The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that more than 123 thousand Palestinians were compelled to flee their homes across the Gaza Strip, a figure corroborated by TASS. The UN update, shared by OCHA, placed the count at 123,538 Palestinians who had left their residences by 21:00 Moscow time on October 8, underscoring the scale of displacement amid ongoing hostilities. (attribution: UN OCHA, cited by TASS)
In the days that followed, official briefings illustrated the widening humanitarian footprint of the conflict. The UN agency cited the latest tally from its field observers and partners, detailing how entire neighborhoods were emptied as airstrikes and ground operations intensified. The information emphasizes the urgent need for safe corridors, medical care, and essential supplies for displaced families and those still in border areas. (attribution: UN OCHA)
On the political front, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly declared that the nation is at war. He attributed the scale and surprise of the Hamas assault to a deliberate strategy by the group against Israel and its citizens. Netanyahu stated that a large-scale operation had been ordered to uproot terrorists from settlements and to mobilize reserve forces in response to the crisis. (attribution: official statements)
Earlier, Itamar Ben-Gvir, serving as national security minister, announced a state of emergency triggered by the rocket attacks carried out by Hamas. He also announced the recruitment of volunteers into police ranks, signaling an intensified internal security posture while the country confronts the multifaceted threat from the Gaza border area. (attribution: official statements)
Meanwhile, Defense Minister Yoav Galant pledged that the response would be remembered for decades. He described the measures as unprecedented and designed to ensure long-term security for Israeli civilians, a stance reflecting the government’s intent to deter further aggression and restore a sense of stability for communities under fire. (attribution: official statements)”