Israeli forces are currently involved in a military operation against Hamas, a Palestinian militant group. The operation is taking place in southern desert regions near the Gaza Strip, with the aim of rescuing Israeli hostages and evacuating the area within 24 hours.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has characterized the conflict as “long and difficult.” Tens of thousands of soldiers have been deployed to combat Hamas militants who entered Israel using various means, including vehicles, boats, and paragliders.
The immediate mission is to evacuate all residents from communities surrounding the Gaza Strip. Additionally, Israel faced an attack from Lebanon’s Hezbollah in solidarity with Hamas, further complicating the situation.
The ongoing conflict, which began with a multi-pronged assault by Hamas, has resulted in casualties on both sides. Over 200 Israelis and more than 1,000 have been wounded, while at least 313 Palestinians have died, with over 1,700 reported wounded.
The abduction of an unknown number of Israeli soldiers and civilians into Gaza as hostages has added to the complexity of the situation. Gun battles continue between Israeli forces and Hamas fighters in multiple locations.
Israel has been targeting Hamas infrastructure, including tunnels and buildings, with airstrikes. The global community has expressed concern, with Western capitals condemning Hamas’s actions, while Israel’s adversaries, such as Iran and Hezbollah, have praised the offensive.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has vowed to continue the operation until Hamas hideouts are destroyed, urging Palestinians to evacuate the area. US President Joe Biden has voiced unwavering support for Israel, and Hezbollah has joined the conflict from the north.
Hamas has named its major attack “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood” and called on fighters in various regions to join the battle. The conflict comes decades after the 1973 Arab-Israeli war and has caused significant damage on both sides.
The violence follows months of rising tensions, particularly in the West Bank and around Gaza’s border, as well as at contested holy sites in Jerusalem. The conflict has resulted in numerous casualties and ongoing clashes in various regions.
