Israel Launches Operation ‘Swords of Iron’ to Repel Hamas Attacks; Ambassador Calls it Cowardly Action
Israel has launched a military operation codenamed Swords of Iron in response to a rocket barrage attack from the Gaza Strip by the Hamas group. The attack occurred early Saturday morning and has escalated the ongoing conflict in the region. According to reports, Hamas targeted Israeli civilians while they were sleeping peacefully, which the Ambassador of Israel to India, Naor Gilon, denounced as a cowardly action, particularly because it happened during the sacred Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah.
In a statement, Ambassador Gilon described the attacks as war crimes, emphasizing that they involved coordinated, large-scale, and multi-pronged terrorist attacks by Hamas. These attacks resulted in the deaths of women, children, and the elderly, with hundreds of civilians injured. Over 2,000 missiles and rockets were fired indiscriminately at cities and villages in southern and central Israel.
Israel is determined to defend its citizens and protect them from Hamas aggression. The Ambassador expressed gratitude for the support of the people of India as Israel faces terrorism head-on. Meanwhile, former Spokesperson of Israel Defence Forces (IDF), Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus, highlighted the severity of the situation. He stated that Hamas infiltrators had been executing, abducting, and butchering Israeli civilians in their own homes.
As a response, Israel has initiated its first stage of retaliation, targeting military sites in Gaza belonging to Hamas. Lieutenant Colonel Conricus emphasized that Israel’s response would surpass any level seen before, surpassing the capabilities of both Hamas and other Iranian proxies. It’s speculated that the Israeli retaliation may expand beyond the Gaza Strip if necessary, indicating a potential shift in the geographical area of operations.
The current situation, with Hamas launching terrorist attacks and Israel responding forcefully, has raised concerns about the escalating violence. The conflict has received international attention, and efforts are underway to mediate and restore peace in the region.
