The New York Times reports:
Israel’s military said its forces were still battling gunmen from Gaza on Israeli territory on Sunday afternoon, more than 30 hours after the initial surge of armed militants across the border as part of the broadest invasion in 50 years.
The ongoing fighting came as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned of a “long and difficult war” ahead, saying in a statement that Israeli forces were moving into an “offensive phase, which will continue with neither limitations nor respite until the objectives are achieved.”
A senior Israeli defense official said that an early assessment showed that about 600 Israelis were believed to have been killed on Saturday. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the official was not authorized to speak publicly. At least 370 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
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Prime Minister Netanyahu concluded the discussion:
“We are embarking on a long and difficult war that was forced on us by a murderous Hamas attack.
The first stage is ending at this time by the destruction of the vast majority of the enemy forces that infiltrated our territory.
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) October 8, 2023
At the same time, we have begun the offensive phase, which will continue with neither limitations nor respite until the objectives are achieved.
We will restore security to the citizens of Israel and we will win.”
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) October 8, 2023
Among the decisions made by the Security Cabinet is halting the supply of electricity, fuel and goods.
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) October 8, 2023