Israel launched 500 airstrikes against Hamas targets in Gaza, as the death toll in the ongoing conflict surpassed 1,100. The surprise attack by Hamas on Saturday has resulted in over 700 Israeli casualties. In response, Israel has conducted intense air raids on the impoverished and blockaded Gaza Strip, resulting in at least 413 Palestinian fatalities. The Israeli military stated that their overnight strikes targeted over 500 Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorist sites. A viral video captured one airstrike hitting a weapon depot in Gaza, causing a massive explosion with a towering ball of fire and smoke. Hamas fighters had fired thousands of rockets and breached Gaza’s security barrier, attacking Israeli towns and military posts, and engaging in confrontations with residents and passersby. Hamas named their attack “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood” and called on resistance fighters in the West Bank, as well as in Arab and Islamic nations, to join in the battle. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to destroy Hamas hideouts, urging Palestinians in Gaza to evacuate. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees reported that over 20,000 people have been displaced in Gaza due to the fighting. Israel’s allies have offered renewed support to confront what US President Joe Biden labeled an “unprecedented terrorist assault” by Hamas.
Wed. Apr 8th, 2026
