Israel-Hamas War Escalates Humanitarian Crisis
The volatile situation in the Middle East has taken a perilous turn, as Israel-Hamas War find themselves embroiled in a deadly conflict while escalation humanitarian crisis.
Author:Paula M. GrahamReviewer:Hajra ShannonOct 10, 2023686 Shares25.4K Views
The volatile situation in the Middle East has taken a perilous turn, as Israel-Hamas Warfind themselves embroiled in a deadly conflict while escalation humanitarian crisis.
Rockets launched from Gaza have triggered alarms across Israel, leading to an intense exchange of fire. The intricate dance of warfare is unfolding amidst political tensions and escalating violence.
Operation Al-Aqsa By Hamas Stuns Israel
Many Israelis awoke to sirens about 6:30 a.m. (03:30 GMT) after rockets were launched from Gaza, sparking a rapid escalation of violence in the region.
In an early bombardment, Hamas claimed to have fired 5,000 rockets. According to the Israeli military, 2,500 missiles were launched.
The power, ingenuity, and timing of the early strike seem to have startled Israel, which has one of the most sophisticated intelligence networks in the world.
Hamas gunmen used motorbikes, pick-up trucks, paragliders, and speed boats to cross from Gaza into southern Israel and strike 22 targets.
The operation was dubbed Al-Aqsa Storm by Hamas military leader Muhammad Deif.
According to Hamas spokesperson Khaled Qadomi, the group's military operation was carried out in response to a series of provocations by Israeli politicians and settlers at Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque, one of Islam's holiest sites, as well as decades of violence and discrimination at the hands of Israel.
Israeli Response - Operation Swords Of Iron
In reaction to the incident, Israel began Operation Swords of Iron, pounding the Gaza Strip with Israeli warplanes. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared, "We are at war, and we will win." He emphasized that this war will be challenging and urged inhabitants of the Gaza Strip to leave.
After dusk, air strikes increased, demolishing residential structures in massive explosions, including a 14-story skyscraper in downtown Gaza City.
Israel officially declared war on Gaza on Sunday and stated on Monday that it will cut off the flow of power, food, gasoline, and other critical goods to the Gaza Strip, a move that amounts to a war crime under international law.
The outbreak of violence comes at a time when Israel is experiencing its largest demonstrations in history in response to Netanyahu's plan to restructure the Supreme Court in ways that opponents claim damage the institution. He is doing so despite facing corruption charges.
The Israeli military is also under fire for the country's greatest intelligence failure in 50 years. Analysts believe an Israeli ground invasion is imminent, further exacerbating the situation.
The international community has expressed concern over the escalating violence. The United States has ordered military assets to the region, and the United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting to discuss the situation.
Growing Humanitarian Crisis
More than 100,000 Palestinians have been displaced in Gaza, with many taking refuge in UN schools. Hospitals are facing critical shortages of essential supplies, including gasoline required to power lifesaving equipment.
According to health authorities, 560 Palestinians have been murdered in Gaza as of Monday, while more over 800 Israelis have also been slain, according to Israeli medical services.
Marwan Bishara, Al Jazeera's senior political commentator, warned that the situation between Israel and the Palestinians "is going to get much worse" in the coming days. Hamas commander Saleh al-Arouri expressed readiness for the worst-case scenario.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered a naval strike group to the eastern Mediterranean to assist Israel.
The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency meeting to discuss the situation, while the European Union suspended funding to Palestinian authorities.
Hezbollah, a Shia-backed group in Lebanon, announced its readiness to launch a second front against Israel if Shia-backed Hezbollah leads the push.
Hamas threatens to execute captive civilians if Israel attacks them without notice, raising concerns about the safety of those held by the group.
Casualties
Russia has confirmed the death of at least one Russian citizen in the conflict, with others missing and presumed trapped in the Gaza Strip.
Palestinian-Americans in Gaza claim they are stranded and have received little assistance from the US Embassy. Many are trying to find ways to evacuate amid the ongoing violence.
The top US general met with his Israeli counterpart to discuss strengthening the US military posture in the region to build regional deterrence.
Human Rights Watch condemned both Israeli and Palestinian abuses in the ongoing conflict, particularly criticizing Israel's proposed "full blockade" of Gaza as a form of "collective punishment" and a "war crime."
Final Words
As the world watches in concern, the Israel-Hamas conflict continues to escalate, with devastating consequences for both sides.
The toll on civilians strained international relations, and the prospect of a protracted war all hang in the balance.
The path to resolution remains unclear, but one thing is certain: the consequences of this conflict will reverberate throughout the region and beyond for years to come.
Many Israelis awoke to sirens about 6:30 a.m. (03:30 GMT) after rockets were launched from Gaza, sparking a rapid escalation of violence in the region.
Paula M. Graham
Author
Hajra Shannon
Reviewer
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