The death toll in the Israel-Hamas conflict rose Monday to over 1,500 killed on both sides, officials said, after a stunning attack by Hamas on the country and airstrikes on Gaza in response by Israel.
At least 900 Israelis have been killed, according to the Israel Defense Forces. The Palestinian Health Ministry said that 687 people in Gaza and the West Bank have been killed.
Israel ordered a “full siege” of Gaza. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said no food, no gas and no power would be allowed into the densely populated area.
Israel has called up 300,000 reservists. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that the offensive against Hamas was “just getting started.”
Hamas has threatened to execute hostages if Israel bombs civilians in Gaza in their homes without warning.
No Americans have confirmed to be hostages, but U.S. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said that a number of Americans are unaccounted for, and there is a concern that they could be among the hostages.
Eleven Americans have been killed in the conflict, President Joe Biden said.
