In the wake of intensified airstrikes across Gaza, the Israeli military announced the retrieval of over 1,500 bodies of Hamas fighters within Israeli territory. Efforts to secure the border with Gaza have been bolstered with the installation of a formidable defence system referred to as an "iron wall," consisting of tanks and helicopters.

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees reported a staggering displacement of over 187,000 individuals across the Gaza Strip, with the number expected to rise. Lt-Col Richard Hecht, a spokesperson for the Israeli forces, urged Palestinians to leave Gaza through the Rafah crossing, though it remains closed due to damage sustained from an airstrike.

Hecht emphasised that Israeli forces have regained control over the border. Ali Barakeh, a member of Hamas’s leadership in Beirut, expressed readiness for a prolonged conflict. He indicated Hamas’s intention to negotiate the exchange of Israeli hostages in Gaza for Palestinians held in Israeli prisons and even some in the US.

Another senior Hamas official, Moussa Abu Marzouk, conveyed openness to discussions of a potential truce with Israel, stating that the group had accomplished its objectives. Concerns arise over the safety of 100 individuals held by militants in Gaza. Hamas issued a threat of executing hostages if Israel conducted airstrikes in Gaza without prior warning.

Mediation talks, involving the Qatari foreign ministry, are underway with both Hamas and Israeli officials, potentially involving a prisoner swap. The multi-front attack by Palestinian militants on Saturday resulted in over 700 casualties, marking it as the deadliest day in Israel’s history. Israeli media has since reported a death toll of 900.

Israel has responded with airstrikes from both air and sea. The Palestinian health ministry has reported over 700 casualties in Gaza, including 140 children, with thousands wounded. They have called for a "safe corridor" to enable the passage of aid to Gazan hospitals.

Amid reports of bombardments on residential areas and civilian infrastructure, Hecht cautioned that Israeli airstrikes might not provide the same level of warning to targets in Gaza. The Gaza Strip, one of the most densely populated places on Earth, faces a complete siege with restricted access to water, food, and power supplies.

The escalating situation follows a 16-year blockade of Gaza by Israel. Concerns mount over a potential communication blackout due to electricity and internet cuts. Tragically, at least two Palestinian journalists lost their lives in an early morning airstrike on Tuesday.

Israel officially declared war on Sunday, mobilising 300,000 reservists, indicating the possibility of a ground assault on Gaza. Israeli forces are faced with the challenge of urban warfare, with hostages likely hidden in tunnels and basements across the Gaza Strip.

Mairav Zonszein of the International Crisis Group expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of a ground invasion in achieving Israel's objectives. She emphasised the need for a focus on captive return, a priority not publicly addressed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Barakeh revealed that only a small number of top commanders within Gaza were aware of Saturday's incursion into Israel. He denied any involvement of Iranian security officials in planning the attack but suggested that allies like Iran and Lebanese Hezbollah might become involved in a war of annihilation.

In a televised address, Netanyahu pledged to "eliminate terrorists" within Israel and expressed gratitude for the US's unwavering support. The World Health Organisation urgently called for a humanitarian corridor to ensure the unimpeded movement of patients and essential supplies.

The US confirmed the dispatch of initial military aid to Israel, with expectations of further requests for security assistance. While calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities resonate internationally, the US continues to provide military and diplomatic backing to Israel.

Disclaimer: This article is an opinion piece.