Three days after the offensive launched by Hamas on Israeli territory, the Jewish state announced on Monday the establishment 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. En reaction to these raids by the IDF army on the Palestinian enclave, theThe representative of the armed wing of Hamas, for his part, threatened to kill hostages. Here is what to remember from Monday October 9, three days after the start of operation “Al-Aqsa Flood” launched by the terrorist movement on the Hebrew state.
More than 800 dead in Israel, nearly 700 in the Gaza Strip
A toll that continues to climb. According to the Israeli government press office, more than 800 people have been killed in Israel since the offensive began on Saturday. More than 2,600 people were also injured in Israel and around 150 people were kidnapped by Hamas.
The Palestinian Health Ministry announced, for its part, that 687 people were killed in Israeli bombings on the Gaza Strip, and more than 3,700 others were injured.
At least two French people dead
Among these victims are at least two French people. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Monday afternoon that a second national had been killed in the Hamas attack. “We are continuing the steps taken to clarify the situation of our unlocated nationals,” wrote spokesperson Anne-Claire Legendre. The Quai d’Orsay had already announced the death of a French woman on Sunday evening.
Furthermore, the Quai d’Orsay also announces that it is “without news” of 14 French nationals in Israel, including a 12-year-old minor. “This number is still subject to changeaccording to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The information we have allows us to consider the kidnapping of some of them as very likely.”.
Israel orders ‘complete siege’ of Gaza
The Israeli Defense Minister announced Monday at midday that a “complete seat” was imposed on the Gaza Strip. “No electricity, no water, no gas, everything is closed”declared Yoav Gallant in a video communicated by his services. “We fight animals and we act accordingly”he added in this message in Hebrew.
“The humanitarian situation in Gaza was extremely difficult before the hostilities, it will now deteriorate exponentially,” said the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, recognizing the “Israel’s legitimate security concerns.”
Benjamin Netanyahu calls for forming “a government of national unity”
In a televised address, the Israeli Prime Minister called Monday evening for the formation of a “national unity government” “emergency without preconditions”. Benjamin Netanyahu, leading a coalition of right, far-right and ultra-Orthodox parties, is facing one of the greatest crises in the country’s history.
In his speech, he detailed the five points of his program: regain control of the territory and “eliminate the terrorists” still present in Israel, carry out an attack “massive” against Hamas with “an unprecedented force”, “strengthen the other fronts, in the north against Hezbollah” and in the West Bank, continue the campaign to guarantee the support of the international community and finally “the unity of the people” with the formation of a government of national unity.
“What Hamas has done, we have not seen since the horrors of Daesh. This abominable enemy sought war, it will receive it”also promised the Israeli leader.
Hamas threatens to kill Israeli hostages
In a statement, Hamas threatens to kill Israeli hostages in Gaza in response to Israeli raids on the Palestinian enclave. “Every time our people are targeted without warning, it will result in the execution of one of the civilian hostages”said the Ezzzedine al-Qassem brigades, the armed wing of Hamas.
The European Union will “review” its aid program for the Palestinians
After the Hamas attacks against Israel, the European Commission will launch “an urgent review of assistance to Palestine”. The European Union, the largest financial supporter of the Palestinians, has a budget of some 1.2 billion euros between 2021 and 2024 to finance projects, particularly in education and health.
“The aim of this review is to ensure that no European funding allows any terrorist organization to carry out attacks against Israel”specifies the Commission.
Three Hezbollah members killed by Israeli strikes on Lebanon
Three members of Hezbollah were killed by Israeli strikes on Lebanon, according to the latest report given Monday evening by the pro-Iranian group. Israel bombed southern Lebanon during the day after announcing it had killed “several armed suspects” who had infiltrated its territory.