The conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group, Hamas, has intensified with the death toll surpassing 1,100 in just three days.
Israeli forces battled to regain control of the desert surrounding the Gaza Strip, evacuating the border area’s residents after an unexpected assault from Hamas. This surprise attack saw rockets fired and waves of fighters targeting Israeli civilians, taking a reported 100 hostages. The violence was particularly poignant as it occurred during a Jewish holiday and saw attackers wreak havoc on a music festival, leading to over 260 casualties.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed over 700 Israeli deaths since the beginning of this assault, marking the highest casualty count since the 1973 Arab-Israeli war. Meanwhile, Gaza officials reported 413 deaths within the Gaza Strip. Israeli air strikes have hit 800 targets in Gaza, fueling fears of an imminent ground invasion.
Despite the casualties, the conflict shows no sign of abating. The IDF mentioned continuous strikes on Hamas and Islamic Jihad targets in Gaza, while US President Joe Biden has pledged added support for Israel, triggering Hamas to label the US assistance as “aggression” against Palestinians.
The global implications of the war are becoming evident, with nationals from various countries, including Brazil, Britain, France, Germany, and the US, among others, reported as killed, abducted, or missing. The oil market has also reacted, with prices jumping by over four percent due to concerns regarding supply from the crude-rich region.
Distressing images of the hostages taken by Hamas have been circulating on social media, causing widespread shock in Israel. The Israeli northern border also saw action with Lebanon’s Hezbollah launching missiles in support of Hamas, although no casualties were reported.
Analysts have noted the level of unpreparedness on Israel’s side, likening the surprise to the 9/11 attacks in the US. Western nations have condemned Hamas’s actions, while pro-Palestinian protests have emerged globally.
With Israel vowing to fight back aggressively and Hamas continuing to push its “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood,” the end of this conflict remains uncertain. Both sides display strong sentiments of not backing down, underlining the complexity and depth of the ongoing strife.