The Israeli military has bolstered its forces near the Gaza Strip in preparation for upcoming ceremonial events marking one year since the Hamas-led October 7 attacks into southern Israel. Additional troops have been deployed at border communities to be ready for both defensive and offensive scenarios, as stated by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
The IDF emphasized that the soldiers are fully equipped to defend the region in collaboration with local security forces, the Israel Police, and Magen David Adom, ensuring a comprehensive response to any potential incidents.
Israeli residents from Kibbutz Be’eri, one of the border communities targeted by Hamas last year, shared their lingering trauma from the October 7 attacks, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the abduction of over 250 others, according to Israeli authorities.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu highlighted that Israel is engaged in defending itself on multiple fronts, including against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The ongoing conflicts in the region have led to devastating consequences, with reports of widespread destruction, casualties, and mass displacement.
In Gaza, Israel's military campaign has resulted in the deaths of at least 41,870 Palestinians and injuries to 97,166 individuals, according to the local health ministry. The ministry's data does not differentiate between combatant and civilian casualties.
In Lebanon, over 1,400 people have lost their lives due to Israeli airstrikes, and nearly 7,500 others have been injured, as reported by the Lebanese health ministry.
