The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has scheduled a private meeting to discuss the situation in the Middle East, set to take place at 3 pm US local time on Sunday. This information was confirmed via the official UN website.
On Saturday, a significant and tumultuous event took place in the Middle East, triggered by the Hamas extremist group’s sudden and surprising attack. They launched a barrage of rockets into southern and central Israel, causing widespread chaos and destruction. According to the most recent updates, the toll from this escalation includes more than 300 fatalities, with at least 1100 people sustaining injuries. Additionally, reports suggest that several Israelis have been taken hostage in Gaza, with the Times of Israel providing this information based on official sources.
The onslaught began at approximately 6:30 am local time when a volley of rockets was fired from Gaza into Israel. These rockets struck several cities, including Tel Aviv, Rehovot, Gedera, and Ashkelon. Subsequently, multiple Hamas militants infiltrated Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip, seizing control of Israeli towns and intensifying the crisis.
Hamas military commander Muhammad Al-Deif dubbed this operation the “Al-Aqsa Storm.” He stated that this assault on Israel was in retaliation for perceived attacks on women, the desecration of the al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, and the ongoing blockade of Gaza. CNN reported this information.
Graphic videos have emerged depicting grim scenes in the aftermath of the attack by Palestinian militants, particularly in the southern city of Sderot. These videos show casualties strewn across the streets, while cars were riddled with bullets and set ablaze, according to reports from The Washington Post.
In a significant development, Ofir Liebstein, the Israeli Mayor and head of the Sha’ar Hanegev Regional Council, lost his life in the rocket attack.
In response to these devastating attacks, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) declared a state of readiness for war. Israel initiated “Operation Swords of Iron,” with the aim of targeting various locations within the Gaza Strip. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that Israel’s response to the Hamas incursion would exact a significant toll from the militant group.
Following this, the Israeli Air Force carried out a series of airstrikes across the Gaza Strip. Their targets included 17 military compounds and four operational command centers belonging to Hamas.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made it unequivocally clear that Israel views the situation as a state of war. He expressed unwavering determination to secure victory in this conflict. Netanyahu convened a meeting of the Security Cabinet in Israel, where he called for unity among the citizens in their pursuit of “victory.”
Netanyahu outlined three main objectives: clearing hostile forces from Israeli territory, restoring security to affected communities, and imposing a substantial cost on the enemy, both within the Gaza Strip and on other potential fronts.
Also Read: Israeli PM Netanyahu: IDF to Employ Full Force in Eliminating Hamas’ Capabilities
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