Gaza death toll at 493, local officials say

The death toll in Gaza has risen to 493, according to Palestinian health officials, Al Jazeera reported.

There are over 2,750 injured.

Israel in control of all areas, but Hamas might still be present inside Israeli territory, military says

Israeli defence forces spokesperson Daniel Hagari said this morning that Israel is “in control” of all communities and at the moment there is no fighting inside Israel, but that it is possible there are still Hamas militants in Israeli territory.

An evacuation is under way of all communities near the border fence, he said.

Israel is also on high alert in the north. There have been some local incidents in the north yesterday, but there is no fighting.

The Israel Defence Forces is in the process of carrying out intense air strikes, every four hours, in the Gaza Strip. Hundreds of targets are being attacked, and Israel is only targeting places where terrorists are present, the spokesperson said.

There are hundreds of dead terrorists, Hagari said.

There is no electricity in the Gaza Strip and no one is entering or leaving, he added.

Israel has called up 300,000 reservists thus far.

Addressing reports of shortages in IDF equipment, the spokesperson insisted that there is sufficient equipment and food.

Israel’s death toll is estimated at 700, with a confirmed 73 soldiers dead, the spokesperson said.

Addressing the issue of hostages, the spokesperson said that the authorities have started informing families and will share with the public only once families have been contacted.

The spokesperson declined to give the number of hostages.

One French national killed, eight missing

One French national has been killed in the attacks inIsraeland France is still trying to clarify the situation of several other nationals who are missing, the French foreign office said in a statement.

The state broadcaster France TV Info reported that eight French nationals were missing.