Israel Vow To Destroy Hamas As Gaza Death Toll Rises

Israel has unleashed relentless airstrikes on Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip for the fifth consecutive day following the audacious attack by the militants. The death toll has soared into the thousands, prompting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reiterate his vow to obliterate the group entirely. In an unwavering stance, Netanyahu declared, "Every Hamas member is a dead man," likening them once again to the Islamic State group and pledging, "We will crush them and destroy them as the world has destroyed Daesh." As the conflict escalates, Prime Minister Netanyahu temporarily set aside political differences to establish an emergency government, including former Defense Minister Benny Gantz, to navigate the crisis. The surprise attack on Saturday, characterized as the worst in Israel's 75-year history, has resulted in a staggering 1,200 casualties, primarily civilians, according to Israeli forces. In the densely populated Gaza Strip, officials have reported more than 1,000 fatalities due to Israel's relentless campaign of air and artillery strikes, which has left a trail of destruction, with entire city blocks reduced to rubble. The United Nations reported the tragic loss of 11 of its staff members in Gaza since the outbreak of the conflict, while the International Red Cross and Red Crescent societies mourned the loss of five of their members. In the occupied West Bank, armed Israeli settlers attacked a town south of Nablus, resulting in at least four Palestinian fatalities. This brings the total death toll in the West Bank to 29, according to the Palestinian health ministry. Israel has amassed a substantial military presence, including forces, tanks, and heavy armor around Gaza, intensifying its retaliatory operation. Netanyahu described the attack as "savagery... we have not seen since the Holocaust." US President Joe Biden has pledged additional munitions and military hardware for its close ally, Israel, expressing deep revulsion at the "sheer evil" of the civilian casualties in Hamas's unprecedented assault. The international community closely monitors the developments, with grave concerns about the mounting humanitarian crisis in the region.