In an escalation of the ongoing conflict, Israel has intensified its counter-offensive against Hamas. Israeli forces have launched a series of air strikes into the Gaza territory, targeting various terror-related installations and organizations. The Israeli Air Force (IAF) confirmed these operations, revealing that they had also attacked an observation post belonging to the Hezbollah terror group. These actions come as the conflict enters its fourth day since Hamas initiated a deadly attack on Israel on October 7.
The Israeli Air Force conducted extensive attacks against Hamas terror targets in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday. This included airstrikes on a military compound, a weapons warehouse, and a combat management room in Western Jabaliya, which Hamas had been using to direct terrorist activities against Israel.
In response to Israel’s counter-offensive, Hamas launched a barrage of rockets at Israel, causing alarm and sirens to sound in several cities. The conflict has already resulted in a significant loss of life, with reports indicating that at least 900 people have been killed, and over 2,600 people have been wounded.
Notably, Israel also targeted key leaders of Hamas, announcing that the Minister of Economy of Hamas, Jawad Abu Shamala, and Zakaria Abu Ma’amer, a senior member of the Hamas Political Bureau, were eliminated.
Tragically, an emergency group disclosed a harrowing incident in which as many as 260 people were killed by Hamas gunmen during an outdoor music festival in southern Israel. The attackers surrounded festivalgoers, resulting in dozens of casualties and widespread fear.
Given the intensification of the conflict, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have declared that schools across the entire country will remain closed in the coming days.
In a televised address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that Israel had been compelled into this war and pledged to finish it, warning that Hamas would pay a historic price for its actions.
Despite international condemnation, Hamas has remained defiant. The group stated that the issue of prisoner swaps would not be addressed until the end of the war.
In response to the international situation, Iran has voiced support for Hamas, with Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, claiming that Israel has suffered a significant defeat.
The situation has garnered worldwide attention, with several nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy, issuing a joint statement condemning the attack. US President Joe Biden expressed personal concern and emphasized the deep ties between the US and Israel, while leaders from India and Germany also expressed support for Israel’s right to self-defense.
After a tumultuous period, the Israel Defense Forces reported regaining control over the border with the Gaza Strip, following a breach by Hamas terrorists who infiltrated and initiated an invasion, resulting in casualties and abductions. The Israeli Air Force continued to target Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip with airstrikes on various locations.
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