Hamas Threatens To Execute A Hostage Each Time An Israeli Airtrike Hits Gazans

Israel has ordered a “complete seige” of the Gaza Strip as it retailiates for the largest incursion into its territory in decades, while the Palestinian Islamist militant group Hamas has threatened to respond by executing civilians its fighters took hostage in Israel.

According to the Israel Defence Forces, more than 900 people have been killed in the conflict. More than 2,600 have been wounded since the incursion early Saturday, with Hamas gunmen holding about 150 hostages, the Israeli government said.

At least 687 Palestinians were killed and more than 3,700 sustained injuries, the authorities in Gaza said. Meanwhile, Israel has mobilised 300,000 military reservists amid signs it could be preparing for a major ground invasion of the crowded and impoverished coastal territory.

Netanyahu Of Israel Warns Of A Long War Ahead

Israel and Hezbollah, the powerful Lebanese militia allied with Iran, fought a monthlong war in 2006. Israeli leaders are concerned the group could enter the fight involving Hamas, with Israeli military units in the north reported to be on high alert.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has warned of a long war ahead. Meanwhile, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has said “no electricity, no food, no water, no fuel” would be allowed into Gaza, that is already under a 16-year blockade by Israel and Egypt.

An Israeli airstrike on Monday destroyed a busy open-air marketplace in northern Gaza, where scores of people anticipating a long fight had flocked to stock up on supplies. An anonymous Red Crescent paramedic said 60 people were killed there.

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Foreign Nationals Reported Dead, Wounded And Missing

Israel’s military said it had carried out more than 500 airstrikes overnight, targeting operation centres of Hamas and another group, Islamic Jihad. It confirmed hitting a number of mosques, saying they contained Hamas infrastructure or fighters.

However, the UN and Palestinian officials said at least two hospitals and multiple homes had also been hit. The leaders of Britain, France, Germany, Italy and the US released a statement late Monday condemning “Hamas and its appalling acts of terrorism.”

While President Biden said at least 11 US citizens were confirmed killed in the assualt, many other foreign nationals were also reported dead, wounded and missing, including 12 Thais killed, 11 kidnapped and nine wounded, according to their government.