Israeli media reported that Palestinian fighters infiltrated Israeli settlements near the Gaza border and kidnapped soldiers and settlers, while clashes continued in Ashkelon. This is the most violent escalation between Israel and Gaza since May. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said that Israel was facing a “war” and that Hamas would pay an “unprecedented price”. Shoukry also spoke with the foreign ministers of Jordan, UAE, France, Germany, Turkey, Russia, and Spain to consult and coordinate on de-escalation efforts. He said that all international and regional efforts should focus on de-escalation and restraint, to prevent more casualties and loss of control.
