The situation between Israel and the Palestinians has intensified following a series of events. Allegedly, Hamas fighters launched over 5,000 rockets from the Gaza Strip towards Israel, prompting Israel to declare war. The conflict has resulted in a significant loss of life, with over 2,000 casualties and numerous injuries on both sides. Air raid sirens have been sounded across the country, increasing the likelihood of further intense fighting.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted on Wednesday that Hamas militants engaged in brutal acts, including the beheading of soldiers and the assault of women during their attack on Israel. He pledged that Israel would respond by decisively “crushing and destroying” Hamas. U.S. President Joe Biden characterized the Hamas attack as “the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust,” condemning it as a campaign of “pure cruelty.” Israel’s Energy Minister, Israel Katz, confirmed that the country is implementing restrictions on the entry of water, electricity, and fuel into Gaza. Katz warned that these measures would persist until the perceived threat from Hamas is eliminated. Meanwhile, the Indian government has initiated Operation Ajay to evacuate Indian nationals from the conflict-ridden region.
- During a period of heightened tensions with Palestine, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stern warning, stating that Israel was ready to “crush and destroy” Hamas. This statement was made during a late-night briefing, where he was joined by Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and opposition leader Benny Gantz.
- The recent death toll surpasses 1,100 Palestinians, including 326 children, as reported by Gaza’s health ministry. Simultaneously, the number of Israelis killed during Hamas’ invasion of southern Israel reached 1,200. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) continued their operations in the Gaza Strip.
- In response to the escalating attacks by Hamas militants, India initiated “Operation Ajay” to facilitate the return of Indian nationals from Israel. Additionally, Nepal disclosed plans to evacuate 250 nationals, and the bodies of 10 Nepali students killed in the conflict will be repatriated.
- According to the White House, twenty-two Americans lost their lives in Hamas’ attack on Israel, with 17 still unaccounted for. The death toll is expected to rise in the coming days.
- The U.S. State Department elevated its travel warning for Israel and the West Bank to Level 3 (“reconsider travel”) and maintained a Level 4 advisory (“do not travel”) for Gaza.
- President Joe Biden discussed humanitarian assistance with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed as the conflict entered its fifth day. The UAE, having normalized relations with Israel in 2020, is engaged in diplomatic efforts.
- In a notable development, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had a conversation with Iranian leader Ebrahim Raisi, discussing the military situation in Gaza. Prince Mohammed emphasized Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the Palestinian cause and sought international cooperation to halt the escalation.
- British Airways suspended flights to Tel Aviv due to security concerns, redirecting a flight back to London.
- Air-raid sirens in northern Israel prompted residents to seek shelter, but reports of an “airspace intrusion” from Lebanon were later declared a false alarm. Heightened vigilance persists amid concerns about potential attacks by Iran-backed Hezbollah following the recent events.