Israel has formally declared war on Hamas after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed “mighty vengeance”.
So far, at least 1,100 people have died since hostilities began last week; 700 people were killed in Israel by Hamas attacks and 400 have died in Gaza following retaliation by the Israeli Defence Forces.
An unknown number of Israelis have been kidnapped by Hamas and are being held hostage in Gaza.
The BBC has described the events of last week as “the most ambitious operation Hamas has ever launched from Gaza” and Hamas commander Mohammed Deif has urged Palestinians to help "sweep away the [Israeli] occupation".
Fire and smoke rise from an explosion following an Israeli air strike in Gaza City, 08-10-2023. Image: AP Photo/Adel Hana.The IDF responded with airstrikes that have hit 800 targets so far, levelling much of Beit Hanoun; Israeli Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari told journalists the town had been used by Hamas to launch attacks on Israel.
Mr Netanyahu has pledged to reduce Hamas’ hideouts to rubble and warned Israelis they had a "long and difficult war" ahead of them.
This morning, on Shabbat and a holiday, Hamas invaded Israeli territory and murdered innocent citizens including children and the elderly. Hamas has started a brutal and evil war.
We will be victorious in this war despite an unbearable price. This is a very difficult day for all…— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) October 8, 2023
A brief exchange between the IDF and Hezbollah along Israel’s northern border has led to fears it could lead to wider escalation in the region.
Tánaiste Micheál Martin has condemned Hamas’ actions and said he is “very concerned now about civilians both in Israel and in Gaza”. The Irish Government has urged de-escalation to protect the lives of civilians.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has said it is aware of a 22-year-old Irish woman, Kim Damti, who has been missing in Israel since Saturday.
The White House has pledged military aid to help the Israelis.
Main image: Fire and smoke rise following an Israeli airstrike, in Gaza City on Sunday October 8th 2023. Picture by: AP Photo/Fatima Shbair.
