Israel-Hamas War: Death Toll Crosses 3000, India Launches 'Operation Ajay' To Facilitate Return Of Stranded Citizens — Top Points

The ongoing deadly conflict has led to a substantial loss of life, with at least 3,000 people killed so far.

The war between Israel and the militant group Hamas raged for a fifth day on WednesdayThe war between Israel and the militant group Hamas raged for a fifth day on Wednesday

New Delhi: The war between Israel and the militant group Hamas raged for a fifth day on Wednesday, with attacks and counter-attacks from both sides.

The ongoing deadly conflict has led to a substantial loss of life, with at least 3,000 people killed so far.

The conflict began on Saturday morning after Hamas, in a surprise assault, fired 5,000 rockets into Israel and initiated a coordinated attack on the Jewish state from air, land, and sea. In response, Israel declared war on Hamas and has been bombarding Gaza since then.

Here Are The Top Updates:

• External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar launched 'Operation Ajay' to facilitate the return of stranded citizens from Israel. He said, "India launching Operation Ajay to facilitate return from Israel of Indians who wish to come back".
  
  
• Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opposition leader MK Benny Gantz, who also served as head of the army and defence minister, reached an agreement to form an “emergency government” as the conflict with Hamas reached the fifth day on Wednesday.
  
  
• The Israeli army reported a "suspected infiltration" from Lebanon into Israeli airspace on Wednesday, while sirens wailed across Israel's northern border. Fearing a "large-scale attack," the army's Home Front Command advised residents of Beit Shean, Safed, and Tiberias to seek shelter "until further notice."  
  
  
• Amid the conflict, Gaza was left with no electricity, water and internet services as its only power plant ran out of fuel supplies on Wednesday. This came after Israel stopped the supply of water, food, medicines and essential items to the Gaza strip in retaliation to the Hamas assault.
  
  
• At least eight journalists have been killed while two others went missing in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, said the Palestinian enclave's press office on Wednesday, according to Anadolu news agency. 
  
  
• On Tuesday, following a night of intense bombardment, residents were struggling to grasp the sheer scale of damage inflicted on Gaza City’s upscale Rimal neighborhood, with its shopping malls, restaurants, residential buildings, and offices belonging to aid groups and international media far from the territory’s hard-hit border towns and impoverished refugee camps.
  
  
• French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne expressed deep apprehension on Wednesday, suggesting that 'several children' from France may have been kidnapped in Israel. During her address to the French Senate, she revealed that the government is actively engaging with the families of the affected children, but did not provide further details. France has reported the loss of 11 of its citizens in the ongoing conflict, with an additional 20 individuals unaccounted for, including some who are suspected of being held hostage.