Jerusalem: The Israeli military on Tuesday expanded its mobilization of reservists to 360,000, according to the country’s media, as it intensified attacks on Hamas, in response to the surprise assault launched by the Islamist militants.
Israel said it recaptured Gaza border areas from the Hamas group as the fierce fighting entered Day 5, leaving thousands killed on both sides. There was also an exchange of fire between Israel and forces in Syria last evening.
The death count in Israel has surged above 1,200 from the worst attack in the country’s history, while Gaza officials have reported 765 people killed so far. Israel army also said it had recovered the bodies of around 1,500 Hamas operatives inside Israel.
At least 30 more people were killed in overnight strikes by Israel targeting Hamas spots in Gaza. Israel army said fighter jets destroyed “advanced detection systems” that Hamas used to spot military aircraft.
Israeli fighters jets struck the Islamic University in Gaza City on Wednesday, an official with the Hamas-linked institution said. “The intense air strikes destroyed completely some buildings of the Islamic University,” Ahmed Orabi of the university management told. According to the Palestinian Foreign Ministry, Israeli strikes had since Saturday destroyed more than 22,600 residential units and 10 health facilities and damaged 48 schools.
The conflict has drawn international condemnation, with the United Nations Security Council calling for an immediate ceasefire. However, both sides have so far refused to back down.