Title: Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Escalates with Deadly Rocket Barrage
At least 198 people were killed in Gaza on Saturday as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict took a turn for the worse. Hamas extremists launched a barrage of rockets into Israel, prompting swift retaliation in the form of air strikes. The escalating violence has left both sides counting casualties and vowing further action.
According to the health ministry in the Palestinian enclave, 198 people have lost their lives in Gaza, with an additional 1,610 wounded. In Israel, at least 40 people have been killed, while 779 have been injured and taken to hospitals, as reported by the Magen David Adom emergency medical services. The Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, labeled the situation as a war and promised severe retaliation for the unexpected attack.
The armed wing of Hamas, Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, released a video claiming responsibility for the rocket barrage and announcing Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. They stated that more than 5,000 rockets were fired within the first 20 minutes. Israel’s army revealed that its forces are engaged in ground combat with Palestinian militants in various locations near the Gaza Strip. However, they did not confirm reports of Israelis being captured.
Videos circulating on social media showed bodies in military fatigues, as well as civilian casualties on a highway. The situation forced numerous residents to seek safety, with one woman pleading for help as militants targeted her house. This wave of attacks represents a major escalation, as it involves infiltration from Gaza, which has been strictly controlled since Hamas took control in 2007.
The rocket barrage from Gaza, estimated to be at least 2,200 rockets, caused significant damage in the Israeli city of Ashkelon, located just north of Gaza. The attack occurred during a Jewish holiday on Shabbat. In response, Israel’s military launched air strikes on Gaza, and air raid sirens echoed across southern and central Israel. Israelis were urged to stay near bomb shelters for their safety.
The international community has responded with condemnation for the Palestinian attacks on Israel. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called it terrorism in its most despicable form, while the European Union and the United States expressed solidarity with Israel. The UN Middle East peace envoy warned against further escalation and urged all parties to step back from the brink.
This recent outbreak of violence comes at a time when the United States is attempting to mediate a historic deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia to establish diplomatic ties. The conflict between Israel and the Palestinians has been steadily intensifying, and this year has witnessed a surge in unrest attributed to divisive judicial reforms implemented by Netanyahu’s government.
The situation remains volatile, with tensions mounting on both sides. The conflict has claimed hundreds of lives, and it shows no signs of abating. The root causes and complex dynamics underlying the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continue to challenge peacemaking efforts. As the world watches with concern, it is hoped that a peaceful resolution can be achieved to spare further loss of life and suffering.
