GAZA: On the first anniversary of its October 7 attack on Israel, Hamas’s armed wing vowed on Monday to continue what it described as a “long war of attrition.” Abu Obeida, the spokesman for Hamas’s military wing, said that the Palestinian group would continue fighting against Israel, which he claimed would be “painful and costly for the enemy.”
In a statement aired on Al Jazeera, Obeida expressed concern for the hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7 attack, warning that their conditions in Gaza were “very difficult.” His remarks coincided with Israel’s observance of what it has labeled the most devastating assault in its history.
“We choose to keep up the fight in a long war of attrition against Israel, one that is painful and costly for the enemy,” Abu Obeida said. He also warned that the hostages in Gaza were enduring a “very difficult” situation.
The anniversary serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where the toll of violence has escalated significantly over the past year.
At least 41,909 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed in the ongoing Israeli bombardment campaign in Gaza since October 7 last year, the territory’s health ministry reported on Monday. The staggering death toll underscores the profound human tragedy unfolding in the region.
Critics highlight the disproportionate impact of Israel’s military response, questioning the principles of warfare when entire neighborhoods are devastated. They emphasize that each casualty represents a personal story of loss, grief, and despair, transcending mere statistics.
The situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with the blockade severely limiting access to essential resources. Food, clean water, and medical supplies remain scarce, while infrastructure lies in ruins from relentless Israeli bombardments.
The residents of Gaza find themselves trapped in a dire existence, with survival as their only objective, yet even that is becoming increasingly unattainable.
The ongoing conflict has raised urgent calls for accountability from the international community regarding Israel’s military actions.
