Israel–Gaza: Situation update, 10 October 2023

Israeli government actions

As of 1700 h local time, Israeli media was reporting that over 900 Israelis had been killed and the Israeli Ministry of Health was reporting that 2,616 Israelis were being treated in hospitals. At approximately 1800 GMT, Israeli media reported that Israel's Minister of Defence Yoav Gallant stated that Israel had “control of the area, and we are moving to a full offense”. The Times of Israel reported that a Knesset (Israel's parliament) spokesperson stated there would be no delay to the Knesset's opening session on 16 October after a summer recess. Israel remains under martial law, issuing directives to the public through the Israel Defense Force's (IDF) Homefront Command. As of 10 October, there continues to be ongoing discussions regarding the formation of an emergency government incorporating members of the Knesset from opposition parties. On 10 October, Israel's Likud party stated that there had been major progress on the formation of an emergency government.

Operation Swords of Iron

At approximately 1900 h local time the Times of Israel reported that the total number of Israeli solders killed since the start of Operation Al Aqsa Flood had risen to 156.

As of 1800 GMT the IDF was continuing to conduct a large number of strikes against targets in the Gaza Strip. Please see the section below on IAF statements for updates on strikes in the Gaza Strip.

Hostages

Both Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) have claimed to have hostages. On 10 October, Hamas threatened to execute prisoners if Israel fails to provide warning prior to conducting strikes. The process of informing Gazans of airstrikes is colloquially known as a “knock on the roof”. The previous day, on 9 October