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Israel and Hamas exchanged heavy fire once again on Thursday in the ongoing conflict in Gaza, resulting in a significant loss of life. During this escalation, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited the region to express strong solidarity and emphasize the importance of protecting Palestinian civilians while also urging restraint.
The Israeli military conducted numerous airstrikes targeting Hamas militants in anticipation of a potential ground invasion in the densely populated Gaza Strip. This comes in response to attacks by Hamas gunmen, which have led to the tragic deaths of 1,200 Israelis, primarily civilians, and the taking of approximately 150 hostages.
Israel’s army has hammered Hamas with thousands of strikes ahead of what is widely expected to be a ground invasion of the crowded territory, after Hamas gunmen killed 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians, and took about 150 hostages.
Over the past six days, more than 1,200 Palestinians have lost their lives in Gaza as Israel has demolished entire city blocks and razed thousands of buildings. This wave of destruction follows an unprecedented attack by Hamas, marking one of the bloodiest episodes in Israeli history.
Addressing a traumatized nation, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared, “Every Hamas member is a target,” likening the group to the Islamic State and pledging to “crush and eliminate them.”
On Wednesday, U.S. President Joe Biden, a staunch supporter of Israel who has initiated the dispatch of military aid, also emphasized the need for Israel to adhere to the rules of engagement despite the intense emotions and frustrations surrounding the conflict.
Concerns have escalated for the 2.4 million residents of Gaza as they endure their fifth conflict in the past 15 years within this heavily blockaded region. Moreover, Israel has disrupted access to essential resources such as water, food, and power.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed deep worry regarding the escalating cycle of violence and distress. He has called for the immediate release of all hostages and a cessation of the siege, emphasizing the utmost importance of protecting civilians.
There have been appeals for the creation of a humanitarian corridor to enable Palestinians to seek refuge in anticipation of a potential Israeli ground invasion, which could result in severe urban warfare and house-to-house combat.
On the other side, Israeli Energy Minister Israel Katz declared on Thursday that the blockade of Gaza would persist until the abducted Israelis are safely returned. In his statement, he stated, “Humanitarian aid to Gaza? No electricity will be restored, no water will flow, and no fuel supplies will be permitted until the Israeli abductees are safely reunited with their families.”
