The Israeli military has declared that it has regained complete control of the border with Gaza. This announcement follows a weekend incursion by Hamas militants who breached defenses and unleashed a wave of violence in nearby communities, resulting in a tragic loss of life among Israelis.

Richard Hecht, spokesperson for the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), reported that no militants had entered from the Gaza Strip since Monday night.

However, there is still concern about the presence of Palestinian attackers within Israel.

Hecht disclosed that the bodies of 1,500 militants have been discovered within Israeli territory, with hundreds of others taken into custody.

He cautioned that exchanges of gunfire along the border have persisted since Hamas’ unexpected multi-pronged assault on Israel over the weekend, with clashes reported in areas such as Sa’ad and Kissufim in the Negev desert near the Gaza Strip.

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Meanwhile, Israel has continued its relentless retaliatory airstrikes on Gaza. The toll from the conflict has been devastating, with around 900 people killed in Israel by Hamas fighters since Saturday, and more than 2,600 others injured, according to the Israeli Health Ministry.

In Gaza, massive Israeli counter-attacks have led to the deaths of at least 687 people and injuries to more than 3,800, as reported by the Health Ministry.

In response to the escalating situation, Israel initiated the call-up of approximately 300,000 reservists on Monday, a move seen as preparation for a potential ground invasion of the densely populated Palestinian enclave.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that their focus was on the offensive in Gaza and emphasized their readiness for future operations.

Netanyahu issued a stern warning to Hamas, stating, “What Hamas will face will be harsh and terrible. We are only at the beginning.”

The situation in the region remains highly volatile, with international concerns escalating as the conflict continues to unfold.