Jerusalem/IBNS/UNI: The number of Israeli soldiers killed in the escalation of conflict with Palestinian movement Hamas since October 7 has reached 378, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson RDML Daniel Hagari said on Saturday.

"To date, we have notified the families of 378 fallen IDF soldiers who fell defending the State of Israel. We embrace the families during these difficult times," Hagari told a briefing.

On October 7, Hamas launched a surprise large-scale rocket attack against Israel from the Gaza Strip and breached the border, killing and abducting people in neighboring Israeli communities.

Israel launched retaliatory strikes and ordered a complete blockade of the Gaza Strip, cutting off supplies of water, food, and fuel.

On October 27, Israel launched a large-scale ground incursion inside the Gaza Strip with the declared goal of eliminating Hamas fighters and rescuing the hostages.

The conflict has resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 people in Israel and over 12,000 in the Gaza Strip.