Gaza official says Israel destroyed 159 residential units across the enclave

Several government buildings and public facilities also targeted, according to Salama Marouf

By Nour Abu Eisha

GAZA CITY, Palestine (AA) - Authorities in the Gaza Strip on Sunday said Israeli warplanes, which began airstrikes after an unprecedented Hamas offensive on Saturday, have destroyed at least 159 residential units across the Palestinian enclave.

Israeli forces have caused "complete destruction" of 13 residential buildings housing 159 residential units, Salama Marouf, chairman of the media office in Gaza, said in a statement. He added that 1,210 residential units were partially damaged.

Marouf said several government buildings and public facilities, including two mosques, were also targeted.

The Israeli decision to cut power supply to Gaza will aggravate the humanitarian situation, he added.

Hamas launched the biggest attack on Israel in decades on Saturday, firing thousands of rockets and capturing many Israelis. The Palestinian group said it launched Operation Al-Aqsa Flood in response to the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and increased settler violence.

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

At least 600 Israelis and 370 Palestinians are reported dead as the fighting continued into its second day on Sunday.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar

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