Israel announced on Tuesday that it had restored its control over the border with Gaza and was laying mines where Hamas fighters had breached the fence during their violent weekend raid, following another night of intense Israeli air strikes on the territory.
The Israeli aerial bombardment came after Hamas issued a threat to kill an Israeli prisoner every time Israel attacked a Palestinian house without warning.
The Israeli military also mobilized an unprecedented 300,000 reservists and imposed a siege on the Gaza Strip, sparking fears of a ground invasion in retaliation for the most daring and lethal Hamas assault in decades.
The conflict, which has killed more than 1,500 people, triggered international expressions of solidarity with Israel, street demonstrations in support of Palestinians, and calls for an end to the hostilities and protection of civilians.
Israeli TV channels reported that the death toll from the Hamas raid had risen to 900 Israelis, with at least 2,600 wounded, and dozens taken hostage. Among the Israeli victims were 260 mostly young people shot dead at a desert music festival, where some of the captives were snatched.
In comments broadcast by Israel’s Army Radio, chief military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said there had been no new incursions from Gaza since Monday.