Israeli Military Strikes Hamas and Islamic Jihad Targets in Gaza
Israeli Military Strikes Back
The Israeli military has launched a series of strikes against Hamas and Islamic Jihad targets in the Gaza Strip. These attacks come in response to a deadly incursion by Hamas gunmen that resulted in the deaths of 700 Israelis and the abduction of dozens more. The Israeli military has deployed four combat divisions to the south to battle the Islamist militants.
Fierce Fighting Continues
Fighting is ongoing at multiple locations near Gaza, with Hamas fighters continuing to cross into Israel. The Israeli military has conducted airstrikes, using fighter jets, helicopters, and artillery, targeting over 500 Hamas and Islamic Jihad sites. These include command centers, the residence of senior Hamas official Ruhi Mashtaa, and other key locations.
However, these strikes have not come without casualties. At least seven Palestinians were killed in two Israeli airstrikes, and more than 400 people, including children, have been reported dead by the Palestinian health ministry.
Israel’s Determination
Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has vowed that the Gaza Strip will pay a heavy price for the incursion, stating that it will “change reality for generations.” The Israeli military spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus, has emphasized their goal of neutralizing Hamas’s military capabilities and ensuring they do not govern Gaza.
Global Repercussions
The violence in the Middle East has led to increased political uncertainty, causing oil prices to surge by more than $3 a barrel in Asian trade. Concerns about supply disruptions from Iran have also contributed to this rise. Several international airlines have suspended flights to Tel Aviv, awaiting improved conditions before resuming services.
International Response
Appeals for restraint have been made from around the world, although many Western nations have stood by Israel. The Palestinian foreign ministry has condemned Israel’s actions as a “barbarous campaign of death and destruction.”
Hostages and Captives
Israel’s military has regained control of most infiltration points along security barriers, killed hundreds of attackers, and taken dozens more prisoner. However, Palestinian fighters have taken hostages, including soldiers, civilians, children, and the elderly. The situation remains tense as Israeli security forces continue their efforts to restore control.
US Support for Israel
US President Joe Biden has expressed his full support for Israel and condemned the “appalling assault” by Hamas terrorists. The United States has warned Iran and other parties hostile to Israel against exploiting the attacks. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group to the eastern Mediterranean as a show of support.
The Escalation Continues
The escalating violence between Israel and Palestinian militants in the West Bank has worsened conditions in the region. The Palestinian Authority has called for an emergency Arab League meeting, while Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh has warned that the assault will spread to the West Bank and Jerusalem.
Humanitarian Crisis
The United Nations has appealed for the creation of humanitarian corridors to provide food to Gaza, where approximately 70,000 Palestinians are seeking shelter in schools. The blockade on Gaza, which has been in place for 16 years, has exacerbated the suffering of the Palestinian people.
It is crucial to resolve this conflict and recognize the rights of the Palestinian people. Only then can lasting peace be achieved in the region.
