Over 700 Israelis and 400 Gazans have been killed so far in violence on a scale not seen in decades. The death toll surpassed 1,100 with thousands more wounded on both sides as Hamas militants remain holed up in locations across southern Israel. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said at least 1,000 Hamas militants were involved in the assault on Israel. Israeli rescue team Zaka removed 260 bodies after a Hamas attack on a crowded music festival, casualties are deemed to be higher as other rescue teams were also in operation. Israeli forces are still battling militants on Monday as they intensified strikes on Gaza. On Sunday, Israel formally declared war and authorized significant military retaliation against Hamas for its surprise attack launched over 40 hours prior.

The US is moving naval ships and aircraft carriers closer to Israel amid Hamas' unprecedented attack that has killed over 600 Israelis so far. A US military official stated this, as President Biden affirmed Israel's right to defend itself and directed additional support. The White House said Biden and Vice President Harris were briefed by officials and will keep receiving updates, while remaining in contact with Israel and regional counterparts. Earlier, Secretary of State Blinken said the US is considering Israeli requests for more military aid. Biden has ordered unspecified extra support for Israel to face this terrorist assault, as the US bolsters naval presence in solidarity against Hamas' onslaught. The moves showcase US backing for its ally during the crisis.

Videos surfaced showing celebratory rallies in Canada on Saturday night after Hamas' deadly attack on Israel. Footage showed people waving Palestinian flags from cars in Canada. Similar celebrations were reported in Germany, Sweden and other countries, while UK police boosted security at Jewish sites. UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman has asked for strict action against those supporting Hamas. A tweet slammed "Trudeau's Canada" for allowing support of terrorism, though Trudeau condemned the attack. Canada's government is yet to address the rally videos. Trudeau was recently criticized by India for allegedly encouraging pro-Khalistan elements.

The Committee of University Presidents in Israel has announced the academic year will start on October 22 instead of October 15 due to the ongoing conflict. Many students and faculty have been drafted for reserve military duty. The committee expressed condolences to families of those killed and hopes for quick recovery of the injured. They also hoped those kidnapped or missing will return soon. The delay impacts major universities including Hebrew University and Tel Aviv University. The fall semester in Israel usually begins after High Holidays, later than in US/Europe. Earlier, primary and secondary schools were closed through Tuesday amid the instability.

On the second day of the Israel-Hamas conflict, the IDF spokesperson stated the past 24 hours have been extremely difficult with unprecedented events unfolding after Hamas' attack on Saturday. As Israel retaliates and mobilizes reserves for an all-out war on Hamas, spokesperson Richard Hecht likened it to 9/11, saying it was worse than planes crashing into buildings and involved attacking civilians and kidnappings. He described it as Israel's 9/11 and more. Meanwhile, at the UN, Israeli ambassador Gilad Erdan also compared Hamas' offensive to 9/11, condemning the "unprecedented escalation" which has resulted in deaths of over 1000 Israelis. 

An Israeli intelligence assessment last week wrongly concluded Hamas was trying to avoid full war and jeopardizing Gazans' welfare, according to a Haaretz report. This comes amid questions over major intelligence failures preceding Hamas' deadly multi-pronged assault that killed over 600 Israelis. The assessment found Hamas eager to avoid jeopardizing past achievements improving Gazans' lives. Some Israeli outlets condemned the assault as Israel's worst security failure in 50 years, with Haaretz stating even destroying Gaza and killing Hamas leaders cannot make up for failing to foresee the attack. The inaccurate assessment raises concerns over Israel underestimating Hamas' willingness to provoke war. Critics argue the intelligence failure enabled Hamas' unprecedented infiltration and rocket barrage resulting in mass casualties.

Israel's ambassador to India, Naor Gilon, said India's support is significant for two reasons - India's global importance and its experience fighting terrorism. He thanked India for its moral and political backing after PM Modi tweeted solidarity with Israel following Hamas' unprecedented attack killing 600 Israelis. Many Indian ministers, officials and businessmen also reached out to the ambassador. Ambassador Gilon said Israel needs political support as it knows how to handle the situation on the ground, but requires the ability to execute a plan to stop Hamas from threatening others again. He appreciated that India's support comes from a place of understanding terrorism, not ignorance.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken (in picture grab) said in a CNN interview, that the United States has received reports of several American deaths in Israel and is working to verify them. Blinken added the U.S. will likely announce new military assistance for Israel later today, stating "Our first focus is to make sure Israel has what it needs." The mother of a German tourist, Shani Louk, pleaded for information on her daughter's whereabouts, believing she was kidnapped by Palestinian militants at a festival near Gaza. Meanwhile, the father of a dual American-Israeli citizen, Hersh Golberg-Polin, confirmed his son texted goodbyes during Saturday's attack. Additionally, a 20-year-old British soldier, Nathanel Young (in picture grab), serving in the Israeli army was killed in Hamas’ offensive from Gaza, according to a statement from the soldier’s family. Another Briton, Jake Marlowe, who was working as a security guard at a desert rave that was targeted by Hamas, is currently missing the Israeli embassy has confirmed.

According to a Facebook post by the Israeli government, over 600 Israelis have been killed, 100 kidnapped, and 2,000 injured since Saturday. A Facebook post by Gaza's health ministry states Israeli airstrikes have killed 370 Palestinians and injured 2,200. In a BBC interview, Gershon Baskin, who negotiated the 2011 release of captive Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, said Hamas likely took current hostages underground, complicating Israeli efforts to locate them. Baskin expects Israel to send ground troops into Gaza in a massive operation aimed at killing Hamas leaders and rescuing the hostages, after initial airstrikes. [Image: Times of Israel]

Air India has evacuated its crew members and two other employees from Tel Aviv and has announced the suspension of flights to and from the economic hub of Israel until at least October 14. Several other international airlines such as Etihad and Flydubai, have suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv.  Etihad canceled its Abu Dhabi-Tel Aviv flight, monitoring the situation closely, while Flydubai scrapped two flights but resumed normal operations later. UAE Airlines, operating direct flights since the Abraham Accords in 2020, is assessing the situation. Lufthansa, Brussels Airlines, Air France, Iberia, and ITA Airways also canceled Tel Aviv services due to the security situation, reflecting the widespread impact of the ongoing conflict on aviation operations.