In a tragic and unsettling turn of events, a barrage of rockets was unleashed from the blockaded Gaza Strip on a fateful Saturday. This shocking incident resulted in the loss of at least one life in Israel, as reported by an AFP journalist and medical personnel on the scene. The Israeli army promptly sounded sirens throughout the southern and central regions of the country, urging civilians to seek shelter in bomb shelters to ensure their safety.
Responsibility for this unfortunate attack was claimed by the armed wing of the Palestinian group Hamas. In their statement, they boldly asserted that their militants had launched over 5,000 rockets as part of what they named "Operation Al-Aqsa Flood." Their motive was to put an end to what they referred to as the crimes of the Israeli occupation, declaring that the time for unchecked Israeli actions had come to an end.
Here are some of the latest developments:
Pentagon Assures Support for Israel:
The United States, a staunch ally of Israel, reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to Israel's right to defend itself. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin assured that the U.S. would provide the necessary means for Israel to protect its citizens from indiscriminate violence and terrorism.
Lufthansa Halts Flights to Israel:
German airline Lufthansa made the decision to suspend its flights to Israel in response to the rocket attacks by Hamas, which numbered a staggering 5,000.
Tragic Loss of Life in Gaza:
The conflict has not spared Gaza, where at least nine people lost their lives. Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City bore witness to eight casualties, while another person's funeral was observed in Khan Yunis in southern Gaza.
UN Middle East Envoy's Appeal:
The United Nations envoy to the Middle East vehemently condemned the attacks by Hamas militants on Israel, emphasizing the need for an immediate cessation of these heinous actions and urging maximum restraint.
The Magen David Adom emergency medical services reported that at least 40 people in Israel had tragically lost their lives in the fighting, with 779 individuals injured and hospitalized.
U.S. Stands Firmly with Israel:
The United States issued a strong condemnation of the attacks by Hamas, labeling them as acts of terrorism. The U.S. National Security Council expressed unwavering support for Israel during this challenging time.
India's Helpline for Citizens in Israel:
India set up a helpline for its citizens residing in Israel, allowing them to seek assistance and support in the wake of the rocket attacks by Hamas.
Ukraine's Support for Israel:
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky affirmed Israel's indisputable right to self-defense, emphasizing the broader implications of terrorism as a crime against humanity.
Hezbollah's Praise for Hamas:
Lebanon's Hezbollah, an Iran-backed group, lauded Hamas for its "heroic operation" and expressed solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
Russia Calls for Ceasefire:
Russia called for an immediate ceasefire amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Iran's Support for Hamas:
A senior adviser to Iran's supreme leader expressed support for Hamas's attack, referring to it as a "proud operation."
PM Modi's Solidarity with Israel:
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed shock at the terrorist attacks in Israel and conveyed India's solidarity with the country during this challenging period.
Global Leaders' Call for Peace:
Leaders from around the world called for an end to hostilities and the safe passage of civilians in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Turkey's Call for Reason:
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged both Israel and the Palestinians to act reasonably and avoid further escalation.
Spain's Condemnation of Violence:
Spain strongly condemned the indiscriminate violence resulting from the rocket attacks launched by Gaza militants against Israel.
Israel's Ground Fight:
Israel's army confirmed that they were engaged in ground battles with Gaza militants who had entered Israel through various means, including paragliders.
Russia's Call for Restraint:
Russia urged restraint from all parties involved in the conflict and expressed its willingness to engage with relevant stakeholders.
India's Advisory to Its Citizens:
The Indian embassy in Israel advised Indian nationals to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols advised by local authorities.
The situation remains fluid and volatile, with both sides suffering losses and widespread concern for the safety of civilians in the region. Israel has declared a state of war in response to the overwhelming rocket attacks from Gaza, marking a troubling escalation in the ongoing conflict.
Our thoughts are with all those affected by this distressing turn of events, and we hope for a swift resolution to the violence and a return to peace in the region.
0 Comments