People try to extinguish fire on cars following a rocket attack from the Gaza Strip in Ashkelon, southern Israel | Photo: AFP
Israel Declares ‘State of War’ as Hamas Rocket Attacks Claim 300 Lives
In a stark escalation of hostilities, Israel declared a ‘state of war’ in response to a series of deadly rocket attacks launched by the Palestinian armed group Hamas from the Gaza Strip. The unprecedented assault resulted in approximately 300 casualties, including a mayor, with over 1590 individuals sustaining injuries.
Unrelenting Rocket Barrage: Hamas Strikes Israel
Hamas orchestrated a relentless onslaught, firing more than 5,000 rockets into Israel early Saturday, marking a significant breach in the region’s security. The barrage prompted Israel to declare a ‘state of war’ in the wake of numerous infiltrations and rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip.
Prime Minister Netanyahu Vows Retribution
In a resolute video statement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that Israel was not merely undertaking an operation but was engaged in a full-fledged war. He emphasized that Hamas had launched a surprise attack, describing it as a “murderous” assault. Netanyahu ordered the evacuation of settlements infiltrated by terrorists and initiated a large-scale mobilization of reserves, ensuring that the enemy would face unprecedented consequences.
‘Operation Iron Swords’: Israel’s Counteroffensive
Israel responded with a powerful counteroffensive, named ‘Operation Iron Swords,’ specifically targeting Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The military mobilized reserves and urged citizens to remain indoors as fighting erupted in various parts of southern Israel. Airports in central and southern Israel temporarily halted commercial operations, heightening the sense of crisis.
Amid the chaos, reports surfaced of Hamas fighters infiltrating Israel through land and air, using seized army vehicles and parachutes. Israel officially designated Hamas a terrorist group, underscoring the severity of the conflict.
The toll on civilians became evident as the sounds of outgoing rockets and sirens reverberated through the air. Casualties were reported, including a critically injured 70-year-old woman and a 20-year-old man wounded by rocket shrapnel.
Mayor Among Casualties: Ofir Libstein’s Sacrifice
Tragically, among the casualties was Ofir Libstein, the mayor of Sha’ar Hanegev region, who lost his life defending a town during a terrorist attack. The mayor’s office confirmed his death, emphasizing the high stakes of the conflict.
Hamas’ Defiant Declaration: ‘Operation Al-Aqsa Storm’
In an unusual public statement, Mohammed Deif, the elusive leader of Hamas’ military wing, announced a new military operation called ‘Operation Al-Aqsa Storm.’ Declaring that “enough is enough,” Deif revealed that 5,000 rockets had been fired into Israel, urging all Palestinians to confront the ongoing conflict.
Ongoing Tensions and Root Causes
The rocket launches follow weeks of heightened tensions along Israel’s volatile border with Gaza and intense fighting in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The long-standing Israeli blockade over Gaza, in place since 2007, has been a source of bitter contention. The blockade, aimed at restricting the movement of people and goods, has significantly impacted Gaza’s economy, contributing to prolonged hostilities between Israel and Hamas.
As the conflict unfolds, the international community watches closely, and the repercussions of this latest escalation could have far-reaching consequences in the troubled region.
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Aarav Patel, a distinguished Hindi news blogger in his late 30s, has made a significant impact in the world of digital journalism. Born and raised in India, Aarav has a deep understanding of the socio-political landscape of the country. His blog posts, known for their insightful analysis and engaging narrative, have garnered a substantial following.
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