Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on Monday also ordered a “complete siege” of Gaza in response to Hamas’ devastating surprise attack on Israeli territory over the weekend. Gallant also said he would stop the flow of electricity, food, water, and gasoline to the Palestinian enclave.#Gaza_under_attack #IsraelUnderAttack
Hours later, a representative of Hamas’ armed wing declared that if Israel hits residents of Gaza without warning, it will start executing civilian hostages and publicising the act. “We vow that we will execute our civilian captives and broadcast it with audio and video in response to any unannounced targeting of our people who are safe in their homes.
Early on Saturday, Hamas launched its first-ever surprise attack, firing thousands of missiles and dispatching armed men into Israel. Israel’s Army Radio claimed on Monday that the attack has left at least 900 people dead and thousands more injured in Israel.
In retaliation, Israel formally proclaimed war on Hamas on Sunday.
As the bloodshed entered a third day on Monday, Israeli jets continued to pound Gaza with devastating bombs. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, the strikes have resulted in at least 687 fatalities, thousands of injuries, and the death of dozens of children and women.
What is the Gaza Strip? Who controls it? Here’s what to know:
The term “Gaza Strip” refers to a tiny stretch of territory on the Mediterranean Sea sandwiched between Egypt and Israel. It is the smaller of the two Palestinian territories, the larger being the West Bank, which was occupied successively by the Ottoman Empire and the British Empire.
For over two decades following the establishment of Israel in 1948, Egypt ruled over Gaza. Israel conquered its Arab neighbours in the 1967 Six-Day War, and as a result, it now controls the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. It ruled the strip for the following 38 years and allowed the development of 21 Jewish villages.
FULL DETAIL: Gaza Strip Detail
