As tensions escalate, leaders implore for the protection of civilians amidst the violent exchange between Israel and Hamas.
Gaza's 2.4 million inhabitants face an agonizing reality as they endure the fifth war in 15 years within the heavily restricted region. The conflict between Israel and Hamas has now claimed thousands of lives. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit aims to underscore unwavering solidarity while urging restraint to safeguard Palestinian civilians.
Israel's military has launched numerous strikes against Hamas, anticipating an impending Ground Invasion in the densely populated area. This offensive comes in response to Hamas militants causing the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis, a majority being civilians, and taking around 150 hostages. In a relentless campaign, Israel has razed entire city blocks and obliterated thousands of structures, marking this as the deadliest attack in Israeli history.
Addressing the nation, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted, "Every Hamas member is a dead man," equating Hamas to the Islamic State group and vowing to "crush them and destroy them."
US President Joe Biden, while strongly supporting Israel and dispatching military aid, also urged adherence to the rules of war. Concerns mount for Gaza's inhabitants, enduring their fifth war in 15 years in the heavily barricaded territory, where Israel has severed water, food, and power supplies.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres expressed apprehension regarding the escalating cycle of violence and horror. He called for the immediate release of all hostages and the lifting of the siege, emphasizing the imperative to safeguard civilians.
There have been appeals for the establishment of a humanitarian corridor to allow Palestinians to seek refuge in anticipation of a potential Israeli ground invasion, which could lead to brutal urban combat and house-to-house warfare.
Israeli Energy Minister Israel Katz declared that the total siege of Gaza will persist until the hostages are released. "Humanitarian aid to Gaza?" he stated, "No electric switch will be turned on, no water tap will be opened and no fuel truck will enter until the Israeli abductees are returned home."
Israel has mobilized 300,000 reservists, deploying forces, tanks, and heavy armor to the southern desert regions around Gaza, the point from which Hamas launched their unprecedented attack on October 7. Israeli troops have cleared the southern towns and kibbutz communities, neutralizing 1,500 militants, while encountering distressing scenes of numerous civilian casualties, including children.
Netanyahu likened the Hamas onslaught to a level of "savagery... we have not seen since the Holocaust." Outrage in Israel has been amplified by Hamas's abduction of at least 150 hostages, primarily Israelis but also foreign and dual nationals, currently held in Gaza.
As the conflict rages in the south, Israel faces an additional threat from the Iran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon. Tensions have escalated with repeated clashes, including cross-border rockets and shelling.
The United States has dispatched an aircraft carrier battle group to the eastern Mediterranean, signaling support while cautioning Israel's adversaries against entering the conflict.
Unrest has also erupted in the occupied West Bank, where demonstrations in solidarity with Gaza have led to 27 Palestinian casualties since Saturday.
In response to the crisis, Netanyahu has set aside political differences to form an emergency government, enlisting centrist former defense minister Benny Gantz. Gantz affirmed, "Israel before anything else," while far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir emphasized the importance of unity in securing victory.
