Image Courtesy - AP/Hassan Ammar

Jerusalem - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Israel will respond with "enormous force" should Hamas militants execute Israeli captives. The announcement comes as Hamas issued a grim warning, vowing to retaliate by executing an Israeli captive each time Israel conducts airstrikes on Palestinian homes without prior warning.

On Monday, Hamas spokesperson Abu Ubaida delivered a chilling message, indicating that Israelis held captive after the unexpected attack on Saturday morning were at risk. He declared that Hamas would carry out executions of Israeli captives in retaliation for each Israeli airstrike on civilian residences conducted without prior warning, with a disturbing intent to broadcast these executions.

Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen had said earlier that more than 100 people had been taken captive by Hamas during the deadly cross-border incursion over the weekend.

The threat comes amid heightened tensions as Israel mobilizes an unprecedented 300,000 reservists and imposes a blockade on the Gaza Strip, prompting concerns of a potential ground assault, a territory it abandoned nearly two decades ago.

Palestinian residents reported receiving calls and mobile phone audio messages from Israeli security officials, instructing them to evacuate areas predominantly located in the northern and eastern regions of Gaza.

Israel's military has advised any Palestinians leaving Gaza to go to Egypt.

Since Saturday's surprise attack initiated by Hamas, the conflict has claimed over 1,500 lives, leaving both Israelis and Palestinians reeling from the devastation.

The recent violence began with a devastating assault by Hamas, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 900 Israelis and the injury of at least 2,600 individuals. Among the casualties were 260 young people who were mercilessly gunned down at a desert music festival. Several hostages were also taken during the attack.

Prime Minister Netanyahu, in a fiery speech, accused Iran-backed Hamas of committing heinous acts, including the execution of tied-up children. "This vile enemy wanted war, and it will get war," he declared, vowing revenge.

On the Palestinian side, Gaza's Health Ministry reported that nearly 687 Palestinians have lost their lives, and 3,726 have been wounded in Israeli air strikes since Saturday. These strikes targeted various sites, including apartment blocks, and hospitals, resulting in significant destruction.

Israel's Defense Minister yesterday had ordered a "complete siege" of the Gaza Strip, cutting off crucial supplies such as food, fuel, electricity, and water. Israel's military operations extended to targeting the headquarters of the privately-owned Palestinian Telecommunication Co., potentially impacting essential services like landline telephone, internet, and mobile phone communications in the region.

The White House illuminated in blue and white colors of the Israeli flag, in Washington, DC, on October 9, 2023. (Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP)

U.S. military official, General Charles Q. Brown, issued a stern warning to Iran, urging the nation to refrain from becoming embroiled in the ongoing crisis. General Brown emphasized the United States' desire to prevent the conflict from escalating further. Despite Iran's public support for Hamas and its approval of the weekend attack, the country has denied any direct involvement.

General Brown, while traveling with reporters to Brussels, emphasized the need to send a strong message to Iran, making it clear that the United States aims to prevent the situation from worsening.

Several governments, including Italy, Thailand, and Ukraine, reported the tragic loss of their citizens in the Hamas attacks. President Joe Biden, speaking from Washington, confirmed that at least 11 Americans had lost their lives, and there was a likelihood that U.S. citizens were among those currently held hostage.

Washington, a staunch ally of Israel, has pledged additional military assistance, including air defenses and munitions.

Fears of a broader conflict have ignited concerns throughout the region and among global investors. Hezbollah, a Lebanese armed group, has fired rockets into northern Israel in response to Israeli shelling in Lebanon, further heightening tensions.