Israel denounces Hamas ‘war crimes’ as deaths rise further – DW – 10/09/2023

Israel hit the Gaza Strip with airstrikes on Sunday, a day after a surprise attack by Hamasmilitants killed hundreds of Israelis.

At least 700 people have been killed in Israel and over 400 in Gaza.

Israel’s military said it had 800 targets in Gaza so far.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Israel’s campaign in Gaza would “change reality for generations.” The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, based in the West Bank, condemned the strikes, calling them a “barbarous campaign of death and destruction.”

More than 40 hours after Hamas launched the surprise attack, Israeli forces were still fighting with militants in several locations within Israel.

The Israeli military was continuing to evacuate at least five towns near the Gaza Strip.

Hamas and the Islamic Jihad group claimed to have taken captive more than 130 people from inside Israel and brought them to Gaza, saying they would be traded for the release of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

Both militant groups are classified as terrorist organizations by Germany, the European Union and the United States.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told the US ABC News broadcaster that as many as 1,000 Hamas fighters were involved in the assault on Saturday.

For a further look at events on Sunday, please click here

mm, sdi/wd (Reuters, AFP, AP, dpa)