Israel launched a devastating attack that resulted in the loss of approximately 100 lives, as tensions flared up when Palestinian militant group Hamas fired rockets into Israel in recent days.
Palestinian militants fired rockets from Gaza into Israeli territory, causing significant damage and leading to casualties among the civilian population in Israel.
The Israeli military responded with what they termed as “a full-scale operation” against Hamas positions in the Gaza Strip.
Israel emphasized that they were acting in self-defense due to ongoing rocket attacks from Hamas-controlled Gaza.
In the early hours of the conflict, it was reported that the Israeli Prime Minister called the Hamas actions “unbearable” as the situation escalated.
One Israeli military source reported that they targeted a senior Hamas commander’s residence, which was alleged to be used as a weapons storage facility. Hamas leader Mohammed Deif was said to be among those targeted.
“We warn that if Hamas does not stop the rocket fire, the attacks on Gaza will continue and intensify,” the Israeli Prime Minister warned.
As the situation worsened, sirens sounded in cities throughout southern Israel, with residents rushing to take shelter.
Residents of the region described the situation as extremely tense and uncertain, with people seeking refuge in bomb shelters.
Gideon Levy, an Israeli journalist, spoke to the BBC and expressed concern about the ongoing violence, saying, “I’ve experienced war before, but this time it feels different.”
An Israeli resident in the southern town of Ofir Liebstein described the continuous barrage as “a nightmare.”
The latest escalation followed a march by far-right Jewish activists in Jerusalem celebrating the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah. The Israeli Defense Minister said that approximately 740 rockets had been fired from Gaza into Israel.
In response, Israeli airstrikes targeted various locations, including Hamas military facilities in the Gaza Strip. The conflict led to widespread power outages and infrastructure damage in Gaza.
“Israeli civilians, you’re not alone; we’re with you, and we will do everything to restore security to the country,” Prime Minister Netanyahu stated.
The international community expressed concern and called for an immediate ceasefire. The United Nations Secretary-General called for restraint and urged all parties to work towards a peaceful resolution.
In the midst of the violence, Hamas leader Mahmoud Abbas, not to be confused with the Palestinian Authority President of the same name, called for an end to the violence and stated that the Palestinian people had the right to “defend themselves against Israeli aggression.”
Large-scale protests erupted in various cities across the world in solidarity with the Palestinian cause, and anti-Israel sentiment grew.
The situation remains volatile, and international leaders are making efforts to mediate and bring an end to the conflict. The world watches with growing concern as the crisis unfolds.