ANKARA (AA) – An Israeli official on Sunday admitted “serious intelligence failure” during the past few days that led to the escalating conflict between Israel and Palestine.
The official, requesting anonymity, stated that the war is expected to extend for “weeks,” according to Hebrew Channel 13.
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.
At least 313 Palestinians have been killed and nearly 2,000 others injured in the attacks, according to medical sources in Gaza, while the Israeli death toll climbed to 350.
*Writing by Ikram Kouachi