In a dramatic escalation of tensions in the Middle East, Israel has initiated ‘Operation Iron Swords’ against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip after declaring a ‘state of war’. The Israeli Air Force swiftly launched an offensive with dozens of fighter jets targeting multiple locations associated with the Palestinian militant organization, Hamas.
Israeli Army spokespersons revealed that the operation included a combined ground raid that involved paragliders, sea-based maneuvers, and ground assaults. “We’re fighting in certain locations around the Gaza Strip; our forces are now fighting on the ground,” announced the spokesperson, underscoring the intensity of the military operation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation via a video statement, emphasizing Israel’s determination to triumph in the conflict. He stated, “We are at war, and we will win… Our enemy will pay a price the type of which it has never known,” reinforcing Israel’s resolve in this crisis.
Following a security cabinet meeting held at the Israeli military headquarters in Tel Aviv, Israel’s Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant, asserted that Hamas had committed a grave mistake by initiating the attack. He declared that a state of war had been officially declared and confidently proclaimed, “Israel will win.”
The trigger for this dramatic escalation occurred when Hamas launched an unprecedented barrage of around 5,000 rockets from Gaza, marking the most significant attack on Israel in recent memory. Additionally, multiple armed militants from Hamas infiltrated Israeli territory by crossing the border. Disturbing reports suggest that Israeli soldiers have been captured by Hamas militants.
According to Israeli media sources, the latest round of attacks has resulted in the tragic loss of six lives and left approximately 200 individuals wounded. Among the injured, at least two dozen are in critical condition, as reported at 2 pm.
In response to these attacks, the Israeli military promptly initiated strikes against targets in the Gaza Strip, citing the launching of over 5,000 rockets from Gaza towards Israel as the primary reason. The military noted that a “number of terrorists have infiltrated” Israel from the Gaza Strip following dozens of rocket launches from the blockaded enclave. Israel’s Ambassador to India, Naor Gilon, expressed, “#Israel is under a combined attack from Gaza during the Jewish holiday. Both by rockets and ground infiltration of Hamas terrorists. The situation is not simple but Israel will prevail.”
In a significant development, Mohammad Deif, a senior Hamas military commander, announced the commencement of the operation in a broadcast on Hamas media. He called on Palestinians worldwide to join the fight, stating, “This is the day of the greatest battle to end the last occupation on earth,” and confirmed that 5,000 rockets had been launched.
As the situation intensifies, reports from AFP indicate that the sounds of at least three explosions could be heard as Israel deployed anti-rocket defenses. Tragically, one woman lost her life in the attack, and sirens blared in Jerusalem following rocket fire from Gaza.
According to Al Jazeera, the rocket attacks began from multiple locations in Gaza at 06:30 am local time. Israel’s rescue agency reported a 70-year-old woman critically injured when a rocket struck a building in southern Israel, and a 20-year-old man sustained moderate injuries from rocket shrapnel.
In response, the Israeli military assured that defense forces would prioritize the protection of Israeli civilians, and Hamas would face severe consequences for its actions. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office also announced his intention to convene with top security officials in the upcoming hours to address the rapidly evolving situation.
In Gaza, eyewitnesses reported the sound of rocket launches and observed armed clashes along the separation fence with Israel, particularly near the southern town of Khan Younis. The movements of armed fighters were reportedly noticeable in the region, further indicating the escalating nature of the conflict.
