| 09 October 2023
| Christie Anto
Israel's military announced on Monday that it has retaken control of territories in the southern region where Hamas terrorists were holed up following their surprise incursion from Gaza. This development comes as the Israel-Palestine conflict enters its third day, leaving over 1,100 people dead on both sides, with the majority of casualties occurring in Israel.
The conflict escalated on Sunday when Israel declared war on the Palestinian militant group Hamas, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing to destroy the group's hideouts. Gaza, which endured relentless Israeli airstrikes, has reported at least 493 deaths, while Hamas responded by firing thousands of rockets at Israel and sending fighters who targeted civilians and took hostages.
Here are the latest developments in this ongoing crisis:
Tragedy at a Music Festival: Israeli rescue service Zaka reported recovering approximately 260 bodies from a music festival that came under attack by Hamas. Disturbing videos circulating online show festivalgoers fleeing in panic and seeking refuge in vehicles. Many members of the UN Security Council condemned Hamas on Sunday, although the United States expressed regret over the absence of unanimity. During an emergency session, both the United States and Israel called for a robust condemnation of the Palestinian Islamists.
US Support for Israel: US President Joe Biden ordered additional support for Israel in response to the Hamas assault. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin directed the USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier and a group of warships to the eastern Mediterranean, while also increasing fighter aircraft squadrons in the region. According to sources within Hamas and Hezbollah who spoke to the Wall Street Journal, Iran played a role in orchestrating the surprise attacks against Israel over the weekend. The operation's details were reportedly fine-tuned during multiple meetings in Beirut, attended by officers from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and representatives from four Iran-backed militant groups, including Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah.
Civilian Casualties: The Associated Press reported that an Israeli airstrike in a Gaza refugee camp resulted in the deaths of 19 members of a Palestinian family. Israel's military stated that it has hit more than 800 targets in Gaza so far, including airstrikes that leveled parts of the town of Beit Hanoun.
Hostages and Abductions: Islamic Jihad chief Ziad al-Nakhala announced on Sunday that his faction was holding over 30 Israelis captive in the Gaza Strip. Al-Nakhala declared that the captives would not be released until all Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli prisons were freed.
Ongoing Battles: Over 24 hours after Hamas initiated its unprecedented assault, Israeli forces were still engaged in battles with militants who remained holed up in various locations on Monday. Tens of thousands of Israeli forces were deployed to confront holdout Hamas fighters in the south, where the bodies of civilians had been discovered on roads and in town centers.
Hamas' Perspective: Hamas has labeled its attack "Operation Al-Aqsa Flood" and has called on "resistance fighters in the West Bank" and "Arab and Islamic nations" to join the battle. Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh has expressed confidence in achieving "victory" and has vowed to continue "the battle to liberate our land and our prisoners languishing in occupation prisons."
As the Israel-Palestine conflict intensifies, the international community watches with growing concern, hoping for a swift resolution that can put an end to the tragic loss of life on both sides. Diplomatic efforts and humanitarian aid will be crucial in addressing the immediate crisis and working towards a lasting peace in the region.
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