An unprecedented attack on Israeli civilians by the Hamas military group has provoked violent retaliation from the Israeli military. Image: Humberto Patrick, via Wikimedia Commons
An unprecedented attack on Israeli civilians by the Hamas military group has provoked violent retaliation from the Israeli military.
On Saturday, hundreds of Hamas militants stormed the heavily guarded Israel–Gaza barrier, launching attacks by way of land, air and sea.
This included an attack on an Israeli music festival in which Hamas militants killed at least 260 unarmed citizens – the worst civilian massacre in Israeli history.
The attacks have led to an estimated 1000 civilian casualties, with a further 2600 injured, and at least 130 people who are currently held hostage by Hamas.
Hamas military leader, Mohammed Deif, said that the attacks were a response to the 16-year blockade of Gaza by Israel, and incursions at the al-Aqsa mosque.
Israel has responded to the attacks with fierce and immediate retaliation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the nation to be at war and has launched air strikes across Gaza.
Yoav Gallant, Israel’s defense minister, ordered a “complete siege” of Gaza, cutting off all food, fuel and other vital resources to the region.
The attacks have already proven devastating to Palestinians living in Gaza, with at least 900 reported dead and a further 4000 injured.
Mosques and schools are among the buildings devastated by Israeli air strikes.
Gaza is one of the most densely populated areas in the world, with a population of more than 2.3 million people, and has been controlled by Hamas since 2007.
Civilians living in the Gaza Strip already face dire living conditions, however, conditions will worsen as Israel cuts off vital supplies, including food, fuel and electricity.
Health officials in Haza have said hospitals were expected to run out of fuel to power vital equipment in two weeks.
The impact of the conflict could be felt across the globe as world leaders take sides between the warring territories.
US President Joe Biden has declared unwavering support for Israel and has pledged its resources to assist the Israeli military in their efforts.
“Like every nation in the world, Israel has the right to respond, indeed has a duty to respond to these vicious attacks,” said Biden.
“Let there be no doubt: The United States has Israel’s back. We’ll make sure the Jewish and democratic state of Israel can defend itself — today, tomorrow, as we always have. It’s as simple as that.”
