In the aftermath of a surprise attack by the Palestinian group Hamas, which involved a barrage of rockets and a large-scale ground assault on Israel, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called on Palestinians in Gaza to “leave now” as the death toll on both sides approaches 1,000.
This escalation in the conflict, considered one of the worst in decades, has resulted in over 600 reported deaths on the Israeli side and at least 370 deaths in Gaza, with thousands more wounded on both sides.
Thousands of Israeli forces are confronting Hamas fighters in the south, and the Israeli air force continues to strike targets in the Gaza Strip. Netanyahu has warned of a “long and difficult” war ahead.
He stated on social media, “We are embarking on a long and difficult war forced on us by a murderous Hamas attack.” Netanyahu also urged Gaza residents to leave, cautioning that Israeli forces would operate forcefully across all areas.
Fierce gun battles have taken place in towns and on highways as the Israeli army seeks to secure desert regions near the coastal enclave, rescue Israeli hostages, and evacuate areas near Gaza within 24 hours.
Military spokesman Daniel Hagari vowed to eliminate every terrorist in Israel and reach every community as the conflict continues.
Additionally, Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement claimed to have fired artillery shells and guided missiles at Israeli positions in contested border areas in solidarity with Hamas. In Alexandria, Egypt, two Israeli tourists and their Egyptian guide were shot dead.
Overnight airstrikes hit housing blocks, tunnels, a mosque, and the homes of Hamas officials in Gaza.
Operation Al-Aqsa Flood
Hamas has dubbed its attack “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood” and called on “resistance fighters in the West Bank” and “Arab and Islamic nations” to join the battle. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh has expressed confidence in victory and pledged to continue the battle to liberate their land and prisoners held in Israeli prisons.
U.S. President Joe Biden has ordered “additional support” for Israel in response to the Hamas attack, according to the White House, although specific details were not provided. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also indicated that the U.S. was considering additional military support for Israel.
Biden reaffirmed “rock-solid and unwavering” support for Israel, warning against any party hostile to Israel trying to take advantage of the situation. He emphasized Israel’s right to self-defense and cautioned against exploiting the attacks to seek advantage. Biden had previously spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to offer U.S. support.
