Israeli, US defense chiefs discuss developments as fighting with Hamas continues

ISTANBUL (AA) – The defense chiefs of US and Israel on Saturday discussed the latest developments as the latter continued fighting with Palestinian group Hamas.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on X that he spoke with US Defense Secretary Lloyd James Austin over the phone and “briefed him on recent events.”

The Israeli forces are "currently operating to defeat the enemy and to defend our citizens. We are prepared to widen operations,” Gallant said.

“The State of Israel will win this war, and Hamas will be held responsible for its actions,” he added.

Gallant also thanked Austin and the US “for your firm and unequivocal support for the State of Israel and our right to defend ourselves.”

Meanwhile, Austin on X conveyed his condolences for this “appalling terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel.”

“I reaffirmed U.S. commitment to Israel’s security, and will stay in close touch with Minister Gallant in the coming days and weeks to ensure Israel has the support it needs,” he added.

Hamas launched on Saturday Operation Al Aqsa Flood, saying its surprise attack was in response to the storming of 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 called on Palestinian civilians in Gaza to leave as the Israeli military is going to turn "all Hamas hiding places into rubble."

At least 232 Palestinians have been killed in the attacks, according to medical sources in Gaza, while Israeli death toll climbed to 300.

According to the Israeli army, more than 3,000 rockets have been launched by Hamas toward Israel since Saturday morning. In a statement on X, it acknowledged Israeli soldiers had been captured and taken hostage into Gaza, and confirmed that over 1,000 Israelis were injured.