Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a grave warning of a long and difficult war as the conflict between Israel and Hamas intensifies. The surprise attack by the Palestinian group on Israel has resulted in hundreds of casualties on both sides. Hamas launched a massive rocket attack and initiated ground, air, and sea offensives on Saturday, causing significant destruction and loss of life.
According to Israel’s army, more than 200 Israelis have been killed and 1,000 wounded, with soldiers and civilians also being taken hostage. Meanwhile, Gaza officials reported that intense Israeli airstrikes in the coastal enclave have resulted in at least 256 Palestinian deaths and nearly 1,788 wounded.
The fighting continues unabated, with Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement joining the conflict in solidarity with Hamas. Hezbollah announced that it had fired artillery shells and guided missiles at Israeli positions along the contested border. In response, Israel’s army fired artillery at southern Lebanon without identifying the attackers.
Netanyahu, addressing the nation on X, formerly known as Twitter, stated, We are embarking on a long and difficult war that was forced on us by a murderous Hamas attack. He continued, We have begun the offensive phase, which will continue without limitations or respite until we achieve our objectives. We will restore security to the citizens of Israel, and we will emerge victorious.
Israel launched a series of airstrikes overnight on the Gaza Strip, while rockets from the blockaded Palestinian territory continued to rain down on southern Israel. Hamas fighters are engaged in ongoing battles with Israeli security forces, maintaining their resistance even 24 hours after the surprise attack.
An Israeli military spokesman declared, We’re going to be attacking Hamas severely, and this is going to be a long, long haul. The Israeli army and police have already neutralized ten armed terrorists who had taken refuge in a police station.
Meanwhile, President Arif Alvi emphasized the necessity of condemning Israel’s usurpation and brutalization of Palestinian rights and people as a prerequisite for progress towards peace. He highlighted issues such as continuous annexation of land, illegal settlements, and disproportionate reactions leading to killings. President Alvi called for adherence to UN resolutions and urged the international community to play a significant role in pursuing world peace.
The current escalation of violence between Israel and Hamas marks one of the bloodiest incidents in decades, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. The conflict shows no signs of abating, and there is growing concern about the prolonged nature of the war. The global community is closely monitoring the situation for any potential diplomatic interventions or ceasefires.
