| 12 October 2023
| Christie Anto
As the war between Israel and the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas stretches into its sixth day, the region is gripped by escalating violence and a mounting humanitarian crisis. The conflict, which has already claimed over 3,000 lives, including numerous civilians, shows no signs of abating, prompting Israel to announce the formation of an emergency unity government and a war cabinet.
US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken arrived in Israel to address the rapidly deteriorating situation. He is scheduled to meet with senior Israeli officials to discuss measures aimed at bolstering Israel's security. The US Embassy in Israel emphasized that Blinken would condemn the recent terrorist attacks against Israel in the strongest terms and underscore the United States' unwavering support for the nation.
In a move suggesting a possible ground offensive into Gaza, Israel has ordered a military closure of the region, while the Israeli army has significantly bolstered its troops and military equipment along the Gaza border. Approximately 300,000 reservists have been mobilized near the border, signaling a significant escalation of the conflict.
The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) has initiated a campaign of airstrikes against Hamas' Nakhba force, the elite commando unit responsible for the attack that triggered this wave of violence.
Israel's decision to form an emergency unity government came after a deal was reached between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and top opposition leader Benny Gantz. This wartime government will oversee operations against Hamas and manage the increasingly volatile situation.
In a televised address on Wednesday night, Prime Minister Netanyahu painted a grim picture of the atrocities committed during the Hamas attack, alleging that Palestinian terrorist groups beheaded Israeli soldiers and recounted gruesome acts of violence against civilians. However, the White House clarified that President Joe Biden and other US officials had not independently confirmed these claims.
In a significant development, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman engaged in their first-ever phone conversation since the resumption of ties between Tehran and Riyadh. They discussed the situation in Palestine and the need to end what they described as "war crimes against Palestine."
The US State Department confirmed the deaths of at least 22 American citizens in the cross-border attacks by Hamas. John Kirby, the National Security Council spokesperson, noted that the individual circumstances surrounding their deaths were not entirely clear. The State Department also issued a travel advisory, urging US citizens to reconsider travel to Israel and the West Bank.
Gaza continues to bear the brunt of the conflict, with the local health ministry reporting that overnight airstrikes by Israel have resulted in the deaths of at least 51 Palestinians and left 281 others injured. The overall death toll in Gaza, since Israel's retaliatory raids began, has now surpassed 1,200. The situation is further compounded by the shutdown of Gaza's sole power plant, leaving residents in dire circumstances.
In a relief effort to evacuate Indian citizens stranded in Israel, India has initiated Operation Ajay. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has confirmed that special charter flights and other arrangements are being made to facilitate their return. More than 20,000 Indians currently reside in Israel.
As the conflict between Israel and Hamas rages on, the international community watches with growing concern. Efforts to broker a ceasefire and mitigate the humanitarian crisis remain paramount, as the toll on both sides continues to mount, and the region's stability hangs in the balance.
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