Israel’s defense minister, Yoav Gallant, has ordered a “complete siege” and blockade on Gaza.
Recall that in the early hours of Saturday, Hamas made incursions into Israel in what was an unprecedented assault.
Gallant said authorities would cut electricity and block the entry of food and fuel into Gaza. The Gaza Strip is controlled by the Hamas Palestinian militant group and borders Israel and Egypt. At the time of reporting, a barrage of rockets has been launched from Gaza into Israel.
Hamas military commander, Mohammed Deif, had said the attacks were a reprisal for Israel’s “desecration” of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, while alleging that Israel killed and wounded hundreds of Palestinians this year.
According to Times of Israel, the minister said everything in Gaza would be closed, adding that “there will be no electricity, no food, no fuel”. “We are fighting human animals and we are acting accordingly,” he stated.
Over 700 Israeli civilians and members of the military are reported to have been killed since the attack on Saturday and another 2,150 wounded. More than 400 have also reportedly been killed in Gaza. Hamas spokesman, Abdel-Latif al-Qanoua, had said the group’s fighters had captured more Israelis. He said the group aims to free all Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Meanwhile, Iran has rejected allegations that it had a role in the attack by Hamas.
