A spokesperson for the military wing of Hamas has said militants will kill one civilian hostage every time Israel targets civilians in their homes in Gaza “without warning”. In an audio statement released Monday, Abu Obeida, spokesman for the Qassam Brigades, said intense strikes had occurred in civilian areas in Gaza, a densely populated coastal enclave that has been blockaded in the years since Hamas took power there.
At least 700 people were killed in Israel, according to the military, and more than 570 people in Gaza and the West Bank, the Palestinian Health Ministry said. About 100 people have been kidnapped. Netanyahu did not appear to address the Obeida’s comments directly, but said Hamas would come to regret launching its surprise attack on Saturday. “This bitter enemy wanted war and he will get war,” Netanyahu said.