Israel Reclaims Control of Breached Gaza Border
In an unprecedented attack, Hamas militants breached the Gaza border fence, prompting a swift response from Israel.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that their actions marked just the beginning of their actions in Gaza.
Rising Casualty Numbers
The aftermath of Saturday’s attack by Hamas militants has been devastating. The death toll in Israel has surged to over 900, while in Gaza, more than 680 lives have been lost in Israeli airstrikes.
The horrifying toll includes the discovery of bodies, with 100 found in the small farming community of Be’eri, amounting to approximately 10% of its population, after a protracted hostage standoff with gunmen.
Netanyahu’s Defiant Pledge
Prime Minister Netanyahu, in a televised address, vowed to take further action against their adversaries in the coming days, actions that would resonate through generations.
Hamas Threatens Retaliation
In response to Israel’s operations, the spokesman of Hamas’ armed wing, Abu Obeida, issued a chilling threat on Monday night.
He declared that for every Israeli civilian targeted by Israel in their homes in Gaza without prior warning, Hamas would take the life of one Israeli civilian captive.
Humanitarian Concerns
As the conflict continues, humanitarian concerns escalate.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for a humanitarian corridor out of Gaza, given the blockade imposed by Israeli forces in response to Hamas’ attack.
With approximately 2.2 million civilians residing in the densely populated Gaza Strip, fears of civilian casualties loom large.
The situation has prompted calls for an end to violence and the urgent need for a humanitarian corridor to deliver critical medical supplies.
British Involvement in the Conflict
British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly acknowledged that a “significant number” of British-Israeli dual nationals have been caught up in the Israel-Gaza conflict.
However, he refrained from specifying exact numbers due to the fluid and complex nature of the situation.
Reports about casualties and fatalities remain unconfirmed, even from the Israeli government.
Iran’s Role and Denial
While Iran praised the attack on Israel, it denied direct involvement. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei expressed admiration for those behind the attack but distanced Iran from direct participation.
Western intelligence and experts widely doubted Iran’s denial, and the United States stated that Iran was complicit in Hamas’ assault on Israel, even though it lacked direct intelligence or evidence pointing to Tehran’s involvement.
Israeli Airstrikes and UN Human Rights Concerns
The Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have caused significant damage to residential buildings and resulted in civilian casualties.
The United Nations Human Rights chief voiced concern, emphasizing the need for constant care to spare civilian populations and objects, as mandated by international humanitarian law.
Schools and UN relief and works agency premises have also been hit in Israeli air operations.
Additionally, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant’s announcement of a tightened blockade for Gaza raised alarm, as sieges that endanger civilians’ lives are prohibited under international law.
Ongoing Developments
Israel remains on high alert, with concerns about the conflict potentially spreading to the north.
The Israeli military ruled out an aerial infiltration from Syria or Lebanon after initial reports.
While Israel continues to respond to threats from Hamas in Gaza, it monitors its northern border with vigilance.
EU Aid to Palestinian Territories
The European Commission has put its development funding to the Palestinian territories under review following Hamas’ attack on Israel.
However, France and Spain have expressed opposition to suspending aid that directly benefits the Palestinian people, distinguishing between Hamas and the Palestinian population.
Rocket Sirens in Southern Israel
Rocket sirens in southern Israel continue to sound, indicating the ongoing threat of rocket attacks.
Reservists Called from Europe
Israel’s air force has organized the return of hundreds of Israeli reservists from Europe to serve in the Gaza war.
Transport planes, including Hercules aircraft, have facilitated the emergency airlift. Israel’s foreign minister, Eli Cohen, noted that numerous requests for return had been received from Israelis worldwide.
Israel has already mobilized a record 300,000 reservists in response to the Hamas attack.
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