At least 256 Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks so far: Gaza Health Ministry

By Zeynep Hilal Karyagdi Duran

GAZA CITY, Palestine (AA) – The Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip in response to a Hamas offensive killed at least 256 Palestinians, including 20 children, the territory's Health Ministry said on Sunday.

In a written statement, the ministry said 1,788 Palestinians, including 121 children, were also wounded.

Meanwhile, a total of 1,864 Israelis have been injured so far in the ongoing military escalation with Palestinian groups in Gaza, including some 345 people being in critical condition, the Israeli Health Ministry said in a statement.

In a written statement, the Israeli army announced that Israelis living in Jewish settlements on the Gaza Strip border are being evacuated and the army has regained control of most areas.

“We managed to regain control of most of the areas under attack. Clashes are underway in the Be'eri settlement,” the army said.

Hamas launched Operation Al-Aqsa Flood on Saturday and said the surprise attack was in response to the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and increased settler violence. It said it fired rockets and captured many Israelis.

In turn, the Israeli army initiated Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: “We are at war." He urged civilians in Gaza to leave as the Israeli military is going to turn "all Hamas hiding places into rubble."

*Writing by Zehra Nur Duz