Israel’s ‘existential war’ against Hamas might require ‘a terrible humanitarian crisis in Gaza’

Israel’s defense minister has ordered a “complete siege” on the Gaza Strip following an unprecedented incursion into Israel by Hamas fighters. Israel formally declared war on Sunday and gave the green light for “significant military steps” to retaliate against Hamas for Saturday’s surprise attack. More than 1,100 people have been killed and thousands wounded on both sides. The defense minister’s announcement on Monday came as Israel’s military scoured the country’s south for Hamas fighters and guarded breaches in its border fence with tanks while pounding Gaza from the air. A spokesperson said the Israeli military regained control of border communities taken by Hamas fighters during the attack. But Palestinian militants continued firing barrages of rockets, setting off air raid sirens in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. With the Hamas attack sending shockwaves across the world and Israel vowing a severe military retaliation, FRANCE 24’s Nadia Massih is joined by Major (retired) General Giora Eiland, former Director of the National Security Council and former Head of the Planning Department of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).