US Markets
Monday, October 9th, 2023 10:36 pm EDT
Key Points
- Israel conducted airstrikes in response to a surprise offensive by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, leading to a “complete siege” that cut off essential supplies, including food, water, and electricity, to its two million residents.
- Hamas launched an unprecedented and deadly offensive called Operation Al Aqsa Flood, resulting in over 900 casualties in Israel and 687 in Gaza and the West Bank, making it the deadliest Israeli offensive in 50 years.
- More than 100 Israeli civilians, soldiers, and foreign nationals were taken hostage by Hamas, prompting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to declare a state of war. Israel is working to rescue the hostages and has regained control of areas outside Gaza, with over 1,000 enemy targets struck in airstrikes. Gaza, under a blockade since 2007, is governed by Hamas, designated as a terrorist group and backed by Iran, and is one of the most densely populated territories on Earth.
In response to a surprise offensive launched by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on Saturday, Israel conducted extensive airstrikes in the Gaza Strip on Monday. Israeli ministers have imposed a “complete siege” on Gaza, further restricting the already limited access to food, water, and electricity for its approximately two million residents. This offensive by Hamas, named Operation Al Aqsa Flood, is described as the deadliest that Israel has faced in half a century.
According to official reports, more than 900 people in Israel have been killed in the conflict, while the Palestinian Health Ministry states that 687 people in Gaza and the West Bank have lost their lives. Additionally, over 100 Israeli civilians, soldiers, and foreign nationals have been taken hostage by Hamas. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the country is at war and pledged efforts to rescue the hostages. Israeli forces have also regained control of areas outside of Gaza after approximately 48 hours of intense fighting. The Israel Defense Forces have reported striking more than 1,000 enemy targets in Gaza.
Hamas, designated as a terrorist group and backed by Iran, has governed the Gaza Strip since 2007. Gaza, a small territory with over 2 million Palestinian residents confined to roughly 140 square miles, is one of the most densely populated areas on Earth and has been subjected to an Israeli land, air, and sea blockade since 2007.
For full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/10/09/israel-hamas-live-updates.html
