What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
NEW DELHI: Israel has declared a “state of war” and initiated airstrikes on the Gaza Strip in response to an unexpected rocket attack by Hamas militants from Palestine on Saturday. Hamas claimed that this was merely their “first strike.” Now, Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has conveyed in a video statement that the enemy will pay an unprecedented price.
“Citizens of Israel, we are at war. And we will win,” he said. “The enemy will pay a price like they have never known before,” he added in his first public address on the situation around five hours after the onset of the attack. The prime minister also directed the nation’s armed forces to retake the towns infiltrated by Hamas militants where ongoing gun battles persisted with Israeli soldiers.
This came after the armed wing of Hamas, earlier today, proclaimed, “We decided to put an end to all the crimes of the occupation (Israel), their time for rampaging without being held accountable is over. We announce Operation Al-Aqsa Flood and we fired, in the first strike of 20 minutes, more than 5,000 rockets.”
Also Read: Government advises Indians in Israel to exercise caution amid conflicts
Israeli officials confirmed that over five people, including the mayor of the Sha’ar Hanegev region, Ofir Libstein, had lost their lives and several others sustained injuries. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that the Palestinian militant group Hamas had “launched a war against the State of Israel.”
He emphasised, “Troops are fighting against the enemy at every location.” Israel’s military initiated airstrikes on Gaza in response to the rocket bombardment originating from within the territory.
“Dozens of IDF fighter jets are currently striking a number of targets belonging to the Hamas terrorist organisation in the Gaza Strip,” the military said.
Numerous Gaza Strip residents evacuated their homes, particularly in the northeastern region of the Palestinian territory, to relocate away from the border. Reports indicate that men, women, and children were seen carrying blankets and provisions as they left their homes.
Meanwhile, the Indian government has released guidance for Indian nationals living in Israel, urging them to stay watchful and exercise prudence. Given the ongoing conflict involving Islamist assailants from groups like Hamas against Israel, the Ministry of External Affairs has issued a significant advisory to the Indian community in Israel.
History Of Israeli-Palestinian Conflict:
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which commenced in the mid-20th century, is recognised as one of the most enduring conflicts globally. Numerous efforts have been undertaken to seek a resolution to this conflict within the framework of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. Despite these endeavours, tensions between Israelis and Palestinians persist at elevated levels, particularly in East Jerusalem, Gaza, and the West Bank.
Israel has enforced a stringent blockade on Gaza since 2007, a measure implemented after Hamas assumed power. Palestinians residing in Gaza and the West Bank assert that they endure hardship due to Israeli actions, such as the Gaza blockade. Conversely, Israel argues that it is taking defensive measures in response to Palestinian acts of violence.
