Israel Battles Hamas For Second Day

October 8, 2023 7:54 am

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israeli soldiers are battling Hamas fighters in the streets of southern Israel and launching retaliation strikes across Gaza. The fighting was still underway on Sunday more than 24 hours after the Palestinian militant group launched an unprecedented incursion into Israel. The fighters took captives back into the coastal enclave, including women, children and the elderly, who they will likely try to trade for thousands of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Israeli media say at least 300 people have been killed, including 26 soldiers. Palestinian officials say more than 300 people have killed in Gaza. A brief exchange of strikes between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group meanwhile raised fears of a broader conflict.