Three days after Hamas’ offensive on Israeli territory, the Jewish state announced the introduction of a “complete siege” of the Gaza Strip.
The Israeli army announced that it had struck in the last 24 hours more than 2,400 “targets” in the Gaza Strip. In response to these attacks by the IDF army on the Palestinian enclave, the representative of Hamas’ armed wing threatened to kill hostages. Here’s what to remember from Monday, October 9, three days after the start of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, which launched the terrorist movement against the Hebrew state.
More than 800 dead in Israel, almost 700 in the Gaza Strip
A number that continues to rise. According to the Israeli government’s press office, more than 800 people have been killed in Israel since the offensive began on Saturday. In Israel, too, more than 2,600 people were injured and around 150 people were kidnapped by Hamas.
For its part, the Palestinian Ministry of Health announced that Israeli bombing raids on the Gaza Strip killed 687 people and injured more than 3,700 others.
At least two French people are dead
Among these victims are at least two French. The Foreign Ministry announced Monday afternoon that a second national had been killed in the Hamas attack. “We are continuing the steps to clarify the situation of our unhoused nationals,” wrote spokeswoman Anne-Claire Legendre. The Quai d’Orsay had already announced the death of a French woman on Sunday evening.
In addition, the Quai d’Orsay announces that it has “no news” of 14 French nationals in Israel, including a 12-year-old minor. “According to the Foreign Ministry, this number is likely to change. The information we have allows us to classify the abduction of some of them as very likely.”
Israel orders “complete siege” of Gaza
Israel’s defense minister announced midday on Monday that a “complete siege” would be imposed on the Gaza Strip. “No electricity, no water, no gas, everything is closed,” said Yoav Gallant in a video published by his services. “We fight animals and act accordingly,” he added in that message in Hebrew.
“The humanitarian situation in Gaza was extremely difficult before the hostilities, it will now deteriorate exponentially,” complained UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, recognizing Israel’s “legitimate concerns for its security.”
Benjamin Netanyahu calls for the formation of a “government of national unity”
In a televised address on Monday evening, the Israeli prime minister called for the formation of a “government of national unity” “urgently and without preconditions.” Benjamin Netanyahu, who leads a coalition of right-wing, far-right and ultra-Orthodox parties, is facing one of the biggest crises in the country’s history.
In his speech, he outlined the five points of his program: regaining control of the territory and “eliminating the terrorists still in Israel”, carrying out a “massive” attack against Hamas with “unprecedented violence”, “strengthening the other fronts”, in the north against Hezbollah” and in the West Bank, continue the campaign to ensure the support of the international community and ultimately “the unity of the people” with the formation of a government of national unity.
“What Hamas has done is something we have not seen since the horrors of Daesh. This vile enemy wanted war, he will get it,” the Israeli leader also promised.
Hamas threatens to kill Israeli hostages
In a statement, Hamas threatened to kill Israeli hostages in Gaza in response to Israeli attacks on the Palestinian enclave. “Every time our people are attacked without warning, one of the civilian hostages is executed,” said the Ezzzedine al-Qassem Brigades, Hamas’ armed wing.
The European Union will “revise” its aid program for the Palestinians.
Following Hamas attacks on Israel, the European Commission will launch “an urgent review of aid to Palestine.” The European Union, the Palestinians’ largest financial supporter, has a budget of around 1.2 billion euros between 2021 and 2024 to finance projects, particularly in the education and health sectors.
“The aim of this review is to ensure that no European funding enables any terrorist organization to carry out attacks against Israel,” the Commission specifies.
Three Hezbollah members were killed in Israeli attacks on Lebanon
Three Hezbollah members were killed in Israeli attacks on Lebanon, according to the pro-Iranian group’s latest report on Monday evening. Israel bombed southern Lebanon later in the day after announcing that it had killed “several armed suspects” who had invaded its territory.
In response, Hezbollah said it bombed two Israeli barracks with “guided missiles and mortar shells that directly hit their targets.”