Death toll from fighting in Israel-Gaza nears 1,000

Colombo (News 1st) - The death toll from fierce fighting in Israel and Gaza over the weekend neared one thousand, with Israeli media reporting the deaths of 600 Israelis and 313 Palestinians, with another 2,000 Israelis and 2,000 Palestinians injured.

The Israeli Army officially reported on X (Twitter) the deaths of 44 Israeli soldiers in Saturday's fighting in southern Israel.

Meanwhile, Israel mobilized more than 10,000 army reservists and dozens of battle tanks moved to the Gaza border in preparation for what may be an all-out assault into Gaza. More than a hundred Israelis are believed to have been kidnapped by Hamas fighters and taken back to Gaza, including Israeli soldiers. Several foreigners were also kidnapped, including some who had been attending a concert in southern Israel. 

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced the deaths of two Thai citizens, with another eight being wounded and a further 11 having been kidnapped, Thai media reported. Sri Lanka's foreign ministry said one Sri Lankan was wounded.

Pitched battles continued throughout Sunday in several towns in southern Israel as Israeli soldiers fought to take back full control from the remnants of hundreds of Hamas attackers who swarmed across from Gaza by land, sea, and air on Saturday morning. The attacks commenced after Hamas fired some 5,000 rockets into Israel.

Israel responded with massive air strikes into Gaza that it says targeted Hamas offices.

Meanwhile, Israel and the militant group Hezbollah which is based in southern Lebanon exchanged fire on Israel's northern border. Hezbollah fired on Israeli military positions in a disputed area and Israel responded with strikes into southern Lebanon.

Meanwhile, two Israeli tourists were killed in Alexandria, Egypt, when an Egyptian policeman opened fire on a tour group.