The Israeli military said on Saturday (Oct 21) that it will immediately step up its strikes in the Gaza Strip to increase pressure on Hamas. Speaking to reporters, military spokesperson Admiral Daniel Hagari said, "We have to enter the next phase of the war in the best conditions, not according to what anyone tells us.

The Israeli military said on Saturday (Oct 21) that it will immediately step up its strikes in the Gaza Strip to increase pressure on Hamas. Speaking to reporters, military spokesperson Admiral Daniel Hagari said, "We have to enter the next phase of the war in the best conditions, not according to what anyone tells us. From today, we are increasing the strikes and minimising the danger." Since Hamas launched an unprecedented attack against Israel on October 7, Israel struck back with devastating air and ground bombardments of Gaza. More than 1,400 people have died in Israel, and 4,385 people have died in Gaza. Israel is now preparing for a widely anticipated ground invasion, amassing tens of thousands of troops and hundreds of tanks along the Gaza border. The military's announcement comes just hours after the first international aid to reach Gaza since October 7 crossed the border from Egypt into the territory. 'Israel army going into Gaza to destroy Hamas' On Saturday, Israel's Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi told troops that the army would go into Gaza to destroy Hamas. "We are going to go into the Gaza Strip, we will embark on a professional operational mission to destroy Hamas operatives and Hamas infrastructure and we will have in our mind the memories of the images and those who fell on Saturday two weeks ago," he said. Also read: UN chief Antonio Guterres urges ceasefire to end Gaza's 'godawful nightmare' A day back, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant told parliament's foreign affairs and defence committee that the initial and current phase of incessant strikes across the Palestinian territory would be followed by "neutralising terrorists and destroying Hamas infrastructure". The military campaign will "put in place a new security reality for the citizens of Israel", Gallant added. Turkey's Erdogan discusses Gaza with Hamas leader Also on Saturday, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan held a telephone conversation with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Erdogan told Haniyeh about Ankara's efforts for a ceasefire, for humanitarian aid to reach Gaza and possible treatment of the wounded in Turkey. The Turkish president has called on Israel to stop its attacks on Gaza, which he said amounted to genocide, and urged governments worldwide to work for a humanitarian ceasefire in the region. Also read: Israel-Hamas war: Lebanon families move into schools to take shelter from Israeli strikes "I repeat my call for the Israeli leadership to never expand the scope of its attacks on civilians and to immediately end its operations amounting to genocide," Erdogan said in a post on X on Friday. Turkey supports Palestinians, backs a two-state solution to the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and hosts members of militant group Hamas. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli military to step up its strikes in Gaza

More than 400 people have been killed while thousands of others have been injured, in Gaza and Israel after Palestinian Islamist group <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/hamas-the-undeniable-face-of-terrorism-in-israel-643798">Hamas</a> took Israel by surprise on Saturday (Oct 7) marking the&nbsp;deadliest day of violence in Israel since the Yom Kippur war 50 years ago. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the country was “at war” and swore fierce counterattack.&nbsp;

The attack has also drawn some mixed reactions from across the world, where <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/countries-condemn-hamas-surprise-attack-from-gaza-express-solidarity-with-israel-643706">most Western countries</a>, Ukraine and India have condemned the attacks on Israel and expressed solidarity with the Israelis.&nbsp;

On the other hand, countries like Iran have celebrated it as a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/proud-operation-iranian-officials-show-support-for-deadly-attack-by-hamas-on-israel-643819">“proud operation”</a> and Qatar said that they “held Israel solely responsible” for the escalation in violence.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Operation Al-Aqsa Flood’</h2>

The Palestinian militant group launched over 5,000 rockets from the Gaza Strip into Israel, marking the commencement of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-launches-barrage-of-rockets-at-israel-terrorists-infiltrate-border-towns-643577">“Operation Al-Aqsa Flood.”&nbsp;</a>

The Israeli media has reported that as many as 150 rockets fired into central Israel including the country’s major city of Tel Aviv, as of Saturday evening.&nbsp;

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said the assault that had begun in Gaza would spread to the West Bank and Jerusalem. “This was the morning of defeat and humiliation upon our enemy, its soldiers and its settlers,” said the militant group leader.&nbsp;

He added, “What happened reveals the greatness of our preparation. What happened today reveals the weakness of the enemy.”&nbsp;

Israeli forces said that they are fighting Gaza militants who entered Israel by land, sea and air using paragliders following a barrage of rockets was fired at Israel.&nbsp;

“It was a combined ground raid which happened through paragliders, through the sea and through the ground,” said army spokesman Richard Hecht.&nbsp;

Israel has also reported 22 active locations inside the country where Israeli troops were still battling “hundreds” of Palestinian militants, adding that the Hamas attack included a “robust ground invasion”.&nbsp;

More than 3,000 rockets had been fired from the Gaza Strip into Israel, said the army spokesman. “There will be a severe response to this inhumane attack, it’s unprecedented,” said Hecht.

AFP journalists witnessed attackers gather around a burning Israeli tank, and others driving a seized Israeli military Humvee back into Gaza, where they were met by cheering crowds. Hamas chief said that the group was on the “verge of a great victory and a clear conquest on the Gaza front”.&nbsp;

<h2>‘We are at war’</h2>

Netanyahu, in his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-are-at-war-and-we-will-win-it-says-israeli-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-as-hamas-launches-surprise-attack-643737">first remarks</a> after the attack, said, “Citizens of Israel, we are at war...”&nbsp;He also went on to outline a plan and called on the citizens to unite&nbsp;and achieve victory in the war. Israel has since called up reservists for an ongoing operation called “Swords of Iron”.

Netanyahu, addressing&nbsp;the nation in the evening called&nbsp;today’s events something “never before seen in Israel,” he vows to ensure “it will never happen again.”

He also vowed to&nbsp;use “all the power” of the&nbsp;Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to&nbsp;destroy Hamas’&nbsp;capabilities. Addressing the&nbsp;“residents of Gaza”&nbsp;Netanyahu said, “get out now because we will operate everywhere with full force.”

This “black day” will be “avenged,” said the Israeli PM

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in a statement said that the people of his country have full right to defend themselves against the “terror of settlers and occupation troops,” as per official news agency WAFA.

<h2>Death toll in Israel and Gaza crosses 400</h2>

Israeli media report citing the country’s health ministry and emergency services said that at least 200 people have been killed as of 9:30 pm (local time), and over 1,425 others have been injured and taken to hospitals.&nbsp;

In southern Israel, near Gaza, Reuters reported that bodies of Israeli civilians lay strewn across a highway in Sderot. “I saw many bodies, of terrorists and civilians,” one man who gave his name as Shlomi told AFP in southern Israel.

An Israeli woman identified as Dorin told Israel N12 News that the militants had infiltrated her house. “They just came in again, please send help!” an Israeli woman who was sheltering with her two-year-old child in a bomb shelter pleaded.&nbsp;

In Gaza, images show orange flames and black smoke in the evening sky after Israel launched its retaliatory strike, while on the ground, crowds of mourners were seen carrying bodies of militants killed through the streets, wrapped in green Hamas flags.

At least 232 Palestinians were killed and over 1,600 were wounded in Gaza, said the Palestinian health ministry after Israel responded with air strikes.&nbsp;

<h2>Israelis held hostage</h2>

Hamas deputy chief Saleh al-Arouri told Al Jazeera that they are holding a large number of Israeli captives, including senior officials and said that they had enough captives to make Israel free all Palestinians in its jails.&nbsp;

The Israeli military has since confirmed Israelis were being held captive in Gaza and soldiers and officers had been killed. Hecht reported a “severe hostage situation in Beeri and also in Ofakim” two Israeli communities near the Gaza border.&nbsp;

The military said that the country could mobilise up to hundreds of thousands of reservists and was also prepared for war on its northern front against Lebanon’s Hezbollah group.

Hamas has long advocated for Israel’s destruction and fought four wars against Israel since 2007 after it seized control of Gaza in 2007.&nbsp;

The attack on Saturday came as a surprise to Israel’s security forces making it one of the worst intelligence failures in the country’s history.&nbsp;Israel’s ambassador to France Raphael Morav in an interview said that the country was not “sufficiently prepared” for the attack. “Following this surprise, we were not sufficiently prepared for it, we could even say barely prepared.”&nbsp;

The attack also follows a recent rise in tensions with the Israeli army conducting near-nightly raids in the West Bank,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestinian-killed-amid-settler-violence-in-west-bank-over-50-injured-after-clashes-with-israeli-military-643488">recent&nbsp;settler violence</a>&nbsp;as well as&nbsp;deadly Palestinian attacks on Israelis.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
 
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More than 400 people have been killed while thousands of others have been injured, in Gaza and Israel after Palestinian Islamist group Hamas took Israel by surprise on Saturday (Oct 7) marking the deadliest day of violence in Israel since the Yom Kippur war 50 years ago.

More than 400 people have been killed while thousands of others have been injured, in Gaza and Israel after Palestinian Islamist group Hamas took Israel by surprise on Saturday (Oct 7) marking the deadliest day of violence in Israel since the Yom Kippur war 50 years ago. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the country was “at war” and swore fierce counterattack. The attack has also drawn some mixed reactions from across the world, where most Western countries, Ukraine and India have condemned the attacks on Israel and expressed solidarity with the Israelis. On the other hand, countries like Iran have celebrated it as a “proud operation” and Qatar said that they “held Israel solely responsible” for the escalation in violence. ‘Operation Al-Aqsa Flood’ The Palestinian militant group launched over 5,000 rockets from the Gaza Strip into Israel, marking the commencement of “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood.” The Israeli media has reported that as many as 150 rockets fired into central Israel including the country’s major city of Tel Aviv, as of Saturday evening. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said the assault that had begun in Gaza would spread to the West Bank and Jerusalem. “This was the morning of defeat and humiliation upon our enemy, its soldiers and its settlers,” said the militant group leader. He added, “What happened reveals the greatness of our preparation. What happened today reveals the weakness of the enemy.” Israeli forces said that they are fighting Gaza militants who entered Israel by land, sea and air using paragliders following a barrage of rockets was fired at Israel. “It was a combined ground raid which happened through paragliders, through the sea and through the ground,” said army spokesman Richard Hecht. Israel has also reported 22 active locations inside the country where Israeli troops were still battling “hundreds” of Palestinian militants, adding that the Hamas attack included a “robust ground invasion”. More than 3,000 rockets had been fired from the Gaza Strip into Israel, said the army spokesman. “There will be a severe response to this inhumane attack, it’s unprecedented,” said Hecht. AFP journalists witnessed attackers gather around a burning Israeli tank, and others driving a seized Israeli military Humvee back into Gaza, where they were met by cheering crowds. Hamas chief said that the group was on the “verge of a great victory and a clear conquest on the Gaza front”. ‘We are at war’ Netanyahu, in his first remarks after the attack, said, “Citizens of Israel, we are at war...” He also went on to outline a plan and called on the citizens to unite and achieve victory in the war. Israel has since called up reservists for an ongoing operation called “Swords of Iron”. Netanyahu, addressing the nation in the evening called today’s events something “never before seen in Israel,” he vows to ensure “it will never happen again.” He also vowed to use “all the power” of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to destroy Hamas’ capabilities. Addressing the “residents of Gaza” Netanyahu said, “get out now because we will operate everywhere with full force.” This “black day” will be “avenged,” said the Israeli PM Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in a statement said that the people of his country have full right to defend themselves against the “terror of settlers and occupation troops,” as per official news agency WAFA. Death toll in Israel and Gaza crosses 400 Israeli media report citing the country’s health ministry and emergency services said that at least 200 people have been killed as of 9:30 pm (local time), and over 1,425 others have been injured and taken to hospitals. In southern Israel, near Gaza, Reuters reported that bodies of Israeli civilians lay strewn across a highway in Sderot. “I saw many bodies, of terrorists and civilians,” one man who gave his name as Shlomi told AFP in southern Israel. An Israeli woman identified as Dorin told Israel N12 News that the militants had infiltrated her house. “They just came in again, please send help!” an Israeli woman who was sheltering with her two-year-old child in a bomb shelter pleaded. In Gaza, images show orange flames and black smoke in the evening sky after Israel launched its retaliatory strike, while on the ground, crowds of mourners were seen carrying bodies of militants killed through the streets, wrapped in green Hamas flags. At least 232 Palestinians were killed and over 1,600 were wounded in Gaza, said the Palestinian health ministry after Israel responded with air strikes. Israelis held hostage Hamas deputy chief Saleh al-Arouri told Al Jazeera that they are holding a large number of Israeli captives, including senior officials and said that they had enough captives to make Israel free all Palestinians in its jails. The Israeli military has since confirmed Israelis were being held captive in Gaza and soldiers and officers had been killed. Hecht reported a “severe hostage situation in Beeri and also in Ofakim” two Israeli communities near the Gaza border. The military said that the country could mobilise up to hundreds of thousands of reservists and was also prepared for war on its northern front against Lebanon’s Hezbollah group. Hamas has long advocated for Israel’s destruction and fought four wars against Israel since 2007 after it seized control of Gaza in 2007. The attack on Saturday came as a surprise to Israel’s security forces making it one of the worst intelligence failures in the country’s history. Israel’s ambassador to France Raphael Morav in an interview said that the country was not “sufficiently prepared” for the attack. “Following this surprise, we were not sufficiently prepared for it, we could even say barely prepared.” The attack also follows a recent rise in tensions with the Israeli army conducting near-nightly raids in the West Bank, recent settler violence as well as deadly Palestinian attacks on Israelis. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Hundreds killed after Hamas launches biggest attack in decades on Israel

There was exchange of fire from Israel&nbsp;and the Gaza Strip on Friday, raising fears of&nbsp;further escalation following one the deadliest army raids in the occupied West Bank in years on Thursday.&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;later said that it had "targeted an underground rocket manufacturing site" belonging to the Hamas and a north Gaza military base used by the group.

The strikes by Israeli forces on Thursday had led to the death of nine people during the raid on the crowded Jenin refugee camp.&nbsp;

AFP quoted security sources in Hamas Islamist-controlled Gaza as saying that there had been 15 strikes targeting militant sites, with no injuries reported.

The Israeli army said two rockets were fired from Gaza towards Israel around midnight.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/nine-killed-20-injured-amid-israeli-troops-west-bank-raid-say-palestinians-556313">Nine killed, 20 injured amid Israeli troops' West Bank raid, say Palestinians</a>

The overnight rocket strikes triggered sirens in Israeli communities near the border with Gaza, warning residents to take shelter. There were no reports of injuries.

Following retaliatory strikes by Israel, hours later&nbsp;three more rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip, the army said. Another round of air-raid sirens were then sounded in southern Israel.

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The army said that most of the Gaza rockets were intercepted by Israel's air defence system, adding that one landed in an open area and another fell inside Gaza. Footage of Israeli interceptor missiles being launched into the night sky above the city of Ashkelon was aired by an Israeli TV channel.

No group has claimed responsibility for firing the rockets. Earlier, after the attack in Jenin killed nine Palestinians, Hamas and Islamic Jihad had vowed to respond to it.

The Palestinian Authority announced that it was ending its security coordination with Israel. The arrangement was credited with helping to keep order in the West Bank and preventing attacks against Israel.&nbsp;

Responding to the situation, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was not looking to escalate the matter, though he ordered security forces to be on alert.

(With inputs from agencies)

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There was exchange of fire from Israel and the Gaza Strip on Friday, raising fears of further escalation following one the deadliest army raids in the occupied West Bank in years on Thursday.

There was exchange of fire from Israel and the Gaza Strip on Friday, raising fears of further escalation following one the deadliest army raids in the occupied West Bank in years on Thursday. Israel later said that it had "targeted an underground rocket manufacturing site" belonging to the Hamas and a north Gaza military base used by the group. The strikes by Israeli forces on Thursday had led to the death of nine people during the raid on the crowded Jenin refugee camp. AFP quoted security sources in Hamas Islamist-controlled Gaza as saying that there had been 15 strikes targeting militant sites, with no injuries reported. The Israeli army said two rockets were fired from Gaza towards Israel around midnight. Also Read | Nine killed, 20 injured amid Israeli troops' West Bank raid, say Palestinians The overnight rocket strikes triggered sirens in Israeli communities near the border with Gaza, warning residents to take shelter. There were no reports of injuries. Following retaliatory strikes by Israel, hours later three more rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip, the army said. Another round of air-raid sirens were then sounded in southern Israel. × The army said that most of the Gaza rockets were intercepted by Israel's air defence system, adding that one landed in an open area and another fell inside Gaza. Footage of Israeli interceptor missiles being launched into the night sky above the city of Ashkelon was aired by an Israeli TV channel. No group has claimed responsibility for firing the rockets. Earlier, after the attack in Jenin killed nine Palestinians, Hamas and Islamic Jihad had vowed to respond to it. The Palestinian Authority announced that it was ending its security coordination with Israel. The arrangement was credited with helping to keep order in the West Bank and preventing attacks against Israel. Responding to the situation, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was not looking to escalate the matter, though he ordered security forces to be on alert. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel retaliates with air strikes on Gaza following overnight firing of rockets

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Wednesday said that Israeli airstrikes in Syria&nbsp;killed at least eleven&nbsp;government troops even as Syria said it had intercepted an Israeli missile strike over capital Damascus.

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The strikes reportedly targeted Lebanese Hezbollah positions in Khirbet al-Tin on the outskirts of Homs including an arms depot. The strikes were carried out shortly before midnight on Tuesday.

The Israeli military however hasn't confirmed the strikes.

The Syrian Observatory noted that seven army soldiers and National Defence Forces militiamen were killed during the strike.

The latest strikes by Israel comes just days after Israel bombed Gaza to target Hamas and other militants even as rockets were fired into Israeli territory. The clash which lasted 11 days in May led to large scale destruction of Gaza which was finally ended with a ceasefire brokered by Egypt.

According to the Observatory, Israeli planes carried out strikes in Syria's Homs, Hama and Latakia provinces including Damascus.

Latakia is based close to the Russian airbase. The Israeli jets reportedly targeted the Mediterranean port. Reports say Israel has stepped up attacks on targets in Syria to thwart&nbsp;Iran-backed militias.

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Meanwhile, the Israeli military on Wednesday conducted drills&nbsp;near Kibbutz Merom in Golan Heights.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Wednesday said that Israeli airstrikes in Syria killed at least eleven government troops even as Syria said it had intercepted an Israeli missile strike over capital Damascus.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Wednesday said that Israeli airstrikes in Syria killed at least eleven government troops even as Syria said it had intercepted an Israeli missile strike over capital Damascus. Watch: The strikes reportedly targeted Lebanese Hezbollah positions in Khirbet al-Tin on the outskirts of Homs including an arms depot. The strikes were carried out shortly before midnight on Tuesday. The Israeli military however hasn't confirmed the strikes. The Syrian Observatory noted that seven army soldiers and National Defence Forces militiamen were killed during the strike. The latest strikes by Israel comes just days after Israel bombed Gaza to target Hamas and other militants even as rockets were fired into Israeli territory. The clash which lasted 11 days in May led to large scale destruction of Gaza which was finally ended with a ceasefire brokered by Egypt. According to the Observatory, Israeli planes carried out strikes in Syria's Homs, Hama and Latakia provinces including Damascus. Latakia is based close to the Russian airbase. The Israeli jets reportedly targeted the Mediterranean port. Reports say Israel has stepped up attacks on targets in Syria to thwart Iran-backed militias. Meanwhile, the Israeli military on Wednesday conducted drills near Kibbutz Merom in Golan Heights.

Syria intercepts missile over Damascus amid Israeli airstrikes

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Israel-Hamas war: Israeli military to step up its strikes in Gaza

Hundreds killed after Hamas launches biggest attack in decades on Israel

Israel retaliates with air strikes on Gaza following overnight firing of rockets

Syria intercepts missile over Damascus amid Israeli airstrikes