ISLAMABAD: Concerns about a ground invasion are increasing as Israel intensifies its actions against the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip, imposing a “total blockade” that includes prohibiting the entry of food and fuel.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced a major offensive against the Palestinian group Hamas in response to a violent incursion by Hamas fighters from Gaza into Israel. The incursion led to significant casualties among Israeli civilians and the seizure of hostages, severely damaging Israel’s reputation for invincibility. Israel’s military, while regaining control of some areas, struggled to fully restore security. The situation prompted Israel to activate a large number of reservists and initiate an offensive.
In retaliation, Israel conducted its heaviest-ever bombardment of the Gaza Strip, leading to a significant number of casualties among Palestinians. The conflict has already jeopardized moves towards normalizing relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, a development that could have impacted Palestinian aspirations and Iran’s support for Hamas.
Furthermore, Hamas fighters continued to infiltrate Israel from Gaza, and the conflict intensified. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced challenges in responding to Hamas due to concerns for the hostages’ safety, with a full-scale invasion of Gaza being a risky option.
International calls for restraint were made, but Western nations largely supported Israel. The conflict had global implications, with citizens of various countries affected or missing, and oil prices surged due to concerns about supply disruptions from the region. The situation remained highly volatile, with both sides suffering casualties and significant destruction.
Abducted to Gaza
Hamas’s abduction of over 100 Israeli citizens and their transfer to Gaza, along with distressing images of the hostages, has left Israel in shock and disbelief. The situation was further complicated when Hezbollah, based in Lebanon, fired guided missiles and artillery shells towards Israel, showing solidarity with Hamas but causing no casualties. Israel responded with artillery strikes along the UN-patrolled border.
Israeli military spokesman Richard Hecht warned Hezbollah against further involvement, stating that Israel was prepared for any escalation. The initial Hamas offensive, characterized by a barrage of 3,000 rockets, attacks on towns and communities, and a deadly assault on an outdoor gathering, caught Israel off guard. Many have drawn parallels to 9/11, and Israelis are struggling to comprehend the magnitude of the attack.
No respite
Western capitals, including Washington and Brussels, condemned the Hamas attack, considered a terrorist group. Iran and other adversaries praised it. Pro-Palestinian protests occurred worldwide, with increased security at Jewish sites in Germany and France. Moreover, an Egyptian police officer shot Israeli tourists, killing two.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed to destroy Hamas hideouts and urged Gaza Palestinians to flee. Israeli attacks led to the destruction of residential towers, a mosque, and the central bank in Gaza.
‘We will not give up’
Hamas named its attack “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood” and called on “resistance fighters in the West Bank” and “Arab and Islamic nations” to join the conflict. The attack coincided with the 50th anniversary of the 1973 Yom Kippur War, which led to intense criticism over perceived intelligence failures.
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh expressed confidence in achieving victory and pledged to continue the battle to free their land and imprisoned compatriots. Many residents of Gaza remained resolute, with Mohammed Saq Allah, 23, declaring, “We will not give up; this is our land, and we will stay.”
UNSC fails to evolve consensus
An emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council on Sunday failed to reach a unanimous position on condemning Hamas. This outcome was a setback for the US and Israel, as Russia and China called for a broader perspective to address the long-standing crisis after a heavy Palestinian strike on Tel Aviv on Saturday.
While some members of the UN Security Council maintained their support for Israel in the face of a significant assault, the US expressed regret over the lack of a consensus, highlighting the sensitivity of the situation.
Vassily Nebenzia, the Russian ambassador to the UN, emphasized the need to immediately halt the fighting, establish a ceasefire, and engage in meaningful negotiations, a call that has persisted for decades. He also acknowledged that this situation was partly the result of unresolved issues.
