Death toll in Gaza rises to 413; at least 700 killed in Israel
- Israel declares “state of war” as fierce fighting continues in several areas across southern Israel, a day after Hamas’s surprise attack.
- Hezbollah claims responsibility for mortar strikes from Lebanon into occupied Shebaa Farms; Israel says it has responded with artillery strikes.
- The escalation comes as fears of a ground invasion of Gaza are growing after Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu threatened to turn the besieged Palestinian enclave into a “deserted island”.
- The latest death tolls stand at 413 Palestinians, according to health officials, and more than 700 Israelis, according to media reports.
- Hamas’s operation came on the heels of widespread Israeli settler attacks, increased tensions at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem and a record number of Palestinians killed.