The death toll continued to climb as Israel bombarded Gaza on Tuesday, marking the fourth day of hostilities between Israel and Hamas. More than 1,200 people have been killed in Israel, authorities for the country said, while the Gaza health ministry said Tuesday that 900 had been killed in the strip.
Israel has declared war on Hamas following the group’s surprise assault that began Saturday.
Here are some key developments:
Relentless airstrikes: Israel conducted airstrikes on Gaza throughout the day Tuesday and into early Wednesday, attacking hundreds of targets in the Palestinian territory, the IDF said. While Israel says it is targeting weapons storage centers and infrastructure used by Hamas militants, the United Nations says more than a dozen health facilities have also been struck.
Hamas takes hostages: Hamas has taken more than 100 people hostage, some of whom are Americans, according to Israeli officials. The group has said it will not negotiate for the hostages’ release while Gaza is still under fire.
Hamas rocket attacks: Hamas also continued launching rockets into Israel on Tuesday. Some struck the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon. Israel’s air defense system, called the Iron Dome, has been intercepting rockets launched from Gaza since Saturday.
Biden pledges support for Israel: President Biden on Tuesday condemned Hamas’ attack on Israel and said, “In this moment, we must be crystal clear: We stand with Israel. We stand with Israel.” Biden said 14 Americans have been killed in the conflict and more than 20 remain unaccounted for. The first weapons shipment the U.S. sent to Israel following the Hamas assault arrived in southern Israel late Tuesday, the IDF said.
Troop buildup: Israel has positioned 35 battalions in the areas surrounding Gaza, military officials said, in preparation for a possible ground assault.
Gaza residents trapped: Many who live in Gaza are unable to escape Israel’s bombardments, Palestinian journalist Hassan Jaber told CBS News. “There is no safe place in Gaza,” he said, noting many do not have access to bomb shelters. Gaza resident Omar Ghraieb told CBS News, “”There are no shelters or bunkers or safe routes or safe zones in Gaza.”
Travel to and near Israel disrupted: Many airlines have halted flights to and out of Israel, with American Airlines announcing Tuesday it was suspending all flights to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv through Dec. 4. Royal Caribbean canceled several sailings and diverted cruise ships that had been scheduled to dock in Israel and Egypt. Celestyal Cruises announced Monday it has canceled all stops in Israel through the end of November.
