The slaughter at Kibbutz Be’eri in Israel is being described as “ground zero” of the atrocities committed by Hamas terrorists in Israel.

The community of about 1,200 was known for its art galleries. After the Hamas attack, at least 108 bodies were found by Israeli authorities there.

The militants were filmed “executing civilians as they begged for mercy, beating and taunting abducted captives, torching homes with families inside, mutilating the bodies of their victims and even torturing pets,” according to the Times of Israel.

About 90 militants entered the gated town and went house to house, killing and taking hostages. When families sheltered in secure homes, the terrorists burned them out.

Two platoons of Israeli special forces were dispatched to the town but were apparently wiped out by the Hamas militants.

During the slaughter, some parents were killed in front of their children, survivors said. Other times, children were killed in front of their parents.

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Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant, who visited the Be’eri Kibbutz, told Israeli soldiers, “You saw firsthand what we are up against – the ‘ISIS of Gaza.’ Anyone who decapitates citizens, or murders women and Holocaust survivors – will be eliminated. We will use all our force and make no compromises.”

• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.