Israel says retakes control of Gaza fence, no infiltrations since Monday

Israel has retaken control of the Gaza border fence breached by Palestinian Hamas gunmen who carried out a weekend mass-incursion, and is planting mines in the parts where the barrier was toppled, the chief military spokesperson said on Tuesday.

In remarks aired by Israel's Army Radio, IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said there had been no new infiltrations from Gaza since Monday. In an apparent response to rumors that gunmen used cross-border tunnels, he said the military had no such findings.

In his statement, Hagari noted that weather conditions had an impact on the military's approach to striking their targets.

The fourth day of the war between Israel and Hamas has marked a new level of readiness across the nation, marking a particularly high level of readiness in the north. 

Watch as the @IDF takes out strategic targets in Gaza. On Saturday, Hamas infiltrated Israel and murdered at least 900 people. Israel has said it will take full revenge.https://t.co/q8h9FG6yY4 pic.twitter.com/mA95qNkLlI

— The Jerusalem Post (@Jerusalem_Post) October 10, 2023

Identification for countries with Iranian proxies are being closely watched by Israeli authorities. Hagari also emphasized the importance of deterrence efforts by the United States.

Hagari added that a wave of attacks on the Far Rimal neighborhood in the heart of the Gaza strip lasted for an hour and a half and hundreds of targets were attacked. Several assembly points have been identified.

Dozens of Hamas militants were killed at sea when trying to infiltrate via the Mediterranean sea, leading Hamas to cease attempts to send them via sea and air.

All settlements adjacent to the Gaza fence have effectively been evacuated, with the exception of few who refused to leave, according to the spokesperson.

IAF continued airstrikes throughout Gaza Strip overnight | Live updates: https://t.co/q8h9FG6yY4 pic.twitter.com/AhUy8qIC37

— The Jerusalem Post (@Jerusalem_Post) October 10, 2023

Tens of thousands of reservists called to active duty

35 battalions are on the front, activating tens of thousands of IDF fighters in the Gaza envelope area. Additionally, there was an intrusion on the northern border, where multiple terrorists were neutralized. Of the four just nearby Idamit, 2 were killed and 2 escaped.

The United States has sent defense material for protection and deterrence purposes.

Within just 48 hours, 300,000 reservists were activated. "This is war. They sleep in sleeping bags and eat battle rations," he noted, adding that "patience is required." 

"Hamas will pay a heavy price," said Foreign Minister Eli Cohen. Overnight, the IAF continued airstrikes throughout the Gaza Strip, recommending residents leave for Egypt.More stories: https://t.co/q8h9FG6yY4@IDF pic.twitter.com/Tr8a1AgzqD

— The Jerusalem Post (@Jerusalem_Post) October 10, 2023

More than 30 kidnapped families were reached, with extensive efforts underway by military intelligence to identify prisoners of war and missing persons, however it will take a few more days to still establish a larger picture. 

So far, 123 IDF soldiers have been killed.

Reuters contributed to this report.