Israel and Hamas Engage in Deadly Conflict as Gaza Attacks Escalate

A Chicago area mother and daughter are among those missing in Israel following the Hamas attacks over the weekend, with fears that they have been abducted to Gaza. The FBI has stated that there are no credible threats to the United States after the attacks, and President Biden confirmed that at least 11 Americans were killed and others remain unaccounted for. Israeli rescue service Zaka reported that over 100 bodies have been recovered from a small farming community that was the scene of a hostage standoff during the attacks. Israel has called up 300,000 reserve troops and intensified its campaign of airstrikes against Hamas targets in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised retaliation, stating that Hamas made a "mistake of historic proportions." Hamas threatened to kill hostages it is holding if Israeli airstrikes continue, and Qatari mediators are seeking negotiations for their release. Horrific details and harrowing stories of survival have emerged from the attack on the Supernova music festival, with hundreds of attendees killed. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant ordered a "complete siege" of the Gaza Strip, cutting off electricity and blockading food and fuel.