In the wake of Hamas' relentless attacks on Israel, the death toll continues to rise. The situation has evolved rapidly, leaving significant casualties and hostages behind. Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's endorsement of the assault further complicates the geopolitical landscape.
Upon Tehran’s complicity in recent Hamas attacks, Jake Sullivan, the White House National Security Advisor told reporters, “We’ve said since the beginning that Iran is complicit in a broad sense because they have provided the lion’s share of the funding for the military wing of Hamas, they’ve provided training, they have provided capabilities, they have provided support and they’ve had engagement and contact with Hamas over years and years, and all of that has played a role in contributing to what we have seen.”
However, direct evidence linking Tehran to the recent violence remains elusive.
The conflict has resulted in a devastating toll on both sides, with over 1,000 Israelis and 900 Gazans reported dead, according to CNN’s report.
Amid the chaos, alarming reports of hostages have emerged, adding a distressing dimension to the conflict. Israeli forces have mobilized extensively, deploying troops along the border with Gaza. With more than 300,000 reservists called up, Israel is gearing up for a protracted engagement.
Approximately 1,500 Hamas fighters have been slaughtered, primarily through air bombardments and border operations. CNN reports that Be’eri, a kibbutz near Gaza, faced severe losses, with over 100 casualties. Atrocities, including hostage-taking and civilian killings, have been documented.
The White House weighs in on Iran's involvement, citing its longstanding support for Hamas. In a daily press briefing, State Department spokesperson Matt Miller disclosed U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's imminent visit to Israel following the unprecedented Hamas assaults on the nation.
Eleven Americans are confirmed dead, and others remain missing. Antony Blinken described this as Israel's worst attack since the 1973 Yom Kippur War. Israeli officials likened Hamas' actions to a combination of 9/11 and Pearl Harbor.
