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The rapidly intensifying war between Israel and Palestinian militants roared through a second day Sunday, with the Israeli Security Cabinet formally declaring war and the death toll surpassing 1,100.
More than 700 Israelis have been killed since Hamas militants began their assault Saturday on almost two dozen Israeli towns and army bases, ZAKA, a volunteer group that handles human remains after terror attacks, told Israeli media. ZAKA said 250 bodies were found at a music festival near the Gaza border.
As of Sunday evening, more than 123,000 people in Gaza were displaced due to fear and concerns about the destruction of their homes, according to the United Nations.
Dozens of Israelis, and apparently some Americans, were taken hostage, officials on both sides said. Palestinian authorities said more than 300 fighters and civilians have been killed by Israeli counterattacks in Gaza. Each side reported thousands of wounded.
The violence began Saturday, when the first of thousands of rockets fired from Gaza pounded parts of southern and central Israel, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Hamas militants infiltrated Israeli areas near the Gaza border, killing and wounding civilians and Israeli security forces and taking hostages, prompting the Israel military to strike back.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken said U.S. officials are working to verify reports that several Americans have been killed and others taken hostage.
Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh blamed Israel for the war, accusing it of “creating a climate of hatred, violence, incitement, and violating international law.”
The Palestinian Islamic Jihad’s leader says militants in Gaza are holding dozens of Israeli prisoners. Ziad Nakhaleh said no hostages will be released until all Palestinian prisoners are freed from Israeli jails.
Israel’s minister for strategic affairs, Ron Dermer, confirmed to CNN that American citizens were among those taken captive.
Source: myghanadaily
