The ongoing war between Israel and Hamas has entered its 18th day on Tuesday, October 24. The number of deaths from both sides has crossed 6 thousand and thousands of people are also reported injured. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the country’s troops deployed near the Lebanon border, where there have been clashes with the Iran-backed Hezbollah organization since the war began on October 7.
Israel targeted more than 400 targets in Gaza
Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have said that more than 400 targets in Gaza have been attacked in the last 24 hours. Earlier on Monday, Israel had targeted 320 targets. The IDF has said on the social media platform X that their targets also include Hamas gunmen who were preparing to fire rockets towards Israel. A tunnel shaft has also become the target of Israeli attack. Through this route, Hamas fighters could infiltrate into Israel by sea route.
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The IDF said that “War material stored in the operational centers and mosques of Hamas fighters has also been the target of its attacks. It will continue this campaign to ensure the safety of innocent civilians.”
Schools closed in Israel till December
Israeli media quoted the Committee of University Heads as saying that the start of the academic school year in Israel has been postponed to December. The decision was reportedly taken due to the ongoing war in Gaza and the high number of students among the reservists.
French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Tel Aviv on Tuesday to express his country’s “complete solidarity” with Israel following deadly attacks by Palestinian militant group Hamas on October 7, AFP reports .
His visit is taking place more than two weeks after Hamas fighters attacked Israel from the Gaza Strip.
Morning attack in Gaza
At least 53 people were killed and dozens of others injured following early morning Israeli airstrikes in southern Gaza, according to the Palestinian news agency, WAFA.
WAFA said children were among the dead in both attacks in the cities of Rafah and Khan Yunis. According to reports, at least 23 people were killed and 80 others were injured after the bombing in Khan Yunis. Several victims, some of whom were seriously injured, were taken to Nasser Hospital. Rescue work is going on.
Hezbollah’s warning to Israel
Hezbollah said that if Israel launched another ground attack in the Gaza Strip, it would have to pay the price.
Netanyahu said that if Hezbollah decides to enter the war, it will be reminiscent of the second Lebanon war. If this happens, the consequences for the Lebanese state will be disastrous.
More than 436 deaths in 24 hours
Rescue operations are underway after scores of people, including women and children, were killed in the latest Israeli strikes in northern Gaza’s al-Shati refugee camp as well as in southern Khan Yunis, Al Jazeera reports. At least 436 Palestinian civilians are reported to have been killed in the last 24 hours.
Hamas’s armed wing says it released two prisoners held in Gaza after mediation by Qatar and Egypt.
French President will visit Israel
French President Emmanuel Macron will call for the “resumption of the genuine peace process” leading to the creation of a Palestinian state when he visits Israel on Tuesday, AFP reports. The French president will also call for a “stop to the colonization” of the West Bank with Israeli settlements, according to the report.
