Streets of Jerusalem's Old City Empty Since Start of Israel-Hamas Conflict | VOA News

VOA reporter Yan Boechat is in the Old City of Jerusalem, one of the busiest places in Israel, has been devoid of tourists and pilgrims since Hamas’ Oct. 7 assault on Israel. Over 4,000 people have been killed since the conflict began.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Sunday to “demolish Hamas” as 300,000 Israeli troops massed on the border of the Gaza Strip ahead of an expected ground invasion to find and attack Hamas militants.

The Israeli leader for the first time convened his emergency war Cabinet, including opposition lawmaker Benny Gantz, in what Netanyahu said was a show of national unity.

The Israeli leaders met as the U.S. State Department said Secretary of State Antony Blinken would return to Israel Monday for further discussions after visiting the Jewish state last week. The top U.S. diplomat has made seven stops in Middle Eastern countries in recent days, including Egypt on Sunday, to work with Arab allies to prevent the Israel-Hamas war from spiraling out of control.