Israeli army says 57 of its personnel killed in ongoing fighting with Hamas

34 police officers, 5 members of Shin Bet also killed

By Anadolu staff

ANKARA (AA) - The Israeli army announced Sunday that 13 more soldiers had been killed in ongoing fighting with the Palestinian group Hamas, bringing the death toll to 57.

According to the Times of Israel news website, the number of Israeli police officers killed is 34 along with five members of the Israeli Security Agency, better known as the Shin Bet.

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

At least 700 Israelis have been killed and over 2,300 others wounded in the attack, according to the Israeli Health Ministry.

In turn, the Israeli army initiated Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, killing more than 413 Palestinians and wounding at least 2,300 others.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to use all of Israel’s strength to destroy Hamas’ capabilities and “take revenge for this black day.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar

Kaynak:

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