Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash
LATEST
Israeli media has reported over 300 casualties in Israel since the attacks that occurred on Saturday, while Palestinian officials indicate that more than 300 people have been killed in Gaza.
Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for a strike in northern Israel, prompting the Israeli military to respond with fire directed into southern Lebanon.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has called for a security cabinet meeting, suspended the provision of electricity, fuel, and goods to Gaza, and issued warnings for civilians to evacuate their homes.
The United Nations Security Council is set to convene an emergency meeting on Sunday, and the Palestinian Authority has urged the Arab League to assemble for discussions.
Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stark warning, indicating that Israel was confronted with an extended and challenging conflict. This came as Israeli forces engaged in armed clashes with Palestinian militants on Sunday morning, following an unprecedented, multi-pronged assault by Hamas that left the nation in shock.
According to Israeli authorities, the toll from the surprise attack, which saw hundreds of militants infiltrating the country from the Gaza Strip using paragliders, motorbikes, and boats, resulted in a devastating outcome: over 300 Israeli casualties, 1,800 injuries, and approximately 100 individuals taken as hostages. This incident marked one of the highest
death tolls Israel has experienced in decades.
On Sunday, the Israeli military reported engagements with Hamas forces at eight different locations. An Israeli military spokesperson mentioned that two hostage situations in Gaza had been "resolved," without specifying whether all hostages had been safely rescued.
Israel conducted airstrikes on 426 targets in Gaza, resulting in significant explosions that razed residential buildings. Among them was a 14-story tower in central Gaza City, which contained numerous apartments and Hamas offices. Israeli forces asserted that they issued a warning before the strike.
The Palestinian Health Ministry reported a grim toll of at least 313 individuals killed in Gaza due to Israeli airstrikes, including 20 children, with nearly 2,000 people injured. In addition, seven individuals, including a child, lost their lives due to Israeli army gunfire in the West Bank.
Photo by Mohammed Ibrahim on Unsplash
ESCALATING TENSIONS LEADING UP TO AN EXPECTED ATTACK
In the past year, the Israeli far-right government has significantly increased its construction of settlements in the occupied West Bank. Additionally, instances of Israeli settler violence have resulted in the displacement of numerous Palestinians in the region. Tensions have also surged concerning the Al-Aqsa mosque, a highly contentious holy site in Jerusalem.
In a recorded message, Deif, who typically avoids public appearances, conveyed a clear message: "Enough is enough."
He announced that the attack marked the beginning of what he termed "Operation Al-Aqsa Storm" and urged Palestinians residing from East Jerusalem to northern Israel to participate in the struggle.
Hamas stated that it had prepared for a potentially protracted conflict. "We are prepared for all options, including all-out war," the deputy head of the Hamas political bureau, Saleh al-Arouri, told Al-Jazeera TV. "We are ready to do whatever is necessary for the dignity and freedom of our people."
HEZBOLAHHS STRIKES ARE IN SOLIDARITY WITH THE "PALESTINIAN RESISTANCE"
Hezbollah, which effectively governs southern Lebanon, released a statement explaining that their attack on Sunday morning, involving a substantial number of rockets and artillery, was carried out in support of the "Palestinian resistance." Their assault targeted Israeli positions directly.
In response, Israel's military employed armed drones to strike Lebanese regions. Hezbollah's decision to target Israeli positions in a contested area, rather than within Israel itself, suggests an effort to prevent a full-scale conflict with Israel.
It's worth noting that Israel and Hezbollah have a long-standing history of enmity and have engaged in multiple wars in the past. The most recent of these conflicts was a 34-day war in 2006, resulting in 1,200 casualties in Lebanon and 160 in Israel.
Comments