_a_spokesman_for_the_Israeli_Defense_Forces_say-m-9_1696833933850.jpg)
Jonathan Conricus, a representative of the Israeli Defense Forces, expresses the intention to dismantle Hamas’ governing power in Palestine after the unexpected attack. He cautions that the current death count of 700 is expected to significantly increase.
Conricus stated that a total of one thousand members of Hamas participated in the first and extraordinary assault on Israel on Saturday.
The territory of Gaza witnessed the loss of 413 lives, including 78 children and 41 women, as reported by the Gaza Health Ministry.
Around 2,000 individuals have sustained injuries on both sides. A representative from Israel stated that approximately 400 militants have been eliminated by security forces, with dozens more being apprehended.
Conricus additionally verified the participation of individuals from the United States, United Kingdom, and France in the violent incident.
He mentioned that individuals who were kidnapped included children, infants, senior citizens, and individuals with disabilities.
He stated that our main concentration will be on the Gaza Strip, aiming to deliver a forceful and impactful strike in Gaza.
Hamas’ surprise attack on Saturday morning came just one day after the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the Yom Kippur War, which saw Israel battle existential threats from hostile neighbors led by Egypt and Syria.
After the Palestinian terrorists launched 2,000 rockets across the border, Israeli soldiers and civilians engaged in combat with Hamas militants in the southern streets of Israel. This was accompanied by a brutal ground attack.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promptly announced a state of war and has subsequently pledged to seek powerful retribution against those who attacked Israel, ultimately aiming for triumph in his nation.
The Israeli military has initiated an attack on important Hamas locations in the Gaza Strip and has advised civilians in specific areas to evacuate prior to the commencement of a series of counterattacks.
On Saturday night, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a strong message to Hamas militants, emphasizing their responsibility for the safety of captives and warning that Israel will take action against anyone who causes them harm.
![An Israeli airstrike at a Hamas weapons depot in Gaza from Sunday night](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/10/09/06/76323097-12609189-Several_Israeli_news_outlets_citing_rescue_service_officials_sai-m-3_1696829762884.jpg)
An Israeli airstrike at a Hamas weapons depot in Gaza from Sunday night
![Fire and smoke rise above buildings in Gaza City during an Israeli air strike on October 8, 2023. Israel, reeling from the deadliest attack on its territory in half a century, formally declared war on Hamas Sunday as the Israeli death toll surged past 700 after the Palestinian militant group launched a massive surprise assault from Gaza](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/10/09/01/76315433-12608585-Fire_and_smoke_rise_above_buildings_in_Gaza_City_during_an_Israe-a-69_1696811468621.jpg)
Fire and smoke rise above buildings in Gaza City during an Israeli air strike on October 8, 2023. Israel, reeling from the deadliest attack on its territory in half a century, formally declared war on Hamas Sunday as the Israeli death toll surged past 700 after the Palestinian militant group launched a massive surprise assault from Gaza
![An elderly Israeli woman was taken hostage](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/10/09/01/76291605-12608585-An_elderly_Israeli_woman_was_taken_hostage-a-67_1696811468302.jpg)
![A young woman is seen kidnapped being driven off on a motorcycle](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/10/09/01/76291599-12608585-A_young_woman_is_seen_kidnapped_being_driven_off_on_a_motorcycle-a-68_1696811468306.jpg)
Following the Saturday morning attacks, Hamas seized numerous Israeli civilians as hostages.
![Israelis walk by a blown up police station in Sderot that was destroyed during a battle with Hamas militants who had overtaken the building](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/10/09/04/76315409-12609181-Israelis_walk_by_a_blown_up_police_station_in_Sderot_that_was_de-a-16_1696822895541.jpg)
Israelis walk by a blown up police station in Sderot that was destroyed during a battle with Hamas militants who had overtaken the building
![Israeli soldier directs armored vehicles heading towards the southern border with the Gaza strip on October 8, 2023 in Sderot, Israel. The nation is preparing a full blown counteroffensive against the terrorist organization](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/10/09/01/76315419-12608585-Israeli_soldier_directs_armored_vehicles_heading_towards_the_sou-a-70_1696811468645.jpg)
An Israeli soldier is guiding armored vehicles as they move towards the southern border with the Gaza strip on October 8, 2023 in Sderot, Israel. The country is getting ready to launch a comprehensive counteroffensive against the terrorist organization.
![Israel has no choice but to meet force with force. The Middle East's only democracy has every right to defend itself (Pictured: Gaza on Sunday)](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/10/09/04/76309041-12609181-Israel_has_no_choice_but_to_meet_force_with_force_The_Middle_Eas-a-18_1696822908525.jpg)
Israel is compelled to respond with equal force. The sole democratic nation in the Middle East has the legitimate authority to protect itself. (Image: Gaza on Sunday)
He made a commitment to overcome the group, but mentioned that the war would require a significant amount of time. He further stated, “The events that occurred today in Israel are unprecedented, and we will seek powerful retribution for this tragic day.”
He made a promise to completely destroy Gaza, urging innocent Palestinians to evacuate without delay. He stated that Hamas will face consequences unlike any they have experienced before.
While Palestinian sympathizers protested at the president’s gates, Joe Biden organized a barbecue for his staff at the White House, despite the confirmed deaths of at least four Americans in the surprise attack by Hamas on Israel on Saturday.
Earlier reports have been confirmed by the Israeli ambassador to the United States, Michael Herzog, stating that there are several Americans who cannot be accounted for following the Hamas attack.
Later Sunday, at least four Americans were confirmed dead and Hamas is believed to be holding more than 100 hostages.
The terrorists gunned down as many revelers as possible and horrifying photos emerged of bodies piled up in a tent at the Supernova music festival near Kibbutz Re’im, close to the Gaza Strip.
Authorities estimate that a total of 260 individuals were brutally killed during the incident, which took place while approximately 3,000 to 4,000 individuals were present.
The full horror of what unfolded at the dance festival became clear as drone footage from above allowed for a birds eye view of the site.
The Jewish people are currently launching a fierce counterattack in the southern Gaza Strip, using fire against the fighters. Simultaneously, they are also bombarding Lebanon with artillery in the northern region.
In the most lethal outbreak of violence in Israel in half a century, the warplanes of the Middle Eastern nation targeted heavily populated Gaza City with bombs as a response.
![Fire and smoke rise following an Israeli airstrike, in Gaza City](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/10/08/16/76304291-12607649-image-a-25_1696778645287.jpg)
Fire and smoke rise following an Israeli airstrike, in Gaza City
![An Israeli soldier directs a self-propelled howitzer near the southern city of Ashkelon](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/10/08/16/76304285-12607649-image-a-24_1696778560356.jpg)
An Israeli soldier directs a self-propelled howitzer near the southern city of Ashkelon
![Attendees at an outdoor party near Kibbutz Urim - the same one Hersh Golberg-Polin was at - flee for their lives after hearing gunshots](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/10/09/03/76304373-12608995-Attendees_at_an_outdoor_party_near_Kibbutz_Urim_the_same_one_Her-m-1_1696819338702.jpg)
Partygoers at an outdoor gathering close to Kibbutz Urim, where Hersh Golberg-Polin was also present, hastily escape in fear upon hearing the sound of gunfire.
According to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Hamas fighters have captured an unspecified number of civilians and soldiers, including multiple US citizens, and brought them into Gaza.
Yesterday, audacious members of Hamas approached the homes of individuals who were anticipating Israeli soldiers to provide reassurance regarding the air-raid sirens.
Instead, the violence initiated one of the most severe atrocities that Israel has experienced in many years.
Mothers who were innocent, along with their children, settlers, and even the vulnerable elderly, became the victims of the masked terrorists. These terrorists forcefully abducted them using guns.
Their actions – which horrified the international community – brought back grim reminders of masked Islamic State terrorists in Syria, who paraded hostages on social media before executing them.
![](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/10/08/16/76276255-12607649-image-a-28_1696779719364.jpg)
Horrifying footage on social media showed terrified hostages being taken to Gaza by Hamas fighters, who chanted ‘Allahu akbar’ (God is great) as they led them away.
A demonstration supporting Palestine occurred in New York on Sunday, around midday, where an individual displayed a Nazi swastika. Governor Kathy Hochul of the state has expressed her disapproval of the protest.
Protesters are anticipated to occupy Times Square, the vibrant hub of social and cultural activities in New York City, which boasts the highest Jewish population globally.
This morning, it was disclosed that the daughter and son-in-law of a professor from Boston college were among the individuals who lost their lives in Israel following a sequence of intense assaults by Hamas.
Professor Ilan Troen, 83, recently retired from his role at Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts, and moved to Israel to be with his family.
![Israeli police officers evacuate a woman and a child from a site hit by a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip in Ashkelon](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/10/08/16/76287577-12607649-Israeli_police_officers_evacuate_a_woman_and_a_child_from_a_site-a-22_1696778511278.jpg)
Israeli police officers are removing a woman and a child from a location that was struck by a rocket launched from the Gaza Strip in Ashkelon.
![Israeli civilians were purportedly taken off the street and driven back into Gaza](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/10/08/16/76279617-12607649-Israeli_civilians_were_purportedly_taken_off_the_street_and_driv-a-20_1696778503100.jpg)
It is claimed that Israeli civilians were removed from the streets and forcibly returned to Gaza.
The academic, who was born in Boston, recounted the tragic incident where his daughter and son-in-law lost their lives to gunmen from the Gaza strip on Saturday. He also shared how the couple heroically shielded their teenage son by placing their bodies over him.
The family were together in a secure room inside their home when in was penetrated by Hamas fighters.
Troen’s grandson, a young boy, was injured by a gunshot in his abdomen and is currently receiving medical treatment at the hospital.
Troen taught Israel Studies at the private school, having studied there himself as an undergraduate before receiving his PhD from the University of Chicago.
On Saturday evening, Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu delivered a strong message to Hamas militants, emphasizing their responsibility for the safety of captives and stating that Israel will take action against anyone who causes harm to them.
He made a promise to overcome the group, but mentioned that the conflict would require a significant amount of time. He further stated, “The events that occurred today are unprecedented in Israel, and we will seek powerful retribution for this tragic day.”
He made a strong promise of seeking revenge and vowed to completely destroy Gaza, advising innocent Palestinians to evacuate without delay.
Shortly after, it was reported that a group of tanks was moving towards the Gaza border.
On Saturday evening, a representative from the Israeli military stated that the situation in the southern region of the country was not yet completely under control.