RAMALLAH: Tensions between Israel and Palestine further escalated as the Israeli military has launched a series of air strikes on Gaza in response to offensive by Hamas forces. The Palestinian enclave of Gaza has witnessed a growing casualty toll, with at least 198 Palestinian people martyred and 1,610 wounded, as confirmed by the health ministry. This surge in violence came after the Palestinian group infiltrated areas in the south of Israel, deploying thousands of rockets from the besieged territory.
Israel’s national rescue service, Magen David Adom, reported at least 40 people killed within Israel while hospitals were flooded with hundreds of wounded individuals, dozens of whom are in critical condition. The attack, initiated by Hamas at 6:30 am local time (03:30 GMT), involved rocket barrages from multiple locations in Gaza and fighters infiltrating Israel via land, sea, and air.
Addressing the nation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, “Citizens of Israel, we are at war,” emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. Israel’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant warned Hamas of severe consequences, labeling their attack a “grave mistake.”
In response, Israel’s military launched air raids on Gaza, targeting civilian buildings. “Dozens of Israeli military fighter jets are currently striking a number of targets in the Gaza Strip,” stated the Israeli military.
Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif declared the attack as the beginning of “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood,” urging Palestinians everywhere to resist Israeli occupation. He called on all Palestinians to confront Israel, describing it as the “greatest battle to end the last occupation on Earth.”
Israeli Military Violence in Gaza
Reports emerged of clashes between Palestinians and Israeli fighters in the border areas, with social media sharing footage of incidents, including a burning Israeli tank surrounded by jubilant Palestinians. Israeli soldiers engaged in ground fighting in various locations around Gaza, intensifying the conflict.
Hamas, through the Telegram messaging app, called on “the resistance fighters in the West Bank” to join the ongoing fight. Exiled Hamas leader Saleh al-Arouri stated that the operation was in response to “the crimes of the occupation,” emphasizing the defense of their sacred site in occupied East Jerusalem.
Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement expressed solidarity with the Palestinian cause, stating that it was in direct contact with the Palestinian resistance leadership and closely monitoring the situation in Gaza.
