After Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the country's war against Hamas was now in the "second stage" over the weekend, Israeli troops and tanks continued to push deeper into the territory of Gaza on Monday. Reports suggested that Israeli forces had blocked Gaza's main north-south highway and were advancing on Gaza City from two directions.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Monday that it killed dozens of Hamas militants in the attacks, including a number of senior commanders. It added that the assault was supported by drone attacks and air strikes; of which there were around 600, the IDF said. Meanwhile, Hamas confirmed it was involved in "heavy fighting" against Israel.
Following the terror attacks in Israel, the country is continuing its legitimate military operations in Gaza as part of its war against Hamas. Israel's military activity has killed dozens of Hamas fighters, including a number of commanders, and has destroyed a number of Hamas weapons and positions.
Israel's unrelenting attacks on Gaza have wiped out whole neighborhoods and killed thousands of civilians. The bombardment is so extensive that rescuers often have to leave dead bodies under the rubble in order to prioritize rescuing those who may be still alive from more recent attacks. A ceasefire is needed now.