Israeli army says military deaths rose to 302

JERUSALEM

The Israeli army said Tuesday that its military deaths in the current conflict with Palestinian group have risen to 302.

The army made the announcement while releasing the names of three more soldiers and reservists killed in the conflict that started on Oct. 7.

Eleven days into the conflict with Hamas group, Israel's bombardment and blockade of the Gaza Strip continued, with over one million people displaced – almost half of Gaza's total population, according to the UN agency for Palestine refugees or UNRWA.

The fighting began on Oct. 7 when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea, and air. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

More than 4,400 people have been killed in the armed conflict, including at least 3,001 Palestinians and more than 1,400 Israelis.