Israel has officially declared a state of war against Hamas following an unprecedented attack on Israeli territory by the Gaza-based militant group. This declaration comes in the wake of increased support from the Biden administration for Israel, accompanied by the movement of several US Navy warships and aircraft squadrons into the Eastern Mediterranean. Diplomatic efforts, led by countries such as Egypt and Jordan, are underway to defuse the situation.
The conflict has seen ongoing fighting in southern Israel and Gaza, following a well-coordinated attack by Hamas on Israel. This escalation follows months of simmering tensions between Israel and Palestinians in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza.
Hamas’s military arm, the Al-Qassam brigades, carried out a daring invasion of Israel, an unprecedented breach of the security infrastructure controlling Palestinian movement. This resulted in casualties, with over 700 Israelis killed and 2,243 injured. On the Palestinian side, at least 413 people have been killed, and over 2,300 have been injured in retaliatory strikes and gunfights. Reports also suggest Hamas fighters have taken hostages within Gaza and engaged in gunfights in southern Israeli towns. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is working to confirm if Americans are among the casualties.
Hamas has launched thousands of rockets and mortars into Israeli territory, an indication of the scale of this operation. This marks a significant escalation, as during the 50-day war between Hamas and Israel in 2014, a total of 4,564 rockets and mortars were launched.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed that the nation’s enemies will “pay a price like never before.” Under Netanyahu’s leadership, Israel has faced increasing polarization, with contentious policies regarding settlements in the West Bank and other divisive issues.
Efforts to form an emergency unity government between Netanyahu, opposition leader Yair Lapid, and National Unity party leader Benny Gantz are underway, but no resolution has been reached as of now.
The Israeli Defense Forces have responded with airstrikes against Gaza, further intensifying the situation. Meanwhile, Iran and Hezbollah have praised these attacks. Saudi Arabia, amidst negotiations to normalize relations with Israel, has called for de-escalation, criticizing Israel’s continued occupation and provocations.
Residents of Gaza fear a ground assault, as Israeli airstrikes continue to target the region. Many Palestinian civilians have sought refuge in UNRWA-run schools, given the dire situation in Gaza, which has endured years of blockades.
The operation by Hamas is named “Al-Aqsa Flood” or “Al-Aqsa Storm,” reflecting its connection to the mosque in Jerusalem, Islam’s third-holiest site. The attacks follow repeated harassment and attacks by Israeli police and settlers against Palestinian worshippers at the site.
This escalation took place on the final day of Sukkot, a Jewish harvest celebration, and on the 50th anniversary of the 1973 Yom Kippur War, a conflict that threatened Israel’s existence. It underscores the current volatility of the situation.
Hamas’s ability to launch such a complex and coordinated operation is surprising given Israel’s advanced intelligence capabilities and the surveillance Palestinians endure. The infiltration of fighters into Israel, coupled with rocket attacks, is unprecedented.
The attack by Hamas likely seeks the release of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody, a strategy that has been successful for the group in the past. The situation is complicated by the absence of political representation and the enduring conflict over settlements and traditionally Palestinian sites.
As the conflict escalates, Israel’s response is expected to be aimed at deterrence, with the potential for heavy casualties among Palestinians. The situation remains fluid, with significant uncertainty about the trajectory of the conflict and its broader implications.