Live Blog Update| Israel's genocide in Gaza
This is an entry from: Israel-Palestine war: First week ends with over 2,500 Palestinians, 1,400 Israelis killed

Recap: Israel counts losses of 'unimaginable blow' as army pounds Gaza

7 October 2023 23:18 BST

Good evening Middle East Eye readers,

It's almost the end of an unprecedented day in Israel and Palestine, marked by intense fighting and a large number of casualties on both sides. 

It all began at around 6am local time, when Hamas fighters fired a barrage of rockets into Israel while launching an incursion from land, air and sea. 

The Israeli army has responded by launching intense air strikes across the besieged enclave, bombing hospitals and residential buildings among other targets, as it vows to bring down a “mighty vengeance” on Hamas. 

Various analysts speaking to Middle East Eye have said today’s attack on Israel may totally reshape the conflict. While it is difficult to ascertain how things will pan out, analysts believe Israel is still in a state of shock from the "unimaginable blow" the country has suffered. 

Here are some of the key developments from this evening.

  • Nearly 300 Israelis have been killed and 1,600 wounded while at least 232 Palestinians have been killed and nearly 1,700 wounded. The numbers are likely to rise for both sides

  • Israeli commander of the Nahal Infantry Brigade, Col. Yonatan Steinberg, was confirmed as being killed during clashes 

  • Six Palestinians have been killed across various cities in the occupied West Bank, including a child

  • Israel has called for tens of thousands of reservists to step up for a possible ground invasion into Gaza

  • Gaza is still in total darkness after Israel cut electricity lines, and many have evacuated their homes anticipating an intense attack from Israel

Our live coverage will continue on throughout the night. You can follow our blog for updates, and keep an eye on our social media platforms on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.