Israeli women rush to buy guns in October 7 aftermath

With many Israelis gripped by a sense of insecurity following Hamas's unprecedented October 7 attack, the number of women applying for gun permits has soared.

The deadliest-ever Gaza war began with the October 7 attack by Hamas militants on southern Israel.

That attack resulted in the deaths of 1,194 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures.

The militants also seized hostages, 116 of whom remain in Gaza although the army says 41 are dead.

Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed at least 37,551 people, also mostly civilians, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-ruled territory.