At Least 198 Dead In Gaza Strip As Khamenei’s Aide Says Iran Backs Hamas’ Surprise Attack

Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza reported that at least 198 people have lost their lives and over 1,610 injured following Israel's retaliation to a wide-ranging Hamas assault into its territory.

A bicycle was targeted and two young Palestinian militants were killed near the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel on October 7, 2023 in Gaza City, Gaza.

The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza on Saturday reported a grim death toll in the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. At least 198 people have lost their lives, and over 1,610 individuals have been wounded, as per the Associated Press. This surge in casualties follows Israel's retaliation to a wide-ranging Hamas assault into its territory. Israel's response has been characterised by a series of airstrikes in Gaza, along with clashes at the border fence around the coastal region. 

Meanwhile, a senior adviser to Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, expressed support for Hamas' surprise attack on Israel. Rahim Safavi, the adviser, referred to it as a "proud operation" during a meeting in Tehran dedicated to supporting Palestinian children, according to AFP. He emphasised that Iran backs this operation and believes it has the support of the broader resistance front.

On the Israeli side too, the situation remains tense. Israel's ambulance service has reported that at least 40 Israelis have lost their lives, and hundreds have been wounded due to the Hamas attack, according to Reuters. This toll is expected to rise as Reuters reported its photographer as having witnessed multiple bodies in the streets of the southern town of Sderot.

Israel Will Exact A ‘Huge Price’ From Hamas: Benjamin Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed that Israel will exact a "huge price" from Hamas in response to this unprecedented infiltration, which has claimed at least 100 lives. Netanyahu conveyed during a Security Cabinet meeting on Saturday that Israel's primary objective is to "cleanse the area" of militants and regain control of the southern communities that have been attacked. Simultaneously, he stressed the need to hold Hamas accountable in the Gaza Strip.

He urged the nation to remain calm and unite, emphasising the ultimate goal of victory in the ongoing conflict.

The White House has unequivocally condemned the attacks carried out by Hamas. Adrienne Watson, spokeswoman for the National Security Council, affirmed the United States' unwavering support for Israel and extended condolences for the Israeli lives lost. She emphasized that there is never any justification for terrorism. 

Jake Sullivan, the U.S. national security adviser, has maintained close contact with his Israeli counterpart, Tzachi Hanegbi, as both nations grapple with the escalating crisis, AP reported.

The upheaval comes as militant Hamas rulers of the Gaza Strip have initiated an unprecedented, multi-front attack on Israel, involving the firing of thousands of rockets and the infiltration of dozens of fighters into heavily fortified border areas. This assault caught Israel off-guard during a major holiday, leading to intense gun battles in various Israeli communities.

Netanyahu has declared that Israel is "at war," evoking memories of the 1973 war, which occurred nearly 50 years ago. 

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