Jerusalem: A violent and deadly conflict between Israeli forces and the Palestinian group Hamas escalated on Sunday, resulting in over 500 casualties on both sides. The conflict was triggered by an attack on Israel, prompting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to declare the commencement of a protracted and challenging war.
Netanyahu expressed determination to avenge what he referred to as a "black day" for Israel. He emphasized that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) would employ their full strength to eliminate Hamas's capabilities, vowing to continue strikes until justice was served for the harm inflicted on Israel and its people. The Israeli military faced significant losses, with Hamas claiming the capture of numerous soldiers. According to army spokesman Richard Hecht, terrorists infiltrated homes, leading to the massacre of civilians. The situation escalated with hundreds of militants entering the country, some of whom were still engaged in combat with Israeli troops.
As the United Nations Security Council convened an emergency meeting on Sunday, President Joe Biden reaffirmed unwavering support for Israel while cautioning any hostile parties against exploiting the situation for their advantage. Saturday's assault marked the most substantial incursion into Israel in decades and coincided with U.S.-backed efforts to encourage Saudi Arabia to normalize relations with Israel in exchange for a defense agreement between Washington and Riyadh.
Hamas militants launched thousands of rockets and breached Gaza's security barrier, targeting nearby Israeli towns and military outposts. They unleashed fire on residents and bystanders, dubbing their operation "Operation Al-Aqsa Flood" and calling on resistance fighters in the West Bank, as well as in Arab and Islamic nations, to join the battle. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh expressed confidence in the group's imminent triumph.
Hamas released images of several captured Israelis, while the streets of the Israeli town of Sderot, near Gaza, were marred by casualties, including those inside vehicles with shattered windshields from a hail of bullets. In response to the deadly attacks, the Israel Defense Forces announced their readiness for war and launched "Operation Swords of Iron," targeting various sites in the Gaza Strip. This escalation follows months of mounting violence, primarily in the occupied West Bank, along with heightened tensions around Gaza's border and contested holy sites in Jerusalem.
The Indian embassy in Israel issued an advisory to its citizens, urging vigilance and adherence to safety protocols as instructed by local authorities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep shock over the terrorist attacks in Israel, extending thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families. He affirmed India's solidarity with Israel during this challenging period.
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